Center Axis Relock (CAR) is a shooting system primarily intended for close quarters battle 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 non-sighted fire as the situation dictates. This differs from other shooting styles such as the Weaver 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 handgun shooting although it can also be used with long guns, batons, tasers and OC sprays.
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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. 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 body armor. 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.
2. 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.
Body Armor and the CAR System
Body armor is an equipment issue not a technique issue. Body armor does not enhance your capability to shoot or move better. For body armor to work properly in every situation we would have to wear it 24/7 and all ammunition being fired at us would have to be unable to penetrate the integrity of the vest lining.
If the body armor is the correct size, the sides are the only place where the armor is double wrapped. That would actually support the “bladed stance” or “Weaver over Isosceles” argument. With the CAR System you are less of a target, the armpits are not open and exposed and you can generate power to use the pistol punch or move fast and shoot on the move.
Trivia
The CAR System has been selected as the Gun Fighting System used by the main character in the new Tom Clancy Splinter Cell: Conviction video game due out in Feb 2010.
See also
External links
- Sabre Tactical Group - Paul Castle's Military/Law Enforcement training school
- IPD Systems - Paul Castle's civilian training school
- CAR System basics
- ICPS METHOD Israeli Combative Pistolcraft
- Gabe SUAREZ METHOD
- Gabe SUAREZ METHOD better than CAR system
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