Guns: D-Dey Tactical "Conceal with Confidence" class notes

Awhile back, I took a "Conceal with Confidence" class held by the good folks at D-Dey Tactical and taught by D-Dey VP and retired U.S. Army Special Forces Master Sergeant Don Deyo. The one-day course was perfect for beginners looking for that "next step" beyond the basic firearms safety classes normally offered to obtain a Florida CCW. 

Here are my rough notes from the class:

Class Information

Location: OK Corral Gun Club

Conditions: Slightly chilly, so there are cover garments to clear

Context and considerations for using a concealed weapon

Legality ("1 beer"?)

Job Restrictions (business, department, or unit policy?)

Gun and ammo capable? Penetration test

Preliminary Instruction and Caveats

Can practice mechanics but hard to replicate stress of a gunfight

Safety and medical briefing

No need to speed reholster here

3-point check - chamber, magwell, breechface

Shooting Fundamentals

Stance (like a boxer)

Breathing (keep it as free as possible)

Grip (thumb forward)

Trigger (Squeeze...BANG...reset)

Drawstroke Drills

Dry-fire

10 rounds at 15 yards (slowfire accuracy test)

Draw and fire at 5 yards (rotate the gun as soon as it comes out - so you can shoot at any point from positions 2, 3, and 4 of the four-point drawstroke)

Reholster (put thumb on the back of the slide)

Draw and fire at 7 yards

Speed Drills

Controlled pairs

Balance of speed and accuracy

Failure drills at 5 and 7 yards

Rhythm and tempo shooting

Malfunction clearance (immediate and remedial)

Reloads (tactical and speed)

10-10-10 drill

Movement Drills

90 and 180 degree turns

Close range fire (forget striking with the off hand - just make sure not to shoot it)

Practice firing from the hip and watch the off hand

Big natural steps backward from target

Moving forward - heel to toe, use knees as shock absorbers

Special Situation Drills

Ready position, draw to steel

Drawing while seated at a table (including drawing from off-body carry)

Draw, stand, move

Concealment vs. Cover

Movement from cover to cover (Can clamp onto cover and use it)