What do you require of yourself?

[Rastoff]

I'm a stickler for proficiency. If I'm gonna carry a tool, I believe I should know how to use it. So, I practice with a purpose.

I want to be able to present from concealment and deliver two controlled shots to the thoracic cavity in under 2.4 seconds. This is my standard and I try to practice it, live fire, once a week.

Further, I try to do some dry practice every day. I don't always do it, but I still get in at least a few sessions a week. My ratio of dry to live is about 15:1; 15 dry presses for every 1 live round shot.

Like I said, I need to be more diligent. Still, I do practice with a purpose.

What standards do you hold yourself to? I don't care what you think others should do. Just tell us your own standards.

[HankG]

If you are going to carry a concealed weapon, you had better learn to walk away!

[Malpasowildlifer]

I do a lot of draw strokes, dry fire and try to shoot, mostly double tap/Mozambique drills with one then two targets and El Presidentes

[Bkreutz]

I practice at the range 4-5 days a week, 150-200 round per session. I have various courses of fire that I practice. I have some dry fire courses set up in my shop but I don't use them much anymore because live fire is more satisfying.

[mg357]

Lots of dry fire and I go to the range and shoot as often as I can.

[Lost Lake]

I just started training with a purpose I guess.

I practice holding a hand up in a non threatening gesture, yelling STOP, then presenting the weapon smoothly and quickly firing three rounds to center mass within 3 seconds.

The hand and STOP is something I can't shake from my martial arts training. Years of drilling have ingrained that into my brain.

Right now I am working on pulling my shirt up to clear my weapon consistently and reliably.

I went to the range wearing a long t-shirt and was shocked to find out that my usual left hand grab and lift still left much of this long shirt covering my handgun. I fumbled badly! But the shirt I wore was so long, I couldn't reliably reach down for the hem at the bottom and grab it. I looked like an idiot I'm sure, luckily I was alone!

Tight shirts also are a problem. I may have to thin out much of my wardrobe so each shirt I wear is similar, so my grab and lift movement exposes my handgun.

I really learned what people mean when they say that slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

.

[David Armstrong]

I don't worry too much about the draw stroke because 90% of my carry these days is either pocket carry or off-body. I focus a lot of training on being more aware of my surroundings, focusing on people and situations rather than draw time.

My actual range time is every couple of weeks, not a lot of ammo but a series of double taps and Mozambique drills with an occasional El Presidente thrown in. I focus more on a quick, precise shot rather than a specific draw time. I also make it a point to practice at least one "oddball" every session. That may be weak-hand only, using a barricade, sitting, or something like that.

I dry-fire quite a bit and have a SIRT gun for that purpose, which has really been helpful.

[S&W45Colt]

I shoot regularly and well, both long and short guns. Practice draw etc.
That's part of the equation, prayer, exercise, martial arts training, a well stocked reloading closet and stored food is the other side of the equation. If you are too out of shape to walk 500 yds, you are kidding yourself about being ready for all situations.

Don't get me wrong, I understand age and health make that impossible for some, then all you can do is all you can do. No fault on your part, just do the best you can. I'm also not advocating planning for nuclear fallout and having 4 rooms stocked head to toe with food etc, but a sensible amount of prep from weather emergencies, short term disruptions etc. JMO.

I

[tlay]

I have various training but I have done this for so long that I now focus on being more aware of my surroundings. I believe avoidance is the only answer to thugs. If I have to cross the street to avoid a confrontation I will. I do this for my families sake as well as mine.
I try to practice Jeff Coopers color code system and I am in at least yellow all the time I am out. For those of you who call me a coward for this I will have the last say when you have proven what "MAN" you are and end up like GZ and have spent your families entire fortune to defend yourself. I pray this doe's not happen to you because someone has paid for this with his life.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by Lost Lake

I practice holding a hand up in a non threatening gesture, yelling STOP, then presenting the weapon smoothly and quickly firing three rounds to center mass within 3 seconds.

Be very careful with this. Holding the hand out and saying with a loud, assertive voice STOP is a good thing. However, when you present the gun, be sure to bring that support hand back. Present the gun with two hands. This way you avoid the possibility of shooting your support hand accidentally.

Originally Posted by Lost Lake

Right now I am working on pulling my shirt up to clear my weapon consistently and reliably.

This is very important and most people don't practice it. I would like to offer a little technique that maybe you haven't thought of. I think it will help.

When moving the garment out of the way, use both hands. Grasp the bottom of the garment with both hands. Pull it out and up. The "out" part is important so it won't snag on your holster as you move it. Two hands are important to avoid what you ran into at the range.

