Crescent City Concealed Carry and Firearms Training, LLC

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Tactical Anatomy Systems LLC Shooting with X-Ray vision Instructor course, at Meadhall Range.

The course was mainly taught by Dr James Stuart Williams “Doc”, as well as several other support instructors, Chuck Haggard, Troy Miller, Shane Kerwin, and Edwina Smith Parker.

There were 31 instructors from all over the country in attendance. TD1, began where “Doc” had every student give a very quick introduction and his presentation of the history of how Shooting with X-Ray vision came to be, as well as talking about Adult Learning Theory, where “Doc” talked about “cookbook teaching”, and how everyone is teachable, we just need to figure out the formula for each individual person by understanding how the students brain actually learns based on varying learning styles.

After a very short break, Doc took us into a deep dive of “The Tactical Imperative” where we discussed how deadly force training fails to address the universal human phobia against homicide, the ethical and political quagmire of the use of deadly force, and the expectation vs reality. For the remaining part of TD1, it was off to medical school of sorts.

As part of a working lunch, Doc began talking about the prevention of “FTN”(Failure to Neutralize). This began with the introduction of using 3D visualization to study the human body and to understand how shots on a human body don’t always do what they are designed to do, even though placement was good. An example that was talked about extensively was the 1986 FBI Miami shootout and wounds that platt sustained.

To help hammer home what bullets do in a human body, we all went down to the range where Chuck Haggard gave an excellent presentation on bullet design, ballistics and a demonstration of various manufacturers of defensive ammunition that consisted of 90, 115, 124, and 147 grain 9mm, 125 and 158 grain 38 special and 12 gauge slug and buckshot , all shot into ballistic gel fonusnto examine the permanent ans temporary wound channels. There were certainly many lessons Learned, one being that there are no magic bullets, and any manufacturer claiming such is just pure gimmick.

Once Chuck completed everything, it was back to the classroom, where Doc began covering the 3 zones of Incapacitation, Zone 1, High Chest( Mediastinum), Zone 2, Brainstem, and Zone 3, Lateral Pelvis. This is where the study of 3D anatomy really is important. As part of our learning and understanding of how shooting with X-Ray vision come into play, it is imperative that 3D modeling is utilized. To accomplish this, Doc has each student perform an exersise where the student puts on a white T shirt and as he demonstrates, the student follows and draws on their partners Tshirt exactly what Doc is drawing, explaining in detail why this is such an important exercise. After we completed the exercise, we all went outside and took the class pictures and that concluded our first day.

TD2 started with a quick review of TD1, as well as presentations from two guest instructors, Shane Kerwin who presented “Post fight and Response”, and Edwina Smith Parker, who gave us examples of the Socratic teaching methods. After their presentations, it was back to a deep dive into level 2, The brain stem, and utilized 3D examples from various angles to show how to reach it. This lead us back down to the range where we began to tie all of this together, we practiced actually live fire on 3D targets both for the brainstem as well as the torso shots paying careful attention to focus on delivery to good stuff as Doc references.

Once back in the classroom, we covered the benefits of computer simulator training and further reinforcement of anatomically correct targeting skills, by using advanced training modalities. To assist with this training, Bill Armstrong, gave us a presentation on what to expect and the benefits. Each student had the opportunity to run a different scenario, and had to provide their own feedback as to what went well and what could have been improved. To assist the students in learning, each student was also provided feedback by one of the Instructors as well. Once everyone completed their runs on the simulator, Doc talked about how to incorporate Shooting With X-Ray vision into the classes we teach and how to utilize and alter 2D targets as well as 3D targets to maximize the students learning experience.

This class is without a doubt the deepest dive on studying the human anatomy and how it relates to defensive shooting. If you are an Instructor, this is a required course for you to take, it will completely change your perspective, and as Doc said in class, “It’s now on us” to pass on this valuable knowledge to our students. This class is only offered once a year, it fills up fast, and next year could potentially be the last one, i suggest you follow Tactical AnatomySystems if want a chance to attend.

As anyone who has been to Meadhall Range, it is one of the nicest facilities to take a class. Bill and Sharla are outstanding host and do everything possible to make your stay as welcoming as possible, and let’s not forget the “cookie bars”, you can’t have just one. If you have an opportunity to train at Meadhall, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you Doc for such an awesome class and amazing experience.

Here are the class dates and registration links for all hosted trainers for the remainder of 2026

We are honored to be hosting many trainers this year. Many of our business pages have taken hits and are not being promoted, so I am listing all of the classes and links to registration. We look forward to seeing you in class.

