TRAIN HARD
TRAIN NOT JUST TO GET IT RIGHT…TRAIN ‘TIL YOU CAN’T GET IT WRONG.
TRAINING TIPS
- There are many great books, videos, websites and classes available for the AR platform. The Redcat is an ideal companion for all of it! Use the RedCat to enhance any training session!
- The RedCat adapts to any training environment. You can use whatever you have on-hand as barriers and targets
- Always follow the basic rules of firearm safety: assume every gun is loaded, always point in a safe direction, finger off the trigger, know your target and what’s behind it.
- Keep these basic rules in mind as you set up. Consider your surroundings carefully…look for tripping and poking hazards, think through what you could be pointing at behind walls, inside and outside your house, across the street, etc…
- Use a shot timer with par time and delay features. See “before you start” in the core section below for details.
- Although the RedCat renders the rifle inert, make sure the area is cleared of all ammunition. Never, NEVER substitute dummy rounds with live rounds.
Click here to go to the homepage and review the RedCat intro videos showing the basics of dry fire training, dry fire training with the RedCat, install and removal, and how the RedCat works. Use the link there to return to this page.
BEFORE YOU START:
BASIC
Safety first: Always follow the basic rules of firearm safety: assume every gun is loaded, always point in a safe direction, finger off the trigger, know your target and what’s behind it. These rules are critically important even when dry firing.
Technique then speed: What good is your training if you’re just fast? This training page has both written instructions and demo videos for each drill. Review them often to ensure you are applying the exactly correct technique. Increase speed only after you are able to understand and apply the correct technique.
On your early attempts set an achievable par time and concentrate on proper form. As you get better, decrease the time while still maintaining proper form until you meet the time standard for mastery.
Keep your rifle clean and functional…not shiny and new. It’s gonna get dirty and scratched up as you put in the hard work. No need for a “battle worn” cerakote paint job.
CORE DRILLS:
Start with these core drills and master them with repetition. They will familiarize you with the RedCat and provide a strong foundation for you to be an excellent shooter.
DRILLS:
BASIC
PURPOSE: Run through and learn the basic function of the RedCat.
GOAL: Create the basic muscle memory of the live fire sequence of the AR platform using the RedCat so the controls operate just like they would with live rounds.
SET-UP: Rifle with the RedCat installed. Shot timer (optional). Three targets in a row 10ft – 20ft away.
PROCEDURE: Start facing the targets, with the rifle on “SAFE” and pointed down in a safe direction (the “low ready” position). Slowly bring the rifle to bear on the first target, As you raise the muzzle, switch the safety selector to “FIRE.” Engage the three targets. When finished, lower the rifle back to low ready. As you lower the rifle, switch the safety selector back to “SAFE.” Repeat this basic exercise over and over to build muscle memory and familiarize yourself with how the RedCat works.
STANDARDS: As you raised the rifle, did you switch the safety selector to fire? Did you engage all three targets? Did you re-engage the safety as you lowered the rifle?
MASTERY: Perform this sequence correctly in under three seconds ten times in a row. Use a shot timer and set the par time to three seconds to confirm.
PURPOSE: Highlight the advantage of training with the RedCat in a slightly more complex scenario.
GOAL: Use the RedCat to create the foundation for more advanced drills tailored specifically to your goals.
SET-UP: Rifle with RedCat installed. Shot timer (optional). Two sets of two targets in two rows 15ft – 30ft away. Position each set of targets about 15 ft away from each other.
PROCEDURE: With the RedCat installed, start facing the targets, with the rifle on “SAFE” and at the low ready. As you bring the rifle to bear on the first set of targets switch the safety selector to “FIRE.” Engage the two targets. Switch the safety selector to “SAFE” as you transition to the second set of targets. Once transitioned, switch the safety selector to “FIRE.” Engage the second set of targets. When finished, switch the safety selector to “SAFE” as you bring the rifle back to low ready
STANDARDS: As you raised the rifle, did you switch the safety selector to fire? As you transitioned, did you did you use the safety switch? Did you engage all four targets? Did you re-engage the safety as you lowered the rifle?
