How Do You Practice ???

[LampLighter]

I am lucky to have the range here in the back of my property. I shoot my Ruger 22/45 almost every day. I can get away with some bigger stuff, as long as I don't hammer away regulary. Anyway, having been through the State academy back in 91, we used to qualify alot at the 2 yard line. They would blow the whistle, we then took one step back, then unholstered and fired 2 rounds from ready position ( not all the way up ). We did this repeatedly. Repetition develops instinct- that is the entire philosophy behind training. So when the punk on the street pulls a weapon and wants your wallet, it is immediate instinct- not requiring thought. Step back one step to create distance while simutaneously drawing and firing from ready position- 2 rounds. You'll be surprised how accurate you become.

Standard accuracy shooting is good, but I would step it up some. If you really want to get realistic, set up your target- load and holster your firearm, and take off running down the road, through the woods, whatever. Run hard till you almost are puking. Run back to the 15 yard line in front of your target and open fire. Quick rounds center mass. See how good you can get.

[SeniorCoot]

When getting ready for hunting like lions or bear- i walk around with my 44 Mag in chest hloster or on hip and parctice shooting cans- tree branches and rocks around my house- for home protection I make a man sized target and wife and i blaze away- for fun and with kids we shoot at cans etc on mound in back yard- for other stuff we paly golf with handguns--

[LampLighter]

Maybe I can shoot my Blackhawk some here if I use Special rounds. Would 44Special be louder than 45 ACP ? Just for comparison, I shoot my muzzleloader with 110 g 777 some here. No sheriff's cars have came yet. :eek:

[Rich]

To answer the thread question, I dry fire a lot. I don't practice any defensive or offencive shooting. I only practice the same way I shoot if hunting. That way there is no recoil and I see my hits and misses (seldom). I think I am training my mind and body for perfect follow through. Also it is free.

When I am actually shooting at game, I don't have to move the gun out of the way to see if I hit. The recoil does that for me.

[Badger]

LampLighter,

How many acres do you have for a range? A .44 Special or .45 ACP will sound the same to neighbors who are upset by the sound of gunfire.

When I ran the training program at my federal agency before I retired, we started at the ONE yard line and fired double taps, strong hand then moved back to 3, 5, 7, 15 and 25 yard lines. We ran the line under the "hot line concept" and agents ensured they had fully loaded mags in their Glocks at all times.

Being fast is fine, but accuracy is FINAL.

Badger

[Hi Ball]

There are few who actually practice properly with their weapons, especially for self-defense. Target practice is totally different than practicing all those things you need to do right before you pull that trigger on the practice range.

Self-Defense practice is the "real world" you are not going to be able to come to a proper stance or take in two breaths of air and let the last one half out and hold before pulling the trigger, amoung other things. This type of practice is almost instinct shooting and doing it fast as you possibly can, only please do start off SLOOOOW and then build up your speed.

I practice sitting in a chair, (as though I am behind the wheel of vehicle) Perp target is on the left side of my body. Drawing out the pistol from under my left armpit, I simply point front of barrel at vitals in chest and fire 3 fast shots on target. Also same mode on the right side which is more difficult, as you have to bring arm around from left to right side before shooting.

You must have your mind set, that your in a defense situation and this target is out to harm you in the worst way. It took me a couple of sessions to convince my wife. However, she now understands and shoots her Sig-P239 very accurately.

Most of this practice is 4 feet to 20 feet in distance! NO need for the going back to 15 and 20 yards distance. Anything that is going to happen will be up close and personal like.