[Randy Harris on That Weems Guy Podcast 11/13/2023]

After being a guest on this week’s episode of That Weems Guy Podcast https://podcasters.spotify.com/…/Hearne-at-the-Helm-NTI… I thought I’d share the review of NTI that I wrote back in 2007. I travelled to the event with Tom Givens , John Hearne and John Justice and we met one of Tom's Rangemaster guys (Jeff Boardman) there in Pennsylvania. The review is long but it is also pretty thorough and gives you a good idea of how the event went and what it was like. Enjoy. I have included a pic of some steely eyed gunfighters at the ice cream shop….




For those of you wondering where I have been for the last week or so, I have just returned from my first trip to The National Tactical Invitational in Harrisburg Pa. For those not familiar with it the NTI is learning experience that combines interactive force on force in the ” Village” with building clearing exercises in the Pneumatic house, the mystery gun stage, the “L” house, and the 360degree range. There is also a “standards” stage and another stage that often requires shots at both close range and 100 yards and farther. It is a true test of skill, equipment and how well the practitioner can run that equipment. The following is my in depth review. I will warn you ….. It is lengthy.

I had read about the NTI since its inception 17 years ago. Like many I wondered how well I could do in such an environment. But really, if you cannot do well there, how well do you really expect to do on the street when it is real? Tom Givens of Rangemaster talked me into signing up and going this year with him his crew and I am very glad I did. Actually he kind of shamed me into going by telling me that every serious gunman should go at least once. He is right. And as I said I am very glad I went. I have always looked at Tom as a mentor, but after this trip I look at him as my friend.

I met up with Tom and the gang in Knoxville in route to Pennsylvania. There were 4 of us in the van so there was plenty of room fro us and all of our gear. It is also quite a long drive so it gave us plenty of time to discuss all manner of things from Southern culture to Scots-Irish heritage, what long guns we would like to try out, gunmen of old and past NTIs. But with such good company it seemed like the time just flew by. Also along on the trip was John Justice, John Hearne and Jeff Boardman both of whom are instructors for Rangemaster. Since three of us are from Tennessee, one from Alabama and one from Mississippi, all armed with multiple pistols, and heading toward Gettysburg, we became the “Confederate Cavalry”. The northern invasion was on! Did I mention it was a fun trip?

We arrived on Tuesday and checked into the hotel and got lunch at the Elephant and Castle English Pub located in the host hotel. How appropriate for a meeting place! That evening we got the overview of the week ahead at the orientation. The three rules of NTI are 1. NO WHINING. 2. NO STUPID GUNHANDLING and 3. NO BOORISH BEHAVIOR. The storyline for the exercise was that you were an expert witness retained to testify in a trial. You would be picked up at the airport, go to your hotel, give a speech in the local school, and testify in court, go to the mall ,have dinner with the district attorney and go to the doctor. All of this took place in the “Village”. In there you would interact with other practitioners and role players and act and react accordingly to what situations ensued. The regular shooting stages somewhat mirrored these force on force stages, they just used voices provided by the safety officers and targets provided by either pneumatic targets that appear and disappear or by stationary targets made of Tactical Ted targets with a thin solid “core” that had to be hit squarely to knock them down.

I have to admit that I was somewhat relieved to be in the first group to shoot. I had been playing “what if” in my head for so long that I was frankly glad to finally get it over with and be thrown into the fire. The first group was given the safety briefing and given our safety equipment (did I mention we use Simmunitions rounds in the village?) and off we went. I elected to wear no extra padding other than the collar they issued and the eye protection and grinders mask used to protect your face. I figure I’d get more out of it by dressing as I normally do and if being shot REALLY hurt.

As Tom and I picked up our bags from baggage claim in the village airport we ducked into the restroom to find our pistols and arm ourselves before hitting the street. Unfortunately the village deputy sheriff ducked into the bathroom and we were detained until the sheriff arrived we could explain why we were pulling guns out of our luggage in a public bathroom. Since our permits were in order we were let go. We rearmed with our J frames and our 10 rounds of sims ammo and went to the hotel. A better tactic would be the one John Hearne employed. He went out and struck up a conversation with the cop while the others armed up in the bathroom.

The hotel acts as a staging area where the practitioners and their individual judges wait until all is clear for the scenarios to begin. But if you left your gun behind in the hotel you might find it stolen when you got back. We went immediately to the local school to give a speech. Upon arrival we were confronted with the sheriff who promptly disarmed us. No guns allowed in school so we were disarmed and we entered the school. A short time later during the speech two thuggish individuals entered one with a gas can and one with a lighter. We immediately set to herding the locals out the door and I grabbed a ball bat as I exited in case the thugs decided on assault instead of arson. I intentionally did not attack the gas man with the bat for fear of being shot by the sheriff who I thought was still outside. Of course there was no law enforcement there when you needed them……..We debriefed, explained our actions got our guns back, checked to make sure they were loaded and all were led off in separate directions. In the debrief on Saturday we were told that some wandered around with empty guns having never checked to make sure they were loaded after they got them back and yet others forget to get their guns back at all!

