Train Like You Mean It: Adam Winch Demonstrates a 50-Round Qualification Drill
If you've ever trained with Adam Winch, you know he doesn’t just talk the talk—he lives it on the range. Adam is the founder of Defenders USA and one of the most dynamic firearms instructors in the country. His training combines real-world law enforcement and military experience with an accessible, down-to-earth teaching style that resonates with everyday Americans who carry concealed.
I've had many chances to observe Adam at various events and I'm not only impressed with his skills as a shooter and instructor but with his genuine and honest nature.
In the video below, Adam walks through a 50-round qualification drill based on the Arizona Department of Public Safety's armed guard course. While Adam is known for running tough tests that push shooters to their limits, this particular course is a bit more forgiving—designed for the “Average Joe or Jane” to use as a benchmark for personal competence. Still, that doesn’t mean it's easy, especially with the added pressure of a timer, cameras, and the occasional heckling friend.
The Drill: Arizona’s Armed Guard Qualification
This 50-round course uses Target TQ-19 and requires a minimum passing score of 70%—that’s 35 hits in the designated gray area. Each round is worth 5 points, but if you so much as clip the white, you’re disqualified. It’s a realistic test of practical pistol skills under modest time constraints, with stages from 15, 10, 7, 5, and 3 yards.
- From the holster or ready position
- Timed strings of 1 to 3 rounds
- Reload drills
- Critical emphasis on control, consistency, and accountability
Adam not only shot the course clean—he crushed it with a perfect 100%. But what’s just as important is what he does with that target afterward. He signs it, dates it, and saves a photo to his personal “Training Targets” folder on his phone. Why? Because documenting your training—especially scored or timed drills—can be powerful evidence in your legal defense if you're ever involved in a defensive shooting. It’s one more tool in the toolbox of responsible gun ownership.
Want to Train With Adam in Person?
Good news: you can. Adam Winch will be one of the featured instructors at this year’s 2025 Guardian Conference—the premier training event for armed citizens. Held each fall in Oklahoma City, the Guardian Conference brings together top instructors, innovative gear, and a community of like-minded Americans who believe in preparedness, protection, and skill development.
➡️ Register now for the 2025 Guardian Conference and train with Adam Winch!
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to assume you’re “good enough” with your pistol. But drills like this—objective, quantifiable, and pressure-tested—cut through the guesswork. Whether you pass or fail, the act of measuring your performance and documenting it over time is what separates true guardians from casual gun owners.
So take the challenge. Run the drill. Save the target. And if you're serious about sharpening your skills, we'll see you on the range this fall at the Guardian Conference.
I instructed this course for a company called “Valkyrie Protection Agency” after getting qualified by NRA and AZDPS, for Security Guards, also certified to teach Shotgun, although for “Some Unknown but Esoteric Reason, AZDPS does Not Allow Rifles no matter what the circumstances Or qualifications. Former Drill Sgt and instructor for MCSO as well. These courses, while forgiving, will be important for Any individual trying to learn to defend yourself, AS LONG AS they apply themselves and take it Seriously. No Play, No Unsafe acts. “Daring to Clip the White Edges” is Not what I’d call an “Instant Fail” but an Opportunity to take more time and caution in your techniques. I may be 80% disabled, but i take All training very seriously, as well as the DUTY of an Instructor to teach Safety and Dedication to the students. Any Instructor who “Jumps to Disqualify” is only stoking their Own ego, not really trying to Instill that Knowledge and Safe Handling skills needed to survive in either a gunfight Or defensive use In the Home, as PPITH is called that for a very Good Reason. #1761477 “Don’t do the Crime if you Can’t do the Time”
I work with a contractor training federal armed security
We use the DCJS of Virginia which is similar to this except times a shorter and round count is 60. 15 yard line is
kneeling, standing from left side of a barrier, right side.
Targets are similar, the pass/fail is the timer and previous
lack of training/practice