MASTERY: Performing this sequence correctly in under four seconds ten times in a row. Use a shot timer and set the par time to four seconds to confirm.
VIDEOS:
PRIMARY DRILLS:
The CORE and PRIMARY drills provide a foundation for training on the AR platform. Master these two sets of drills first.
DRILLS:
BASIC
Remember the movie Karate Kid? After days of “paint the fence” “sand the floor” and “wax on wax off,” Daniel-San is asked by Mr Miyagi to show him what he learned…and the deeper meaning these mundane tasks is revealed: true advancement in skill comes from proper technique and hard work.
Put in the time and your skill will grow rapidly. As you advance, use these drills as a warm up and to maintain your proficiency.
On PRIMARY 2, the first and second reload are different. Locking the bolt back sets you up for the first reload; which occurs when you run out of ammo. In this case, the chamber is empty and the bolt is locked back. After reload, you’ll need to release the bolt to chamber a round. The second reload occurs when you decide to reload before you run out of ammo. In this case, the rifle still has rounds, so the bolt is forward and a round is chambered. There is no need to release the bolt after reload.
PURPOSE: Practice loading and unloading the rifle.
GOAL: Make the administrative (manual of arms) tasks of the rifle second-nature. The less you need to think about these tasks the more confidence and situational awareness you will have as you advance.
SET-UP: Rifle unloaded with the RedCat installed and one magazine with dummy round(s). Shot timer (optional). Place the rifle and magazine on a table in front of you.
PROCEDURE: Pick up the rifle and confirm safe. LOAD: Pick up and insert the magazine into the magwell. Rack the bolt. Close the dust cover. Rifle is loaded. Bring the rifle to bear, switch to “FIRE.” Place two rounds into an imaginary target, switch to “SAFE.” UNLOAD: Press the Mag Release to release the magazine. Pull the charging handle back to empty the chamber. Observe the round ejecting and verify the chamber and the magwell are clear. Release the charging handle. Close the dust cover. Rifle is unloaded.
STANDARDS: Attention to detail is the key for this drill. Was the magazine fully seated? Did you pull back the charging handle, successfully loading a round? Did you release it without riding the bolt forward? When unloading, did the magazine drop as you pressed the mag release? Did a round eject as you pulled the charging handle? Is the chamber empty after unload? Is the dust cover closed?
MASTERY: Performing this sequence correctly in under 25 seconds ten times in a row. You can use a shot timer and set the par time to 25 seconds to confirm.
PURPOSE: Practice reloading the rifle.
GOAL: Same as PRIMARY 1…but there are key differences in the reload sequence you should practice in a separate drill.
SET-UP: Rifle with the RedCat installed and three magazines with dummy round(s). Shot timer (optional). Belt with mag pouches (optional). Lock the bolt back, verify the chamber is empty and insert one magazine. Place the rifle on a table in front of you. Place the other magazines in the pouches or on the table.
PROCEDURE: Pick up the rifle and confirm safe. Switch to “FIRE.” Place two rounds into an imaginary target, switch to “SAFE.” FIRST RELOAD: Press the Mag Release to release the magazine. Pick up and insert the new magazine into the magwell. Press the bolt release (paddle) to chamber a new round. Switch to “FIRE.” Place two rounds into an imaginary target, switch to “SAFE.” SECOND RELOAD: Press the Mag Release to release the magazine. Pick up and insert the new magazine into the magwell. Switch to “FIRE.” Place two rounds into an imaginary target, switch to “SAFE.” Unload. Lock the bolt back.
STANDARDS: was the magazine fully seated? When reloading, did the magazine drop as you pressed the mag release? Did a round eject as you pulled the charging handle? Is the chamber empty after unload? Is the bolt locked back?
MASTERY: Perform this sequence correctly in under 25 seconds ten times in a row. You can use a shot timer and set the par time to 25 seconds to confirm.