Next I was taken to the courthouse where I was again disarmed and seated in front of the gallery. As I sat there a rather large intoxicated man sitting next to me with a bottle of booze tried to strike up a conversation. I asked the bailiff if the man was supposed to be drinking in court. About this time a disturbed individual entered the room and promptly shot the bailiff. I got down on the floor and noticed the bailiff had dropped his SW 5906 service pistol when he fell. But I also noticed the safety was on, figured there was no round in the chamber and that it was a glorified paper weight. I knew I’d likely get shot in the head if I reached for it. Instead I stayed low and waited until the gunman came closer and I sprang off the floor performing a disarm on him to end the scenario. This is where that work with William Aprill at the Warrior Talk Symposiums and with Craig Douglas (Shivworks) in his classes and with Gabe Suarez on disarms came in handy. I asked some others why they didn’t do the same in their turn in that scenario and they said frankly they didn’t have that skill set so it didn’t cross their mind. I was certainly glad I did.

Next up was a trip to the mall. I’ll admit that I was a little apprehensive to enter the mall, and I was right to have been. As I walked down the corridor I was confronted by a large man who blocked my path. I said “Excuse me Sir” and tried to slip past, but he stepped to block it again. Now a note on rules here. The practitioners cannot physically “rough up” the role players. So for those of us who have a bag of hand to hand skills to draw from, that was pretty much negated. Also for those of us who carry impact weapons, that was also a no-no. I attempted to use “pepper spray” but the BG was having none of it and kept advancing. By this time his partner had closed the gap on my other side and this narrow hallway became even tighter and BG #1 was now holding a pistol in a retention position. I offered my card wallet and credit card but they wanted to check my other pockets and ordered me to my knees firing a shot into the floor to let me know they meant business. I feigned compliance, told them I had a bad back and slowly got down on one knee keeping my left foot on the ground. Bad guy #1 checked my left pockets and finding nothing started to move behind me from left to right. I took this opportunity to hook him with my left arm and spin quickly to my left and around pushing him into his partner ( tying up his gun and his partner) and drawing my own pistol and preparing to start feeding bullets into them when the judge yelled “STOP!!”.

We debriefed. I was told I could have done a better job of getting by him, but frankly I was perplexed at the pepper spray having no effect at all and I was still not sure just how much contact I would be allowed to use to move someone so I did kind of just stall out for a few seconds. The judge explained how much physical force was OK, and commended me for not getting rattled and using the time I had to formulate a plan, not to panic. He also commented on my quick draw (appendix carry works people!) and said all in all it worked out well for me. The shots were not needed and it was called to a halt for safety purposes. They try to avoid near contact shots on the role players and practitioners if they can. Part of my “calmness” was that I knew I could get the gun in play and make accurate hits. All that work on the range pays off and allows you to worry about solving the problems not worry whether you can get the gun out an make it run. Taking the fight to them when the opening presents itself works well too. There is time to talk and time to fight and they rarely overlap.

Next we went to the restaurant in the airport where I was to meet with the district attorney for lunch. Of course my quiet meal was interrupted in short order. The same two thugs from the mall entered yelling that I had sent them to jail. I played it like they had the wrong guy and tried to calm them down. The guy who had blocked my path in the mall now moved to block my exit from behind the table. I stood and told him to back off and not to put his hands on me. They both now were within touching distance and I had nowhere to go except to back further into the corner. I again said not to touch me. He did. I quickly drew my pistol and shot him twice from the #2 position, transitioned to his partner and shot him twice in the chest from a 1 handed #3 at which point I heard “BANG” and felt a hot pain and I spun and fired again, hitting my third assailant and the scenario was stopped.


The pain was from a hit I took in the triceps of the left arm so I survived the shot. I also hit my gun wielding antagonist in the arm. She missed me with her second shot as I turned out of the way in an “Inquartata” type movement. She later told me that I was the only person all week to shoot her and that had she not immediately moved off the line of attack when she shot that the arm hit I delivered on her would have been a square torso hit. Hmmm. Maybe getting off the X works?

I then was asked to explain why I shot 2 “unarmed” guys. I replied that they were the ones who had already mugged me so I knew they were likely to be carrying weapons, I had testified against them in court and they were out for revenge, that the disparity of force issue between them and me made lethal force required and that I was acting also in defense of a third person too – the District Attorney. I told the cop he might want to interview the DA and get his story. The DA did not appear to be interested in prosecuting the guy who saved his life so I was released and my time in the village came to an end.

[Randy Harris at the IDPA World Championship]

Forgot to post this here when it happened but better late than never....

 

(Oct 14th 2023) Today the year long journey to the IDPA World Championship match finished up. We shot half the match on Friday and the other half today. A couple of stages on Friday were not some of my best work but Saturday was pretty solid.

 

In my entourage here was my everything Brandi Harris , my friend Trey Hudson , and my friend / coach / “man servant “ for the weekend Michael V Swisher . Mike helped keep me focused, manage equipment, pull the wagon, and strategize.

 

 For those who just want the cliff note version of the match ,  I finished in the top ten in my division at the World Championship with a 5th place in Master Class in the Backup Gun Division !

 

And finally a big thanks to my sponsor Natchez Outdoors ! 

 

Randy Harris 

Harris Combative Strategies

Harriscombative.com

 

 

 

Shooting past one of the NUMEROUS non threat targets. 

 

 

Look who I ran into....Rob Leatham and Mike Seeklander ....I need some serious help with my selfie game...

[The Official Range Photo Thread (Prove That You Shoot)]

Forgot to post this here when it happened but better late than never....

 

(Oct 14th 2023) Today the year long journey to the IDPA World Championship match finished up. We shot half the match on Friday and the other half today. A couple of stages on Friday were not some of my best work but Saturday was pretty solid.

