I'd like to know what drills some here may do between classes, or would recommend for those like me who can't get away to take a class for a while yet.
Pistol and carbine drills would be appreciated,
Thanks
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I'd like to know what drills some here may do between classes, or would recommend for those like me who can't get away to take a class for a while yet.
Pistol and carbine drills would be appreciated,
Thanks
I'm guessing you can get to the range?
If so, reflect on the previous classes and repeat those drills. I know you may some limitations such as not having steel or movers, etc. But the basic drills remain the same.
You can make or buy targets to do the 3" dot drills, work on the ready positions, single shot then progress to multiple shots/targets. Go to larger dots/distance, etc to do the same and work on sight management, malfunction drills, reloads, draw, etc.
Remember, accuracy first, then speed will come. Start off slower then incorporate speed, slow it down, clean it up then speed it back up if making mistakes, ID your problem areas and work on them.
Set up realistic goals and drills to reach them-don't get caught up into competition vs reality, use gear as it was designed, don't cheat yourself. Also, don't always shoot the same number of rounds--like 2 on a drill-be somewhat inconsistent with that.
Hopefully it helps!
Mark
Here is a list of about 50 handgun drills from Handgunlaw.us. Most of them are credited to "name" shooters. Something to think about anyway.
http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/HandgunDrills.pdf
This is one of my favorites.
It's only fifty rounds, so it's quick. I usually hit this drill when I'm pressed for time and still trying to fit in a quality range trip.
I got it from Personal Defense Training.
www.personaldefensetraining.com/showpage.php?target=dottorture.php
Dot Torture Marksmanship Drill
This is a marksmanship drill, fired at 3 yards or further. Targets are ten 2" dots numbered. A total of 50 rounds is needed. You will perform: 22 draws and holster, depending on magazine capacity 5-10 administrative or speed reloads, obtain 83 sight pictures and press the trigger 50 times.
Dot #1- Draw and fire one string of 5 rounds for best group. One hole if possible, total 5 rounds.
Dot #2- Draw and fire 1 shot, holster and repeat X4, total 5 rounds.
Dot #3 and 4- Draw and fire 1 shot on #3, then 1 shot on 4, holster and repeat X4, total 8 rounds.
Dot #5- Draw and fire string of 5 rounds, strong hand only, total 5 rounds.
Dot #6 and 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.
Dot #9 and 10- Draw and fire 1 shots on #9, speed reload, fire 1 shots on #10, holster and repeat X3, total 6 rounds.
When you can do this clean on demand, extend the length or start timing and work on speed but maintaining accuracy. If a single shot is missed, you flunk. Only hits count and only perfect practice makes perfect.
Downloadable target:
http://www.personaldefensetraining.c...2af71dbb8982dd
Some guys go as far as keeping a log book of what they are doing and the times they do it in. The basic skill sets to run and hit with the gun are always something I work on. I usually work on two to three sets per training session. What are skill sets? Those seemingly simple things you were initially taught when you went to your first school. These are divided into two catagories, markmanship and weapons handling. I may go to the range and focus on one shot holster drills starting at three and going out to 50. This may include a few dummy rounds (which forces me to do immediate action drills as well) From there, I may do some positional shooting with a focus on markmanship as well. No real speed, just smoothness and accuracy. Another training may include the various reloads with a timer. This may include 1 shot, reload 1 shot drills or 2 2 and 2 drills. (two shots stress load, two shots etc.) This can be done on smaller steel or even paper.
A good warm up a buddy taught me is 5 rounds from the holster on an 8 inch plate/circle at 7 yards at speed using both hands. Same drill except with my primary hand only from the holster. Transfer the weapon to the left hand and shoot two handed for five rounds (DON"T MISS) then shoot five rounds with the support hand only. The support side shooting is all from the ready, not the holster. This is my baseline everytime I go out. Go with a buddy who wants to seriously improve as opposed to shoot cans. Competition is always healthy. You tell him a drill, then let him run the next one. Keep it realistic without loosing sight what you're trying to do. Its fun and you'll improve at a higher rate. Have fun and be safe
Hobbes, heres my basic drills to keep me up with the training is down.
I try to do 15-20minutes of dry practice a day or at least 3 times a week if im busy.
