From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Center Axis Relock ( CAR) is a system primarily intended for invented by Paul Castle. The CAR system features a bladed stance (the shooter's weak-side shoulder facing the target), a close-to-body firearm hold, and sighted or as the situation dictates. This differs from other shooting styles such as the which feature a more squared stance (i.e. Facing the target more squarely) with the pistol held squarely in front of the face and some form of sighted fire. The CAR system is primarily intended for shooting although it can also be used with, and.
Contents. Description Center Axis Relock A Closer Look by Chris Adams The development of CAR was based on the requirements of close-range combat with a handgun, some of which are: the need for speed, optimum use of cover, ambidextrous ability, realistic weapon retention and performance under the negative effects of stress. In as much, the following key points are useful to understanding CAR: The shooting system works in harmony with the body when under stress and is particularly reliable in close quarter situations. The system was developed to improve marksmanship by focusing on natural visual focal points and gross motor movements. The stability of the shooter is improved by creating a lower center of gravity and a secure base.
So what exactly is the CAR firing platform? There is no intent here to create a how-to guide for CAR; what follows is merely an outline of some of the features of the system. There are four basic positions in CAR; high, combat high, extended and apogee. These positions are used based upon the distance of the threat and the speed required making deep hits. For example, high position (similar to SUL) is comparable in usage to the high-ready of traditional stances, whereas apogee is a fully extended position more suitable for slower, precise aimed fire.
Apogee looks similar to Weaver, but the weapon is canted inboard slightly. The basic four positions are mirror-image for right-hand fire and left-hand fire. There are physiological traits associated with using combinations of dominant vs. Non-dominant eye and hand combinations and these traits are exploited well in CAR. Also, the use of sighted-fire and non-sighted fire are integrated into a system which allows the shooter to adjust methods based upon need and skill. One forearm is always directly behind the weapon, this accounts for the excellent recoil control and ability to shoot very fast.
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Because the weapon is always close to the torso, reload/malfunction drills have improved economy of motion. Weapon retention is outstanding. Nasty combinations of elbows and pistol punches which can develop real power and force are finally achievable.
In CAR one hand merely offers extra support, and the firing hand can fire solo with solid close-range accuracy. This frees-up a hand for the shooter to open doors, key his radio mic, etc. CAR works well with longarms, OC spray, taser and other related weapons; the benefits still apply and there can finally be commonality in training among diverse weapons. In as much, CAR can be called a system instead of a one-off specialty position. CAR is a radical approach to weapons handling which will benefit the patrol officer as well as the soldier and SWAT operator. CAR is a step in the evolution of weapons handling; a change away from a range mindset towards a tactical one.
The mechanics are solid, the movements simple and easily learned, and the advantages worth a close look. CAR is versatile, undeniably fast, and here to stay. Criticisms 1. The CAR system has been criticized as impractical for individuals utilizing. While the bladed stance somewhat reduces the shooter's profile (theoretically making it harder to hit), it greatly increases the possibility of taking a hit to his unprotected side flank (as opposed to directly impacting against the front or rear of the armor) and may allow a single projectile to penetrate multiple organs in a side-to-side traversion.
While using a pistol under the CAR system, the muzzle is not in front of the left bicep (for right handed grip) and isn't even beyond the lungs in smaller-barreled handguns. This practice is extremely dangerous as it easily leads to self-inflicted gunshot wounds. This violates the 2nd rule of gun safety and therefore if this method is practiced at most shooting ranges it would be a violation of their rules, leading to ejection of the shooters from the range and/or permanent ban of entering the premises. In Popular Culture The C.A.R.
System is the gun fighting system used by in the upcoming video game Splinter Cell: Conviction, due out on April 13th, 2010. See also. External links. Paul Castle's Military/Law Enforcement training school. Paul Castle's civilian training school. Israeli Combative Pistolcraft.