 

In my entourage here was my everything Brandi Harris , my friend Trey Hudson , and my friend / coach / “man servant “ for the weekend Michael V Swisher . Mike helped keep me focused, manage equipment, pull the wagon, and strategize.

 

 For those who just want the cliff note version of the match ,  I finished in the top ten in my division at the World Championship with a 5th place in Master Class in the Backup Gun Division !

 

And finally a big thanks to my sponsor Natchez Outdoors .

 

Randy Harris 

Harris Combative Strategies

Harriscombative.com

 

 

 

Shooting past one of the NUMEROUS non threat targets. 

 

 

Look who I ran into....Rob Leatham and Mike Seeklander ....I need some serious help with my selfie game...

[Randy Harris on That Weems Guy Podcast 11/13/2023]

I was one of the guests on the That Weems Guy podcast last night talking about my experience at the National Tactical Invitational . Fellow guests were John Hearne, Tim Burke and John Holschen. For those not familiar , NTI was a training event like no other that combined scenario based shooting stages , standards type shooting stages and interactive force on force stages to thoroughly test the practitioners’ skill sets. The event was put on from 1991 until about 2012. Episode is titled "Hearne at the Helm : NTI " 

 

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lee-weems/episodes/Hearne-at-the-Helm-NTI-e2brmac?fbclid=IwAR14i45JjjQODPw5kj-wU7J0Gbtqb1DvjE7pht7Tn8JSYuQ8awb_x0VXtro

[Dec 9 TN / GA / AL Training Group Christmas Extravaganza ! Oliver Springs TN]

December 9 Harris Combative Strategies  TN/GA/AL Training Group Christmas Extravaganza (Oliver Springs TN)

 

Subject: Christmas Extravaganza ! 

We will shoot several competitive drills and some deviously designed Man vs Man Shoot off drills (based on the classic Christmas movies Die Hard and Lethal Weapon) and test our skills with the weapon we carry most...our pistol.

We will also be handing out some cool Christmas door prizes !

 

Instructor: Randy Harris

Location:  Windrock Shooting Range & Training Center 720 Windrock Road Oliver Springs, TN 37840

Time:  12:30pm-4:30pm EASTERN

Price: $80 – you can pay through Eventbrite or pay at class by cash or check or Electronic payment by paypal or venmo (friends and family option) or by credit card (contact Randy by phone 423 827 9133 or by email at randy@harriscombative.com for CC payment).

What you need to bring: Pistol , at least 2 spare magazines (or speed loaders if you bring a revolver), 150 - 200 rounds of ammo,  holster, eye and ear protection, clothing appropriate for the weather. If you shoot a caliber OTHER than 9mm then you will also need to bring about 50 rounds of 9mm for the "Die Hard" and the "Lethal Weapon" stages. 

 

Eventbrite -https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dec-9-tngaal-christmas-training-group-oliver-springs-tn-tickets-500100603367?aff=oddtdtcreator

Paypal – Randy@harriscombative.com

Venmo – www.venmo.com/Randy-Harris-47

 

 

And just a final reminder EVERYONE is welcome ! The TN/GA/AL Training Group started as a way for alumni of classes taught by Randy Harris to get together and stay current on skills and get some coaching in a one day format at a discounted price from what a normal class would cost. As it continued to grow we opened it up to ANYONE who is interested in coming out and learning some skills and just seeing what it is that we do and meet some new people with the same interests. So even if you are not an alum of one of my classes you are welcome to come join us!

[Nov 25 TN / GA / AL Training Group Thanksgiving/Christmas Extravaganza Event! Dayton TN]

November 25 Harris Combative Strategies  TN/GA/AL Training Group (Dayton TN)

 

Subject: Thanksgiving/ Christmas Extravaganza ! 

We will shoot several competitive drills and some deviously designed Man vs Man Shoot off drills (based on the classic Christmas movies Die Hard and Lethal Weapon) and test our skills with the weapon we carry most...our pistol.

We will also be handing out some cool Christmas door prizes !

 

Instructor: Randy Harris

 

Location: The Ridge 11534 Rhea County HWY , HWY 27 Dayton TN 37321 https://theridgeshooting.com/index.html

Time: 9AM EASTERN time - 3:30PM EASTERN time

Price: $80

What you need to bring: Pistol , at least 2 spare magazines (or speed loaders if you bring a revolver), 150 - 200 rounds of ammo,  holster, eye and ear protection, clothing appropriate for the weather. If you shoot a caliber OTHER than 9mm then you will also need to bring about 50 rounds of 9mm for the "Die Hard" and the "Lethal Weapon" stages. 

 

 

Payments can be made through Eventbrite or by by cash or check or Electronic payment by paypal or venmo (friends and family option) or by credit card (contact Randy by phone 423 827 9133 or by email at randy@harriscombative.com for CC payment). This will also be listed on Eventbrite if you prefer to sign up there but you can save the Eventbrite fees and tax that they charge by paying me directly.

 

Eventbrite -https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nov-25-tngaal-thanksgiving-christmas-training-group-dayton-tn-tickets-500122157837?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Paypal – Randy@harriscombative.com

Venmo – www.venmo.com/Randy-Harris-47

 

And just a final reminder EVERYONE is welcome ! The TN/GA/AL Training Group started as a way for alumni of classes taught by Randy Harris to get together and stay current on skills and get some coaching in a one day format at a discounted price from what a normal class would cost. As it continued to grow we opened it up to ANYONE who is interested in coming out and learning some skills and just seeing what it is that we do and meet some new people with the same interests. So even if you are not an alum of one of my classes you are welcome to come join us!

