Since I’m at the range a lot, I see many shooters come and go. Some of the faithful have their routines all set. But most folks come in, put up a target, push it out and blast some holes. Pull it back, change it, push it out. Over and over, ammo gets burned up with no measurable results.
You see there are two aspects of shooting well. There’s accuracy, which is critical, and there’s speed. Given enough time, just about anyone can hit the X ring. And any yoyo can flutter that trigger finger and spend a lot of money on ammo in a few short minutes. Combining accuracy with speed makes for an excellent pistol shooter.
This month I’ll give you two drills that my shooting partner and I use to practice these fundamentals. I want to suggest a regimen that will actually make you a better pistol shooter – and you’ll be able to prove it. The only thing you need that you probably don’t have is a shot timer. I like to buy from Brownell’s. They have a 100%, unconditional lifetime satisfaction guarantee on everything you buy. Nice group of folks and their prices are competitive too. This page has their timers listed. I have the Competition Electronics Pocket Pro II and I love it. It’s big, but I can read the numbers without my glasses.
http://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/range-gear/shot-timers/index.htm
I have another shot timer that’s a wrist watch. It’s the only Bluetooth-enabled timer and has an accelerometer option along with the normal microphone. This allows me to time my shots when there are other shooters using the range. The shot timer hears and “feels” my shots, ignoring others. Very cool. It has an iPhone app that records my drills and shots. You can find the Shotmaxx timer at this link. http://www.cedhk.com/shop/products/DAA-SHOTMAXX-Timer.html
There are also apps available for smart phones. Some are good. Some aren’t worth the money. I’m an Apple guy, so I can tell you that as I write this, there are five shot timers in the iPhone App Store. Three are free (you get what you pay for). One is $6 and everyone hates it. The other is $10 copy of a free lite version, which everyone hates. There’s a new one called Bullseye Range Commands but there is no settable timer. There are preset range commands and firing for Bullseye training. So enough with the technology. Buy a timer.
The first drill is called the 8″ Drill. It helps merge your accuracy while expecting speed. My shot partner and I compete with one another using this drill. Start with an 8″ target at 7yds with your firearm at the low ready and fire a single round in 3.5 seconds or less. Repeat for five total shots. Then move the target out to 10yds, 15yds and 20yds. 5 point penalty if you’re over time or outside the 8″ ring. (If you’re able to do that drill with no problem, switch to the 4″ drill. Use a 4″ ring and shoot at 3yds, 5yds, 7yds and 10yds in 2 seconds or less.)
The second drill involves speed, accuracy and reloading. It’s called the 1 and 1. It’s pretty simple. You need two magazines each with a single round and a mag pouch. Start at the low ready or holstered and fire one round into an 8″ ring at 7yds. Reload and get the second round in the ring in less than 5.5 seconds. Do this ten times. Again there’s a 5 point penalty for shots outside the ring or over time.
Write down your scores. These drills don’t take long to run through, but you’ll see your times improve along with your accuracy. This makes your time at the range more worthwhile, whether you’re competing, hunting or concealed carry.
See you at the range!
JoeGLOCK