Mastering basics while training at the range is key to improving your accuracy and overall proficiency with firearms. Key essential drills—such as dry- practice, trigger reset, and distance drills—can help you enhance your accuracy, control and muscle memory. With these tips and consistent practice, you’ll become more confident and gain precision in your skills.
Safety and Etiquette at the Range
Before practicing drills, it is crucial to review, understand, and follow proper firearm safety protocols. For example, always treat every firearm as if it is loaded (even if you know for sure it is not), never point a firearm at anything you don’t intend to shoot, and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. Etiquette is equally important. Follow the rules of the firing range, respect other shooters, and never remove eye or hearingprotection until instructed. Last, situational awareness is also critical to safety. Stay aware of your surroundings, including your target and what is beyond it.
Three Primary Drills for Target Range Practice
These three drills all serve a purpose in improving your accuracy. Dry practice helps you perfect the fundamentals without using live ammunition, trigger reset drills help you gain better control, and distance drills improve accuracy.
- Dry Practice: Dry practice is designed to give shooters better trigger control, sight alignment, and grip consistency. To perform dry drills, ensure your firearm is completely unloaded, then focus on a fixed target, maintain a proper stance, and slowly press the trigger while observing how the sights remain aligned. This exercise will help you reduce flinching while enhancing your muscle memory and develop consistent trigger presses.
- Trigger Reset Drills: Trigger reset drills are essential for improving control and follow-up shots. Learning to recognize trigger reset (when the firearm is ready for the next shot) and then developing better control of it helps improve shooting speed and accuracy. To practice, fire a shot and slowly release the trigger until you feel or hear the reset click, reacquire the target, and then fire again without fully releasing the trigger.
- Distance Drills: Practicing with varying distances at a training center helps you build adaptability and accuracy. Start by practicing at short distances to gain mastery of the fundamentals before moving on to longer distances. There are multiple types of distance drills, such as grouping, failure to fire drills, and transition drills, you can practice for the first time with the guidance of experienced staff.
Choosing the Right Range for Your Needs
While there are numerous places to practice, you can improve your skills more quickly by seeking a range that is staffed with experienced instructors and offers a variety of classes for all levels. Look for range safety features, such as air filtration and noise reduction, and multiple training bay options. To make the most of your range experience, consider what else it offers, such as events and guidance on retail purchases. Customer reviews will help you learn more about the details of a range that may not be available on their website.
As with any skill, consistent practice is the secret to success. Mission94 welcomes first-time firearm users and seasoned professionals alike; and provides an engaging and supportive learning environment. Learn more about improving your skills with our class options, one on one training, and memberships.