[Nov 11 TN/GA/AL Training Group Rifle Training Oliver Springs TN]

Reminder ! This is coming up THIS SATURDAY !!!

[Rooskies Have New Submachine Gun]

Looks kind of like a Ruger MP9. 

[Nov 11 TN/GA/AL Training Group Rifle Training Oliver Springs TN]

A training day where we will be working on rifle skills in the urban distance envelope. 

This training day will be focusing on defensive rifle skills in the urban distance envelope (less than 100 yards). Some topics covered will be safety, muzzle awareness, trigger control, placing well aimed shots, reloading the rifle, clearing malfunctions , use of cover and much more.

 

Subject : Rifle Skills and Drills !

Instructor:  Randy Harris Randy's BIO

Location: Windrock Shooting Range 720 Windrock Rd, Oliver Springs, TN 37840

Time: 12:30 - 4:30PM Eastern time (after the morning Backup Gun match at Windrock)

Price : $80

What you need to bring: RIFLE with at least 3 rifle magazines, a way to carry the 2 spare rifle mags on your person and bring at least 150 rounds of ammo for the rifle.  PISTOL and 50 rounds of pistol ammo.

Payments can be made by cash or check or Electronic payment by paypal or venmo (friends and family option) or by credit card (contact Randy by phone 423 827 9133 or by email at randy@harriscombative.com for CC payment). This will also be listed on Eventbrite if you prefer to sign up there but you can save the Eventbrite fees by paying me directly.

Eventbrite - Eventbrite Link

Paypal – cruelhandluke2000@yahoo.com

Venmo – www.venmo.com/Randy-Harris-47

 

And just a reminder EVERYONE is welcome ! The TN/GA/AL Training Group started as a way for alumni of classes taught by Randy Harris to get together and stay current on skills and get some coaching in a one day format at a discounted price from what a normal class would cost. As it continued to grow we opened it up to ANYONE who is interested in coming out and learning some skills and just seeing what it is that we do and meet some new people with the same interests. So even if you are not an alum of one of my classes you are welcome to come join us!

 

[Sep 30 Shotgun and Pistol Training]

This one is coming up THIS Saturday !!!!

[Sep 30 Shotgun and Pistol Training]

 

Harris Combative Strategies TN/GA/AL Training Group!

Coming up on Saturday Sep 30 we will have a TN/GA/AL Training Group event focusing on shotgun and pistol skills. You will need 100 rounds of birdshot and 50 rounds of pistol ammo. 

We will work primarily with the shotgun on quickly engaging targets, keeping it topped off, dealing with multiple targets and then finishing up with some man vs man competition to get you some work under a little bit of stress and excitement.

Location: Phillips /Edwards Farm 763 County Rd 332 Pisgah AL 35765 (about 35 min SW of Chattanooga)

Price: $80 – You can register and pay through Eventbrite OR pay at class by cash or check OR you can pay by electronic payment by paypal or venmo (Friends and family option) in advance OR I can take payment by credit card (call or email for options on that – 423 827 9133 or Randy@harriscombative.com) Be sure to RSVP with Randy if you plan to attend and pay at class.

Paypal – cruelhandluke2000@yahoo.com

Venmo – www.venmo.com/Randy-Harris-47

Eventbrite - Eventbrite Link

 

What you need to bring: Pistol, at least 2 pistol magazines and at least 50 rounds of pistol ammo. Revolvers are welcome if you want to party like it is 1899. A Shotgun and at least 100 rounds of birdshot ammo.

And just a final reminder EVERYONE is welcome ! The TN/GA/AL Training Group started as a way for alumni of classes taught by Randy Harris to get together and stay current on skills and get some coaching in a one day format at a discounted price from what a normal class would cost. As it continued to grow we opened it up to ANYONE who is interested in coming out and learning some skills and just seeing what it is that we do and meet some new people with the same interests. So even if you are not an alum of one of my classes you are welcome to come join us!

 

[Mother also charged-texts reveal she helped son plan shooting]

Dr William Aprill used to talk about "They are not like you" in regards to the way criminals think and act. Read this text exchange between a mother and her son as she helps him plan and perpetrate a murder. The first key to being able to deal with people like this is to admit to yourself that they exist and their moral and value system likely looks nothing like yours.

 

https://www.foxnews.com/us/mother-charged-incomprehensible-texts-reveal-helped-son-plan-deadly-shooting

[Randy Harris on 7/31/2023 That Weems Guy Podcast]

Thanks Chances R . I really appreciate that. 

[Special Session Aug.21]

4 hours ago, DL126 said:

Send your regards here ...

https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/specialsession_public_safety

Here is what I submitted.....Red Flag Laws are arguably unconstitutional. You should never be able to have your property seized without legal due process in court. Unless strong  safeguards are put in place to keep people from frivolously using the red flag law as a means of harassing gun owners, this will end up being the "angry ex girlfriend law". NO RED FLAG LAWS ! 

[AUG 12 Part II of Point Blank Pistol Skills Oliver Springs TN]

Coming up this weekend !!! 

You can see a preview of this upcoming weekend in the videos from Aug 5th at the Harris Combative Strategies Facebook page.....Harris Combative Facebook Page

[Aug 5 Point Blank Pistol TN/GA/AL Training Group]

REMINDER !!! This one is coming up THIS SATURDAY !!!