People always ask what the secret or tricks of the trade to speed and accuracy are... well I think most of us know by now that there are no tricks, its all mastering and hoaning the basic fundamentals. Shooters and instructors also get carried away with all the high speed shooting out there which is great but even the best masterclass shooters out there can never forget about the basics. there will always be high speed tactical shooting couses, compititions, combat, ect... but the real deal is what you do on your own, and if you dont, when the shit hits the fan one day you will hesitate at the molment of truth.
So I start with breaking down all the fundamentals...
Pistol
1: set up stance, Modern Isolesles. Nice and tight I shoot on the range as if I were in an actual firefight to keep my combat mindset in the game and to mimic a stressful enviornment. I am tensed and flexed up the whole time to simulate what is going to happen to me in a real fight...adrenaline, hormones, loss of all dexterity ect...
Stay in this stance through out the whole dryfire, it sucks but its worth it, and its a good workout. you should be smoked even after 20mins of dry fire like this.
anyways...
-weight on the balls of the feet.
-slight comfortable bend in the knees
-bent forward at the waist
-shoulders rolled forward (pistol)
-set tension in the wrists and elbows ..not locked out but tight (pistol) elbows tucked in (rifle)
2: I break down the Draw. startingin the ready position I transistion to the pistol and break the bail (Safariland 6004, per your holster SOP) and aquire master grip and STOP.
***then I repeat this around 25-50 times. consentrating on minimizing the little movements and perfecting just this step.
3: Starting at the "3rd eye postion weapon in front of the chest (strong hand only) with my weak hand only about 10in away fro the gun. I bring the hands together to aquire the master grip on the gun and then STOP. (I use the Leatham/Enos grip with a modified CRUSH grip to simulate high stress shooting.) I do this little drill about 50 times since its the base of the following fundamentals. Consentrate on minimizing the little movements and perfecting just this step.
4: From there I continue to do the drill above but now put the next step in: punch out on target aquiring slight alingment/sight picture and STOP
I do this drill about 50 times on an actual target/ with T-shirt on for realistic purposes. Then I do it on a target with small Paisties to concentrate more on the sights and trigger pull which comes next. Consentrating on minimizing the little movements and perfecting just this step.
5: From the 3rd eye position do the drill above and then concentrate on isolating the trigger and squeezing, (utilizing the trigger on target theory)
since the only thing that is moving at this point is your trigger, think about using the pull to line up the sights (micro movemnets at this point). this is used in mostly bullseye and 25 yd pistol shooting but this really makes me think about trigger control. Dry fire this until you get sick of it.
6: Once you feel comfortable with these 5 steps, now put it all together, and keep it clean and concentrate on each fundamental but keeping it smooth and minimise all the little unessisary movments.
7: Strong hand only (all fundamentals)
8: Weak hand only (all fundamentals)
7: Once I'm through my basic funds practice I move into multiple target sight aquisition drill and moving drills responding left/right/back. Then shooting around corners under couches beds ect...
8: Then I go into speed reloads and tac-reloads while dry-firing on the targets.
9: Now I go into Malfunctions, type 1- type 4, I leave imeadiate and remedial action for the rifle. I do these malfunction drills master grip, strong only and weak only...this is something shooters and intructors neglect to do or teach.
RIFLE
-Same thing as the pistol really... minus the draw...
-I consentrate on sight aquisition speed and utilizing multiple targets.
-Transitions
-strong and weak
-malfunctions,...simulate firing then immeadiate action, then remeadial action. ***this drill is for targets over 50yrds only otherwise transition.
When I hit the range I do all the above to warm up and then move into all the high speed practical shooting.
here is a Qual course I use to stay proficient on:
QUAL PISTOL QUALIFICATION
YARD LINE/ DRILL/ REPS/ .45 Cal/ TIME
25- Pair Standing / Pair Kneeling 1/ 4/ 6
15- Pair Standing / Pair Kneeling 1/ 4/ 5.5
10- Pair /Speed Reload / Pair 1/ 4/ 5
10 to 3- Pair /Speed Reload / Pair 1/ 4/ 5
10 to 3- Failure Drill 1/ 3/ 4.5
7- Pair Strong Hand Only 1/ 2/ 2
7- Pair Weak Hand, weak hand draw 1/ 2/ 5
7- Pair/ Speed Reload /
Minimum Target Exposure Shot 1/ 3/ 4
SCORE 24 TORSO, 2 BRAIN (52 Points Total), Re-Face Targets.