Fellow C.A.R. Instructor here as well. When your in law enforcement and you have “everything” on the line there is simply no reason to be using traditional shooting platforms that allow for a nation wide 18% hit rate within 0-10ft under high stress. I’m happy to be apart of a special group of individuals that are carrying out Paul Castles C.A.R. System so that both professional and civilian alike have a chance to use what has been proven to work using the bodies natural focal point, increase weapon retention to 90%+, increase accuracy and round accountability. Paul and lets get more C.A.R.
Instructed students learned in the art of CQC self defense that works under the high stress demands of “life or death” scenarios. Hey Chad, Been a while and if you have any questions feel free to email me and I will do my best to answer your questions. I’ve been utilizing the system only for as long as I have been qualified to instruct and crazy enoughI’m just passing my first year. Fortunately, I’ve been very active with my company (3000+ CCW Students between IA/CO/WI/AZ) and having the chance to teach a select few CAR itself.
Everyone of my CCW courses I go over a basic demo/review of the CAR System vs Traditional Shooting Platforms (weaver/isosceles) and how that relates to what is commonly known as the Flight/Fight response or Body Alarm Response. CAR simply outperforms traditional shooting in so many ways its tough to list them all as you can tellmany of us on here are giving you glimpses.
Here are some important questions ANY defensive firearm owner should ask themselves. If the true and natural focal point of the human eye for focusing (ie: readingaiming) is 10-14inches why do traditional shooting platforms have your pistol at 2-2.5x this distance (front sight)? This is of further concern when its PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE to close an eye while in this “holy $%@!” response mode thus 99.5% of the population will have Double and/or Blurred Vision!
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Training takes anywhere from several months to years so unless you can roughly estimate when you may be attacked and require excellent aiming using outdated stances you need something that eliminates Double/Blurred Vision entirely.C.A.R. Does it make sense that with traditional shooting platforms your relying on TWO TINY wrist joints primarily, to stabilize your firearm and manage the recoil? Your typical two handed grip was designed to eliminate the “arc” that occurs when shooting single handed but I don’t know of anyone expertly trained or otherwise that can manage the recoil of a 9mm,40 or 45acp without muzzle flip.
Would it not make sense to use a system that uses an entire skeletal structure of the upper torso and arms that can manage 90% in Extended and 95% of the recoil while in High position? If your answer is yesC.A.R. Is how it can be done. Did I forget to mention that CAR assists with the “tremors” or involuntary shaking from the chemicals released from the brain into the body which over stimulates the nerves causing one to shake/tremble (not ideal when aiming is essential) while shooting in unsupported isos/weaver positions. If you happen to be apart of the 33% of the population that is a Cross Dominate Shooter (Right Hand Left Eye or vice versa) how will you compensate appropriately using traditional shooting platforms?
Its toughyou either shift the firearm uncomfortably to the dominate eye which feels awkward, you can become opposite handed in order to have same hand/eye alignment or you can continue to shoot like $%#! CAR is a cross dominate shooting position in itself and whether left or right hand usage is completely mirrored. When you learn CAR you understand why you MUST train with both hands (in case you lose the use of your preferred hand) and how Cross Dominate or notyou get amazing benefits! Does it make sense that based on my feet position I am more likely to run in the direction of the bullets being firearm upon me if I am using weaver/isosceles?
How about the fact that traditional stances in GENERAL make sure your a PERFECT TARGET!!! Who the heck thought it was still smart to offer 97-100% of your entire torso to an attacker providing a beautiful silhouette and EVERY organ to shoot?
Its not about playing fair and ensuring that you and the bad guy exchange rounds to see who is the toughest IF you actually manage to get on target in the first place.3-9% Non-Pro and 18% Professional Hit Rate under active shooter responses within 15-20ft Nation Wide. Wouldn’t a BLADED stance offering less than half of you to shoot at of which almost NO organ is available to hit without actually having to go through your arm (not to mention the bone of said arm) first and ohhey, your feet are magically pointed in the direction in which it makes it easier for you to move OUT of the sight alignment of your attacker. Your left with GROSS motor skills so the brain is not going to be functioning optimally to begin with and when it comes down to ityour left with your DEFAULT training in flight/fight response scenarios. No professional ever “rises to the occasion”with proper training the simply resort to the default of their training.
