Practice w/EDC

[Mtnfolk325]

I try and shoot about every week, winter snow normally being the only exception. I ride my ATV a couple of miles away from the cabin and shoot. I use the cardboard bottoms from cases of water as target backing, they are clipped onto 1/4" wooden dowels of different lengths. The dowels are sharpened on one end and driven into the soft ground & are set at different distances. The clips are wooden clothes pins that are glues as well zip-tied onto the dowels. If the dowels suffer damage they are easy enough to shorten and re-use with a new clothes pin. BTW, SWMBO still works Fire Camp assignments in the summer so I have a nearly endless supply of water bottle case bottoms.

For actual targets I use an assortment of computer printed 8x11 paper targets or sometimes just paperplates with a 1" target dot as a aiming point. I normally shoot my carry pistols including the Bodyguard, but sometimes it is good to just plink with a 22 ..... ;o) Normally I will shoot 4 reloads worth from my larger EDC revolvers & 2 from the Bodyguard. About twice a year I also shoot 5 mags from my Model 59, which serves as my easychair/car gun. I also a perform a bunch dry fire drills with the EDC guns several times a week. Shooting skills are definitely the most perishable of my skills.

 

[stantheman86]

The best way to train with my NAA .22 Mini is to practice drawing and cocking it, not so much shooting.

Other than that I try to shoot my carry revolvers as much as possible.

 

[old bear]

I'd be interested in hearing from others who practice w/their EDC, what do you do to keep your skill level up?

With the exception of my two N frames, all of my revolvers are potential carry guns, and they all get shot on a regular basis.

Now that I'm retired, for the last time, I try and shoot twice a month. My norm is, run "B-11" target out 3 yards fire 5 or 6 rounds D/A as fast as I can, reload quickly and repeat. Do this drill 2 -3 times. Next, move target out to 5 yards, repeat drill. Then move target out to 7 yards repeat drill. Finally set target at 10 yards fire 6 rounds check for grouping reload and shoot again. My goal it to keep all my shots in a 5" total grouping, which I'm able to do most days, with 38 Special +P ammo.

I finish up shooting 25 - 30 rounds of full .357 Magnum ammo at 7 yards. With this ammo my groups open up by several inches. But still most if not all will be human center of mass.

I generally shoot about 100 - 125 rounds total.

 

[alwslate]

I confess to rarely ever practicing defensive or combat type shooting
with my primary carry gun, a mod 37 S&W. Since I live in the country
just about all of my handgun shooting is done in my back yard. I have
a variety of guns, both revolvers and autoloaders and I can shoot any
time I want, weather permitting. So I see no need to wear out my 37
doing a bunch of defensive drill shooting which in my opinion is more
representative of competition shooting than an actual self defense
scenaro. Others will disagree I'm sure but I'm comfortable with my
own habits.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

I try to set aside fifty rounds a month for my 442. 3,5, and 7 yards mostly with weak hand and one hand work at the end of the session.

 

[Protected One]

My training distances are the same as yours, except I use a standard B-27 target, aiming to stay inside the 9-ring. I can do this out to 15 yards...no problem.

However, as yesterdays "force on force" training confirmed, in actual self-defense situations the sights are not always used - it's point and shoot. (I used my sights in only 1 out of 10 scenarios). Therefore, I practice point shooting as well, strong hand, and weak.

I get to the range 1 or 2 times per month.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

About the same as yours. 642 gets at least 50rds a month with regular dry fire practice at home and the 4516 or 64 get 100rds every other range trip or once a month. Targets are the good old paper plates or paper targets with "bad guys" on them. Distance is 3' to 15 yards with some out at 25 yards every so often.

ContinentalOp, I'll have to try a cutout target next time.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Took my 642 to the range today. I decided to go to a range with programmable turning targets so I could get in some reactive shooting.

This was the first exercise I did, no warm-ups. The drill: 2 rounds in 2 seconds at 2 yards, from concealment. The targets were set to turn from edge to face, hold for 2 seconds, then go back to edge. I did 5 strings, 3 strings 2-handed followed by 2 strings strong-hand only, for a total of 10 rounds. Ammo was Speer Lawman 158gr TMJ +P.

