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Cold Starts & Garment Management: Mojo's Range Drills

Mojo Patch season is here, and he’s putting a new agency recruit through the wringer with a performance drill. It’s a good reminder that even seasoned shooters need to refine their fundamentals, especially when dealing with unfamiliar gear and clothing.

Milspec_MojoGun ShowOct 18, 20263 min read0 views

January’s kicking off with a focus on cold starts, and Mojo’s latest video delivers a practical session illustrating why those drills aren’t just theoretical exercises. Forget the armchair theorizing – this is about getting rounds on target under pressure, and that’s what we’re here for.

Mojo and a new recruit, PJ, are running a simple performance drill from concealment, utilizing a 2011 and a Sig 320 respectively. The drill involves a four-round engagement from the draw, followed by a six-round string after a rearward egress. It's a deceptively simple concept designed to expose gaps in technique and gear familiarity.

What’s immediately striking isn’t the complexity of the drill itself, but the honesty with which both shooters analyze their performance. PJ's initial hesitation and balance issues while retreating highlight the importance of movement integration – something even experienced shooters can overlook when focusing solely on the firing process. The observation that “advancing I feel more comfortable” is a key takeaway; it demonstrates the cognitive load involved in dynamic shooting.

Mojo’s commentary on his own experience with the paddle holster is equally valuable. Recognizing the difference between a duty holster and a paddle holster and the impact on weapon retention and manipulation is crucial. He points out the common pitfall of losing your sight picture due to garment interference, a problem easily remedied by a simple trick: carrying keys to add weight and prevent the jacket from shifting. This is a practical solution born from observation and experience—the kind of knowledge you won’t find in a textbook.

The discussion of garment management—specifically, preventing the jacket from interfering with the draw—is a masterclass in problem-solving. The mention of C Fisher’s Sentinel Cut techniques and the possibility of a support-side pull to clear the garment are advanced tactics that demonstrate a deeper understanding of concealed carry dynamics. These aren’t just about speed; they’re about reliability under stress.

This video isn’t just about the drill itself; it's about the *process* of learning and refining shooting skills. It’s a testament to the value of on-range mentorship and the importance of constant self-assessment. It reinforces the idea that even small adjustments – like gripping the gun tighter or ensuring a clean garment clear – can make a significant difference in performance.

If you're looking to level up your defensive shooting skills, pay attention to these details. Don't just run drills; analyze them. Learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others. And most importantly, get on the range and *do* the work.

Gear shout-outs:

Find your local Range Master to refine your skills, list your custom build on the marketplace, or create a creator profile and share your expertise. Ready to take your marksmanship to the next level? Sign up for a long-range class.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cold start drill is a performance test conducted with minimal preparation, simulating a real-world scenario where you might need to draw and engage a threat quickly.

Proper garment management ensures a smooth and reliable draw by preventing your clothing from interfering with your firearm.

Check C Fisher’s online presence and training resources for details on the Sentinel Cut and related concealed carry techniques.

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