Unfortunately many are dying because of poor training as practice does NOT make perfect. Perfect practicemakes perfect. I could go on and on but in a nutshell videos are not likely to help anyone truly grasp the concept, ideology nor the physical skill sets of CAR potential. You have to learn by way of practical use to truly understand and appreciate how unique, simple and EASY to learn it is! If anyone in Iowa or wants to visit Iowa for training get in touch. I do have some courses in Colorado that will be set up and taught either by me or my affiliated CAR instructors in CO.
Learning how to shoot at “typical” ranges using typical training stances is great for the recreational or competitive shooterbut trophies, lanes, fast draw holsters, scopes and lasers are of NO USE in real world combatives when your within 0-6ft (or if your really lucky 10-15ft) of someone trying to kill you! There is no such thing as: breath control, trigger control or even sight alignment as you can’t control breathing when your heart is 220bpm+, you have tremors and your corneas flatten out causing depth perception issues and the fact that with BOTH eyes openyou get double and/or blurred vision while you pretend to aim using your front sight. I’m going to be producing some CAR videos for review and basic training principles in the upcoming months and I have both a short video and long video (long includes the CAR review/demo) available for purchase in the mean time. If you want CAR training you MUST seek an actual CERTIFIED CAR Instructor otherwise your working with someone without the proper training/experience and manual. Don’t rely on videos or sloppy demo’s from unqualified or uncertified CAR wannabe trainers. There are not many of us out there and spending the money on professional training is well worth it.your life may depend on it.
I wanted to emphasize that it would take several months to years using “traditional” shooting stances/techniques to overcome the Double/Blurred Vision. With CARits immediate the brief minutes you take to get used to the pistol position! Managing recoil is also in part by the RELOCK position of the wrist in part with the Extended Position of the arms etc.
Creating a combo of torso/arms/wrist locking to ensure 90% recoil management. 95% in High Position because it is placed in the CENTER AXIS of the human body. Another part I forgot to mention is CAR implements MENTAL CONFUSION as part of the training where as typical “military” scenarios or LE based training only focuses on physical “challenges”. The addition of exercises like pushups etc. Are great to stimulate physical challenges of fatigue etc. But the MENTAL CONFUSION is most important because your BRAIN will be working with limited capacity.
In the flight/fight response your logical brain shuts off (finite motor skills and thinking) leaving you with the reflexive/gross motor skill side that sticks around to help your ass out. However you train is how you will fightif you train on a typical range with a lane pretending your bowling, learn to shoot with one eye closed most of the time, remain stationary while shooting and present a full silhouette to the targets you shoot atthat is exactly what you will do when $%#!
Hits the fan. Even competitive shooters that implement movement drills usually STOP, just as they line up the shot and then move and that is NOT a true movement shooting drill.
If you have to stop your deadmoving and shooting is paramount to ensuring you hit your target while your target does not hit you! The best way to not get shot is to NOT BE THERE in the first place when the bullet arrives! Although the reality of a shoot out is that both parties will exchange fire with little chance of being hit based on $%#@@! Trainingif the opponents 3-9% hit rate percentage CONNECTS sooner than yours, well we know the result of that. CAR is to gun fighting as SELF DEFENSE is to street fighting. Traditional martial arts has belts, katas, uniforms, philosophy and respect, competitive martial arts still has rules, refs and of course “tapping out” all of which hold no place in self defense when someone wants to curb stomp your faceinto said curb. Learning 100 ways to defend or disarm a knife attack is BSthere is NO TIME to comprehend which one of the 100 ways someone is going to use it when its not in a controlled environment like a dojo where you know your buddy has their turn coming up next.
Stomp the feet, chin jab, throat chop tear the ears, claw the eyes and bite if you have too! Its about getting the job of LIVING done. The groin is also optimal for unarmed or armed defense to stop a threat.