That one shot on the right in the 7-ring was the 2nd shot of the 1st string as the target was turning away. I got a little better with each successive string. Except for that shot in the 7-ring all the shots would've been covered by a 8.5"x11" sheet of paper.

 

[badge 851]

I have four snubnose revolvers I practice with every two weeks at the range...
• Two J frame 38 Specials
• One J frame 357 Magnum
• One K frame 357 Magnum

I can keep all shots on an 8" paper plate out to 50 ft. I am ready and confident of my abilities.

 

[gregintenn]

I regularly shoot paper targets, possums, stumps, and other various targets of opportunity with my Ruger LCP. Pocket draws and mag changes are incorporated into these impromptu practice sessions.

 

[getoff]

love my J frames and my LCP. that said... my new 640 pro is not even on my EDC list. i have gone back to the olden days of yore... i have given my glocks up, even my k/l frames are no longer my go to. i am now trusting my life and the lives of my family, to, (gasp!) a Springfield Armory TRP. i have been doing work as often as i can with all my 1911's, only. i only practice shooting on the move. i try to cause malfunctions to practice. my brother in-law and i load mags for each other. we try to jam the other up. i am trusting my training and feel for the 1911 only now. i do only carry a 1911 as primary now with my LCP as pocket carry back up. targets won't stand still to let me shoot them, as i too will be on the move if it ever happens, thats what i practice.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I have an abandoned house on property. I set up body sized cardboard with a heart sized bullseye set up in various locations at different heights.

Then I draw from concealed, shooting from the hip quick draw to two hand unloads.

My bug is weak hand so I also practice with great results.

I ain't playin'..

 

[Whitwabit]

I try to shoot in the winter 3 out of 4 weeks at an indoor range just practicing accuracy. Once we get warmer I shoot out side each week on my property .

Sometimes will just shoot a couple of 17 rd mags concentrating on only one drill each practice time. I have found it helps to go over the drill you will be doing the night before in your mind, and doing it dry firing inside for 15 to 20 minutes .

Shooting for time at multiple targets is probably my favorite drill, next would be the same drills only while moving.

I try to shoot 200 rounds a month on an average. Some months might be 300+ others only 50, all according to weather and my schedule and whether we are traveling.

 

[Old cop]

It has been interesting reading what everyone does to maintain skill levels. This morning I'm going to the range w/a group of retirees in our community who share similar interests, although I'll be the only LEO. My M&P .380, 442 (EDC) and Gen. II Glock 23 (former service weapon) will go with me. First time out with this group, should be fun.

 

[keith44spl]

Have range adjacent to shop....Shoot almost daily.

Lots of point shooting and front sight press and squeeze.

I like N frames and 1911s for EDC.


.

 

[BaaBaa]

I'd be interested in hearing from others who practice w/their EDC, what do you do to keep your skill level up?

Try to do a monthly IDPA match with my EDC snubby 640 revolver. Sure I'm not competitive, but I have fun, learn a lot and get to put 100-120 rounds downfield in some interesting scenarios. Trying to supplement that with a few trips to the range in between but not happening as often as I'd like.

 

[Whitwabit]

I have property where I am able to shoot so I'm at a big advantage over others. I can set up multiple targets at differing range and shoot on the move. Training much more real then one standing shooting at a bench at a range. Also shooting from the ground, laying prone, sitting, kneeling, any position you care to get into ..

Shooting on the move is much different, and must add can be a lot of fun. But it will show one just how good of a shot they are under more realistic conditions one might have under a self defense situation. Your not going to be standing facing the BG blazing away at you, you will be moving for cover just as fast as you can !

My indoor range time I don't consider CC Training. Its target practice to me the only training there is trigger control.

When I shoot I practice 1 drill each time doing it multiple times. I never shoot the same number of shots each time I perform the drill sometimes 2 shots others 3 or 4 all according to the scenario I have in my head. I believe this will keep me from just emptying my weapon in a SD situation when not needed. If I practiced doing that I may well do the same in real life. What you train for will be your reaction if it ever does happen .

 

[NCW Ray]

I go to all the LEOSA qualification shoots they put on which is twice a year. LEOSA only requires re-certing once a year but they don't care if I go to both so I do! Plus I go several times a year with my family.