15- Pair on 1st Target /
Speed Reload / Pair on 2nd Target 1/ 4/ 5
10 to 3- Pair on 1st Target / Speed Reload /
Pair on 2nd Target 1/ 4/ 5.5
10 to 3- Pair on Both Targets /Speed Reload /
Minimum Target Exposure Shot on Each 1/ 6/ 6.5
7 to 3- Pair on Both Targets / Speed Reload /
Pair on Both Targets 1/ 8/ 6.5
7- Minimum Target Exposure Shot on each
target 1/ 2/ 4
SCORE 20 TORSO, 4 BRAIN (48 Points Total).
TOTAL 50
NOTES (1) All drills start from the low ready with the M-4.
(2) Tactical/Speed reload as necessary.
(3) Clear any type 1,2 or 3 malfunction on the move.
(4) If you have a Type 3 malfunction, continue to move until you
reach your point of domination. Clear the malfunction from a
knee but do not engage.
(5) Always know the condition of your weapon.
(6) If you run dry, you loose those points.
(7) Highest score possible is 100 points.
(8) Complete CQB / Assault gear will be worn at all times.
(9) Totals are per man.
FWIW - try to train with a partner -- if it is not possible then try to video yourself (good to do anyway) as you will notice (or your partner will) things in the video that you may not be doing correctly.
very good point Kev, Video is a great training tool...
On Kevin and Travis' thoughts...
Share the video or mix up partners, if two guys are doing something wrong it seems to solidify faster than one person doing it alone -- the "adult learner" folks we have on staff tell us it is because when you are training alone, there is (almost) always a question in your mind if you are doing it right, but if you have another person there assuring you that you are doing something right, it sets faster.
Oh, and if you are doing live fire drills with a suppressed weapon in your home, make sure that your "traps" will stop the round you are shooting, otherwise you can shoot through a wall at the end of a hallway and through many, many rows of your wife's clothes hanging in the closet on the other side of said wall -- don't ask, just take for action ;)
Actually... skip the live fire stuff in your domicile, bad idea from the get-go.
I think the most benefit I've seen from a single drill is the basic rythym drill. Also called the Bill Drill. Put the target at 21 feet and fire 6 shots.
Start with 1 shot per second. Count off out loud "a thousand and 1, a thousand and 2..." pulling the trigger on each number, regardless of whether or not your sights are one the bullseye (they need to be on target, gotta be safe). Do that until you're putting all 6 in the bullseye and then speed up to 6 shots in 3 seconds. "and 1 and 2 and..." again with a shot on each number. When you're getting all your hits in the bulls eye speed it up to "1, 2, 3..." and keep increasing the rate until you're firing all six shots as fast as you can pull the trigger and still be accurate. Obvisouly you can mix it up by shooting it at different ranges, too.
Here's my regime
As to rd count, it's usually 150-+200 5.56mm and 200 9mm.
I 'll start with pistol and my Homemade IDPA Cardboard tgts at 5 yds.
one full magazine (17rds) as a warm up. I'll practice my presentation and put the first rd COM and the next 16 rds in the same spot (or at least try to) I concentrate on my presentation, my grip, front site pic and trigger press and trigger reset.
I go slow and shoot for accuracy and correct form.
from there I'll start to speed up. 1-2 additional mags worth.
Then I sling up my AR and do the same thing at the same distance for 28 rds. concentrating on the same thing (minus the front site as I'm an Aimpoint guy..)
After my warm up I work on Emergency reloads by firing single rds in a mag to bolt lock and then E-load with a 2 rd mag.
I'll work on transitions after that. Single rd with the AR and then transition to pistol and execute failure drills (1-Head/2-CenterOfMass). I do this for a whole 28 rd AR mag.
I'll mix in hammer drills in with Failure drills. All AR drills will start from Indoor ready (muzzle down pointing about 4-5" in front of my left foot)
This usually takes me about an Hour. Then if I have the range to myself, I'll move the tgts back to 25 yds and practice some shooting on the move drills (using a Pair of Tgts) and practice Box drills (2shots COM left tgt,2 shots COM Right tgt,1 shot -head right tgt and 1 shot-head left tgt) and failure drills. I then work in transitions on the move as well. This usually takes me another hour.