I don’t know many people that when shot in the groin (or if you miss and hit the pubic bone) that will still be standing much less able to walk towards you and continue to do you harm. If you were not alert enough to see something coming or where taken by surprise FLEEING is the first option, talking is next followed by stopping the threat.
All of which may be done within a brief second as again TIME is not on your side. Especially when the bad guy knows something is going to happen (instigator) and your just finding out and reacting to their action.
It takes twice as long to react then act and why you need to learn basic skill sets armed/unarmed to stop a threat immediately and as quickly as possible. I would rather be judged by 12 then carried by 6! The CAR system is a dynamic, fluid & flexible system (not stance) that does NOT fight against the body’s automatic response (fight or flight). It allows the shooter to shoot with either hand regardless of eye dominance. The learning curve is low compared to training required to shoot with both eyes open &/or using the non-dominant eye. The positions are ‘high’, ‘extended’ & ‘apogee’ that address short, medium & long distances. The high position is used from 0 to about 12 feet; extended can be used from 0 to 25 feet & apogee for 25+ distances.
This does NOT mean a position is not effective past these distances – for example here is a video where I use the extended position to engage a target at distances from 20 – 100 feet The CAR system does a lot of things & is a great tool to put in your tactical tool box. One thing that most ppl don’t realize is the speed in which one can engage targets & conduct reloads. In this video I show how with a little practice how one can shoot & reload pretty fast My best time for shooting 2 rounds, conduct a reload, shoot 2 rounds, conduct a second reload & shoot 2 more rounds was 3.24 seconds. I was not able to do this using the isosceles &/or weaver stances. Yes you can train hundreds & thousands of hours & get these times with isosceles & weaver but why do that when you can get the same results in a fraction of the time & still be combat effective?
After spending a LOT of time with firearms in the military, in law enforcement & as a firearms instructor I found CAR & took the plunge & I’m glad I did. Personal jet. I eventually became a CAR instructor & really look forward to teaching it in the future. Whatever you do, do NOT ignore CAR – try it & see why it works. I just wanted to say WOW!!!
I’ve been shooting for about 25 years and just started the C.A.R. I was not impressed with what I saw in the videos. Them I went through my first class with my wife I was very impressed and my accuracy increased substantually. It was hard to adjust from my WEAVER stance but when the tranformation was complete I was totally Impressed.
I have since gon through my second class and I will be getting my Certification eventuall but August. The Guys at Civilian Arms Training are the best. I did like some of Jeff’s Videosif I’m not mistaken he was Paul’s “right hand” and does some amazing instructing back in my home country of Canada.
Againthe videos as amazing they are, do not do justice to watch and learn in person, especially from someone as proficient and experienced as Jeff. To see in real time, real life and then to get the practical application and execution while in the watchful eye of an instructorsimply no replacement! Best of luck to those searching and to those that dotrain to fight so you fight how you trained! We get many students wanting to learn CAR that travel to us in Iowa and we now offer a combo course for those with little to know experience in an even safer manner. Half the course is taught indoors at our ADAT Combat Center where we use simulation weapons with lasers or airsoft to work on fundamentals and gain confidence. Once the indoor training is complete we get to the range to confirm and add additional drills that will have the addition of “mental confusion” which is apart of the CAR philosophy when training. Love to have you come out some time Chad to get a course in so that you can perhaps have another PART DEUX with some additional video footage!
In the mean timeif your game Chad, how about we give away FREE ONLINE Conceal Carry Certifications with a special link on here sometime? The course has a value of $120 and it includes brief demos and explanation of CAR along with comparison of CAR vs Traditional shooting techniques in regards to the flight/fight response! We only ask for a $20 certificate processing/shipping fee and the student can watch the course content repeatedly for greater retention of the information.
Maybe we could also give a way a Center Axis Relock course to join you (chad) when you come out Let me know.
System of gun fighting THE C.A.R. SYSTEM OF GUN FIGHTING A. It is a gun fighting technique, not a range application.