**Tailor this drill by focusing on only the reload sequence. Start with a magazine inserted into the rifle. Release the magazine and insert the new magazine into the magwell. Release the magazine and insert the new magazine into the magwell…and so-on. You can add manipulation of the safety switch and the bolt release into the sequence as well. RedCat and dummy rounds optional.
VIDEOS:
ADVANCED/EXPERTS:
Maintain the same repetition outlined above and tailor your training to your specific focus. Firearms skills are very perishable and demand repetition.
DRILLS:
ADV/EXP
As you advance and become comfortable with your rifle be wary of over-confidence and complacency. Missing and/or skipping steps can have serious consequences.
Continue practicing the core and primary drills to stay sharp–and never compromise on safety.
When you become advanced, the 4 basic rules of safety should come naturally. If you are a military or LE professional, you have gone through training and may have qualification requirements. Use these drills to enhance your advancement and to stay sharp. As an instructor, home defender or competitor use these drills to help adapt yourself quickly to new skills and new techniques.
Being an expert is about maintaining the skills you have. Recency is critical at this level–and you must regularly train to maintain very high standards.
PURPOSE: Add complexity and movement.
GOAL: Create the foundation for more advanced drills tailored specifically to your goals.
SET-UP: Use three sets of two targets 15ft – 30ft away. Position each set of targets about 15 ft away from each other with the last set of targets around a corner or barrier.
PROCEDURE: With the RedCat installed, start facing the first set of targets, with the rifle on “SAFE” and at low ready. Raise the rifle, switch to “FIRE” and engage the first set of targets. Switch to “SAFE” and transition to the second set of targets. Switch to “FIRE” and engage the second set of targets. Switch to “SAFE” go to high ready and move to the third set of targets. As the third set of targets come into view, continue moving into position, raise the rifle, switch to “FIRE” and engage the last set of targets as they come into view. When finished, switch the safety selector to “SAFE” as you bring the rifle back to low ready
STANDARDS: As you raised the rifle, did you switch the safety selector to fire? As you transitioned, did you did you use the safety switch? Did you engage all four targets? Did you re-engage the safety as you lowered the rifle?
MASTERY: Performing this sequence correctly in under 8 seconds ten times in a row.
PURPOSE: Maintain high proficiency and muscle memory long-term.
GOAL: Experts know that they must train regularly to stay sharp. This is a simple drill is designed to keep you sharp anywhere when more formal training is not available.
SET-UP: You only need your rifle and the RedCat.
PROCEDURE: Unload and clear. Install RedCat. With your upcoming event(s) in mind, pick objects around you to simulate targets you may encounter. Start on “SAFE” and at the low ready. Bring the rifle to bear on the first set of targets, switch to “FIRE,” engage. Switch to “SAFE,” transition, switch to fire, engage. Repeat until all targets addressed, back to “SAFE,” back to low ready. When complete, remove RedCat.
STANDARDS: As you raised the rifle, did you switch the safety selector to fire? As you transitioned, did you did you use the safety switch? Did you engage all four targets? Did you re-engage the safety as you lowered the rifle?
MASTERY: This drill is designed to maintain your mastery.
VIDEOS:
HOME DEFENSE DRILLS:
Home defense with a firearm is risky…and a good home defense plan goes well beyond the use of a firearm. To minimize risk, these drills emphasize positive threat identification and exact/correct use of the controls.
DRILLS:
DEFENDER
A firearm is only a small part of a good home defense plan. Like a fire drill, an effective home defense plan involves all members of the household and includes many components like answering the door, reinforcing points of access, alarm systems, cameras, secure quick-access storage, escape routes, meeting points, safe rooms, safe words, emergency contacts, first aid, the law (local, state and federal) and more.
Educate yourself using the many resources out there on how to safely defend your home.