Karl Rehn
Force on Force Instructor
Force on Force Scenarios
Advanced pistol

July 24,25 & 26

https://www.shootingclasses.com/class-registration/?classId=56656

https://www.shootingclasses.com/class-registration/?classId=56657

https://www.shootingclasses.com/class-registration/?classId=56658

Aqil Qadir
Rangemaster Combative pistol
September 26&27

https://site.corsizio.com/event/6945a8370a9f0d8f4d10cbbc

Tactical Anatomy Summit
November 14&15

https://www.tacticalanatomysummit.com/schedule/p/sorrento-la-november-14-15-2026

Erick Gelhaus
Pistol Mounted Optics Instructor
December 11,12 & 13

https://www.cougarmountainsolutions.com/event-details/pistol-mounted-optics-instructor-new-orleans

Pistol-Mounted Optics Instructor - Louisiana | Cougar Mtn Solutions The class focuses on actually teaching the use of the optic as well as developing and implementing a training program, for both law enforcement and other training providers.

You know that you have dedicated people who want to learn even when Mother Nature does not provide perfect weather. Luckily for us, The Deadwood Marshalls range provides a nice covered shooting bay to keep us and our gear mostly dry. We had several students come out today and learn the Gospel of the Gauge. Many had never seen the recoil mitigation technique that was taught today and by the end of class, they were running drills with no recoil or painful shoulders. The students took in a fire hose of information about the defensive shotgun and technique. All performed extremely well and massive learning occurred. The next iteration of this class will be September 12, 2026, link to register will be in the first comment. I would also like to thank those that came out to assist and help make class run so smoothly despite our weather conditions.

This past weekend we hosted our good friend Chuck Haggard where we beta tested his new course, Street Encounter tactics. In this class we covered
Critical skills and tactics needed to avoid, deter, deselect or prevail in a violent street encounter

There was also an introduction to the MUC concept, Managing Unknown Contacts, how to practically apply situational awareness skills, verbal agility, deterrence/deselection/de-escalation skills.
Recognizing pre-assault cues and how this drives decision making in a potential use of force encounter.

Less than lethal options “something between a harsh word and a gun” to avoid a potential lethal force encounter when possible, and where these fall in the decision making process.

Combative draw stroke from concealment
Close quarters shooting skills, dealing with the “how close is too close” problem as well as weapon retention skills, keeping your gun in the fight, movement and shooting, and shooting from retention.

Many of the drills shot also addressed The “Rule 4” problem in real life, dealing with bystanders and friendlies downrange to avoid a “friendly fire” tragedy,
Effective shooting at high speed and
Tactical Anatomy principles, to insure rapid incapacitation of a deadly threat.

If you haven’t trained with Chuck, you need to fix that, Chuck does an excellent job of communicating and explaining concepts and tactics to better our chances of surviving a violent incident. As an Instructor, we owe it to our students to pass on this knowledge. This is an excellent class and one that shoukd not be missed. When you see it pop up, dont wait, you will be greateful tha you did.

AAR TO FOLLOW

We hosted Greg Ellifritz this past weekend for his Extreme Close quarters gunfighting instructor development course, In Sorrento LA at the DeadwoodMarshals range. This class was made up of instructors from the local area as well as other instructors that traveled from several states to be here. We had great weather all weekend and a great learning experience was had by all. After I decompress, I will post an AAR. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Here are the first classes for the 2027 training calandar,

March 13&14, 2027

Jim Shanahan Advanced Performance Shooting, will return to Sorrento, LA to teach
Deliberate Responder Quantified Skills 2.0

https://www.shootingclasses.com/advanced-performance-shooting/course/?courseId=6432

April 10&11, 2027

Steve Moses Palaside Training Group, LLC, Steve will be here to teach his Church Security Instructor course in Sorrento LA

http://www.ptgtrainingllc.com/church-security-team-leader.html

April 24&25, 2027
Gabe White will bring his Pistol Shooting Solutions to Sorrento LA

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pistol-shooting-solutions-sorrento-la-april-24th-and-25th-2027-tickets-1986932227780

Church Security Team Leader Topics covered in this two-day course include the following: Developing a Mission Statement that includes input from the minister and possibly church leaders that defines the purpose of the security...

There are an only a few spots left, this class is kept small so that each person gets individual attention and coaching, don’t miss the opportunity to learn and embrace the Gauge for self defense.

DEFENSIVE SHOTGUN SKILLS LEVEL 1 — CRESCENT CITY CONCEALED CARRY AND FI****MS TRAINING, LLC This class is centered around and designed for the homeowner and private citizen. “The Defensive Shotgun" is one of the most versatile and effective weapons available to the private citizen and homeowner. History Has shown that Human conflict has not changed much. In Fact, human conflict still occ...

This is coming up in 4 weeks, don’t miss the opportunity to train with Chuck Haggard,

Street Encounter Tactics — Agile Training and Consulting Critical skills and tactics needed to avoid, deter, deselect or prevail in a violent street encounter. This two day course will examine in depth the skills and tactics needed to deter being a victim of a violent street encounter, and those needed to survive and prevail should that fail.

It has been a very busy couple of months, form hosting trainers to traveling and taking classes. This past weekend took me to Dallas at the awesome Dallas Pistol Club, where Greg Rice hosted Wayne Dobbs for his Service Revolver class. Class started Saturday morning in the main classroom where we had brief introductions and our safety briefing before heading out to the range.

