Since I have already armed myself with the legalities of shouldering a firearm with a brace, it’s now time to head out to the range and shoot the Springfield Armory SAINT Victor 9mm PDW. I met with my friend, Andrew Blubaugh, a retired peace officer and firearms trainer, to help me sight in the Trijicon optic I wanted to use. The morning turned into a training session as he shared some mechanical offset drills, using a target he created as his business card for Apex Shooting and Tactics.
To prepare for the trip to the range, I spent some time at home figuring out where best to attach the optic to the rail. It took a little fiddling (that’s a technical term) and time as I presented the pistol (unloaded, of course) to determine where I had the best dot acquisition. If the optic had a taller mount, it would have been easier, but I made this one work for me.
Once on the range, after a quick bore sighting, we stepped out to 30 feet for the first shots. I asked Andrew why 30 feet? The gist of his response was that if I needed to use this pistol for self-defense, I really wouldn’t know at what distance I may have to shoot. By zeroing at 30 feet, mechanical offset is minimized at closer distances.
After some minor adjustments to the optic, we went back to 35 yards. I only had ball ammunition with me, so we didn’t get consistent groupings. That would be another time with a tripod and better ammo.
To run the mechanical offset drills, I used Andrew’s target, which is available for download on his website, apexshooting.com. The idea behind the drill is to determine mechanical offset at different distances. To begin the drill, I started at 21 feet, an across-the-room distance.
Set up the target horizontally on your backer. Using the matchstick symbol on the left (x), hold your dot on the circle at the top of the matchstick. Shoot that sight picture three times. Where the bullets impact the stick is your mechanical offset at that distance. Now, try to hit the circle at the top of the matchstick using that mechanical offset you just identified.
Next, try to shoot the Z, then the I, and finally the H in the center of each letter. Take your time and use the mechanical offset you just learned.
Looking at your target, you now have an idea of where to place your dot for a precision shot at that distance.
What’s great about this target is that you can also shoot it vertically and run the same drill. Move forward, reshoot the drill at each distance, and take photos labeled with the distances so you can look back whenever you need a reminder.
Once you understand and can visualize your mechanical offset, try this drill:
Bring a friend to the range and have her call out the letter for you to engage at the distances you have already practiced. Pay attention to how long it takes you to make the shot. Are you spending a little more time on the smaller target? You should! How accurate are you? Did you hit the middle of the letters? Do you need to reevaluate your mechanical offset at a specific distance? If you do, look back at the photos you took or go back to the beginning with the original drill.
If you decide to try this mechanical offset drill, get the measurements of different rooms in your home. Then run the drill at those distances so you know your mechanical offset should you need to use that firearm for self-defense.
On a side note, when you download Andrew’s target, the other side has a different target. Visit his YouTube channel and social media outlets to see more drills.
Facebook: @apexshootingtactics
Instagram: @apex_shooting_and_tactics_llc
Visit Springfield Armory to learn more about the SAINT Victor 9mm PDW.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
