AAR Lite: HiTS First Responder Pistol - Dallas, June 2019
Announcement thread here: https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....une-29-30-2019
@Dagga Boy, @Wayne Dobbs, @SeriousStudent
With apologies for the delay, I wanted to add some follow-up feedback on the HiTS First Responder Pistol class in the link above. Rather than an exhaustive traditional AAR format here are the cliff notes with what I think is most pertinent or things people seem to want to know. I’m happy to flesh out any finer points here or via PM if anyone is interested.
BLUF: This is a well done example of a 2-day handgun course that covers common tasks, applies high standards, in a practical context of skill application at an excellent value. Will recommend.
- Enrollment was painless, and pre-course comms provided necessary information.
- This is not a shooting course, but more a practical application of shooting skills. I believe the term used was “force application course”, which is also accurate.
- Class is gun and gear-neutral, IWB/AIWB/OWB and reliable guns are viable if you’re safe.
- The safety agreement that students sign is one of the simpler and better I’ve seen.
- Wayne and Darryl are known for their safety brief in this class, which was pretty darn good. I had wondered what this would actually be. I would describe it as a thorough look at how to live with, handle, and fight with handguns framed within the traditional four safety rules.
- They pretty exhaustively explained the “why” of their methods, sometimes with a hearty war story, but nothing went without foundation and explanation. Much of the info and discussion is sourced or framed in a LE context but translated pretty well back to regular folks for application.
- Shooting tasks were instructed, demonstrated, student performed, and debriefed.
- Shooting is at a controlled pace, advocating “shooting at assessment speed.”
- Range exercises are all shot to B8 bullseyes on USPSA cardboard. You’re accountable for hits, and targets are changed or negative taped at good intervals.
- Content includes but is not limited to slide lock reloads, reloads with retention, drawing from the holster, malfunction clearances, ready positions, some limited retention shooting, and two flashlight techniques. One-handed shooting was taught in context of flashlight use.
- Popular drills included the Test, half-Test, Wizard, 2-second standards, LAPD SWAT qual.
- Core essentials of justifiable deadly force were covered with heavy advocacy of avoidance, and threaded throughout the material.
- Range and gun handling SOPs during dry practice and live fire were clear and command driven, but without a “mother may I” feel.
- Class was family-friendly, including language and humor.
- Break/lunch/comfort periods were good.
- Safety planning was good.
- Facilities at the Dallas Pistol Club are excellent.
- Class times were 8-4 on Saturday and 9-5 on Sunday. Full, quality days.
- Students were great. No clowns. No “that guy.”
- Classroom sessions were discussion oriented and interactive, no exhaustive lectures, and no powerpoint.
- A course completion certificate is provided. It specifies 16 hours of training, for those needing CEUs.
- I used my EDC gear exactly as I wear it, and only sub'ed in my G45 range gun for the usual 19X. BHA 115 FMJ for ammo. AIWB holster. ~350 rounds fired, no problems. No special range equipment or adaptations of my norms required.
- Of the many 2-day open enrollment handgun products out there this is a leader, and a bargain at $350.
Not specific to class, the Dallas crew (and you Texans in general) continue to set a high bar for hospitality and personality. It was good to meet several PF’ers in person. And for those of you I didn’t connect the dots on until driving away, I’ll catch you next trip. Thanks all for a great time.
