Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. As a parent I love this verse, I helps to bring me some focus in my interactions with my kids, as I hope to prepare them properly for their journey and not mess them up to badly. But how much wisdom is also there in other applications? If I apply this same knowledge to myself, and begin to train myself properly from the beginning, will I then also set myself up for success?
Dry fire training is one of the best ways to improve your skills with a firearm. It allows you to practice all of the mechanics of firing without the cost or the need to go to a range.
Unfortunately it seems too many people consider dry training a waste of time. Their eyes glaze over and they lose all interest in the conversation as soon as I mention dry fire. Part of this is the idea that its boring or lame. Part may be attributed to the ideas gathered by watching others on social media shooting fast and burning through a lot of ammunition, after all that is what the cool guys are doing right?
I am going to firmly stand behind my believe that shooting is like all other skills, in that the only way to get better is through the mastery of the basics. Just as in baseball where repeated exercises of catching, throwing, and hitting will make you better. In shooting we too need to master the basics and not get to the point of getting it right, rather getting to the point where we can’t get it wrong. This is an important distinction!
So how do we go about dry practicing safely? After all we are going to be pulling the trigger, even if its on an unloaded firearm.
- Separate all ammunition and the firearm, keep the ammunition in another room or in a location where it can’t be reintroduced accidentally.
- Never attempt dry when you are distracted.
- Still maintain a safe backstop.
- If you are training with any gear and/or magazines, double check everything for ammunition.
- Don’t ever forget that you are responsible for any shot that comes out of the muzzle.
I am a big proponent of beginning training with a focus on technique rather than speed. Speed comes with proper repetitions, it will also be smooth. This is concept that gets a lot of lip service, but is often ignored.
I do understand there are times it must be overlooked to address time constraints for a block of training. The course of instruction calls for a certain amount of material to be covered and a negative part of that is speed can be rushed. This is exacerbated when someone advances from basic through advanced training courses without taking the time to perfect techniques at-home in-between blocks of instruction.
An issue which could arise from this approach is there will be a percentage of the students who will never take training seriously. Then they will lack technique, nor have a sense of urgency. Ultimately I have come to the conclusion some people will never care enough to be profient at any task, so I will focus on those who are interested in improvement.
When we are working slow to build technique, it is very important we use proper technique. Having a coach or video taping yourself is a huge help, as issues can be addressed early in your training. Instead of being reinforced when building muscle memory.
If you are training with a manually operated firearm (bolt, lever, etc.) I find it very helpful to have snap caps on hand to confirm my technique is correct is operating the firearm. A lever action especially should be worked vigorously to prevent a jam. Any of them should be reloaded without removing the stock from your shoulder or bringing your cheek up from the stock. It takes up to much time and causes unnecessary movement.
Another benefit of the snap caps is to practice your reloading skills from the place you will be carrying spare ammunition in the field, pocket, belt, etc. This allows you to test how well your equipment will work for you.
I carry reduced loads with me during small game season and using snap caps to practice switching loads. As it is a must if I am to perform this task quietly and quickly enough to take a shot before the grouse or squirrel decides to leave. Without practicing this before hand I would waste many opportunities in the field while I was fumbling around.
A great drill involves balancing a coin toward the muzzle end of the barrel. If there is any flinching when you dry firing it will show, as the flinching causes the coil to fall off. If you find yourself flinching it is my opinion that you need to focus exclusively on dry fire until it is resolved. This is important and keep a part of your training regiment once live fire is returned to, as it will allow you to catch bad habits resurfacing.
How long do you practice? Each session should end once you notice your technique slips due to fatigue. Otherwise bad habits develop. I prefer more smaller (10-15 minute) training sessions. As opposed an occasional session lasting an hour.
Consistent and purposeful training builds mastery.
-Joe
Outpost 95 