The ammunition<\/a> supply seems to be loosening up a bit. While I am hoping for a return to the good old days, ammunition will probably remain relatively expensive. Just the same, we must push forward with training. We must decide what our life is worth and perhaps make do with less ammunition for training time. However, that is not an excuse; we must master the art of training. <\/p>\n There are many drills<\/a> to perform and while some are better than others, the problem we face remains the same. A study of dozens of personal-defense incidents confirms we will face one or two threats at relatively close range. We won\u2019t have much time. Recreational shooting is fine, but we must be able to win a fight. Some skills are essential. <\/p>\n Whatever the handgun<\/a> you choose, the problem will be the same. The .32 ACP<\/a> pocket gun or .45 ACP<\/a> house gun may be tasked with facing the same threat, and the actual threat is unpredictable. Speed to an accurate first shot matters most. You should have an understanding of what to do if the adversary interferes with the draw and how to fire at very close range.<\/p>\n Much of the mechanics may be practiced in dry fire<\/a>. Time and money are precious, and you don\u2019t want to waste your time. The problem to be solved in each drill should be realistic. These drills train the brain to a rapid response. They must be conducted often, as skills are perishable.<\/p>\n The first drill I perform on a daily basis is to present the firearm<\/a> from concealed carry. The presentation leads to the firing stance<\/a>. I practice a half dozen draws a day. The first one is the cold one, and the only one that counts. We all get better with time. If you make a mistake for real, you are going to be perforated by bullets or stabbed. Get it right the first time! <\/p>\n Practice the draw by shooting the elbow to the rear and coming from under the holster to scoop the handgun out of the holster<\/a> as you execute the draw. Continue by driving the handgun toward the target. Get on target quickly. If the adversary is at intimate range, fire from the retention position. If at three yards or so, use one hand, at all ranges farther than three yards, use the two-hand hold<\/a>. <\/p>\n The goal is consistency and avoiding mistakes. Don\u2019t get the gun wrapped up in the covering garment as you draw. Be consistent and smooth, and speed will build. Some ranges do not allow concealed-carry draws. That is understandable. Practice this using dry fire as often as possible with a triple-checked unloaded firearm. You don\u2019t have to pull the trigger, just get the firearm up and ready to fire.<\/p>\n On the range, practice getting the pistol on target quickly. Use the semi-auto<\/a> slide or revolver<\/a> cylinder for a rough aim at very close range. This is called meat and paper, with the handgun the meat and the target<\/a> the paper. The outline of the handgun is against the target. If you see the flats of the slide or the long revolver cylinder you are not properly aligned. This isn\u2019t point shooting, it is aiming, but you are using the handgun as a rough index over the target. This is very fast. <\/p>\n As the range is longer and the handgun isn\u2019t surrounded by the target, concentrate on the front sight<\/a>. Get the front sight on target quickly. Hold at the threat\u2019s belt-buckle level and fire with the front sight as the primary aiming focus. When I see most folks firing in training, they seem to have the technical aspects of marksmanship squared away. The shortcoming is usually in dynamic implementation.<\/p>\n As the range becomes longer, slow down and use a more precise sight picture<\/a>. At 10 yards, you should be able to fire five rounds in five seconds into a group smaller than five inches. Fire, allow the trigger to reset as the handgun rises in recoil, and then control the pistol and align the sights for an accurate shot. A string of fire is a series of rapid, but properly aimed, shots. Don\u2019t fire unless you are sure of your target. Aim, fire, recover, fire. <\/p>\n An important drill that is overlooked by practically everyone practicing alone is to take cover. This is a stark difference between range drills and reality. You may practice in the home, dry fire, or on the range. An important decision when sprinting for cover<\/a> is to decide whether to draw. The draw conflicts with movement. It is usually best to reach cover and then draw. Only very advanced shooters are able to effectively shoot on the move. So, if you are under fire, you should immediately sprint for the nearest cover (if possible\/available). <\/p>\n A building, wall, vehicle, or freestanding structure may offer cover. You may get into a solid braced position and return fire, or you may simply remain behind cover and keep the pistol at ready. This isn\u2019t the cinema and a win is living without bullet holes. Move to cover, draw the gun, and since it is a valuable skill, brace and fire from cover during practice.<\/p>\n![\"man](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/4-1.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1\")
Practice the Draw<\/h2>\n
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/5-1.jpg?resize=640%2C629&ssl=1\")
Meat and Paper<\/h2>\n
![\"woman](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/6.jpg?resize=640%2C426&ssl=1\")
Longer Range Training<\/h2>\n
![\"man](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/8.jpg?resize=640%2C667&ssl=1\")
Multiple Targets<\/h2>\n
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