Recently, I taught a firearms course in Liberty, SC at Foothills Firearms Training Center.  We were discussing gunfighting and the question came up, so what Gunfighting 101 skills do we need?  I believe it all starts with the Basic Threes!

1.  Most gunfights happen a 3 feet or less.

2.  Most gunfights are over in 3 seconds.

3.  Only 3 rounds or less are shot during the actual event.

Ok!  So where does this information come from; The internet, interviews of criminals, actual police shooting or did we just make it up?  Well, I say does it really matter?

In my opinion, the answer is no it does not matter.  We need to start our basic firearms training with some point of reference, so lets start with the Basic Threes.    Here are a few suggestions;

1.  Practice until you can draw and fire your weapon from concealed carry position in less 3 seconds or less.  This will take a little effort but it can be done.

2.  Practice to effectively fire three shots to body or head in 3 seconds or less. 

3.  Now do all of the above, standing, seated, sitting, kneeling or from any other position.  This will certainly be a challenge but it is not impossible. 

Who knows, maybe next week, it will be determined that 5 feet is the distance with 4 rounds and 6 seconds.  If that happens, then we will re-group and start our training from a different reference point.  However, until that does happen, I am going to stick with the Basic Threes! 

As always, I look forward to hearing your comments, opinions and thoughts about training and what you are doing.  Please train safely and effectively.