Using a firearm to defend your home is an awesome responsibility. Every member of the household should should understand their own roles and responsibilities. Whether you use the RedCat or not, please take this responsibility very seriously and do your absolute best. Carefully research, learn, plan and rehearse defending your home. This will minimize any chance of a tragic mistake.
PURPOSE: Quickly and safely access your rifle to engage a single intruder.
GOAL: Concentrate on the “mechanics” of safely defending your home as quickly as possible. Safely stand down once the threat is removed.
SET-UP: Rifle “cruiser ready” [Safety selector “SAFE” magazine “LOADED” chamber “EMPTY”] RedCat installed. Stage the rifle on a table. Use one target, a shot timer and two dummy rounds in a magazine. Set up the target so you have to move to it. Have a friend or family member assist with the timer if possible.
PROCEDURE: Stand 5 to 10 yards away facing the opposite direction. At the buzzer, turn around and grab the rifle. Confirm safe and rack the bolt to chamber a round.** Move to the target, switch to “FIRE” and engage the target. When finished, lower the muzzle and switch back to “SAFE.“ Unload and clear your rifle.
STANDARDS: You were safe and deliberate in all your actions? After the area is confirmed safe, was the rifle unloaded and the chamber cleared?
MASTERY: Depending on the training area, this drill should not take longer than 15-20 seconds.
**Rifle configurations will vary. Tailor this drill to match your configuration.
PURPOSE: Quickly and safely access your rifle to engage a variable set of intruder(s) and protect a variable set of occupant(s).
GOAL: Accomplish everything in DEFENDER 1 but concentrate on positively identifying and engaging threats and keeping everyone else safe.
SET-UP: Rifle “cruiser ready” Rifle “cruiser ready” [Safety selector “SAFE” magazine “LOADED” chamber “EMPTY”] RedCat installed. Set up four targets 10ft away from each other, placed around corners and behind barriers. Mark each target A, B, C and D. and have a friend randomly arrange the targets. Shot timer set with par time.
PROCEDURE: At the buzzer, turn around and grab your rifle. As you grab the rifle rack the bolt to chamber a round, Your friend calls out the target(s) (in this example, let’s say “B”). Confirm safety “SAFE” and round chambered. Begin to move toward each target. Identify the first target. Target “A” is friendly. Keep the rifle at the low ready and move on. While still moving, transition to the second and third target. Identify the targets. Target “C” and “D” are friendly. Keep the rifle at the low ready and move on. While still moving, transition to the third target. Identify the target. Target “B” is the intruder. Safety selector – FIRE. Fire two rounds into the far target. Safety selector – SAFE. Once the home is safe unload and clear the weapon.
STANDARDS: You were safe and deliberate in all your actions? Did you properly identify, engage and neutralize the target? Did you safely handle your weapon in front of friendlies? After the area is confirmed safe, was the rifle unloaded and the chamber cleared?
MASTERY: Depending on the training area, this drill should not take longer than 15-20 seconds.
**Target layout will always vary.
**Rifle configurations will vary depending on your situation and preferences. Tailor this drill to match your configuration.
**When training with your firearm, do this drill in your garage, not in your home. Inside you home, use a block of wood, a bat, etc. and focus on cover, concealment, fields of fire and clearing.
**See defender notes for mor
VIDEOS:
COMPETITION DRILLS:
Set up mock stages that resemble a 3 GUN or a USPSA match. Both drills use dummy rounds and require loading before the drill and unloading after the drill.
DRILLS:
COMPETITION
AR platforms are the “go-to” choice for shooters competing at the local and national level in events including 3 Gun and USPSA.
Most competition shooting (where the RedCat can be an advantage) is a balance between speed and accuracy. Each stage is timed and the object is to hit the combination of targets as fast as possible.
Always thoroughly review the rules for each competition. They are set up with safety in mind and failure to follow them will result in stiff penalties that may include immediate disqualification from the event. Reading and understanding the rules will also reveal techniques you can practice and use to your advantage in competition.
PURPOSE: Learn to balance speed and accuracy in a more complex stage.