Other drills I like to do are
The Devils Drill. A very good drill I learned from Greg "Sully"Sullivan from Defensive Edge. I like it cause it's a good well rounded drill.
At 18 yds using your tgt of choice ( I use Homemade Cardboard IDPA tgts. I pencil in a 8" wide Rectangle for COM and an upside down triangle that's a little smaller then a 3"x5" Index card for the brainbox)
You start from Indoor ready with a 8 rd mag in your AR and a 16 rd in a pouch.
put 8 rds in the 8" COM from standing, change mag on way down to kneeling
put 8 rds on 8"COM and then drop to prone and put the last 8 rds in the 8"COM within 18 seconds.
All hits within the 8"COM Zone.
There are several Variations of this drill with Rd count and distance to the tgt. this is just one.
What I try to concentrate on the most is my manipulation and Handling skills. What I have found and have learned from guys smarter then me with way more experience (you know who you are..) is that any Bucket-head with an AR and some descent ammo can hit a tgt. What brings shooters to there knee's is handling and manipulation. Being able to work all the controls and do the things you want to do when you want to do them with speed and smoothness.
Not that I'm a great shooter , but if I have a pretty descent gun and some halfway descent ammo, I can sit in the prone off on a bench and pretty much hit what I want all day long. That is not the Skill I am after (cause frankly... I already have it...) I want the skill of speed and smoothness and the ability to manipulate my Pistol and Carbine and execute what ever function I need to do (Reload, malfunction clearance,etc) And make good solid hits on my targets at the drop of a hat in any condition (Light /low light, rain, snow,etc).
I try to mix up my Solo training with group training with like minded shooters (which I am VERY fortunate to know a great group of guys I can do this with ...You know who you are as well..)
For me the name of the game is quality vs. high rd counts. Practice the fundamental drills to ingrain consistency.
As One very wise Instructor always say's "Practice does not make perfect... Practice makes permanent..."
I made this up awhile ago on the recommendation of a couple competitors.
This is a form, don't know how to copy the form here showing the lines, etc.
The "X" drill basically is you going from a small or large target to a large or small target twice. (like a 3" to 8" to a 3" and an 8", one example)
I'm not one for writing things down, but the two that showed me this keep a book.
Mark
SHOOTER - DATE-
LOCATION- WEATHER-
COMMENTS:
DRAW, ONE SHOT DISTANCE - TARGET -
#1- #2- #3- #4- #5-
#6- #7- #8- #9- #10-
COMMENTS:
BILL DRILL DISTANCE - TARGET -
#1- #2- #3- #4- #5-
COMMENTS:
RELOAD DRILL (DRAW, 1 SHOT, RELOAD, 1 SHOT
DISTANCE - TARGET -
#1- #2- #3- #4- #5-
COMMENTS:
X DRILL DISTANCE - TARGET (S) -
SHOOTING ORDER -
#1- #2- #3- #4- #5-
COMMENTS:
If you want a really good dry fire package of well written information I would suggest you go to Bruce Gray's site and download his "Dry Fire Package" for free. Bruce is one of the best communicators of shooting technique out there.
Here's the link: http://www.grayguns.com/Grayguns_Dry...ety_packet.zip
Larry Vickers says it in his classes; shooting pistols is hard, rifles and carbines are easy. So mastering pistol trigger control is one of the keys to shooting a carbine well. He talks about how he's seen guys who are all kinds of awesome with a rifle turn into a soup sandwich when the pistols come out. But very rarely does he see someone who shoots a pistol well that can't shoot a rifle well.
Thus, dry fire (at least at my house) is all done with a pistol. Rifles only get broken out to practice manipulations (reloads, malf clearance).
Are you using a solid rest from a bench or are you going prone? What size are the targets that you are shooting at? When going for accracy (you know who you are), I like to use target paster squares. They are about 1'' in size and make a nice little point of aim. Aim small, shoot small. Try that out. You can also use index cards. 3x5's have just about replaced the standard bullseye target for me. If you can keep shots on either a 5x8 at 50 off hand or 3x5 at 25 off hand you are doing ok.
I don't have a rest per-se, but was shooting supported off the bench using a ten round mag so that my gun was rested by my VFG and pistol grip. Not exactly rested, but I'd expect better accuracy than what I got.
