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If you’re a hardcore gun guy or gal like all of us here at PPT, chances are you’ve probably seen the movie John Wick and/or the equally-awesome sequel John Wick: Chapter 2.
We love these movies so much that we actually interviewed Taran Butler, the man who trained Keanu Reeves to be able to do all of that impressive shooting in the movie.
We’ve recently learned that filming has begun on the third (final?) chapter in the series, and that’s got us thinking about the films, particularly the shooting techniques we see in them.
Now, for those of you who haven’t seen the film, or read our article on it, the directors, stunt coordinators, and the actors themselves all went out of their way to make the stunts and gun handling in the film as accurate as possible to real life.
Of course, if you have seen the film or even just the trailer, you’ve probably wondered what the heck this is all about.
Why Center Axis Relock was Created
Most self-defense scenarios happen at close range, in confined spaces, usually within 8-10 feet, sometimes even closer. The problem with moving in a confined space in a traditional stance is that you have the gun way out in front of you, and you’ve more or less got your arms fully extended. This gives you very poor leverage in the event someone gets their hands on your gun.
How Does the Center Axis Relock System Work?
There are two main parts to the CAR system, each a shooting stance in its own right, and each with a specific purpose. First, there’s the High position. This is what you’ll be drawing into, with your body facing perpendicular to your target. The support (non-gun-holding) hand clears clothing or other obstructions while the strong hand brings the pistol up and close to the chest. The support hand then moves up (be careful to never sweep the muzzle over your support hand) and meets the strong (gun-holding) hand from beneath. At this point, your weak-side foot should be at a 90-degree angle to your target, and the barrel of your gun should be up, level, and pointed at the target. Although not a goal or recommendation, it is possible to place accurate fire at a target within contact range from here – if you really needed to. You can also use your elbows to get distance from your attacker.
What’s the CAR System Good For?
The main goal of the CAR system is to get your sights on the target quickly while maintaining solid weapon retention and a stable firing position. It does this by using your body’s instinctive reactions and gross motor functions in a high-stress situation. In such a situation, you may have trouble getting your sights aligned quickly, and if you are not strongly dominant with one eye or the other, it may be difficult to quickly choose the correct sight picture.
What’s it Not Good For?
Sounds good, right? Make no mistake, I truly believe the CAR system is something every defensive-minded shooter should learn. Another tool to have in the “Don’t Die” toolbox. However. I won’t go so far as to say the CAR system is a replacement for the isosceles stance most modern shooters are more familiar with. This stance offers a better chance of moving and shooting “getting off the X” and out of the situation in general.
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The CAR system seems a two-handed method to implement Combat Retention.
I've long been a fan of the Combat Retention Draw: weapon comes up out of the holster, rotates forward (pointing at bad guy) while staying close to the side of the body, then pushes forward and raises, with the support hand only coming into play as the handgun reaches the point where sight picture matters. The advantage being that the gun can be point-shot at ANY point along that trajectory, achieving Minute Of Torso accuracy.
I am going to have to look at this as a technique for the car, though.
I'm kind of tired of tacticools pushing the Isosceles stands over the Weaver stance. In my opinion Isosceles stance is best suited for a person wearing full body armor, as it squares you up perfectly with your adversary. Allowing you to move effectively efficiently and fluidly, while your vital organs are protected by the armor. So it makes sense with armor.. Now on the other hand, if you're not wearing armor, why would you square up perfectly with your attacker leaving your main bodily organs completely exposed. That's just stupid! I think the Weaver stance is better for people that don't wear armor, don't have armor or for normal people in general. In other words, if you're not wearing armor use the Weaver stance. Make yourself as small a Target as possible. The car system is an incredible tool to add to your toolbox. As many said when you're in cars, around cars, CQB, almost any situation it blows the Isosceles stance/system out of the water. I have yet to find a better system in the car system.
In summation. Isosceles stance when wearing FULL body armor. Weaver stance when NOT wearing body armor. For medium to short distance CQB, in cars, around car, etc. use the CAR Systems.
I've successfully used this to defend myself. It works.
My name is George Matheis and I own Modern Combative Systems LLC. I contacted Paul in early 2001 about hosting a CAR course after being shown the technique from David Williams from the Decatur AL Police Department when he was deployed with the reserves to Aberdeen Proving Ground Maryland. At the time I was working patrol & SWAT with the City of Aberdeen Police Dept. Paul did come and conducted a users course and some of us were selected to complete his instructors course. Later that next year I was one of about 30 people, military, police, and citizens that were invited to attend the Master Instructors Class at Ft McCoy Wisconsin. It is with this background and knowledge that I will comment on the article.
First of all it the only system in history that teaches you to fight with a pistol in your hand instead of fighting with a pistol. Most people who have negative things to say have never been trained in it by an actual CAR Instructor, but rather had it explained to them by someone who probably never trained with it either.
When it comes to shooting in and around vehicles or while moving there is no better option than CAR. Try running forward with your gun in the isosceles position, now do it in the high ready, one or two handed. You will quickly see the benefit of CAR. When you ask most people about weapon retention they will automatically assume you are talking about defending their holstered gun. when your gun is out CAR is the best way to defend your pistol because it uses the combative principles of using elbows and knees. These parts of your body are great for causing damage to your attacker while at the same time not injuring your body. Also a close distance, if your gun went dry or malfunctioned, Paul taught what he called a "pistol punch" where you used the muzzle of your pistol to punch your attacker in the face or chest. Anyone who has done a SWAT entry will tell you that peoples response to having a gun shoved in their face will often be to reflexively grab your gun. I along with several team mates have used the pistol punch as a response to this over the years.