It is a strong, stable, and flexible platform for action. It allows quick target acquisition and rapid fire bursts of 4 shots to COM in under 1 second with standard pistols. It can be used effectively in small spaces and vehicles. It is applicable to team assault situations.
It provides maximum weapon retention, and also serves as a practical and effective base for contact fighting. The Center Axis Relock Method of Gunfighting utilizes two main positions or stances as bases for action. THE HIGH POSITION The first position is called the High position. It is used for working within confined spaces, from cover, and while moving.
It is a very strong and flexible base for using both short and long weapons such as a handgun, baton, O.C. Spray, shotgun, sub-machine gun, and other weapons. In the High position, the operator is in a semi-bladed stance, with the weapon held or cradled next to the chest. The position is achieved by blading towards the threat while also drawing and bringing the gun up to the chest. When the gun is drawn, it should be directed to the threat for firing if needed.
Also, as the gun is being brought up, the other hand should be moving to grasp and support it. This base position reduces the Operator's silhouette, employs a balanced and stable, yet flexible body stance, and works in harmony with gross muscle movements, gross motor skills, and our natural reactions to extreme stress, one of which, is to bring the arms and hands back to the body, not away from it.
The stance with elbows extended, makes up a natural cradle from which the gun can be fired with both hands or with just the gun hand. Its framework sets up a circle of control and defense that makes it very difficult for an Aggressor to grab or take possession of the Operators handgun, Baton, or O.C. That is true regardless of the Operator's shape, size, or gender. The circle of control and defense is maintained by rotating towards a threat.
In a contact situation, strikes with the elbows and the gun can be made, or the gun can be fired. The position is comfortable, relaxed, does not pinch or restrict the Operator's breathing, can be used with full combat gear, and it can be maintained easily for extended periods of time. Fine motor skills are not utilized or relied on, as they, along with the ability to focus clearly, will be lost to most Operators in a close quarters life and death crisis situation. That is due to the increase in the heart rate, and the activation of the instinctive Fight or Flight response, both of which happen in such situations.
The stability and ease of movement gained by using a bladed stance, along with keeping the gun at the operator's natural focal point, allows for fast acquisition of multiple targets. Also, the weak hand is up and ready for use in opening doors,clearing the way, and other tasks. The thumbs can be placed anywhere, as long as their placement does not interfere with the workings of the gun. THE EXTENDED POSITION The second CAR position is called the Extended position.
It is used for entry, combat, and assault. It also can be used effectively when seated inside a vehicle. The Extended position or stance, allows for high levels of accuracy, as well as very rapid shooting while moving. The gun is held naturally and close to the Operators true focus point (normal reading distance).
That is an enhancement over stances that employ full arm extension, as doing that takes the sights out of the Operator's natural focus point. And even more so if the Operator has glasses.
RECOIL CONTROL With the CAR system, recoil is reduced greatly. This reduction is achieved through the use of either of two main stances, and by 'locking' the muscles and bones of the arms which is accomplished by slightly canting the gun hand. The canting movement, though slight, greatly enhances stability by changing the alignment and relationship of the muscles and bones in the gun hand arm.
That locking action happens naturally and automatically when we fully extended our arms. At full extension, the wrists and lower arms automatically rotate slightly inward. If the wrists are purposely rotated upward, as with the isosceles and weaver, the arms lose the natural stability and control that results from the canting movement.
Also, when the arms are held out straight, they form long levers with the shoulder joints being their fulcrum points. As such, they can be pushed up easily by the upward action of recoil forces, and take the gun off target. With the use of either the High or Extended CAR positions, the length of the 'arm bars' are reduced by half. Also, stability is improved when the arms are held closer to the body. And when the gun hand wrist is canted some, the bones and muscles in that arm will be naturally and effectively locked and stabilized.
