Anyone make the transition to the FIST-FIRE method?

[bumpster]

I just watched the Surgical Point Shooting video and was very impressed. It really caught my attention for a reason not mentioned, and that is vision problems. I have been trained in the "focus on the front sight" method, but my aging eyes increasingly see only a blur out there at the end of my pistol. Has anyone here made the transition to this method, and how did it go? Did you have to "unlearn" many habits? Any comments about fron sight visibility, and it's role in this method? Thanks!

[tnroadrunner]

I have the same problem bumster except I have no vision in right eye.  I've been right handed all my life and when I bought my first pistol after moving from an anti gun state and found out all my shots were going left.  So the store where I bought my pistol said see if I could shoot lefty which I did and have ever since.  So this Fist-Fire method would be real good to learn.

[purple88yj]

Care to expand a little into the technique(s) involved in this Fist-Fire?

[D.R. Middlebrooks]

Hi Guys, 

FIST-FIRE is the most comprehensive system of handgun shooting & fighting ever devised. We've been using the techniques since '98 with great success. Here's some testimonials:

http://www.tacticalshooting.com/testimonials.html

Basically, the foundation of the system is based upon the (3) Primary levels of Weapons presentation: Guard, Partial & Full Extension.

We Index Shoot from Retention of the Guard, Point Shoot from Partial Extension of the Reverse Weaver and Surgically Shoot from Full Extension of the Reverse Chapman where we look "at or through" the sights.

Then there are the several "default" shooting positions, too, which makes shooting in any situation fluid, as we flow in and out of different presentations quite easily. It's all based upon the science of Index & Point Shooting.

It's all covered in great detail the Fist-Fire Book and in on the new DVD's.

Cheers,

D.R. Middlebrooks - CEO
Tactical Shooting Academy
www.TacticalShooting.com

[purple88yj]

So essentially you are talking about a point shooting method?

The videos on this website show the method in action, but discusses nothing of the mechanics. Can point shooting be done? Absolutely. Is it effective, Yes. With practice, this method could be performed by any shooter with varying degrees of proficiency.

How does "Fist-Fire" differ from other schools of thought on the point/instinctive shooting techniques (take Col. Rex Applegate for example)?

[Sponsor]

[D.R. Middlebrooks]

So essentially you are talking about a point shooting method?

No, it's much more than that...

FIST-FIRE is a multi-dimensional system of shooting using Retention Shooting (one or two handed), Point Shooting (one or two handed) and Surgical Shooting (using both sighted and non sighted fire).  These are the foundations of the system. There are other "Default" Shooting positions as well...

Because we don't use any (1) method of presenting the gun, there are NO LIMITING factors.  It doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing, we have ALL aspects of the entire spectrum covered, allowing you shoot and hit reliably especially in low light.

How does "Fist-Fire" differ from other schools of thought on the point/instinctive shooting techniques (take Col. Rex Applegate for example)?

F-A-S is "Old School" Point Shooting, which is (1) Dimensional  at best, and quite dated (sorta like Weaver or Chapman stances are today).  Whereas FIST-FIRE is a multi-dimensional system of shooting using Retention Shooting (one or two handed), Point Shooting (one or two handed) and Surgical Shooting (using both sighted and non sighted fire).  These are the foundations of the system. Then there are other "Default" Shooting positions as well.

Because we don't use any (1) method of presenting the gun or any (1) stance, there are NO LIMITING factors in F-F.  It doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing, we have the entire spectrum' of defensive and offensive shooting covered. Much of this will be explained in the next series of videos Michael Bane has in store. 

Cheers,

D.R. Middlebrooks - CEO
Tactical Shooting Academy
www.TacticalShooting.com

[purple88yj]

I don't want to sound like I am trying to dis-credit you or your method, but I am looking for more mechanics than advertising propaganda.

The Applegate method was taught to GI's that were in OSS training during WWII. He would normally get guys with little to no training, and would have to teach them a method of instinctive shooting usually in one day or less.

The late Col. Cooper also developed a similar style of shooting commonly used in IPSC competitions and by LEO's around the world.