GOAL: Create good training habits to prevent penalties or disqualification and to improve your scores.
SET-UP: Establish which direction is downrange and which is up-range and note the 180-degree plane. In a competition, you should never point your rifle up-range (break the 180-degree plane). Use three sets of two targets. Position the first set of targets toward the front of the range. Position the second set of targets behind the first set to prompt movement around the first set. Position the last set of targets around a corner or barrier. Load two magazines with two dummy rounds each. Configure the rifle [Safety selector “SAFE” magazine “LOADED” chamber “ROUND CHAMBERED”]. Have the second magazine on your person to preform a reload. Have a friend or family member assist with the shot timer if possible.
PROCEDURE: Start facing the first set of targets, with the rifle on “SAFE” and at low ready. On the buzzer, raise the rifle, switch to “FIRE” and engage the first set of targets. Switch to “SAFE” and move to the second set of targets. Switch to “FIRE” and engage the second set of targets. Switch to “SAFE” and move to the third set of targets. Reload. As the third set of targets come into view, continue moving into position, raise the rifle, switch to “FIRE” and engage the last set of targets as they come into view. When finished, switch the safety selector to “SAFE” as you bring the rifle back to low ready and stop the timer. Unload and show clear.
STANDARDS: As you raised the rifle, did you switch the safety selector to fire? As you transitioned, did you did you use the safety switch? Did you engage all four targets? Did you re-engage the safety as you lowered the rifle? Were you safe and deliberate in all your actions. Is the chamber empty?
MASTERY: Performing this sequence correctly in under 15 seconds ten times in a row.
PURPOSE: Learn how to set up for multi gun events.
GOAL: Create good training habits to prevent penalties or disqualification and to improve your scores.
SET-UP: Use two sets of 3 targets in two rows 15ft – 30ft away. Position each set of targets about 15 ft away from each other. You will use your rifle and a pistol for this drill. Load one magazine with two dummy rounds for your pistol and one for your rifle. Load and chamber a round for both the rifle and the pistol. Switch both to “SAFE.”** Place the pistol on a table in front of you.
PROCEDURE: Start facing the first set of targets, with the rifle on “SAFE” and at low ready. On the buzzer, raise the rifle, switch to “FIRE” and engage the first set of targets. Switch to “SAFE” and place the rifle on the table. Grab the pistol and aim at the second set of targets. Switch to “FIRE” and engage the second set of targets. When finished, switch to “SAFE” as you bring the pistol back to low ready and stop the timer. Unload the pistol, show clear and place the pistol on the table. Unload the rifle, show clear and place the rifle on the table.
STANDARDS: As you raised the weapons, did you properly use the safety selector(s)? As you transitioned, did you did you use the safety selector(s)? Did you engage all targets? Did you re-engage the safety as you lowered the weapons? Were you safe and deliberate in all your actions? Are the weapons unloaded and clear?
MASTERY: Performing this sequence correctly in under 10 seconds ten times in a row.
**Some pistols used in competition do not have a safety selector. Omit this step if yours does not.
VIDEOS:
MILITARY AND POLICE DRILLS:
The RedCat is suited for individual and group settings of all types. The RedCat is also ideal for team rehearsals. With the extensive guidance and wide variation of exercises possible, it would be impractical to suggest specific exercises in this section. Instead here are two broad focuses the RedCat would be ideal to employ.
DRILLS:
MILPOL
Of course, missions vary widely, and the possibilities are endless. The RedCat is ideal for:
Practicing basic procedures and for rehearsing scenarios including recon, patrols, force protection, CQB, convoy escort, security, rescue, CSAR, assaults and more.
Practicing techniques including fundamentals, target ID, neutralizing targets, turning procedures, target transitions, trigger and sight management, shooting while moving, communication, fields of fire and more.
The RedCat is ideal for all skill levels from basic trainees and rookies to Special Operators and SWAT Team members.
It is highly recommended to establish processes to ensure the RedCat is installed and removed at the correct time.