I will try using smaller targets next time, as well as keeping my mags at 5 rounds and going for accuracy.
A good trigger squeeze drill is to insert your cleaning rod into the end of your muzzel, leave it sticking out a coulple of inches, set a dime on top of the rod and practice trigger squeeze. If the dime falls off then continue until the dime does not fall off. Very simple, but is better if you have a friend set the dime on each time. Remember, be sure your weapon is cleared and always treat your weapon as if it is loaded during dry fire. This exersice works well for breathing too, your trigger pull should come at you natural pause between breaths.
One piece of gear that I was told by more than a couple of folks at the recent Vickers Carbine course is I must buy a shot timer to get anything productive out the drills. This makes sense. I am looking for one that does not require a six week correnspondence course to figure out all of the buttons. Also want something small enough that I can carry it around the range nad use it without it getting in my way. I liked the one Larry had, but I think it is a bit too large for carrying on one and doing drills. Last but not least, needs to be loud enough for detection with non-electronic hearing pro on.
Several models were mentioned at the end of the class, but I was so whipped that I forgot what they were.
Thanks
I have a CED8000. It's the blue one that folds sorta like a flip-phone.
It's OK.
It's small and handy, but I notice that I have never seen them in use by anyone who is good, or at any match, so that may say something.
I just wanted something to give me a random start signal, and I could check my time now and then.
I have found it pretty useful for things like:
-comparing how long it takes to change mags compared to pulling the backup,
-trying different methods of doing something (like weak handed draws),
-seeing if I really shoot faster with Gun A than Gun B, or does it just seem thatw ay,
etc.
Here is what I use..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...4/IMG_1333.jpg
It's simple and has only a few buttons, and has a large LE display.
I can wear it on my belt and look down at my time after a drill..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...4/IMG_1336.jpg
I see this model of timer more often then any other when I go to shoot in local USPSA/IDPA type shoots...
Simple,rugged,reliable..Nice loud buzzer and easy to read display.
Ive had years of trouble free use from my Pact Club Timer III. Its always in my range bag.
Here's a review, but it's a couple of years old, and there are some others out now (or newer versions of the same).
www.sportshooter.com/gear/rev_timers.asp
I'd make sure whatever you get works with dry-fire.
It's nice to practice your drawstroke/dry snap with the timer, but I've heard that some won't pick up a dry fire snap.
My CED8000 (usually) will, but I've heard others with the same timer say theirs won't.
It may be the gun being used- I use external hammer guns like 1911s and HiPowers, and for all I know they may be using something like a Glock, which is a little quieter.
I bought a cheapie from CTD about 2 and a half years ago. It's been in the side pocket of my range bag getting slammed against everything on the way to and from the range, and it still works fine. I've used in in drizzling rain, but never a steady rain or a downpour.
Looks like CTD sells Glock timers now, but Midway USA has the model I bought:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=772064
While not a "dry fire drill" I think this will help.
Have a buddy load your mags, say 10 or 15 rds each and add anywhere in the mag some snap caps or other inert round (if you reload put some together without primer & powder). Slow fire at whatever target/range combo you want. If you're doing your job with trigger control you won't jerk the rifle when you drop the hammer on the dumby round. Man I HATE it when I jerk the weapon when doing this. :p
This also works great for handguns and failure to fire drills for any semi auto, long or handgun. But for now use it to learn trigger control.
If you're by yourself load 3 or 4 mags and put a dumby round in one or two mags only. Mix them up and fire away.
Just a word on any time you go to the range to practice. Whether it be a simple day of shooting or a full on Tactical Training class, be honest with yourself.
If you cannot (do not) account for and claim each and every shot you take, you are only being dishonest with yourself. I have seen lots of trigger presses that you wonder what was being shot at, then to see the shooter turn and appear pleased that he got the rounds off so quickly, blows my mind.
I have moved into a more intuitive method of shooting, with the methodology of getting combat accurate hits. This means balancing speed and precision. Knowing when to shoot intuitivly and fast (letting my mind and confidence level tell me when I need and dont need my sights) and then knowing when to use my sights and slow down at longer ranges but still get fast combat accurate hits. Combat accurate hits to me dosen't mean shooting a 3inch rathole at all ranges. To me it means stopping the threat... or even changing his course of action... I shoot a 6 shot 3in group in his chest at 10yards then I am being very effective but I am not being efficient, now if I speed up and shoot and 8-10 inch group in his chest then now I am being efficient and getting maximum combat hits.