The principles involved in both of these examples can be and have been described in detail. As with any shooting techniques, proper training should be sought by anyone wishing to employ these methods, and I understand that you have your own training camp, and train instructors in your methods as well. What I am trying to understand is: why is your method better than antone elses. In other words: sell me on buying training time in your camp. With the bevy of shooting schools across the nation such as LFI, Thunder Ranch, Valhalla, Gunsite, and Blackwater out there, what is it about your method, and other training courses you offer, that makes it different enough to warrant scheduling time as your pupil?

Again, I am not trying to be argumentative, nor am I trying to dis-credit. I am simply wanting to see what sets your courses apart from the Clint Smith's, Rob Pincus's, and Massad Ayoob's of the shooting world.

[bumpster]

I am looking forward to the next video installment on this method. Thanks for the reply D.R.

[flashman70]

Oh, this is about firearms....

[D.R. Middlebrooks]

The principles involved in both of these examples can be and have been described in detail. As with any shooting techniques, proper training should be sought by anyone wishing to employ these methods, and I understand that you have your own training camp, and train instructors in your methods as well. What I am trying to understand is: why is your method better than antone elses. In other words: sell me on buying training time in your camp. With the bevy of shooting schools across the nation such as LFI, Thunder Ranch, Valhalla, Gunsite, and Blackwater out there, what is it about your method, and other training courses you offer, that makes it different enough to warrant scheduling time as your pupil?

Again, I am not trying to be argumentative, nor am I trying to dis-credit. I am simply wanting to see what sets your courses apart from the Clint Smith's, Rob Pincus's, and Massad Ayoob's of the shooting world.

It's something called "Down Range" performance...

In my camp we are serious shooters and believe that ONLY performance counts. That said, myself and my certified Instructors have won following major shooting titles using the FIST-FIRE techniques:

