In my opinion, while Jeff brought a lot to the world of practical pistol shooting his "Modern Technique" is found wanting when applied to the real world.

According to NYPD reports from stats on 1000s and 1000s of shootings over decades, 90%ish of shootouts took place within 10' and most within 5'. This is published history and the FBI has just (within the last year) changed its training to focus on shooting within conversational distance as result of these facts.

If one will square off with a partner, both armed with gas airsoft pistols within this 10' distance it will become instantly clear that no matter what, if one chooses to "stand and deliver" they will be shot regardless of whether or not they are able to hit their man.

If one accepts the fact that the absolute best outcome that can be hoped for in a shootout is to not be shot, then the Weaver stance, flash sight picture and controlled pair when faced with someone shooting at you from 5' simply does not work.

Force on force will very quickly show that to avoid being shot when faced by someone with a gun who wants to shoot you close up that your chances of success increase greatly if you jerk your sidearm and point shoot a burst one handed at your man while jumping sideways at the same time.

When Earp said to take your time and shoot carefully, he was not talking about being surprised at arms length by a bad guy.

In addition, anyone who fancies themselves with being "ready" is not unless they train force on force at arms length. Cardboard targets at 7 yards will not get you "ready".

Byron

I started shooting the handgun 56 years ago. My formal instruction in defensive/combat handgun shooting was slight. A couple of session with Bill Jordon on the river bank and a session with Bill Tony at the Border Patrol Academy was it. Both these guys taught me draw and fire with my eyes on the target and the pistol waist high. The range was short and shorter. I was then told to practice until I could do a good job of what needed to be done. I was also admonished to take up Bulleye Target shooting to learn about trigger squeeze, sight picture, proper grip and breath control. When I had that down, I should then learn to do it with two hands and I was finished.

I did as instructed and in a couple of years was a fair pistol shot up close and far away.

That was about the time when Col Cooper came on the scene. I read his stuff and was interested in what he was doing. I read about the Weaver stance and took a look at what I was doing and found I had found that was a natural stance for me and I was the blind squirrel that found the nut by accident. I was using the Weaver stance and didn't even know it.

I have never been in a gun fight, although I did have to pull the pistol twice. I carry a gun daily and feel confident in my ability to use it. I still practice what I learned from Jordon and Tony.

I read the article by Jim Wilson and feel he is spot on. I have never been to Gunsite or be trained by any guru. Somehow I don't feel the need I can no longer run, jump roll and all of that stuff. I will just have to stand my ground and use the skills I have and hope I come through. At any rate, I know I am not going to die young so survival isn't near the issue it was some years back.