Its a method of using what the body does naturally, for example: during a critical incident our eyes will focus on the threat more due to an increase of bloodflow to the rods in the eye, otherwise known as "Tunnel vision"
This actually makes us more dangerous and allows us to shoot more intuitivley at the threat. So the more non-sighted fire or point shooting you can do at closer ranges the better off you will fare when your body reacts under a critical stress incident.
So I like to use targets such as DT-2C colored number targets, or if I dont have them I draw different size shaped and numbers on some IPSC targets or cardboard. this allows me to conduct drills that force me to the edge of my shooting ability. I know I can shoot more intuitivley at the the larger targets but have to slow down for smaller ones. If I shoot tight groups than that tells me to speed up, If I'm outside the shapes than I obviously need to slow down. this is a great drill becuase if I am in a lack of time it can all be done from one range and gives me a very quick but Effecient workout on the range.
When I go to the range for practice (vs. plinking, performing a functions check, or confirming zero), I always do so for a purpose.
What this means is I do so with a specific set of objectives. I identify a primary objective (IE: single-shot presentation from the holster) and decide on what standards I will shoot for (IE: first-shot hit on 3x5 card at 21-feet from the holster in 1.8-seconds).
I also identify secondary (IE: 1/4-second follow-up shot) and alternative options but I normally do not go beyond the secondary objective until I've met the primary objective. In other words, if I really sucked during the practice session, I will only attempt the first two objectives with some exceptions.
Sometimes I will identify a standard that I know is not within my current skill level. The purpose of this is to force me out of my conmort zone and to help me identify my current limitations. While I know a sub 1-second shot from concealment (IDPA start: hands relaxed by my sides with the gun in an IWB holster under a t-shirt) is virtually impossible. Trying to achieve it can be a lot of fun and can sometimes help build one's confidence.
The caveat to all of this is as PropDoc says, you must be honest with yourself. Don't count a miss a hit and accept your llimitations as something you should work on and try to improve on. For example, if for some miracle I did get a shot off in under 1-second from concealement; I still do not count it as a success unless the shot is not where I was trying to put it. I don't care if my shot ended up in the anatomically correct target's heart if I was trying to put it between its eyes!!
FWIW, I sometimes videotape myself for further analysis and scrutiny. You'll be suprised just how many bad habits you pick up over time.
One thing I took home from one of the blocks of instruction, when you go to the range, go with specific goals and intentions to work on ONE or TWO things.
For example, "I am going to practice and ensure that I feel the trigger reset on EVERY ROUND I SHOOT today."
Or, "I am going to find my front sight at the proper point in space and time when shooting.."
"I am going to work on getting the proper grip on my pistol's frame before I present my weapon"
"I am going to work on my follow through and not allow my eye to leave the scope nor my cheek to come off the stock until I feel my follow through is complete"
"I am going to make my tac reload as smooth as possible, and smooth today means slow. Which is ok..."
These are some of the things that come to mind right now that I have said to myself when going to the range, working on the fundamentals, building them like legos, has helped me alot....
Man, i am really enjoying reading the different styles and types of practice. Really nice to see people doing it with a purpose. As for SimplyDynamic's "Intuitive" shooting, I practice that a lot and agree with your points........but i figure back to basics is always good now and then.
Point and shoot becomes easier if you can draw the pistol and align the sights first. Then you will develop a "feel" for where you point when you bring your weapon to bare. We have been pointing our finger at stuff with a fair amount of accuracy for years......now it's just a different appendage. Sweet. :D
I agree.. when I go to the range. I have a purpose and a goal in mind. My practice sessions have been much better since I bought and use a Timer,
I try to focus on specific tasks (e.g.Reloading,pairs,etc). My ammo count is usually less then 200 rds. It's the quality vs. the quantity of practice that I find important.
I also try to follow what Travis explained about the speed vs. Accuracy. Groups to small.. your going to slow.. groups to big.. your going to fast. Find that happy medium and then maintain that zone.
I like a good dot drill for trigger control/sight alignment practice.
I use my own Cardboard cut out IDPA type target. I use a 8" circle high on the "chest" for COM (Drawn in light pencil)and a moddified "brain Box" drawn on the head.