Once out on the range, Wayne started off discussing proper trigger techniques, manipulations and proper loading of the revolver. We proceeded to shoot various drills, from Justin Dyal, Chuck Haggard, Ken Hackathorn, and Rangemaster, all chosen and designed to reinforce trigger techniques, manipulations, loading, as well as movement. Wayne started each drill with a particular short story of why we were shooting the drill and the importance of what the drill was covering. We only shot on 5” circles and 3” squares, when properly placed anatomically on a target represents the real world target area that could produce a psychological incapacitation. Wayne constantly reiterated that it’s the shot placement that matters. We were taken through various drills that not only tested accuracy and speed at CQB distance but also stretching out to 10 and 15 yards. We began the day with accuracy and we ended the day with an accuracy drill shot on a 3x5 sticker placed vertically and we had to make shots out to 10yards.

If you have not had the opportunity to train with Wayne Dobbs, you need to change that. Wayne is an excellent instructor that will make you think, is articulate in delivering information and provides excellent coaching, holding you accountable for mistakes, but at the same time provides the feedback to help you improve. The Service Revolver is an excellent class that helps you hone fundamentals for revolver shooting while at the same time is fun and passes on a wealth of knowledge. When you see this class pop up again, I highly recommend signing up, you will not be disappointed.

Last weekend, I attended the Symtac Consulting LLC Advanced Shotgun Skills class, hosted by Bill Armstrong at the awesome Meadhall Range. Anyone that has been to Mead Hall, knows the hospitality that both Bill and Sharla provide to their guest. If you have a chance to get to Mead Hall you won’t be disappointed.

TD1 started in the classroom where Rob Haught and Matt Haught discussed expectations of the class, what we would be learning as well as the safety briefing. Once out on the range, Matt stated”We don’t like to train stuff we are not good at, and you are about to embrace the uncomfortable.” The next set of range exercises were designed to take the students out of theit comfort and practice manipulations that we were not necessarily comfortable performing. After we warmed up a bit with some loading drills, we transitioned to some birdshot and ran through the Symtac School Drills, which led us into working heavily on the CQB position and short stocking, the importance of being able to shoot on the move and working several drills which would prepare us for the afternoon segment of TD1.

After lunch, we returned to the range where the students did a quick refresher on the 180 degree pivot and turns, all of which were blended into movement before and after the pivot and turns. All of this was in prep for the final skill drill of the day.

The final drill of the day was a shotgun drill created by Rob and Matt called the Symtac Sonoran Standards, based off the Mexican Defense Course, but re worked to make it shotgun friendly. The drill consisted of 5 stages, worth 30 points total and would be our first scored qualification. The drill was very challenging and incorporating all of the elements of the day. I scored a 29/30 on the course.

Rob concluded the day with a discussion on how our sub conscious kicks in during our training. He said that shooting the Sonoran Standards, is a typical drill that brings out the entire cognitive load and allows you to execute all task without a lot of conscious thought.

TD2 started with the school drills shot with buckshot and for a par time which would serve as a test run for one of our graded exercises. Once we completed the school drills, we moved into various movement drills which would demonstrate the simulation of moving between people, places and around structures all while moving to make accurate shots and maintaining muzzle discipline. These movement exercises were also conducted with blue range barrels which served as cover, people, as well as structures which we were required to move around, and demonstrate proficiency shooting from behind cover with both strong side as well as support or weak side shooting.

After lunch, we proceeded to check zero on our shotguns for our afternoon exercises. We all moved to the 50 yard line and fired a couple of shots with slugs to verify zero and to demonstrate that we could put accurate hits on target at distance. Once completed, the students went through several exercises where they were required to transition from buckshot to slugs, while combining all of the movement skills conducted earlier in the day, called the Select Slug Drill.

After completion, Bob Medford explained what a skilled shotgun operator needed to complete as a qualifier to be selected for the West Virginia State Police SRT team. He explained the drill and the layout of the targets. This drill would pull together everything that we had been working on all weekend, and we only had 60 seconds to complete the course. Everyone did very well and made the par times.

The final culmination of the day was of course the man on man, but instead of just stationary positions, Rob and Matt explained that since it was an advanced, it was going to be an advanced version. We had to incorporate movement, as well as an emergency reload, so the standards were definitely raised. We had 8 great shooters in the class and I finished 3rd, which was not bad considering the talent in the class.

The Symtac Consulting LLC Advanced Shotgun Skills class is not just for instructors, however, it is a restricted class. This class is for students that have graduated from the Symtac Basic Skills class , or for students that have attended an equivalent level class, and can present credentials that will be verified by Rob and Matt.

Rob, Matt and Bob do an excellent job of explaining all concepts and applications. If you are a serious shotgunner, or you are an instructor teaching defensive shotgun, this is a must take class, as it incorporates real world applications. The Symtac Advanced class requires you to have a solid background on all fundamentals.

This class is not offered often, however as of now, it is only offered once a year, so if you see this class, don’t wait, but run to get registered, as it is a limited student class and will sell out quickly.