The result will be a great reduction in recoil effects, and a reduction in target reacquisition time. Also, as the gun is brought up to the Extended position, the gun hand elbow will automatically and mechanically swing out and up, which will further enhance control and stability. RELOADS Reloading, and malfunction clearances should be done close to the body with short movements for enhanced speed, control, and stability. COMBAT RELOAD STEPS - The Combat Reload is usual made when the gun is empty. Using the thumb and index finger, withdraw a magazine with the bullet heads facing the front. The index finger should be along the side of magazine with its tip at the top end of the magazine. Use the index finger to guide the magazine to the gun hand.
Lower the gun hand elbow (not the gun), to rotate the grip bottom towards the other hand. When the charged magazine is ready for insertion, operate the magazine release and flick the wrist out and back if needed to eject the empty magazine.
Use the index finger to guide the charged magazine into the hole in the grip, and press it home with the palm of the hand. TACTICAL RELOAD STEPS - It is usual made when gun is not empty.
Withdraw a charged magazine and hold it between the index and middle fingers like a cigarette. As that hand nears the gun, drop the gun hand elbow. As the hand with the charged magazine reaches the gun, activate the magazine release. Withdraw the partially used magazine with the thumb and index finger.
Insert the charged magazine and press it home in one flowing movement. The partially charged (old), magazine which be top heavy from the remaining bullets at its top, will fall sideways into the palm of the hand. As with most things, practice will improve performance and allow the Operator to minimize off target time.
SYSTEM LEARNING CURVE The C.A.R. System learning curve is very short. There is immediate improvement in weapon retention, a great reduction in recoil, and Operators find that they can make multiple COM hits on targets while on the move and shooting very rapidly. In a recent session for 30 FBI Violent Crimes task force Agents and Officers, 4 rounds of 00 from a shotgun were placed onto 2 targets set 10 feet apart in under 1 second. In January 2002, in a basic class in King County, WA, every student put four rounds on center of target in under 1 sec. Many put five rounds on target in under one-second using standard Glock 40 pistols. Why is there a need for this or systems similar to it at this time?
Police casualty rates have not gone down in ten years. Over 90% of handgun confrontations occur under 7 yards. CQB shooting accuracy is under 20%. In short, tradition shooting methods which utilize the weaver or the isosceles stances, are not getting the job done. Here is what 'GF' Fmr.
SEAL 'Team 3 point/Sniper' said about the system: 'The C.A.R. System is the first training system I have experienced that has truly been designed around the idea the Operators must train for Gun Fights. Unlike conventional systems that have evolved into training Operators to address paper targets, from a static line position.' 'Paul Castle has recognized what all true Operators know in their heart's to be true. The systems we have been taught (isosceles and weaver), are fairly effective in a range environment, but, have been proven IN BLOOD to be wholly ineffective in real gunfights.'
Center Axis Relock System
Paul Castle, the developer of the C.A.R. System, had a distinguished career in Law Enforcement and training in Europe and America. System was developed over several years in response to, and as a means of dealing positively with the realities faced by Operators today.
The information presented here, is just a brief intro to the basics of his system. The Course material is extensive, thorough, and includes instruction and action video tapes. The following statement is from Paul's course materials and sums up what he is about 'All I am trying to do is keep Operators from dying in the field, and help reduce the number of possibly unnecessary shootings that occur each year.' It is also the main reason for my presenting it. This material was developed by going over the basic course materials with a fine tooth comb, and spending many hours reviewing the video tapes that put one right on the training field with the Officers taking the course.
Center Axis Relock System Training
The tapes are both interesting and exciting. The shotgun sequence in particular, though brief, is very dramatic. Lastly, here is part of one e-mail I received in response to sending out the above info on the C.A.R. System to Police Agencies on the web.
'.I appreciate your forwarding the information on the C.A.R. System to me. By chance Paul and I have traveled the US teaching together. I have worked closely with him since 1997 and have helped integrate the system into our State's academy as well at many individual departments.
System is sound, and currently used by line Officers and SWAT teams in our state. Myself and my team of SWAT Officers have used this system since 1997 and it has proven to be the most effective system we have ever seen.' (Paul Castle died in 2011.).
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