While spending hours at the shooting range is both necessary and builds competence, it’s not the only training regimen a gun owner should practice.
There are several methods to consider when looking to achieve a high degree of readiness in potentially dangerous situations.
Many trainers today focus on defensive firearm training. This involves learning techniques that would be helpful in the types of incidents that everyday people like concealed carry members may encounter.
As author John Caile writes in his article “Training for the Real World” on USConcealedCarry.com, most people will never find themselves in a gunfight:
“But for most of us, the primary focus should be on things that may save our lives in the kinds of violent confrontations we will most likely encounter in real life. The fact is that more than 90% of civilian confrontations end with no shots being fired.” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)
The most important defensive skill to learn is the art of drawing your weapon, a technique that needs to be practiced time and time again. Research has proven that muscle memory begins to occur after 30 repetitions in any activity but it is not until 3000 repeats that the neurons are actually connected and the action becomes virtually automatic.
Dry fire is another way to strengthen skills and increase reaction time. One growing trend is the use of a SIRT (Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger) pistol, which uses laser technology instead of live fire. Using a SIRT gun or an unloaded personal weapon, owners have basically unlimited drawing and firing practice with greater convenience and lower expenses.
As with all endeavors, practice and safety are key to success. For those who carry concealed, it’s not just a hobby, but a way of life. Improving defensive strategies through practice is one more way to tilt the odds in your favor in a life and death situation.