Massad Ayoob talks about Elisjsha Dicken, the Dicken Drill, and the probability of long shots.
In July of 2022, a seemingly ordinary day at a mall in Greenwood, Indiana, turned into a life-threatening event/nightmare when a lunatic opened fire with an AR-15 rifle.
Amidst the chaos and terror, 22-year-old Elisjsha Dicken became a hero, ending the killing spree with eight out of his 10 shots from a distance of 40 yards (120 ft ~est) with a 9mm Glock pistol he was carrying due to a change in the law recently that allows individuals to carry a concealed weapon without a license. This heroic act of bravery & precision shooting sparked what is now known as the Dicken drill—a shooting exercise that challenges shooters to replicate Dicken’s heroic feat by firing 10 shots at a man-sized target 40 yards away in 10 seconds or less.
At the time, many questioned whether the event was a Black Swan—a rare, one-off event that is unlikely to be repeated. However, as firearms expert and instructor Massad Ayoob points out, there have been numerous instances throughout history where everyday American citizens have made long and precision shots with handguns.
These everyday American heroes, such as Mr. Dicken, are a testament to the importance of training and preparedness in the face of danger. By carrying under the Constitutional Carry law in Indiana, Elisjsha was able to effectively and quickly respond to the threat, saving countless lives.
The Dicken drill has since become a popular shooting exercise among firearms enthusiasts and instructors, as it not only challenges shooters to improve their accuracy and precision but also serves as a reminder of the heroism displayed by Elisjsha on that fateful day in Indiana.
The story of Elisjsha Dicken’s heroic actions serves as a reminder that in the face of danger, ordinary people can become heroes through training, courage, and preparedness. It also highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and carrying laws that allow law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and others in life-threatening situations.