Once the garment is clear of the gun, the support hand holds it up and the firing hand takes a full firing grip on the gun. Then you can present the firearm and handle business.

If you practice this you'll see that it's fast and fool proof. Don't get caught thinking that one hand has to clear the garment and one has to grab the gun. Using both in a deliberate and practiced manner is much more reliable and faster. Yes, slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by tlay

I have various training but I have done this for so long that I now focus on being more aware of my surroundings. I believe avoidance is the only answer to thugs. If I have to cross the street to avoid a confrontation I will. I do this for my families sake as well as mine.
I try to practice Jeff Coopers color code system and I am in at least yellow all the time I am out. For those of you who call me a coward for this I will have the last say when you have proven what "MAN" you are and end up like GZ and have spent your families entire fortune to defend yourself. I pray this doe's not happen to you because someone has paid for this with his life.

You are not a coward. Anyone who would say that is just an internet braggart who would probably wet his pants if ever in a real confrontation.

The best fight is no fight. We all need to practice our awareness more. It can't stop a bad guy, but it's the first line of defense to allow us to avoid the fight.

[S&W45Colt]

Originally Posted by tlay

I have various training but I have done this for so long that I now focus on being more aware of my surroundings. I believe avoidance is the only answer to thugs. If I have to cross the street to avoid a confrontation I will. I do this for my families sake as well as mine.
I try to practice Jeff Coopers color code system and I am in at least yellow all the time I am out. For those of you who call me a coward for this I will have the last say when you have proven what "MAN" you are and end up like GZ and have spent your families entire fortune to defend yourself. I pray this doe's not happen to you because someone has paid for this with his life.

Why would anyone call you a coward? Situational Awareness is important in life period. Whether it's self defense, the court room, a business meeting with upper management or even the local charity's get togethers etc. Knowing the lay of the land, the mood of the room/area, the attitude of the players in the room etc etc are the key to not only survival, but thriving.

I challenge anyone who disagrees to read a little Sun Tzu, half the book is some form of this and taking advantage of those who don't follow this principle.

Excellent Post!

[BCDWYO]

I agree with all the posts. I don't have time (or ammo) to get to the range more than about once week, but I try to make the most of my time there. I do practice dry fire at home quite a bit as well, and this has helped my trigger control more than anything else. I'll admit I need to practice drawing and presenting more than I do. More than anything I agree with the importance of situational awareness.

I'm always struck by the irony that those who carry and train with a gun regularly are actually much less likely than the average person to need a gun because they are (typically) more aware and able to avoid confrontations.

[Poodle Soup]

I practice my draw at home a few times a week. When I do manage to get to the range I start with the gun pointing at the floor, and in one motion bring up the gun, take my finger off the frame, press the trigger as soon as my eyes hit the white dot on the front site. I like mixing a snap cap or 2 in the magazine as well.

[tlay]

To help some of you with dry fire practice I advise you get into a routine and stick to it. There have been many negligent discharges during dry firing. First take all ammo. out of the room you are practicing in. Triple check it is unloaded. Use snap caps and practice in a room that has walls to stop a bullet. I use my basement with concrete walls. If you don't have this use a stack of books preferably your wifes cook books. Only aim at one point on this. Don't use your T.V., mother-in laws picture or anything else that will not stop a bullet. Be safe!!

[Rastoff]

That's very good advice tlay, but this is questionable:

Originally Posted by tlay

...preferably your wifes cook books.

This can be a very unsafe practice in my house. I like my wife's cooking and will not do anything to interfere with that. I don't go in the kitchen and I don't mess with her cooking. She's a better shot than I am.


In all seriousness, he's right about dry practice. Here's the rules I use:

• Have a designated spot.
• Ammo never goes in that spot.
• Put up a target before you start and take it down when your done. This ensures you don't develop muscle memory on something you don't want to shoot.
• I vocalize that I'm starting and that I'm stopping. Yes, that's right, I actually say, out loud, "Starting dry practice" and "I'm done with dry practice." It makes things more definite.
• Never say, "Just one more." I know a guy who destroyed his TV with that statement. When you're done, be done.

[MaximumLawman]

I practice very little since I have so many other things I have to do.

Can I ask how you came up with "under 2.4 seconds"? Why not strive for 2.35?

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by MaximumLawman

I practice very little since I have so many other things I have to do.

Can I ask how you came up with "under 2.4 seconds"? Why not strive for 2.35?

