During the last class that ITS Tactical hosted, most of us had the opportunity to run this Cold Qual with Doc prior to performing any drills. Due to inclement weather, a few students were unable to start with the Cold Qual and Doc sent it over to share with all our readers.
This is what RSKTKR Consulting uses as a diagnostic tool. It’s based on two of the most important techniques you will ever use with a firearm, drawing and firing for speed, and performing an Emergency Reload.
RSKTKR has developed not only a PDF printout of the target and appropriate distances to use it at (depending on the size you print it out at), but they’ve also put together a PDF to keep a record of your Cold Quals (see the downloads at the end of the article).
Requirements
You’ll need a Pact timer (Doc likes the CED brand but we’ve also had good luck with the PocketPro II), the printable target and 12 rounds of ammo. You should do this “Cold,” in other words, no warm-ups or firearms manipulations before hand. No gaming it, if you screw up you screw up.
The qual is completed in two stages, do both twice and you will fire a total of 12 rounds.
Stage One – 2.5 each time = 5 seconds
From Concealed or Duty carry, in an “Interview”or relaxed stance, draw and fire two rounds. Repeat.
Stage Two – 6.0 each time = 12 seconds
Set yourself up for an Emergency reload with one round in the chamber & one in the Magazine. Draw and fire two rounds, perform an emergency reload with a full magazine and fire two more. Repeat.
Scoring – Total time 17 seconds or less is good. Misses add 5 seconds.
All hits inside the Thoracic Triangle count, but are for your personal scoring only. Realize that shots inside the triangle are much more likely to cause a positive “Stop”to the threat. All hits disrupt the OODA loop of your opponent, therefore all hits count.
Recording
Keep a record of this (you can use the Personal Cold Qual Form below) every time you go to the range, before anything else, as this is how it will go down on the street. Keep an eye on your GPA so to speak. There’s no beginner, expert, or other levels etc., this is for benchmarking only, you will have good days and bad days. Be consistent and practice and you will see your average drop.
Again, do not shoot this 10X in a row, this is not a drill, this is a benchmark test and should only be done “Cold”. Don’t forget your “Rituals”, “Threat scan 360” and communicate. After shooting this course of fire follow up with dedicated drills to improve your over-all skill-sets.
Downloads
- Cold Qual Target – Download here (for 8.5″ x 11″ set at 3 yards, for 11″ x 17″ set at 5 yards
- Personal Cold Qual Form – Download here
Notes
There are other timers available out there, especially some free and paid ones for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Look for an article coming soon on the benefits and detriments of these.
What drills do all of you use to warm up? Is this Cold Qual something you’ll try incorporating?