The Drill:
With roots that date back to the 1970s and ties to Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, The Mozambique Drill, or “Double Tap,” is more than just a “cool” thing you see in the movies. The skill gained through practicing this drill has an important and legitimate place in any defensive shooter’s toolbox. It consists of three well placed rounds: two to the cardiovascular triangle (center chest) and one to the ocular cavity, fired in rapid succession.
The Setup:
You will need your defensive firearm, ammo and a silhouette target. It is important that your target has designated areas for center mass and the ocular cavity. Steve and I completed this drill using live fire on an outdoor range, but it could also be accomplished using a laser training pistol and shot identification software.
The Skills:
The Mozambique Drill addresses the issue that two center mass rounds may not be enough to stop an attacker. The body of an attacker and his actions can continue, even with significant blood loss. What are some of the reasons that center mass shots might not stop an attacker? Body armor, drugs, multiple layers of clothing or even a large adrenaline dump will influence the effectiveness of rounds to the torso. However, a well-placed round into the ocular cavity that disrupts or severs the central nervous system will result in the attacker’s complete structural shutdown. This drill should consist of two firing sight pictures.
The Details:
Start by facing the silhouette target with your firearm loaded and at the ready position. Raise the muzzle and acquire a sight picture on the target’s center mass/cardiovascular triangle. Perform a hammer pair. Immediately (yet controlled), transition to the head of the silhouette, acquire a second sight picture and place one aimed round into the ocular cavity. Repeat the drill 3 times at the same pace. Focus on acquiring solid sight pictures before sending any rounds downrange. As you repeat the steps, you will determine a natural cadence of your rounds. The cadence speed can increase as your skill and confidence improves.
Safety Considerations:
First and foremost, be sure to follow the four universal safety laws. Take your time when first attempting to accomplish the drill. Start simply and slowly before adding speed or elements of drawing from the holster. Every round you send downrange must have training value — otherwise you’re just wasting time and money (and sacrificing safety). If you are shooting at your local indoor range, be sure to follow all safety procedures when it comes to drawing from the holster and allowed rates of fire.
Closing Thoughts:
As always, start slow and increase your rate of fire as you get more comfortable shooting multiple rounds. Transitioning smoothly from target zone to target zone quickly will be new for many shooters. If any of your rounds start to impact outside of the cardiovascular triangle or ocular cavity, slow things down. Slower, controlled, precise hits are more effective than fast misses every time.
Vary your training. Keep it fun. Keep it safe. And keep practicing.