It's a reasonable question. One school I went to used that time for the skills test at 15 yards.

I would actually like to get it under 2 seconds, but 2.32 is my best while still maintaining "hand span" accuracy.

Do you believe that you'll be effective without regular practice?

[Old Seabee]

What if you are jumped from the rear ? . Rarely does it happen like you expect , keep shooting be proficient but you might have to shoot someone off your back under your arm. Just saying do .not expect ideal cond .IMHO Old Seabee

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by Old Seabee

What if you are jumped from the rear ? . Rarely does it happen like you expect , keep shooting be proficient but you might have to shoot someone off your back under your arm. Just saying do .not expect ideal cond .IMHO Old Seabee

Um, OK, but what's your point? There are any number of random situations that could happen. How does this pertain to the OP?

[Old Seabee]

You might have to shoot thru your arm , all the dry fire will not prepare you for a ugly situation

[681ismyfavorite]

if I can dump 15 rounds of full power 10mm into a 3" group at 25 yards in 3 seconds weak handed unsupported I call it a day and go home to clip my nose hairs.... hows about you guys?

[Old Seabee]

Again it all works well in an ideal situation , How is your group if your being shot at ?

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by 681ismyfavorite

if I can dump 15 rounds of full power 10mm into a 3" group at 25 yards in 3 seconds weak handed unsupported I call it a day and go home to clip my nose hairs.... hows about you guys?

If I could do that I would call it good too. I can't so, I'll stick to my regimen.

[MP1SG]

Being Physically tough and very very strong is as important as being mentall tought and strong.

I assume one would have to go "hands on" first before he/she deploys any kind of weapon. Being able to bench you own body weight (and then some), dead lifts, military presses etc etc are all muscles one would use in a actual hands on confrontation. That along with a good cardio regime and regular practice with my EDC would be my answer.

1SG
Out

[bp231986]

I press the trigger about 200-250 times a week in my dry fire practice drills(coming from holster to target and back to holster every press of the trigger). Shoot less now since ammo is so hard to come by. Dry firing and working on presenting your firearm will make a big difference.

[MaximumLawman]

Do you believe that you'll be effective without regular practice?

Most likely, most of the time for most of the situations I'm likely to need to be effective with. It's all about priorities and compromise. I just don't have the time for regular practice right now or have things to do that are more important to me.

[Rastoff]

MaximumLawman,
Do you do any dry practice? Even just 5 dry presses a day can be very helpful.

I understand priorities. You can only do what you can do. This is just a suggestion.

[TexasArmed]

Originally Posted by bp231986

I press the trigger about 200-250 times a week in my dry fire practice drills(coming from holster to target and back to holster every press of the trigger). Shoot less now since ammo is so hard to come by. Dry firing and working on presenting your firearm will make a big difference.

I know you are absolutely right about dry firing practice. And I do not do enough of it. I only like to do it at say the range. And while I have done some in my residence, I cannot get over my training as a boy in our home to treat my guns as loaded at al times. So I should overcome that but not comfortable doing it even when I make sure the ammo is all in another room. I am sure it would probably improve my shooting. I also have some cateracts I am going to have to address that effect my shooting eye.

[Smitty357]

Most people practice until they hit the target. Me, i prefer to practice until i can't miss.

[growr]

And all this time I thought that is what matches were for....silly me!

Smitty357...professional and very serious amateur musicians have a slightly modified version of the same.

Most musician practice until they can play the piece....I prefer to practice until I I too cannot miss ever.

[bp231986]

Originally Posted by TexasArmed

I know you are absolutely right about dry firing practice. And I do not do enough of it. I only like to do it at say the range. And while I have done some in my residence, I cannot get over my training as a boy in our home to treat my guns as loaded at al times. So I should overcome that but not comfortable doing it even when I make sure the ammo is all in another room. I am sure it would probably improve my shooting. I also have some cateracts I am going to have to address that effect my shooting eye.

So far i have no children and will change up my dry firing schedule once i do. We all know children will do as you do and if they see you with a gun and pressing the trigger and point at things on the wall they will try to do the same. When i have children i will keep the dry firing part as a secret and away from their little eyes, will probaly lock myself in a room and do it. There are times that i dont stick to my 200-250 dry fires a week and when i go to the range i can see a little bit of a negative affect as i shoot (usally a little slower and not as accurate), go a month or so with out dry firing and then go to the range im dissapointed in myself as i know im a better shot than that. Honestly 200-250 dry fires a week is not alot and easy for me to do on top of working 60-70 hrs a week.