Dave Spaulding Returns and Focuses on Red Dots, Slide Manipulation, and Techniques in a Close-Range Gunfight

In this episode of the Taking Aim Podcast, host Richard Nance brings back legendary trainer Dave Spaulding – the show’s first repeat guest – for a candid, no-nonsense masterclass on real-world defensive handgun training. The now-retired Spaulding reflects on closing Handgun Combatives after 11 grueling years, explains why most square-range “go-fast” training creates fragile parlor tricks instead of anchored fighting skills, and stresses the absolute necessity of force-on-force work to overcome tunnel vision, auditory exclusion, and loss of dexterity under true duress. He defends his long-held techniques (inboard slide manipulation, purposeful explosive movement, and keeping the muzzle between you and the threat at all times), shares the origins of his famous 3×5-card and chest-cavity targets, recounts his early adoption of pistol red-dots and bright front sights, and urges new students to study actual gunfights (watch the video on mute first, then decide for themselves) rather than chasing split times, reminding everyone that the fight must be won before any legal aftermath even matters.Follow Dave on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/handguncombatives/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSAVisit Aimpoint.com to learn more: https://www.aimpoint.com/ PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD