Editor's Note: Editor Jim Shepherd is on assignment this week. The following feature first appeared in our companion service The Tactical Wire (http://www.thetacticalwire.com)

Constructing a moving target that uses pulleys and rope is a fairly simple matter, and will add another dimension to your training and practice.

Last weekend we had a revolver class with students who were more experienced than normal. This allows us to run a wider variety of drills than usual, so we were able to work on multiple and moving targets, plus complex setups with bystanders, or what people often call "no-shoot" targets. The problem with thinking of these as "no-shoot targets" is that in real life not only do you not want to shoot them you also should not be sweeping them with your weapon. Competitions have scenarios containing shoot and no-shoot targets. Your task is to engage the shoot targets, sometimes in a specified order, but there are no penalties if you sweep or cover the no-shoot targets. In real life we have to always apply the four safety rules, with Rule II : "Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy," always in effect. There are slight variations of this but they all mean the same thing; don't point it at anything you're not willing or ready to put bullets into. In theory this sounds simple, but under stressful situations applying it can be difficult. In the beginning you start training and practicing on a single, stationary target. You practice the fundamentals, developing the ability to draw efficiently, move, communicate – issuing verbal commands – using cover and making good, accurate hits. At some point additional targets are added. Now you're developing the skill to prioritize and engage multiple threats. Eventually you need to start adding bystanders, representations of people in the environment who aren't involved in the confrontation. Remember these aren't "no-shoot targets," they represent family members, friends, neighbors and others. Now you're having to move, acquire the threats and ensure you don't cover "friendlies." There is a lot of focus on coming off the trigger and bringing the muzzle down into a ready position, moving or transitioning to the next threat, then getting back on target. In the beginning you have to go slow, consciously thinking about this sequence. Otherwise you're in a low-ready position but your finger is on the trigger, or you're off the trigger but still sweeping the bystander. When the threats and/or bystanders begin to move, which is closer to reality, things become even more complicated. Under stress we tend to get tunnel vision, especially when faced with a dangerous attacker. Without plenty of practice losing track of where everyone is can happen quickly. One of the best ways I know to develop these skills is using blue/red guns and a few friends. There is no live weapons or shooting. You don't have to go to the range. Start slow, and let speed build naturally. With dry practice using dummy weapons you don't have to worry about making a mistake, and trust me, your buddies will quickly let you know if you sweep or cover them. Just keep in mind when it does happen you don't stop the drill or get to start over. Learn as you go and apply what you learn on the next run. Is it possible we'll break Rule II in a fight? Sure, it can happen. But breaking this rule isn't something we want to become habit. A negligent or unintentional discharge can occur with anyone. Nobody reading this wants to mistakenly shoot someone else, causing serious injury or death. Practice. Being prepared for the fight means you're able to use your weapons properly, which means efficiently and most importantly, safely. —Tiger McKee Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. He is the author of "The Book of Two Guns" - http://shootrite.org/book/book.html writes for several firearms/tactical publications, and is featured on GunTalk's DVD, "Fighting With The 1911 - http://shootrite.org/dvd/dvd.html Website: www.shootrite.org