I use Pencil so I don't fixate on a dark black circle drawn with a Sharpie. Since I rarely see people walking around with a 3" x 5" Box drawn on there forehead...(at least around where I live...:p )
The Timer is a great tool to use along with a practice log. so you can see if your getting better or not.
Consistent execution of the basic fundamentals of Marksmanship.... that's the ticket... That's what I constantly strive for...
Neither, I am simply focusing on the threat which is what our eyes WANT to do in the first place especially at close quarters...(point blank to around 10 yards for me) this obviously changes with experience levels... and needs to be practiced. The shooter has to find the balance between when to use his sights and when not to. If a man is holding my son hostage at 7-10 yards and I have only a head shot...then obviously this will process through the amygdala and my brain is going to tell me to slow down and sight in. Now if hes open game I am going to most likely going to shot as fast as I efficiently can.
Consistance and proper exention of the arms helps when doing the "point shooting"
Back to the original question, I believe that action-style competition is an effective way to demonstrate your shooting strengths and weaknesses, and thereby identify which skills most need further improvement.
I agree 100% I find that Action shooting comps helps keep me proficient especially when I am not running classes or taking classes shooting. It is great because there is a little bit of self enduced stress with the timer and you get to run and gun, shoot in awkward positions and push your speed and precision balance. I just have to keep the tactics shooting world and the race gunning world to seperate training entities. (fundamentals are the same but the tactics are different.)
I honestly try to work on my stand and moving skills. I see way too many people bench shooting and that to me is way to easy. Unfortunately my range isn't very friendly when it comes to moving and shooting. So I have joined the QSC and might try to enroll in a few carbine courses and pistol courses to better my skill level and confidence.
Overall I try to work on shooting at multiple distances and need to work on shooting with irons instead of optics because anyone can do that. Overall I am far from being HSLD more like HDLS.
Travis when you were at Quantico were you out at WTBN/PWS?
When I start seeing nice tight groups, I realize that they have got a handle on basic marksmanship. Once they can display that, we start speeding up, moving around, and/or add stress to them.
If your group looks really good then you are shooting way too slow!!
Someone above stated that there are times for a more precise shot. It makes sense to mix up the fast big targets and the mor precise smaller targets.
Good thread, stay vertical
Without posting a range routine that looks like a recipe for "male chauvanist chili" (which by the way is the best damn chili I've ever tasted), what do you guys normally start off with when you get to the range? How long are your sessions? I usually start off with drawing from concealment with the target's 7 yards away. When I can consistently hit COM with a 1.5 sec - 1.6 sec consistency, then I move on to 10 and 15 yards from low ready and high ready. I'll move on to controlled pairs and some NSRs. I'd really like some ideas for my carbine work out and would appreciate hearing from some of you more seasoned guys to steer me in the right direction. Most of my sessions are pistol and I could really use work on my carbine skills. What should my distances and time constraints be for CQB with my carbine. Thanks guys!
Since a good draw to shoot is pretty much several steps, try this. Practice dry at home drawing, bringing the weapon to bare, and firing (dry). A good draw to shoot should look something like this....draw weapon straight up from holster, rotate to get muzzle toward target (in case you have to pull the trigger there) bring weapon and other hand together at just about your sternum, then press the weapon out to your shooting position, (align sight or point) and fire.
Ok, with that established, you can first practice getting the weapon to your sternum at home, then go to the range. Start with hands together at sternum, press gun out and shoot. Most ranges will not say anything for that. Just a thought. :)
You know, that's a great suggestion.
With limited range rules doing dry fire training at home is a good idea, and I think I will do more of it, including your pointers.
Just handling the rifle/pistol and trying different techniques at home makes you much more familiar and comfortable using it, so the drawing of a pistol, quick sighting in, quick and proper mag changes / same with the rifle /makes it second nature.
Then at the range I can concentrate on quicker target acuisition, controlling recoil, hitting where I want and sneak in a few double taps.
Great idea, thanks
Do need to find a place to do the entire live fire training, to train the mind under stress. Then and only then when under stress can we truly train to be effective under the situations where we may have to use our weapons for defense/ offense purposes.
+1000000 on dry practice! It is 90% of my training. just make sure it is perfect practice...like the ol saying!