Shooting Goals
Every year I write down some goals to try to become better in the coming year. Sometimes I Ace them, and other times I fail. But it’s important to set goals and do your best to achieve them. I think shooting goals are just as important. Whether it’s tightening up that group, getting better distance, or improving speed, it’s always good to set goals. When doing this make sure your goals are attainable. Speed like Miculek or Latham may not be the best goal unless you plan to do it a little at a time. Some drills in these areas may help you as you set and work on these goals.
4 Aces Part 1 (Burkett Reloads)
Target: 7 yard metric target (or B29)
Start Position: Standing, pistol pointed at target
On start signal conduct a magazine change, but don’t fully insert the magazine fully into the pistol. You will stop just as you reach the opening of the magazine well.
This dry fire drill. Use your par timer to control your pace. Start at a comfortable pace and increase the par time every 5 or 10 runs by .1 seconds until you start to lose consistency. You do not have to start with a magazine in the pistol, but you should press the magazine release as if you do. Be sure to press it consistently. I also recommend loading 10 clearly marked dummy rounds for the magazine on your belt. An empty magazine just feels different.
4 Aces Part 2 (Dry Fire Reload)
Target: 7 yard metric target (or B29)
Start Position: Standing, pistol pointed at target
On start signal conduct a magazine change and return to the target.
This time you will insert the magazine fully into the pistol and return to the target. Try to work on snapping your focus from the front sight, to the mag well and then back to the front sight. Pay close attention to what the front sight is doing. You want it to go straight back to target and shouldn’t be fighting to get the sights aligned. Just like before start a comfortable pace and push yourself until you become inconsistent.
4 Aces Part 3 (4 Aces)
Targets: 1 Metric or B29 target 7 yards away
Start Position: Facing down range, wrists above shoulders
On start signal draw and engage 1 metric target with 2 rounds, conduct a mandatory reload and engage the target with 2 more rounds
This is a great drill to practice in your daily dry fire before going to the range. Be sure to record your time and hits.
Matt Burkett is a shooting champion from the U.S. IDPA to European 3 Gun Champion. He’s an instructor who has taught 1000, s of people including law enforcement and military nationally and internationally.
Bill Drill
The target that you use for this drill is a standard International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) target. Only hits in the “A” zone count for this drill. The “A” zone on an IPSC target measures 6 x 11 inches. What this means is that instead of going out and buying an IPSC target you can make an “A” zone target yourself. What I do is take a regular white sheet of paper and measure 6 x 11 and then cut the target out and staple it to my cardboard backer.
You shoot the drill from the 7-yard line and the goal is to fire six shots as quickly as possible while getting all six shots in the “A” zone.
Don’t let the simplicity of this drill fool you. This drill teaches you to develop a smooth trigger pull because if you jerk your trigger you’re not going to get all 6 shots on the target. It teaches you how to manage recoil and also how to track your sights.
The reason to practice this drill often is because in a real life situation, where deadly force is justified, you’ll likely end up doing this drill. What I mean is, you’ll likely end up drawing your gun lightning fast and firing multiple shots as quickly as you can. Thankfully, I’ve never had to fire my gun in a self-defense situation, but I can tell you from very intense training scenarios that this is what you’ll do.
This drill was developed by Bill Wilson an avid hunter and shooter since the 60’s. He is founder of Wilson Combat, a custom gun builder. In the 1970’s he won many championships but hog hunting is his passion.
Dot Torture
Dot Torture is a comprehensive marksmanship test that is easy to set up. Target has ten 2" dots. Start with Dot Torture Target at three yards. You have to get all 50 hits to pass. Try to shoot the whole drill without a miss. Try to increase your distance or decrease your time. For instance, try to finish the entire drill in under five minutes while maintaining accuracy.
Dot 1 - Draw and fire one string of 5 rounds for best group, total 5 rounds.
Dot 2 - Draw and fire 1 shot, holster and repeat X4, total 5 rounds.
Dots 3&4 - Draw and fire 1 shot on #3, then 1 shot on #4, holster and repeat X3, total 8 rounds.
Dot 5 - Draw and fire string of 5 rounds, strong hand only, total 5 rounds.
Dots 6&7 - Draw and fire 2 shots on #6, then 2 on #7, holster, repeat X4, total 16 rounds.
Dot 8 - From ready or retention, fire five shots, weak hand only, total 5 rounds.
Dots 9&10 - Draw and fire 1 shot on #9, speed reload, fire 1 shot on #10, holster and repeat X3, total 6 rounds.
Count all good shots for your total possible score out of 50 total shots.
Dot torture was developed by David Blinder an instructor at Personal Defense Training.
Basic Bullseye
This is the simplest and works at any range. The goal is to shoot the smallest group possible at any distance. For this drill it’s recommended to use cardboard because paper will have a tendency to tear out and make the group appear larger than it actually is. Start close and work your way back. I normally do a run of 6 rounds. You will not get fast with this drill; you need not draw from a holster. The goal is sight alignment, trigger press and breathing.
This is the number 1 static range drill and everyone reading has probably done it, but I would suggest you try it again, but set a minimum time between shots. Say 10 seconds. That is enough time to bring the gun down, take a few breaths and aim again. You might find you are capable of better accuracy than you thought!
Don’t get discouraged and make sure you practice often. Meet your goals and then set new ones. As long as you’re progressing, that’s all that matters!
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
No comments:
Post a Comment