A major problem with firearms training has always been that students are taught to focus on using their gun in the fight instead of fighting with a pistol in their hand.
I very much enjoy Pew Pew Tactical. Thank you for recognizing Paul and CAR. He was an an amazing man and ahead of his time. He is greatly missed. Feel free to check out my site Sheepdognation.com with any questions. Stay Safe.
Just saw your comment George -- outstanding contribution, thank you.
The system works Working providing protection and training in 52 countries hands-down it’s definitely a need in everyone’s toolbox . I think you need to train in CAR first before writing this article it works for handguns ,shotguns and AR’s.
Yes and if you get a chance get with Jeff Johnsgard, he will open your eyes up to what the system has to offer. Since Mr. Castle is no longer with us It would do the shooting community some good to know that you really know what you’re talking about because you have experienced it firsthand. ✌
In regards to entering a room, in my opinion it’s best to always slice the pie and clear from the apex of your room. CAR at least helps with keeping your muzzle back from the threshold so you don’t give up your element of surprise before you get PID on your threat. Should there be one anyway. I assume in the context of single man clearing, you never want to just go balls out and get into the room as quickly as possible.
Question: why do you favor the isosceles stance over the weaver stance? I learned both, and while the weaver stance takes more practice to perform properly I've found the advantages are far superior. It seems to me the CAR could simply be a modified and improved close-quarter weaver stance based on the video above. The footing looks similar, but with a tighter arm positioning.
Your assessment is entirely wrong, and the positions displayed here are also crazy, if you want to intelligently write an article about the car the system, train couple days with Jeff Johnsgard, he is the true heir of Paul Castle and an expert. After two or maybe three days you will not only understand CAR but will write the truth about it. Taran is a competitive shooter and doesn't know CAR
I've been practicing this at the range. the canted gun, revolver in my case, makes it more of a challenge to evaluate technique errors. I'm right hand and left eye, so that might work out. I think it will be better once I get my shooting glasses with lenses that correct for astigmatism. I am not ready yet for combat training,
This was a great write up on the C.A.R. system. I’ve taken 16 hours of formal training on this system by a group certified by Paul Castle prior to his death. This is by far the most natural and ergonomic shooting method for close range self defense situations I have experienced.
Room entry: From the Combat High (position 4), you can very easily transition your gun from one hand to the other by rotating your hands 180 degrees and adjusting your grip to the off hand. This will allow you to have minimal presentation when turning corners. With a some practice, this can become a very fluid, natural to clear rooms.
Again, this was a great article and covered the core elements of Center Axis Relock beautifully.
The thought that came to my mind when I watched the video is that you are turning your armor away and exposing yourself to a round through your chest longwise. I can see where it would be useful, but as you said just another tool. All else equal, I'd rather be able to move quickly and keep my vitals protected.
I wonder sirs, what about if the enemy is likely to be at your back? how can we execute the CARS in this particular situation? We don't have schools here in Philippines, but I like the technique.
I wonder sirs, what about if the enemy is likely to be at your back? how can we execute the CARS in this particular situation
I completed the CAR Training course in 2017. Excellent course. I used to be a right eyed right handed shooter only. The CAR system solved that. Now I can equally shoot with either hand or either eye. I'm more confident that I can keep my gun from being taken away from me and defend myself within the small confines of my home. The bonus is how fast and easily I can execute a combat or tactical reload. Because the system is based the natural movements of the bones, joints and muscles, one doesn't have to train very extensively to become good with it. That's because it feels natural. It flows naturally. If you're still deciding which course or shooting system to train on, include the CAR system in your considerations. Good luck, stay safe.
oh wow. sometimes I do use this form and didnt even know someone already came out with it. I do not think its an issue of right or wrong but does it work for you and how efficient are you with it. everyone is different.
THE best training for the CAR system is located throughout LA County and Las Vegas and other ranges. The are conducted by one of the longest standing trainers TIM GEORGE Civilianarmstrainingsystem.com
CAR has been very useful for us older guys with bad eyes. You get easy rapid target acquisition but you line up under your non-dominant eye. That’s my left eye and I shoot right handed. Accuracy to 15 yards is same compared to ISO or Weaver. In CQB you can lay down a blistering accurate POA and protect your weapon. Reloads are faster. I like the bladed stance since you are a smaller target and it is more natural with my martial arts training. I shoot both eyes open which incr my peripheral vision. It isn’t meant to be a stand alone system since you switch to ISO. with longer engagements. Overall it it is more natural and ergonomic. Just need to train like everything else. Great tool for those with bad eyes and Close Encounters. Rec to watch Mr. Paul Castle on YTube and decide yourself. Just don’t hold your weapon too close to your face.
I read the article and watched the video of the guy shooting at 2-3 feet. I will probably try that the next time at the range. Until then I still like the 1/2 second faster Josie Wells draw-and-fire from the hip. That close I wouldn’t miss.
That was a well written article and appreciated by someone who has had the good fortune to train with Paul before he passed. One correction though, once you go to the extended position, it is NOT meant to line up with your dominant eye. If you go to extended with the pistol in your right hand, you line up to your left eye. If you extend with your left hand, you line up to your right eye. The idea is your nose will block the “other” eye from causing double vision or “ghosted” sights. Therefore giving the shooter a crystal clear front sight picture, regardless of eye glasses, gas mask, or goggles.
That makes sense.
And a second correction... I
If trained properly in the CAR method, one would not have to pivot the entire body to make a shot when entering a room for clearing.... Swap hands and eyes.
You're absolutely correct Jay, good job.