1st Place: 1998 Winchester World Challenge - Stock Gun World Champion

1st Place: 1998 Virginia State IDPA  - ESP State Champion

1st Place: 1998 West Virginia IDPA -- ESP State Champion

1st Place: 1998 West Virginia IDPA - Ladies State Champion

1st Place: 1998 North Carolina IDPA -- ESP State Champion

1st Place: 1998 Eastern Regional IDPA - ESP Champion

1st Place: 1998 Eastern Regional IDPA Ladies Champion

1st Place: 1998 Florida State IDPA - ESP Champion

1st Place: 1998 Florida State IDPA - Ladies Champion

1st Place: 1999 World Shoot Off - Stock Gun Champion

1st Place: 1999 Tennessee State IDPA - SSP Champion

1st Place: 2000 Eastern Regional IDPA - CDP Champion

1st Place: 2000 Blackwater Challenge - CDP Champion

1st Place: 2000 Blackwater Challenge - Ladies Champion

1st Place: 2000 World Shoot Off - IDPA Champion

1st Place: 2000 IDPA Nationals - ESP National Champion

1st Place: 2000 Virginia State IDPA - ESP Champion

1st Place: 2000 Virginia State IDPA - Ladies Champion

1st Place: 2000 Tennessee State IDPA - ESP Champion

1st Place: 2001 World Shoot Off - Stock Gun Champion

1st Place: 2001 World Shoot Off - IDPA Champion

1st Place: 2001 World Shoot Off - Jr. Stock Gun World Champion

1st Place: 2001 World Shoot Off - Ladies Stock Gun World Champion

1st Place: 2001 Blackwater Challenge - Match Champion

1st Place: 2001 Blackwater Challenge - SSP Champion

1st Place: 2001 Blackwater Challenge - Ladies Champion

1st Place: 2001 Blackwater Challenge - SSP Champion

1st Place: 2001 Virginia State IDPA - SSP Champion

1st Place: 2001 Virginia State IDPA Ladies Champion

1st Place: 2002 Mid-West Regional IDPA - SSP Regional Champion

1st Place: 2002 Carolina Cup IDPA - SSP State Champion

1st Place: 2002 Carolina Cup IDPA - Ladies State Champion

1st Place: 2002 Commonwealth Cup IDPA - Ladies State Champion

1st Place: 2002 Winchester World Challenge - IDPA World Champion

1st Place: 2002 World Shoot Off - IDPA World Champion

1st Place: 2002 World Shoot Off - Stock Gun World Champion

1st Place: 2002 All Navy Match - All Navy National Champion

1st Place: 2002 Florida State IDPA - ESP State Champion

1st Place: 2002 Tennessee State IDPA - SSP State Champion

1st Place: 2002 Southern Regional IDPA - SSP State Champion

1st Place: 2002 Mississippi State IDPA - SSP State Champion

1st Place: 2003 Virginia Indoor IDPA - ESP Regional Champion

1st Place: 2003 Virginia Indoor IDPA - SSP Regional Champion

1st Place: 2003 Southern Regional IDPA - SSP Regional Champion

1st Place: 2003 Tennessee State IDPA - SSP State Champion

1st Place: 2003 PSA Shootout - Stock Gun Speed Steel Champion

1st Place: 2003 Alabama IDPA - ESP State Champion

1st Place: 2003 Kentucky-Tennessee IDPA - SSP Regional Champion

1st Place: 2003 Commonwealth Cups IDPA - SSP Champion

1st Place: 2003 Winchester Challenge - IDPA World Champion

1st Place: 2003 World Shoot Off - Jr. Stock Gun World Champion

1st Place: 2003 World Shoot Off - IDPA World Champion

1st Place: 2003 Steel Challenge - IDPA World Speed Shooting Champion

1st Place: 2004 Virginia Indoor IDPA - ESP Regional Champion

1st Place: 2004 Indiana State IDPA - SSP State Champion

1st Place: 2004 Southern Regional IDPA - ESP Regional Champion

1st Place: 2004 Mid-West Regional IDPA - SSP Regional Champion

1st Place: 2004 Winchester World Challenge - IDPA World Champion

1st Place: 2004 World Shoot Off - Jr. Stock Gun World Champion

1st Place: 2004 World Shoot Off - IDPA World Shoot Off Champion

1st Place: 2004 Steel Challenge - IDPA World Speed Shooting Champion

1st Place: 2004 N.C. RECON 3-Gun Championships - Match Champion

1st Place: 2004 N.C. Tactical Invitational 3-Gun Championship - Match Champion

1st Place: 2004 IDPA Nationals - ESP National Champion

1st Place: 2005 Virginia Indoor IDPA - ESP Regional Champion

1st Place: 2005 Arkansas State IDPA - SSP State Champion

1st Place: 2005 PSA Shootout - Stock Gun Speed Steel Champion

1st Place: 2005 Maryland State IDPA - ESP State Champion

1st Place: 2005 USPSA Area 6 Championships - Limited-10 Champion

1st Place: 2005 MGM IRONMAN 3-Gun Championships - Tactical Champion

1st Place: 2005 N.C. RECON 3-Gun Championships - Match Champion

1st Place: 2005 Carolina Tactical Invitational 3-Gun - Match Champion

1st Place: 2005 Steel Challenge - IDPA ESP World Speed Shooting Champion

1st Place: 2005 IDPA Nationals - ESP National Champion

1st Place: 2005 IDPA Nationals - ESP National Champion

1st Place: 2006 Mason-Dixon 3-Gun Championships - Tactical Champion

1st Place: 2006 Arkansas USPSA 3-Gun Championships - Limited State Champion

1st Place: 2007 Tri State Regional IDPA Championships - SSP Champion

This data proves that the FIST-FIRE shooting methods work "as good or better" than anything Top Pro Shooters are using today. Yet it blends seemlessly with modern Mixed Martial Arts fighting techniques. This is why it's being endorsed by MMA experts.

Further, we have tested FIST-FIRE in 'Force on Force' scenarios where SIMUNUTIONS were used on resisiting opponents. And I'm not talking about a few thousand rounds, I'm talking hundreds of thousands... 

Bottom Line: My camp is made up of Pro Shooters and Mixed Martial Artists who only care about one thing: Finding out "What works and what doesn't" in regards to Tactical Shooting techniques. So, if you can show us a better way to shoot a handgun, we're all for it.

Until that day...

D.R. Middlebrooks - CEO
Tactical Shooting Academy
www.TacticalShooting.com