Shooting From Behind and Around Cover - Handgun

In a real defensive encounter, standing flat-footed in the open is not an option. This block trains students to think, move, and fight from cover or concealment. Consideration and situational factors will drive your decision on when to choose the best course of action. This course will allow to explore each.

This is not static lane shooting. Students will work structured repetitions that build from controlled fundamentals to dynamic application.

Objective:
Develop the mindset and mechanical skill to fight smart — reducing exposure, maximizing survivability, and delivering accurate fire when it matters most.

Because in a real defensive encounter, it’s not if you’ll need to use cover — it’s when.

This class focuses on:

• Understanding Cover vs. Concealment
  What actually stops rounds — and what only hides you.
• Working Angles & Minimizing Exposure
  Proper body positioning behind barricades, vehicles, walls, stacked barrels, and VTAC-style barricades.
  Learn to “slice the pie” and expose only what is necessary to make the shot.
• Shooting Around Strong-Side & Support-Side Cover
  Dominant and non-dominant shoulder transitions.
  Efficient footwork and weight transfer for stability and recoil control.
• Shooting From Kneeling & Compressed Positions
  High kneel, low kneel, urban prone concepts (as appropriate to range safety).
• Using Cover for Emergency & Tactical Reloads
  Reloading behind hard cover without unnecessary exposure.
  Weapon management under stress.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure
  When to move.
  When to stay.
  When to disengage.

Required Participant Equipment Checklist

🔫 FIREARM & AMMUNITION

• Handgun (semi-automatic pistol or revolver)
• Must be in safe, serviceable condition
• Ammunition
• 250 rounds (factory ammunition only unless otherwise approved)

🛡 MANDATORY SAFETY EQUIPMENT

• Eye protection (ANSI-rated shooting glasses)
• Ear protection
• Earplugs, earmuffs, or electronic hearing protection

🧰 CARRY & SUPPORT GEAR

• Sturdy belt (capable of supporting holster weight)
• Holster (if instructed for course)
• Fully covers trigger guard
• No shoulder, cross-draw, or soft/nylon holsters unless approved
• Magazines (2–3 recommended for semi-automatic pistols)
• Speed loader (for revolvers, if applicable)

👕 PERSONAL ITEMS

• Government-issued photo ID
• Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops)
• Baseball cap or brimmed hat (recommended for brass deflection)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (outdoor range conditions)

RECOMMENDED (NOT REQUIRED)

• Range bag
• Notebook & pen
• Water or electrolyte drink
• Sunscreen / insect repellent
• Firearm owner’s manual (especially for new shooters)

🚫 DO NOT BRING

• Alcohol or drugs
• Unapproved firearms or ammunition
• Steel-core, tracer, or armor-piercing ammunition
• Firearms not listed in the course description

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES

• All firearms must arrive unloaded and cased, unless otherwise directed.
• Strict firearm safety rules will be enforced at all times.
• MMK Tactical instructors reserve the right to remove unsafe equipment or participants.

TRAIN WITH PURPOSE. TRAIN WITH DISCIPLINE.

MMK Tactical
Professional Firearms Training • Safety • Skill Development

Coach Marty Martin
USCCA & NRA Certified Instructor