PURPOSE: Train anytime, anywhere, separately from the rest of your team to stay sharp.
GOAL: Maintain peak readiness in an individual level. During group training and rehearsals, the team can focus on more advanced techniques…and spend less time reviewing the basics.
SET-UP: Use space anywhere you can. Use surrounding objects around you to simulate targets. Ideal whether garrisoned or deployed.
PROCEDURE: What you practice can vary widely. You can focus on a specific drill like basic 2, a specific movement like switching the safety as you raise and lower the rifle or focus on your role in a broader mission set. This is a good time to focus on your weak points and perhaps turn a weakness into a strength. This is a good time to make sure you are fully prepared for a mission.
MASTERY: n/a.
Upon completion of training, remove the RedCat, and restore your rifle to mission configuration or as directed.
PURPOSE: Enhance realism during formal training and rehearsals.
GOAL: Using the RedCat during group training and rehearsals, you and your team can concentrate on more advanced aspects of training.
SET-UP: Use all the same equipment and facilities…just add the RedCat during the dry-fire rehearsal portion of the training.
PROCEDURE: Use the RedCat to take away one non-realistic aspect of the AR platform: the safety switch locking on the trigger pull. This allows more focus on other areas of the training and eliminates racking the bolt to switch back to “SAFE” and/or tapping your finger above the trigger to prevent the trigger from releasing the hammer.
MASTERY: n/a.
Upon completion of training, it is recommended that leaders/instructors specifically instruct the group to remove the RedCat (unless mission dictates otherwise).
VIDEOS:
DRILLS FOR GROUP SETTINGS:
The RedCat is suitable for firearms courses, basic training, advanced training and close quarters marksmanship (CQM).
DRILLS:
GROUP
Some of the most consistent feedback I get is from instructors. It’s a great feeling, knowing that the RedCat is installed in the rifle while we’re working in the classroom. We can practice manipulating the controls and work with dummy rounds and keep the classroom safe.
The RedCat is very suitable for large group environments as well. With no parts to remove the risk of losing components is negligible.
PURPOSE: In a group setting, run through and learn the basic functions of the AR platform.
GOAL: Familiarize trainees with the platform and demonstrate the correct live fire sequence of the AR platform prior to live fire.
SET-UP: Set up for live fire. Have trainees use their same target(s) for the dry fire sequence with the RedCat.
PROCEDURE: Unload and clear the rifle. With the RedCat removed, demonstrate the issue with the safety switch. Have the trainees aim, switch to “FIRE,” engage the target and try to switch back to “SAFE.” Explain the issue. Now, with the RedCat installed, run through the same sequence. Explain to the trainees that this is how the rifle will operate with live rounds. Perform part or all of the live fire sequence with rifle unloaded and the RedCat installed. If able, use a magazine with two dummy rounds to demonstrate reload. Once complete, remove the RedCat and conduct the live fire training.
MASTERY: Students gain an understanding of the differences in how the controls operate during dry fire training and the importance of effective dry fire training.
PURPOSE: Indoctrinate new arrivals into the unit.
GOAL: Experts arriving to a new unit will face unfamiliar procedures and equipment that are used in conjunction with the AR platform. Use the RedCat to safely and realistically train new arrivals.
SET-UP: Set up as the unit sees fit.
PROCEDURE: Verify unloaded and clear. Install RedCat. Train on the new unit’s procedures and equipment. When complete, remove RedCat.
MASTERY: New arrivals gain familiarity with the new unit’s equipment and procedures used in conjunction with the AR platform.
VIDEOS:
FINAL THOUGHTS:
BASIC
The drills outlined here are a detailed breakdown of the business at hand…building muscle memory to operate the AR platform safely and confidently. There is no shortcut here.
Building muscle memory: You can’t fake proficiency. It only comes from proper training–engaging the brain to properly build muscle memory. Proper training requires study for accuracy and work for repetition and recency.
This is what the RedCat was built for.
