Center Axis Relock

Center Axis Relock (CAR) is a shooting system 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 directly) with the pistol held far out in front of the face and some form of sighted fire.

The CAR system is primarily intended for semi-automatic pistol shooting, although it can also be used with shotguns, rifles, submachineguns, Tasers and OC sprays.

Description

The most notable feature of the CAR system is its unique firing stance and the ability for dynamic movement for the shooter. There are four positions that are taught, each of which is used based on how far the target is from the shooter, as well as various tactical considerations for the situation. All firing positions are based on a "bladed" stance, or more commonly referred to in the Law Enforcement world as the "Field Interview Stance" to which means the shooter stands at a 90-degree angle to the target, with their non-dominant arm's shoulder facing the target. In addition, all four positions involve keeping the firearm very close to the torso compared to other shooting stances, and in all but one, the weapon is held canted slightly to one side (approximately 30–45 degrees) rather than vertically. The system also employs the technique of using the opposite eye of the gun hand, (left hand right eye and vice versa). The four individual positions are described as follows:

• High – Despite its name, this is actually the "lowest" position. The weapon is held cradled close, but not immediately next to, the chest at the centerline axis (hence the name of the system) and pointed at the target, with the dominant arm held at a 90 degree angle across the torso. The non-dominant forearm crosses the torso under the weapon's barrel and the hand grasps the shooting hand, with the upper arm held against the shooter's side (and out of the muzzle's line of fire). Advantages to this position are that the weapon is easy to retain if an enemy tries to grab for it, the weapon can be held for long periods with less fatigue, it looks less aggressive and more defensive to an opponent, and the close position of the arms to the torso can offset the effects of stress. This position is designed for Close Quarters Battle. It can be unsafe as, without caution, adequate self-awareness and body positioning, there is a risk of shooting oneself in the non-dominant bicep, and, as the system was geared towards the use of semi-automatic pistols, some types of firearm such as large caliber revolvers should not be used in this position due to the muzzle- or cylinder-blast potentially causing injury.
• Combat High – This position is a "low ready" stance, and it used for cautious observation rather than directed shooting. The weapon is held with both hands up near the face, roughly 6–9 inches from and below the dominant eye with both eyes open in order to keep a clear view of the environment and to maintain situational awareness. The weapon is kept canted at roughly 30–45 degrees to the non-dominant eye to naturally fall in line with the position of shooting arm (holding it completely vertical would uncomfortably bend the wrist and not allow for proper recoil absorption). The non-dominant hand wraps over the shooting hand to stabilize the grip, with the non-dominant elbow kept down and near the shooter's side, though not touching it.
• Extended – Similar to "Combat High", except the weapon is held forward, approximately 11–13 inches from the eyes and the sights are in the shooter's focal zone. The elbow of the shooting arm is lifted to about jaw level and the non-dominant arm is kept in line with the torso. This is the most common shooting position, and is based on several principles. First, the smaller distance between the sights and the eyes allows a wider view of the environment; stances with the sights out farther cause the eyes to focus in a single spot. Second, the position of the arms, if properly executed, causes the recoil to be absorbed straight backwards instead of up, down or sideways, thus allowing faster repeated shots while keeping on target. This position is intended to be used for shorter ranges, about 2–10 yards.
• Apogee – A further progression from "Extended", the weapon is held even further from the eyes with the arms extend in a position similar to a Weaver stance, except the weapon is still held canted to one side in line with the wrist and arm, and the body is still in a "bladed" stance. This is designed for longer range, controlled shooting.

See also

• Weaver stance
• Modern Technique of the Pistol

External links

• Sabre Tactical Group - Paul Castle's Military/Law Enforcement training school
• IPD Systems - Paul Castle's civilian training school
• [1]- ADAT C.A.R. Training
• CAR System basics
• ICPS METHOD Israeli Combative Pistolcraft
• Bullet & Blade Hybrid courses of Center Axis Relock combined with Close Quarters Defensive Tactics