I have developed a plan for my shooting training. Over the years this plan has changed but for the most part it covers the areas I know I need to work in. It looks strange to the onlooker because if I ever get into a civilian firefight, I'm convinced I will be shooting from odd angles and different cover. I'm also convinced I probably won't ever be in a firefight as a civilian, but it is always possible. If you ever defend yourself with a gun, there's a good chance you won't see it coming. You may have only a few seconds to react. What will happen if you're attacked off guard and need to draw and shoot backing away from someone? Or maybe you're against a wall, on the ground, or in a restaurant booth? Having some experience in drawing under these and other circumstances would be wise to practice. One of the best ways to counter this disadvantage is through practice. This practice does not have to be all live fire. Dry firing is also a good training tool. Even if this type of training is not possible for you in terms of time or a place where you can do more than just stand in a lane and shoot at paper. Playing the "what if" game is mentally preparing you for crazy defense scenarios. Dry fire is a very good way to create the muscle memory needed to practice and develop a versatile shooting style. Remember that you will more than likely not shoot the first shot in any fight. The criminal or terrorist will start the fight. One of the best ways to counter the disadvantage of this kind of vulnerability is through practicing the draw stroke from various unconventional positions on a regular basis, both at the range and through dry-fire drills. But even if that’s too time-consuming for you, at the very least you can spend some mental energy on contemplating the different body positions you might end up in when you must draw. I’m not suggesting you allow your everyday life to be consumed by contemplating every possible “what if” that comes to mind, because you’ll never be able to plan for every contingency. On the other hand, if you spend most of the day sitting down, for example, and your carry gun is in a holster behind your hip that you can’t reach when you’re in a chair, maybe it’s time to think about how you might work around that. Oftentimes, a solution is as simple as changing the direction you face your chair, but it could also mean a complete re-thinking of your carry method and gear. It just depends on your specific situation. The important point is to at least give a little thought to the “what ifs” to uncover the most obvious flaws in your self-defense plans. There’s always more you can do to become better prepared, but this mental exercise requires very little effort compared to the potential benefits of the “I never thought of that!” moments.
When you train concentrate on the dangerous things. Understanding and finding real cover can be lifesaving. Bullets will go through all but the solid things. Car doors, furniture, counters are some things that will not stop a bullet. A vehicle engine blocks, solid brick walls, and trees will stop a bullet. But you must be able to access this quickly and move to it.
Reloading is also a vulnerable time. Practice using dummy rounds off range. Always keep your gun up and in the line of sight when you reload.
Also, off range you can practice drawing from concealment. However, you carry, practice until it is natural, and muscle memory takes over. It doesn’t take long to develop this, but it must be practiced over and over. If you take 15 minutes a day this will come naturally.
Practice drawing from concealment, moving while shooting, and engaging multiple targets.
These are just a few ideas that most of us can work on. The problem with writing this post is the word “personal.” Your training is very individual and personal. There are a few ways to approach this. You can record yourself shooting and then critically review the recording to see your problems and to correct them. But then you would have to have enough training to recognize the problems. Most people should go to a competent instructor. This is what I recommend as you go to a training session.
Before training: review fundamental concepts, practice movements dry, prepare and write down questions for your instructor, ensure all your equipment functions correctly.
During training: take detailed notes, record video if allowed, ask for clarification, focus on understanding principles taught.
After training: review your notes within a day of your training, practice skills dry before live fire, incorporate anything new into your current training, plan follow-up training if needed.
With these ideas you should be able to find drills that fit what you want to train on.
I will let you know what I do generally on a weekly basis.
1. 10 minutes on fundamentals (20 rounds)
2. 25 minutes on what I feel I need work in (30 rounds)
3. 20-30 minutes working what I just worked on. This could be anything. I would use this time to implement what I just worked on in drills. I do this from a variety of stances, on the ground, on my side, on my back, 2 foot from target to 20 ft, around barriers, etc. (20 rounds)
All of this is preceded by dry fire throughout the week.
Sometimes I work on number 2 longer. Often the round count will be adjusted. I try to keep my rounds down to 50 per session. I’ll shoot more because I like it. So, it would be easy to blow through 150 rounds and still want more. By limiting my rounds, I use the rounds for training rather than recreation.
Developing our training is very important if we are to be competent and effective as a shooter. Competing is a good way to keep skills sharp. But always know that competition is not defense shooting. Practice as much as you can to be skilled at arms. It can mean the difference between life or death.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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