[Randy Harris on 7/31/2023 That Weems Guy Podcast]

I am one of the guests on the That Weems Guy Show podcasts episode that drops tomorrow. We will be discussing John Hearne ‘s Cognitive Pistol with Tactical Anatomy and Who Wins Who Loses and Why classes . You can listen on Spotify or watch on YouTube. Check us out !

 

 

This is the link for YouTube…..https://m.youtube.com/c/leeweems .

 

If you want to listen to just the audio in podcast form it is on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2OvkQAuGC0vhyolnjXWfTW

 

And on Apple Podcast...https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/that-weems-guy/id1575361538

 

The episode is the latest one that started today.

[AUG 12 Part II of Point Blank Pistol Skills Oliver Springs TN]

 

Harris Combative Strategies TN/GA/AL Training Group AUGUST 12 !!!

Subject: Part II of Point Blank Pistol Skills : Alternative Indexing Methods in Close Quarter Shooting . This class will continue with the material covered in July. After a brief review from material covered in the last session we will get into dealing with contact weapon attacks at touching distance , getting off the X and shooting on the move while moving with a purpose, and shooting from the ground. While it helps to have attended the 1st part of this class in July, it is not mandatory. So even if you missed the last one come on out to this one! You don't get to work on these skills every day and especially not under supervision of someone extensively trained in this material.

Instructor: Randy Harris – Randy's BIO

Location: Windrock Shooting Range & Training Center 720 Windrock Road Oliver Springs, TN 37840 https://windrockshootingrange.com/

Time: 12:30pm-4:30pm EASTERN

Price: $100

What you need to bring: Pistol (revolvers are welcome too), at least 2 spare pistol magazines (or speedloaders if you plan to party like it is 1899) and at least 150 rounds of ammo..... If you have a "blue gun" or "red gun" or other non firing replica of the pistol you carry please bring it. If you do not have one I do have loaners but they are mostly full size glock, 1911, SW MP and Sig so if you carry something else and have a non firing replica that matches it and fits your holster please bring it with you.

Payments: You can register and pay through Eventbrite OR you can pay at class by cash or check OR you can pay by electronic payment by paypal or venmo (Friends and family option) in advance OR I can take payment by credit card (call or email for options on that – 423 827 9133 or Randy@harriscombative.com) Be sure to RSVP with Randy if you plan to attend and pay at class.

Paypal – cruelhandluke2000@yahoo.com

Venmo – www.venmo.com/Randy-Harris-47

Eventbrite - Eventbrite Link

[Aug 5 Point Blank Pistol TN/GA/AL Training Group]

HARRIS COMBATIVE STRATEGIES TN/GA/AL Training Group

Subject: Point Blank Pistol Skills - Alternative Indexing Methods In Close Quarter Shooting

Date: Saturday August 5th

Eventbrite Link

Point Blank Pistol Skills is a study in the deployment and effective use of the pistol at distances fewer than 10 feet. This is the distance envelope where time (and timing) are paramount. In this critical space there is little time to react and no time to be wasted . At touching distance , empty hand combative skills are often needed to facilitate a clean un-fouled draw and decisive hits. We will focus on improving draw stroke , gaining better position, in-fight weapon access, and making hits from physical contact with the target to touching distance and shooting on the move getting out of "the hole". This is an extended version of the presentation Randy taught at the 2018 Rangemaster Tactical Conference.

 

Instructor: Randy Harris –Randy's Bio

Location: Phillips Edwards Farm 763 CR 332 Pisgah Al 35765

Time: 9AM-3PM CENTRAL TIME

Price: $100

 

What you need to bring: Pistol (revolvers are welcome too), at least 2 spare pistol magazines (or speedloaders if you plan to party like it is 1899) and at least 150 rounds of ammo..... If you have a "blue gun" or "red gun" or other non firing replica of the pistol you carry please bring it. If you do not have one I do have loaners but they are mostly full size glock, 1911, SW MP and Sig so if you carry something else and have a non firing replica that matches it please bring it with you.

 

 

Payments: You can register and pay through Eventbrite OR you can pay at class by cash or check OR you can pay by electronic payment by paypal or venmo (Friends and family option) in advance OR I can take payment by credit card (call or email for options on that – 423 827 9133 or Randy@harriscombative.com) Be sure to RSVP with Randy if you plan to attend and pay at class.

Paypal – cruelhandluke2000@yahoo.com

Venmo – www.venmo.com/Randy-Harris-47

Eventbrite - Eventbrite Link

 

[AUG 26-27 Rifle and Shotgun Classes Oliver Springs TN]

HARRIS COMBATIVE STRATEGIES

Saturday August 26th Real World Rifle Skills

This class is designed as a primer in defensive application of the rifle or carbine. This class is all about running your rifle or carbine as an individual in a combative environment from home or business defense to natural disaster. Topics Include : How to set up your carbine, Ballistics, Fight stopping hits, Use of cover and concealment, Proactive and reactive reloads, Shooting on the move , Transition to pistol and much more is covered.

Eventbrite Link

Instructor : Randy Harris

Location: Windrock Shooting Range and Training Center 720 Windrock Road Oliver Springs, TN 37840

Time: 8:30AM to 4:30PM

Price : $200 (discount available if signing up for both the Saturday rifle and Sunday shotgun class)

Required Equipment: Rifle with sling, At least 3 rifle magazines and a way to carry them (such as shoulder bag, chest rig, ALICE gear, pants pockets) ,Pistol and at least 2 magazines, Carry gear , Eye and Ear Protection

Ammo Count: 200 rounds rifle, 25 rounds pistol

IF YOU SIGN UP THROUGH EVENTBRITE FOR BOTH THE RIFLE CLASS ON SATURDAY AND THE SHOTGUN CLASS ON SUNDAY YOU CAN USE THE CODE "rifle/shotgun" ON BOTH SIGN UPS TO SAVE $25 per class.

