We hear it all the time, "Practice makes perfect," but do we ever think to apply this to our firearms training? Of course classes, courses, and live fire drills are best, but what about when you can't get to the range? The work you put in at home, by yourself can be the difference between mediocre shooting and taking your training to the next level. One method that has been used for years is dry fire practice. It's as simple as firing your empty pistol, but as complex as your imagination and ingenuity can make it. One drill that I have personally used involves an empty pistol and a spent casing. The first thing you'll need of course is your pistol. I suggest practicing with any and all that you think you may use. Now you'll want to clear the pistol to make sure that no ammunition is in it. This may seem like common sense, but trust me! You want to be absolutely sure that there are no rounds in the gun. First lock the slide to the rearward position. If a round is chambered, it should be ejected. Next, press the magazine release to drop the magazine. At this point, the pistol should be clear. Visually inspect to make sure that the magazine is out and you can see straight through the grip. Now, visually and physically inspect the chamber to make sure that no rounds are in the pistol. This next step is EXTREMELY important. Put all your ammunition in a separate room and close the door. Lock it if you need to. There should be no ammunition in the same room as your pistol. Now locate a spent shell casing. Any casing from a previously fired round will do. Take that casing and stand it in the slide of your EMPTY pistol. The objective is to press the trigger without making the casing fall. Once you feel this is too easy, place the casing on the front sight post and try to press the trigger without making the casing fall off. It's a lot more difficult than it may seem. The point of this drill is to minimize jerking, twitching, and other common mistakes people make when anticipating recoil. Remember to control your breathing throughout to drill and keep the trigger pressed until you manually rack the slide and reset it. Of course, if you're successful in performing the drill you will have to remove the casing and replace it each time. When done correctly, this drill can cut down on common mistakes and give you more time to focus on other things when you hit the range. Once again, MAKE SURE THAT YOUR GUN IS EMPTY! I cannot stress that enough. NOTE: In the pictures, I am demonstrating the drill with one hand. This is only because I had to take pictures with the other. You should practice using your normal, two hand grip until you become proficient. After that, practice with only one hand is a good way to further your skills. Use both your strong and off hand.
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AuthorKeep in mind that I am by no means a gun expert. I have had some safety, handling, and shooting training, but nowhere near the amount I feel is needed to claim the "expert" title. With that being said, I am a man that owns a LOT of firearms, knives, and gear! I have been shooting since I could hold a rifle and have even competed in and won a few competitions. The advice and tips that I give are based on personal experience, but are by no means to be taken as law. Please consult a trained, certified professional for all your firearms needs. Enjoy! Archives
May 2016
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