shooting at the range

cracker57

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So when you go to the range do you just go and shoot or do you train? What I am seeing when I am at the range is people shooting two handed taking all day to squeeze the trigger. while I sometimes go back to the basics and do this to instill the fundamentals I usually shoot both 2 handed, weak handed and strong handed I also do some rapid fire. I push myself if last week i could do something like put them all in the bull at 10 yrds I will try to get them all in the bull at 12 yrds etc. I try to train instead of shoot what do you do when at the range?
 
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For me it's usually a mix of practicing fundamentals and defensive drills (one-handed, rapid fire, drawing from the holster, etc.), but mostly defensive drills. For example, if I shoot 75 rounds with my 642, I'd say about 10-15 rounds are spent on basic marksmanship and the rest on various defensive drills. Every once in a while I'll go to a range with programmable turning targets and practice some reactive shooting.

Then again, I'm at the range mostly for training purposes. Not every one has the same purpose. A lot of people own guns simply because they enjoy shooting. There's nothing wrong with that. If I had more time and money to spend at the range I'd probably be doing that, too.

If people want to just go to the range and punch holes in paper, that's fine. If someone wants to show up in the latest mall-ninja/tacticool "uniform" with a tricked out AR-15 with every imaginable accessory mounted on it, that's fine, too. As long as people are safe I don't care.
 
I usually start off ensuring myself I can hit the target ;) , but I then experiment with different shooting styles and drawing the weapon if the range allows. I don't care if someone can put a .5" 5 shot group at 5 yards shooting slowly. If they can't even hit the target after quickly drawing or make fast follow up shots then it's pointless how great they can shoot
 
I start with a few rounds at 7 yrds but most of my shooting is now done at 8'-10'. I shoot with each hand and practice my double taps. Most of time I lay my loaded revolver on the table top, pick it up and shoot twice while not using the sights. I'm thinking if I ever have to use my gun it will be up close, personal and no sights. This is the way I have been training my wife too. I know a lot of people look at us like we are crazy but I don't think in a SD situation we will have time aim and shoot each shot carefully. Although, sometimes we just shoot at 7 yards and try to leave feeling good about ourselves....
 
I like a combination of both fundamentals and training. I went with some friends yesterday and shot my Model 14, just basic paper punching b/c it was a Saturday and the range was very busy (20 minute wait for a lane in a 40 lane range). When I train this is what I like to do:

Using a paper plate at 3, 5 and 7 yards and my J frame, or M&P .380: I shoot the gun to empty as fast as I can, combat reload and repeat. The goal is to keep all rounds on the paper plate (slow down a bit w/distance). I shoot two handed, one handed strong and weak hand, and two handed weak hand.

I can't recall where I found out about this drill but most ranges will allow it and it is fairly realistic for speed & accuracy.
 
I try to practice the fundamentals, to me it's all about getting the tightest groups and hitting the bulls eye.

If in the woods are some such place, I prefer shooting pop cans are wooden blocks.
 
I try to practice strong weak single and 'reflex' (no sights) for at least half the rounds on my carry weapons. If I'm shooting indoors that usually gets me to the point where some ninja comes in with his tricked out AR and starts dumping round after round as fast as allowed into a target 10 yds away....... I then usually wait for him to swap out targets, and ask him to look at the small pattern on mine, shot with a Shield or a other small auto, and ask him for some advice on what I can do to tighten things up. At that point they usually look at their target, which has 100+ holes in no particular pattern, and shake their heads..............
 
Old Cop
I too am a paper plate guy, I never worry about running out if targets as I can buy targets almost anywhere. I remember when i first started shooting and I would save my plates that I hit ten out of ten at ten yrds. we called it 10-10-10,
That felt like an accomplishment.
 
Our gun club, founded in 1936, has a pistol range that takes 25 and 50yd targets. You have to be tested to be able to use the 50yd area. Targets need to be bullseye type...no "human image" (including photos) allowed. No "drawing" or other cowboy stuff (including holsters). A maximum of 5 rounds can be loaded. Targets are "walk up to change". No magnum loads before noon on Sundays. Frankly, this is fine with me, since there are plenty of indoor ranges in my area for the tactical stuff.
 
when i go to the range i take a few of my S&W revolvers, shoot at 8X11 paper targets and enjoy .....
 
2 to the body one to the head in rapid sequence at 5 and 7 yards .. then a few mags off hand just in case right hand or arm is disabled .. then a couple of mag's at longer distances .. those are shot for accuracy .. Range is 50 feet so that is as far as I shoot and realistically you wouldn't shoot at that distance unless your a LEO which I am not ..

My range doesn't allow holsters on the range because of their insurance .. so I do that drawing from holster at home which is in the country outside of city limits .. weather permitting .. I do a lot of drawing from holster with snap caps in my practice room ..

I also do a lot of dry firing drills inside during the week usually 2-3 times a week for 15 minutes to an hour .. as time permits ..

Have been practicing lately with the new Sig Sauer P238 I got just after the first of the year .. but most of my practice is with the 40c I carry ..

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I am blessed with the use of a multi-bay outdoor range and can invent scenarios and drills, and then as an IDPA match director, set them up for others to enjoy. Ever shoot a scenario with a patch over your dominant eye? Shoot the last 6 shots of a drill weak handed around a barricade? Draw and fire one handed at 3 yds, retreat to cover, then fire at 6 targets ranging up to 35yds?
Come join the fun and challenge at an IDPA match.
 
Honestly depends on what stations are open at our local outside range.

Usually not a problem, but can be at times.

Def like to break up the routine while training though.
 
Your IDPA, IPSC., etc. shooter will be doing different things at the range than your NRA Bullseye shooter. There are a LOT of shooting disciplines out there. Take that into consideration.
 
I do each hand, and mostly close with the target, the 21 feet rule gives me good perspective. If I need to shoot someone further, I dont really need to shoot at them, but some situations may call for it, I practice 4 different gun types and at a close range. My range only lets you shoot shotguns at far distances, that kinda sucks.
 
For me it's usually a mix of practicing fundamentals and defensive drills (one-handed, rapid fire, drawing from the holster, etc.), but mostly defensive drills.

I agree, unless.....I'm at a range that frowns upon draw from holster, shooting on the move, etc...

Then, I revert more to paper punching, trigger basics and seeing how "accurate" I can shoot a given gun.

I like punching paper or ringing steel, but.....I have the most fun practicing defensive handgun skills.
 
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