Payments: You can register and pay through Eventbrite OR you can pay at class by cash or check OR you can pay by electronic payment by paypal or venmo (Friends and family option) in advance OR I can take payment by credit card (call or email for options on that – 423 827 9133 or Randy@harriscombative.com) 

Paypal – cruelhandluke2000@yahoo.com

Venmo – www.venmo.com/Randy-Harris-47

Eventbrite - Real World Rifle Skills

 

Sunday August 27 REAL WORLD SHOTGUN SKILLS

This class is designed as a primer in defensive use of the shotgun. This class is all about running your defensive shotgun as an individual in a combative environment from home or business defense to natural disaster. Topics include : How to set up your shotgun, Ballistics, Fight stopping hits, Use of cover and concealment, Proactive and reactive reloads, Transition to pistol and much more . Take your shotgun skill and confidence to the next level !

Eventbrite Link

Location: Windrock Shooting Range and Training Center 720 Windrock Road Oliver Springs, TN 37840 

Time: 8:30AM to 4:30PM

Price : $200 ( (discount available if signing up for both the Saturday rifle and Sunday shotgun class)

Required Equipment: Defensive Shotgun ,Pistol and at least 2 magazines, Carry gear, Eye and Ear Protection

Ammo Count: 75 Rounds Birdshot,25 Rounds Buckshot,10 Slugs, 20 rounds for pistol

Payments: You can register and pay through Eventbrite OR you can pay at class by cash or check OR you can pay by electronic payment by paypal or venmo (Friends and family option) in advance OR I can take payment by credit card (call or email for options on that – 423 827 9133 or Randy@harriscombative.com) 

Paypal – cruelhandluke2000@yahoo.com

Venmo – www.venmo.com/Randy-Harris-47

Eventbrite - Real World Shotgun Skills

IF YOU SIGN UP THROUGH EVENTBRITE FOR BOTH THE RIFLE CLASS ON SATURDAY AND THE SHOTGUN CLASS ON SUNDAY YOU CAN USE THE CODE "rifle/shotgun" ON BOTH SIGN UPS TO SAVE $25 per class.

[July 8 Point Blank Pistol Skills Oliver Springs TN]

Harris Combative Strategies TN/GA/AL Training Group 

Date: Saturday July 8 2023

Subject: Point Blank Pistol Skills - Alternative Indexing Methods In Close Quarter Shooting

Point Blank Pistol Skills is a study in the deployment and effective use of the pistol at distances fewer than 10 feet. This is the distance envelope where time (and timing) are paramount. In this critical space there is little time to react and no time to be wasted . At touching distance , empty hand combative skills are often needed to facilitate a clean un-fouled draw and decisive hits. We will focus on improving draw stroke , gaining better position, in-fight weapon access, and making hits from physical contact with the target to touching distance and shooting on the move getting out of "the hole". This is an extended version of the presentation Randy taught at the 2018 Rangemaster Tactical Conference.

Instructor: Randy Harris – Randy's Bio

Location: Windrock Shooting Range & Training Center 720 Windrock Road Oliver Springs, TN 37840 https://windrockshootingrange.com/

Time: 12:30pm-5:00pm EASTERN

Price: $100 

Payments: You can register and pay through Eventbrite OR you can pay at class by cash or check OR you can pay by electronic payment by paypal or venmo (Friends and family option) in advance OR I can take payment by credit card (call or email for options on that – 423 827 9133 or Randy@harriscombative.com) Be sure to RSVP with Randy if you plan to attend and pay at class.

 

Paypal – cruelhandluke2000@yahoo.com

Venmo – www.venmo.com/Randy-Harris-47

Eventbrite - Eventbrite Link

What you need to bring: Pistol (revolvers are welcome too), at least 2 spare pistol magazines (or speedloaders if you plan to party like it is 1899) and at least 150 rounds of ammo..... If you have a "blue gun" or "red gun" or other non firing replica of the pistol you carry please bring it. If you do not have one I do have loaners but they are mostly full size glock, 1911, SW MP and Sig so if you carry something else and have a non firing replica that matches it and fits your holster please bring it with you.

[Article on "How do you stack up?"]

An interesting but not at all surprising article. If you carry a gun, especially in your job duties , you probably want to be as proficient with it as you reasonably can be. It is one piece of equipment that if not used with the appropriate level of skill can result in a very negative outcome....and possibly a life ending outcome for the user.

This is why we at Harriscombative.com offer in the TN/GA/AL Training Group our "How Qualified Are You" days where the participants get the opportunity to shoot various courses of fire to determine how their skills stack up against known standards and what they need to work on to get to where they want to be.

The next one is coming up this Saturday June 10 at Windrock Shooting Range & Training Center........https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tngaal-training-group-oliver-springs-tn-tickets-500097032687?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

 

 

HOW DO YOU STACK UP?     

How do you measure your ability to actually use your firearm?

Written by Louie Tirona

Louie has been a police officer for over 27 years in one of the most active cities in California and has worked various assignments, primarily in the areas of violent crime investigation and use of force training.

