Tap, Rack, Assess Drill
"TAP, RACK, ASSESS / Shoot" DRILL
-- K.I.S.S. Method
The objective is to make "immediate action" pistol clearing an automatic reflex -- anytime the gun fails to fire -- through high numbers of perfect repetitions, with verbalization. The goal (for the rest of our shooting careers) is that any trigger press resulting in a "click" (instead of a desired "bang") will serve as an instant stimulus to correctly "Move!, Tap!, Rack!, and Assess" and get back on the threat / target.
For example, a child dashing out in front of our vehicle already serves as an instant stimulus to react -- reflexively jam on the brakes and turn the steering wheel, HARD!
There is no real "thought" process . . . we just DID it!
Setup
Use an 8.5 x 11" (or smaller) sheet of paper for a target -- THIS IS NOT A SPEED DRILL!
Purpose of the smaller target area is to s-l-o-w ourselves down, at first. It is essential that both manipulation of the gun AND the proper sequence be mastered perfectly BEFORE attempting to "pick up the pace".
Notes
There are at least 4 components of this drill which are necesarry to insure it's effectiveness:
1: Movement. It can be as simple as one step to either side, or to some cover, depending on range restrictions.
2: Verbalization. Imperative we command -- to ourselves and Out Loud & Clear -- what each step of the sequence is, as we complete it.
(See commands below.)
3: Followup Sight Picture & Second Trigger Press*. Indicators we are "going too fast" for our own skill level -- and guarantors the drill will have NO effectiveness for us -- include: tapping the mag at any point before we've completed 2 perfect sight pictures and trigger presses, and/or; "racking" the slide before we've "tapped" the mag.
4: Keeping the pistol and our eyes UP during sequence**. Our pistol is kept up near our line of sight, and OUR LINE OF SIGHT NEVER LEAVES THE AREA OF THE THREAT!
Finally, this drill can be run by alternating an inert training round for each live round loaded into each magazine. A manufacturer may discourage "excessive" dry firing of their pistols. Always check the owner's manual for your gun or consult a knowledgeable source for information.
Procedure
1: At 7 yard line, load with a full magazine and holster.
2: Using just the thumb and/or index finger of weapon side hand, simply depress pistol's mag. release button/catch.
3: From hands relaxed at side, Draw, Aim In, and complete 2 trigger presses with a total of 2 sight pictures*.
4: When gun fails to fire, immediately "MOVE!"
5: "TAP!"** (Mag bottom, with heel of hand and HARD!)
6: "RACK!"** (Find which method works the quickest and most effectively with your gun and hand size and stick with it! I.e.- "Hand over" the slide vs. "Slingshot". Will the method you've decided on work if your hand becomes bloody or wet? What if the gun or it's chamber somehow becomes crudded? Remember, NOW is the time to experiment!)
7: "ASSESS!"** (Back up on the threat, fully committed to the followup shot!) Traditionally, this drill was always ended with a followup shot but always remember, "He/she with the most options wins!" Mix it up in your own practice sessions, sometimes ending the drill with continued live fire and /or continued verbal commands toward the threat!
Variations and Similar Drills
Dummy Round Drill, Surprise Malfunction Drill
Credits
Submitted by Deputy Sheriff Cpl. R. "THOR" Thorsen, with all credits to the NRA Law Enforcement Activities Division