What is the Civilized Capsicum Test?

Flemming Mark Pedersen came up with this test back in 86 when most ranges had timed turning target systems.

When set on "Duel shooting" targets would appear 5 times for 3 seconds, with 7 seconds intervals, which made for very effective training with more shooters on the line.

Flemming also found that standard exercises were a great way to train your focus as you repeatedly would have to re-focus for each string (In this case: 25 strings) - and it would be painfully clear when you did not. This element does not become as clear when shooting stages and that is one more reason to make standard exercises a part of your training regimen.

We introduced this test in our training program and it was quickly adopted by many LE/MIL units as a way to measure basic shooting skills. Passing score was 45 out of 50 possible points. Even the Norwegian Police Academy, to this day, uses this test when certifying instructors. The test has stayed pretty much the same (except when copied and re-named), but needed to be tweaked for civilian targets.

Our National Teams are scheduled to shoot this test and report results, starting April, an initiative that we strongly support as "great shooting is just basic skills performed at a high level". This test is not that hard in itself, but shooting it clean is not easy. Here is our target from last Saturday.

Civilized Capsicum Test Classic target. Fixed time 3 sec. Scoring: A-hits only for a maximum score of 50 1. 6 meters Hands down, facing target, pistol holstered in condition 1. On signal; engage target with two rounds weak hand only. Repeat 5 times for a total of 10 rounds.

2. 10 meters Hands down, facing target, pistol holstered in condition 1. On signal; engage target with two rounds strong hand only. Repeat 5 times for a total of 10 rounds.

3. 15 meters Hands down, facing up-range, pistol holstered in condition 1. On signal; engage target with three rounds freestyle. Repeat 5 times for a total of 15 rounds.

4. 20 meters Hands down, facing target, pistol holstered in condition 1. On signal; engage target with two rounds freestyle. Repeat 5 times for a total of 10 rounds.

5. 25 meters Hands down, facing target, pistol holstered in condition 1. On signal; engage target with one round freestyle. Repeat 5 times for a total 5 rounds.

PASSING SCORE IS 45 POINTS