Keeping range time fresh, engaging and productive

[pak29]

Hi folks,

I sometimes feel that my focus wanes after the first few shots of a magazine, and that once I've settled into the target, I develop a rhythm of firing the gun that can detract from the focus on proper technique and target acquisition for each shot. I want to end every session feeling like I've genuinely refreshed and strengthened my shooting skills, not just burned through my rounds (and money!).

What is your routine at the range? Paper targets or reactive targets? Multiple targets or one at a time? Shoot alone, or with a friend? Have a game you play to add a competitive element? I like the feedback of shooting at clay pigeons or cans, and the fresh target acquisition for each shot that this sort of shooting entails. Anyone use those self-healing targets that bounce and tumble around when shot?

I shoot at a public range in gravel-pit style shooting areas, so I would like to take advantage of the variety of options this allows, in contrast to a lane-style setup. I usually staple six or eight reactive-paper targets to a board and have at them, using one target at a time per magazine (which I load about half way to keep the pace of consumption down). This feels stale.

I recently pulled out my P95 after not having shot for a while and took a friend shooting for the first time. I had such a good time that I can't believe I let it go so long between sessions!

 

[Sam1911]

There are many drills posted here or at various spots around the 'net.

(Try Pistol-Training.com: http://pistol-training.com/drills)

Choosing one or two to concentrate on per trip can make your range time varied and productive.

For a bit more intensity/variety, attend your local IDPA club's matches and you'll see MANY interesting scenarios each month, which is not only a great (CHEAP!) shooting opportunity, but you'll find at least one or two stages each month that you could easily set up and run on your own time.

For even more intensity, and the fastest possible route to improvement, attend a class with a respected defensive trainer. They'll be able to critique what you do wrong (and right) to help you move to the next level -- AND they'll show you what to practice to develop and maintain your edge.

Sitting on a square range plinking at a stationary target at XX yards is like sitting in your race car revving the engine, in your garage. Entertaining, briefly, but not really teaching you much about how to USE that tool.

 

[Chris Rhines]

The secret to developing skill at the range is to have a goal in mind. Pick a skill you want to work on, write it down in your shooting logbook, and build your practice session around that goal.

What is your routine at the range?

I do most of my skills training at an indoor range, so my practice may differ a bit from yours. When I hit the range, I start out by shooting a cold drill - in my case, it's the Triple Six. I record my time and scores, and use it as a general indicator of my progress.

Next, I work on the skill that I wrote down above. For instance, if I want to work on improving my draw, I'll set up a 7-yard target and do 20 2-shot draws, recording the times. Then I'll change distances, shot counts, or start positions and repeat.

Finally, no matter what skill I was working on, I always end the day with some long-range accuracy practice.

If I'm at the outdoor range, I do much the same as above, except that I try to work on skills that I can't practice indoors, such as movement and wide transitions. I also like to put together a short USPSA course of fire and shoot through it a few times, to practice integrating multiple skills together.

Paper targets or reactive targets?

Both, although I prefer reactive steel when I can use it. Be careful, though. Using steel exclusively can be detrimental to your accuracy.

Multiple targets or one at a time?

Both! Depends on what skill I'm working on, of course.

Shoot alone, or with a friend?

I'm gonna quote myself here: "If more than three guys are at the range, it's not practice, it's hanging out with guns." I love shooting with other people, but you have to make sure that your goals align. If you want to go out and train seriously for a match, but your buddies want to plink at steel, that's not gonna work. I mostly shoot alone, but I have a few friends who are obsessive USPSA and 3-Gun shooters, and we train together whenever possible.

Practicing with a shooting buddy of about your same skill level is ten times better than practicing alone.

Have a game you play to add a competitive element?

I shoot 3-Gun, USPSA, IDPA, and Steel Challenge. But if I'm shooting with other folks, I also have a thing I like to do at the end of a practice session. Pick a drill and run it, best two out of three, loser has to clean the range and pick up all the brass. Great motivator, and it gets you a little more used to the stress of competition.

If you have any questions about drills, range practice, or procedures, by all means throw them up here. Firearms training is about my favorite subject.

-C

 

[pak29]

(Try Pistol-Training.com: http://pistol-training.com/drills)

Wow, great site. Although I don't know if I'm interested in the speed aspects of a lot of those drills at this point (really want to hone my fundamentals first), I like the targets with multiple aiming zones; small circles, big boxes, and other variants to keep it fresh.

Thanks for your tips, too, Chris.

 

[Al Thompson]

Pak, one required item is a shot timer. Until you can measure your speed, it's tough to see what works consistently and what does not.

Based on your comments, I would (if I were you) focus on shot placement at 15 yards (+). Once you have the triad of trigger control, grip/stance and sight alignment down, you can work on your speed.

I tend to mix up my drills. Right now I'm working on weak hand only stuff, but I also shoot steel plates, paper and falling plates. My favorite paper targets are 3x5 cards and paper plates. Cheap too.

 

[pak29]

Hmmm... I think a shot timer is about the last thing I need right now. I want to make every shot count; I'll work on speedy shot drills sometime in the future.

--Edit - sorry, I don't mean to sound flip. I do appreciate the input. However, while I am by no means a novice, I am just not at the level of practicing timed defensive shooting sports-style scenarios yet. My point was that I tend to shoot through my ammo too fast already.

 

[twofifty]

Shooting through your ammo without a clear purpose is not training.

Set out a goal or goals, cobble up a variety of exercises into a training plan, keep notes. Only then will each shot have a purpose. And you'll be able to measure your progress.

Having a timer does not mean going fast, it means knowing how long it takes you right now to perform "X". As your proficiency increases (ie. you get better at the draw, target acquisition and trigger press), your times will gradually start to drop. You won't be fast, you'll just be faster at doing the basics. Speed comes later.