 

 

How do you measure your ability to actually use your firearm?  Is the training and subsequent qualification in which you participated sufficient to know that you are “good enough?”  When was the last time you measured your skill?  How do you compare your qualification scores against others from different jurisdictions, agencies/departments or military units?  This article is written primarily for any of you who may carry a gun as a requirement of your profession but it applies equally to those who choose firearms as part of one’s safety gear.

I am going to discuss an experiment I conducted with my own law enforcement department within the past few months. As a brief background, I have been a cop for almost 27 years in California in one of the most active cities in the Golden State. I have been involved in use of force training for the majority of my career. I was fortunate enough to enter into a department largely influenced by Jeff Cooper’s training and found, compared to the training I saw at other departments, that our training program laid a solid foundation for applying marksmanship, gun-handling and mindset. However, what I found glaring was that the time frames for applying marksmanship seemed rather extended and did not match the situations I experienced on the streets. Our “qualification” course was still based on the PPC courses popular in the 70s and 80s…lots of six round strings at various distances on the rather large B27 targets with very generous par times.

As I gained in experience, influence and authority, I altered the qualification course. The course was modified to include tighter par times and stages that incorporated shooting while moving, all on a smaller silhouette target with better anatomically-correct target areas. Surprisingly, several of the nearby departments adopted this course of fire. This allowed for an apples-to-apples comparison of shooting skill among the departments that used our qualification course.

 

It may be surprising to learn, but there is no nationally recognized standard for law enforcement-related firearms training and/or methods for demonstrating proficiency. Most departments throughout the state and the country utilize different firearms training programs and shooting tests to satisfy department and state liability concerns. This situation did not and does not allow for an officer in one department to compare his/her skill with an officer from another department or state. Of course, the ultimate arbiter of skill in a real-life deadly force confrontation is who wins and who loses. However, the reality is (contrary to the popular narrative) most police officers never have to use their firearms in the performance of their duties.

The question came to mind as I became more involved in training outside of my own department, “How do my cops compare to others (both in the LE profession and outside) when it comes to pure shooting skills where marksmanship under speed is measured?”

The answer was right in front of my nose. I have been an avid competitive shooter for some time. In two of the shooting sports I participate in (IDPA and USPSA), there are “classifier” courses of fire that allow participants to compare themselves with other competitors and compete against those of similar skill.

 

 

 

I decided to use the IDPA 5X5 classifier with ALL members of my department (approximately 200 sworn). I chose this classifier as it is very simple to administer and score while testing a good set of shooting abilities. At the end of eight separate training sessions (all with the same program of instruction), I had each of my officers shoot this classifier and I recorded their individual stage times, penalties, points down, overall score and classification (as if they were trying to attain an IDPA classification). Everyone used duty type holsters and belts (minimally with a Safariland ALS retention system). One modification I made was to use the CDP (Custom Defensive Pistol) classifier times with all of the participants for simplicity’s sake. Another thing to note is that my department allows for individual officers to carry personal sidearms as their duty gun and we have a rather “liberal” policy when it comes to weapon make/model/caliber. We have officers carrying most of the more popular service weapons currently in use to include Sig 320s, Glocks and M&Ps. We also have quite a few officers carrying single stack 1911s and double stack 2011s. Some officers use slide mounted dot sights.

The course of fire is comprised of four strings of fire, all shot at 10 yards on an official IDPA target using current IDPA scoring. All strings of fire begin with hands at sides. A shooting timer is used to measure the shooter’s time to complete each string of fire. On the first string, the shooter draws and fires five rounds to the chest of the target. The second string is the same as string #1 but is fired with the strong/primary hand only. The third string begins with the gun holstered and loaded with only five rounds. The shooter draws and fires five rounds to the chest of the target, conducts a slide-lock reload and fires five additional rounds to the chest. The fourth and final string consists of firing four rounds to the chest and one to the head.

 

The overall breakdown (in percentage of all participants and scoring ranges) of classifications is as follows:

Master: 0.5 % 19.18 or less
Expert: 0.5 % 19.19 to 24.09
Sharpshooter: 8.8 % 24.10 to 29.92
Marksman: 24.2 % 29.93 to 37.63
Novice: 66.0 % 37.64 or greater

The results were not very surprising for anyone familiar with competitive shooting sports. However, the results were very surprising for the vast majority of the officers involved.

Before your jaws drop too much, I would submit to the reader that these results are actually better than what I would expect from the majority of people out there who carry guns as a condition of employment or own guns for personal protection. As a side note, this also included members of my SWAT team. The bulk of these shooters fell into the Sharpshooter and Marksman categories.

A good friend of mine teaches the use of firearms at one of the regional police academies. Before any of you roll your eyes at the level of instruction at most police academies, this one is different from the standpoint that this instructor uses teaching material heavily based on true shooting performance. To top it off, he is a top-notch teacher and takes his role seriously. As a favor, during a recent academy class he had his students also run through the IDPA classifier. His students’ results were as follows:

Marksman: 27.3 %
Novice: 72.7 %

Based upon my own experience, most officers are at their peak when it comes to pure performance in hard skills such as firearms, driving, defensive tactics and first aid when they graduate from the police academy. After that, it becomes very department-dependent if those skills actually improve.

An acquaintance from another department graciously administered this same classifier to his SWAT members at my request. He is another excellent instructor and student of the gun. His team results were as follows:

Expert: 0.6 %
Sharpshooter: 13.3 %
Marksman: 46.7 %
Novice: 33.3 %

 

 

Again, for most of you familiar with competitive shooting sports, these results are not very surprising. For the officers though, the results were quite eye-opening. They were faced with the realization that they were not as good as they thought, especially compared to “hobby/enthusiast” shooters. One of the positive take-aways was that I saw quite a bit of a competitiveness among the officers as we conducted this classifier (and that can be a very positive motivator for skill improvement) and I had several cops ask about getting involved in competitive shooting to improve their shooting skills.

