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FIRE A R M S TAC T I C S Coming to the tablet edition: Watch Lindsey practice on a negative target using traditional draw-shoot-create distance strategy BY LINDSEY BERTOMEN An IDPA (International Defense Pistol Association) style target, also referred to as a "negative" target, assists in practicing a consistent, close quarters draw. Shooting in the hole Three firearms experts weigh in on close quarter shooting tactics D ifferent firearms instructors have different opinions about the most efficient way to train for shooting in the hole. In fact, many of us have different names for contact and near-contact shooting. Me, I like "in the hole." I have heard, "in the crucible," "point blank" and several others. In any case, it defines the area where the threat is close enough to touch. Statistically, the hit ratio of close encounters is relatively low, even when officer and assailant are within a contact distance. One study (in one region) 38 Law Enforcement Technology found that hits were about 43 percent for shootings within six feet. There could be a lot of reasons why the numbers seem low, but it could also be argued that these numbers aren't bad, considering the factors. Regardless, this article is an examination of some of the training considerations for shooting "in the hole". The biggest problem with shooting in the hole is the fact that all options are counterintuitive. Within the realm of close quarters battle, one option is to shoot at close distance, another is to fight, rather than draw, and yet another is to August 2013 www.officer.com shoot and create distance. Which option is the best in extreme close quarters? They all are, depending on the tactical situation and the strengths of the officer. Inside the hole, the officer has to do one of two things: stay ahead of the sequence of events, or short-circuit the OODA Loop. These strategies have two completely different outcomes. The truth is, officers need to prepare themselves to engage at all distances. Within the hole, the level of sight alignment changes as the distance increases or decreases. As the threat