RECOILtv: Training Tuneups – Circle of Awareness

On this episode of Training Tuneups, we join Bill Rapier, of Am Tac Shooting, and take a look at his Circle of Awareness drill. The Circle of Awareness drill centers around loading your firearms the exact same way every time and also keeping track of them by thinking of them continuously.

Bill begins the drill by drawing his pistol and framing it in his workspace, making a special note to hold the pistol in a position that allows him to keep his head up and eyes forward, therefore maximizing his situational awareness. Next, Bill loads the magazine, placing emphasis on keeping the magazine positioned high on the shelf, allowing him to maintain the use of his other two fingers if need be. He also emphasizes the importance of tugging the magazine to ensure that it's seated fully before moving on. After inserting the magazine, the muzzle should be placed toward the threat as the first round is being chambered. Rapier then brings the pistol back to confirm that there is, in fact, a round chambered and then that his flashlight works.

This drill is designed to increase your efficiency and deployment of your concealed carry weapon, should you ever run into a circumstance where it's required. Fundamentals combined with a few tips for shaving necessary microseconds off your deployment time, this drill is a must-see for everyone who is set on utilizing a carry firearm. Should the need arise, be sure you are prepared. As Rapier says, if you can’t ensure that your gun is going to go bang when you pull it out, then why even carry it?

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