Now we begin the one-handed shooting portion of the Rogers Shooting School test.
Stage 5: strong hand only, from the holster, 2.5 seconds
Maximum points: 14
T1 + one other head appear; repeats 7 times
Tip #1: Know the sequence. It is not random. Knowing which two targets are coming up means you spend zero time searching. The T1 plate always comes up, and one other plate comes up with it each of the seven strings of fire. In order, the second plate will be: 4, 6, 2, 5, 7, 3, 4. So the first time, it’s T1 + T4; the second time, it’s T1 + T6; etc. If nothing else, there is a certain confidence boost that comes from knowing exactly what is going to happen instead of waiting to react to it. Rather than memorize the sequence, I find it easiest simply to have it written down on the table next to my shooting position. I’ve seen other shooters write it on a 3×5 card and tape it next to the doorway shooting port.
Tip #2: Manage your ammunition. There is plenty of time for make up shots but only if you have enough ammunition. Don’t holster your gun for the next string of fire unless you are absolutely certain you have at least four or five rounds in the gun. The instructors are watching and will not begin the next string until you are loaded up and holstered properly. You may use both hands to reload the gun during this part of the test.
Tip #3: Have a good strong hand only draw. Between this part of the test and the next you’ll perform eight SHO draws… while you only perform four 2-handed draws total throughout the entire test.
Tip #4: This will sound like a broken record at this point, but don’t leave T1 until it’s knocked over. If you miss T1 on the draw, stay with it and knock it down. All too often people miss T1 and then don’t get to the second target in time to knock it over, scoring zero for that string. Knock over T1 every single time. Even if you score an edge hit that doesn’t drop the plate, stay and fire at it again until it goes down. Remember, if you hit T1 twice during a string of fire you’ll get the maximum (2) points regardless of whether you also knocked over the second target.
Here is a video of me shooting it clean:
You’ll note that on the second string, per Tip #4 above, I didn’t knock over T1 on the first hit so I had to shoot it again. While I didn’t have time to knock over the second plate (T6), I had two hits on T1 so I scored all possible points.
Train hard & stay safe! ToddG