Developed by Chuck Taylor, this is one of the most difficult pistol courses in the world. Currently, only 12 people hold this rank. It is included here for your interest--this is not an official document.

Target and Scoring: The test is shot on Chuck Taylor's proprietary target: a camoflaged silhouette roughly the same dimensions as an IPSC target, with an inner torso zone (X ring) of 11 by 13 inches, and an ocular zone (Y ring) of 3 by 4 inches. Hits in the X or Y zones count 5 points; hits on the target outside these zones count 3 (major caliber), or 2 (minor caliber) points.

The Test: All weapon presentations are from the holster. The test must be shot in this order, in its entirety.

STANDARD EXERCISES: 2 shots on torso (a 13" x 11" scoring area); perform each once. Total of 80 pts.

1. 1 meter (m), Speed Rock, 1.0 second (sec)
2. 1 m, Step Back, 1.0 sec
3. 3 m, 1.0 sec
4. 7 m, 1.3 sec
5. 10 m, 1.7 sec
6. 15 m, 2.2 sec
7. 25 m, 2.7 sec
8. 50 m, 6.0 sec

SINGLES (Presentations): 1 shot on torso; perform each a total of five times. Total of 25 pts.

9. 7 m, 1.0 sec

PIVOTS and TURNS: 1 shot on torso; perform each a total of five times. Total of 75 pts.

10. 90 degree pivot to the right, 1.0 sec
11. 90 degree pivot to the left, 1.0 sec
12. 180 degree turn, 1.2 sec

MULTIPLE TARGETS: 1 shot on each as listed. All shot from 5 m. Total of 45 pts. Targets are 1 m apart center to center.

13. 2 targets, 1.2 sec
14. 3 targets, 1.5 sec
15. 4 targets, 1.8 sec

HEAD SHOTS: 1 shot per command. Total of 45 pts.

16. 5 m, 1.0 sec. Perform a total of 4 times.
17. 7 m, 1.2 sec. Perform a total of 5 times.

AMBIDEXTROUS STANDARD: 1 shot on each target. Total of 30 pts. Time limit 6.0 sec. Perform once.

18. 7 m; candidate draws, fires 1 round at each of 3 targets, speed loads, transfers gun to weak hand, then fires 1 more shot at each target weak hand unsupported.

HOSTAGE SITUATIONS: 1 shot on each. Perform each a total of 5 times. Shot from 7 m. Total of 50 pts. Time limit: 1.2 sec each.

19. Head shot on felon past left side of hostage's head. Perform a total of 5 times.
20. Head shot on felon past right side of hostages head. Perform a total of 5 times.

TARGETS AT ODD ANGLES: 60% obscured by cover. 1 shot each. Shot from 7 m. Perform each a total of five times. Total of 50 pts. Time Limit: 1.2 sec each.

21. Target looking around right side of cover.
22. Target looking around left side of cover.

Next is the weapon handling phase. No points are earned, only deducted.

• SPEED LOADING; NO SHOOTING. LOADING ONLY. Deduct 5 pts for each overtime. Perform a total of five times. 1.5 seconds each. Possible total deduction of 25 pts from shooting score.
• TACTICAL LOADING. NO SHOOTING. LOADING ONLY. Deduct 5 pts for each overtime. Perform a total of five times. 4.0 seconds each. Possible total deduction of 25 pts from shooting score.
• MALFUNCTION CLEARANCE DRILLS. NO SHOOTING. CLEARANCE DRILLS ONLY. Deduct 5 pts for each overtime. Perform a total of five times within time limits listed below. Possible total deduction of 75 pts from shooting score.
  1. Position One (Failure to Fire): 1.0 sec
  2. Position Two (Failure to Eject): 1.0 sec
  3. Position Three (Feedway Stoppage): 4.0 sec

Qualification:

Possible total is 400 pts. You need 360 pts (90%) to pass. Penalties are assessed as follows:

5 pts are deducted from candidates score for each occurrence of the following offenses:

• Premature start/"creeping"
• Overtime shot. If caused by a malfunction and candidate properly clears it, no penalty is assessed.
• Hit on hostage or object designated as cover.
• Overtime speed load, tactical load or malfunction clearance.

To officially earn the rank, this test must be administered by Chuck Taylor. For more information, contact The American Small Arms Academy.

Thanks to Joe Paige for documenting the course.