We are all looking for ways to make our practice and training routines more relevant for the reasons we train. We train and practice so that we can be prepared for any event where we would have to protect ourselves or our families. Unfortunately, our shooting facilities (square ranges) do not always allow the kind of training we need because some of the activities we need to practice might be unsafe to the range facility or to other people in range. So we are forced to somewhat become bullseye target shooters because that is what is easy and safe to do in these facilities. Many times I post a training drill that simulates some training aspect we all need and fail to get and the industry knows this problem exists so we all try to be creative in designing some drills that give us some of this training we need without violating standard safety rules for square ranges.
So What is Relevant Practice for Concealed Carry?
First, you have to understand what relevant practice for concealed carry training is. Most of us will never have to pull our firearm in self-defense. This is a good thing. I know you have all heard that self-defense shootings are rare. But we do know that when people do get involved in self-defense shootings they happen very fast, at short distances and are over with very few shots fired. This is why the industry quotes the 3-3-3 stats from the FBI. Most self-defense shootings happen within 3 yards (9ft) are over in 3 seconds and usually involve 3 or fewer shots being fired. So what that means to us is that we have to practice at shorter distances and become faster at our techniques of presentation and draw from the holster, and learn concepts of retention shooting, point shooting, and contact shooting and the dangers involved because there is no time to extend our arms, get a sight picture, and press the trigger. This full extension of our arms and perfect sight picture is what we practice at the square range and it becomes a habit. Don’t get me wrong you need this skill too, but you shouldn’t spend all your time practicing it. What do you think happens when someone is closing on you from 5 ft. away with a knife and you try the four-point draw and extend your arms to get a shot at your assailant. You are probably not going to be successful. Do you remember the lessons of the Tueller Drill?
So How Do You Get Relevant Practice for Concealed Carry?
•Training from a Firearms Training Professional
Some of these training exercises can be dangerous if performed improperly. You need to seek some professional training so that you can be guided into using good safe techniques and in addition get an understanding of what can go wrong and how to prevent it. Many of the hazards of this type of training can not be eliminated but can be diminished by using proper established techniques for this type of shooting. Proper draw from the holster and shooting techniques can be an important part of safe and relevant training so that you will be able to practice these techniques so that you can become prepared for the most likely events that happen in real life. The other issue that most people don’t think about is that you have to start practicing with proper targets. Proper targets for self-defense are humanoid type targets so you can start to put shots in the places that count so that this becomes a trained habit.
•Routines to practice in your dryfire sessions
Many of these training routines can be practiced and perfected by proper and safe dry-fire sessions on your own at home or in a place you designate as being safe for you to practice. Laser trainers and laser target systems are excellent training devices for this type of training. A good firearms instructor can show you these devices and instruct you in the proper way to train with them.
New Class (CQD) Close Quarters Drills, Skills, and Techniques
I am rolling out a new Close Quarters Drills, Skills, and Techniques Class that is great practice for the events that will most likely happen to you in your everyday life. The FBI says that most events like this happen fast and in close proximity. CQD Class can take between 2.5 to 4 hours depending on your skill level and includes holster techniques, close quarter drills and laser firearm training that I have prepared for you to practice. These are the drills you should be practicing. Standing in the booth at the square range shooting bullseye targets does not prepare you for these events. Contact me about this class and I can tailor it to your needs. This class is available on an individual basis.
Contact Me about the new class.
Other Articles of Interest:
Eighty Twenty Handgun Training Principal
Colorado Concealed Carry Renewal Training
Shoot Your Pistol Better In 30 Days
5 Tips for Concealed Carry