Of course, shooting a classifier is only a test of shooting skill and not a test of tactics or the mindset needed to prevail in a lethal force confrontation. However, having a high degree of skill can only be an asset when involved in a shooting or a gunfight. Of similar importance is the knowledge gained from objectively testing one’s skill among others. This is the comparative knowledge that can be gained through measuring one’s skill against a large sample of shooters in an identical “qualification” course of fire. Knowing one’s true abilities can directly influence one’s decision making in serious social encounters (not to mention match environments).

Not meant to be an excuse, but shooting comprises a very small (but extraordinarily important) facet of the training an officer must complete regularly. Training such as emergency vehicle operation, defensive tactics, trauma care, investigative skills, interview and interrogation training, crisis intervention training and a myriad of other training needs make huge demands on an officer’s time and a department’s resources. This does not even include the regular duties an officer must attend to on a daily basis. However, not truly understanding one’s skill level in any of these important training areas can be a detriment for the public, the officer and the department.

 

I would challenge anybody reading this to use objective methods of measuring skill, not just the same old state or department-mandated courses of fire when possible. Whether that is shooting an established “classifier” from one of the major shooting sports or getting involved in competitive shooting, knowing (and not guessing) how well you can apply marksmanship at speed is something worthwhile. If any of you have the opportunity to try this classifier with your own departments/units/agencies and would like to share your results, please feel free to send them to me.

I haven’t even discussed how I changed our actual qualification course (yet again) to better measure these skills, but that is an article for another time.

 

Louie Tirona – High rank LE Officer and Lead Instructor at Tactical Performance Center

Louie Tirona is a life-long martial artist and first generation American. He has been a police officer for over 27 years in one of the most active cities in California and has worked various assignments, primarily in the areas of violent crime investigation and use of force training.

He has been an active participant in the national discussion over policing and use of force and has implemented training that has garnered national attention for its effectiveness in these critical areas. He is an avid competitive shooter, an IDPA master and member since 2014.

[June 10 TN/GA/AL Training Group "How Qualified Are You?" Oliver Springs TN]

THIS IS COMING UP THIS SATURDAY !!!!!!!

[June 10 TN/GA/AL Training Group "How Qualified Are You?" Oliver Springs TN]

JUNE 10 we will be at the Windrock Shooting Range for a meeting of the Harris Combative Strategies TN/GA/AL training group. Everyone is welcome!

This 4 hour training event will take place after lunch following the monthly Back Up Gun Match at Windrock Shooting Range. If you want to REALLY test your skills come shoot the BUG match and then shoot the Training Day qualifications with your backup gun !

 

 

Subject: HOW QUALIFIED ARE YOU ?

Instructor: Randy Harris Randy's Bio

Harriscombative.com

Location: Windrock Shooting Range 720 Windrock Rd, Oliver Springs, TN 37840 http://www.windrockshootingrange.com/

DATE : Saturday June 10

Time: 12:30 PM EASTERN time – 4:30PM EASTERN time

 

Price: $80 – You can register and pay through Eventbrite OR you can pay at class by cash or check OR you can pay by electronic payment by paypal or venmo (Friends and family option) in advance OR I can take payment by credit card (call or email for options on that – 423 827 9133 or Randy@harriscombative.com) Be sure to RSVP with Randy if you plan to attend and pay at class.

Paypal – cruelhandluke2000@yahoo.com

Venmo – www.venmo.com/Randy-Harris-47

Eventbrite - EVENTBRITE LINK

 

 

What you need to bring: Pistol, at least 2 pistol magazines and at least 150 rounds of pistol ammo. Revolvers are welcome if you want to party like it is 1899. 

 

We will be shooting some challenging warm up drills and then the Bakersfield PD Qual, Federal Air Marshal pistol qualification, FBI pistol qualification courses and a few others and finish up with a man vs man shoot off on steel and bowling pins!  I will also keep records of these (if you are happy with your scores) for future reference and use . This will serve to get your shooting prowess on record by a third party in case it is ever needed in the future in some legal matter. This is also something your church might like to have for their records if you are a member of a church security team.

 

As far as the courts are concerned if it isn’t documented it didn’t happen so this is an opportunity to get some official scores on paper in case you ever need them . Not only that but it will be a good day of shooting some somewhat challenging and well known courses of fire.

 

This is an EXCELLENT chance to bring someone you know who might need a “reality check” on where their skills actually are. We all know people who are gun owners who keep threatening to get some training. The training days (especially the pistol qual day) are a great way to get them into that and show them what is possible with some directed practice and see where they REALLY are at their present skill level. And it is a good chance to get to meet people with the same interests that don’t think you are “crazy”.

 

And just a final reminder EVERYONE is welcome ! The TN/GA/AL Training Group started as a way for alumni of classes taught by Randy Harris to get together and stay current on skills and get some coaching in a one day format at a discounted price from what a normal class would cost. As it continued to grow we opened it up to ANYONE who is interested in coming out and learning some skills and just seeing what it is that we do and meet some new people with the same interests. So even if you are not an alum of one of my classes you are welcome to come join us!

 

[May 27 " How Qualified Are You?" Pisgah AL]

Reminder ! This one is coming up at the end of next week !