1980 American Pistol Institute (Gunsite) class notes

Another artifact from Bob Hanna – notes from classes he attended at the American Pistol Institute (aka Gunsite) in 1980 and 1981.

Here’s their recommended twice-a-month practice drill.

API dry practice drill.

Another practice drill.

The advanced practice drill. Turning draws were emphasized a lot more in courses (and matches) in the 1980’s than they are today. Other than concerns about students muzzling others during turning draws, I have no good explanation for why that particular skill has faded away. We included a turning draw in our Three Seconds or Less test, but none of the other popular standards courses, including most law enforcement qualification courses, incorporate that skill.

Mindset and tactics guidance.

Holster advice. The issue with being able to get a full firing grip on the pistol when its holster remains valid. One common problem I deal with in almost every class or private lesson is holsters set up to ride too low to the belt, or having giant sweat guards that prevent a full firing grip on the holstered gun.

Schedules for 1980 and 1981.

The list of pistol modifications recommended (and not recommended). Most of these are 1911-centric as that pistol was by far the most popular one with API students.