How To Practice

Question
Hi. I've taken several defensive handgun classes, so I know the basics regarding gun safety, proper draw stroke, etc. My question is regarding the best way to train at the range if the range doesn't allow drawing from the holster.

I also have a CCW permit, and I carry a lot. What type of live fire exercises would be best for my situation, keeping in mind that I can't draw from my holster at the range I belong to. Also, I'm mostly interested in firearms from a self-defense aspect. I'm really not interested in competition, eg. IPSC.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Matt.

We could discuss this topic for weeks and there are many books and videos published which contain more info than any one instructor could possibly convey to you.  Since it is not possible for me to learn all the specifics of your situation or provide you with live training then I can only give you some general advice.

My advice to you will also depend on how serious you are about practicing and defending your life.  Since you have already taken several classes, secured a permit, and are carrying often then I will assume you are willing and able to invest significant effort / cost / time to practice properly and often.

In my experience very few ranges allow any form of drawing or shooting from a holster or other concealed carry configuration such as a pocket, purse, gym bag, weak handed, cross draw, prone, kneeling, vehicle, etc.  The main reason is insurance liability since most ranges can not afford to be sued due to ignorant or negligent behavior, and in many cases their insurance company will not cover them if they allow this activity, or the insurance rates are too high to cover it.

Even if you do find a range that allows this type of practice then it will most likely not have an adequate range design or equipment to facilitate practical and safe defensive shooting.  Most of us would not want to stand next to someone that is drawing from a shoulder holster and sweeping us with the muzzle of a loaded .45 while learning how to draw and shoot fast and accurately, so the range has to provide advanced features such as a deep shooting pit which provides 360-degree protection and is large enough for multiple scenarios.  There are significant costs to build and maintain this kind of a range and they require a lot more land since pits like this can only handle one or a few shooters at a time.

So if you can't find a range then you are left with the option of practicing on your own land, which for most people is not possible given the crowded subdivisions and city ordinances which are so common in urban America.  This is where your commitment comes in.  Are you willing to move and/or buy enough land to live in an area where you can shoot safely and legally on your own land?  Most shooters are not willing or able to do this so another option is needed.

While you are not interested in competition, you may want to reconsider this since most of the gun clubs and private ranges where these events are held DO allow practical drawing and firing for concealed carry scenarios and the facilities are usually well designed with safety in mind.  Once again this is where your commitment comes in.  You might have to drive a few hours to get to the range or club, you might have to spend some money on additional gear and club fees, and/or you may have to invest more time to attend and participate in these events.  You might not be interested in trophies or scores but the stress of competition will better prepare you for the stress of a live gunfight should you ever be in such a situation.  I have been in several life-threatening encounters and I can tell you that adrenaline does bad things to your ability to defend yourself.  If you haven't trained in this mode then your normal training and skills are likely to disappear when you need them the most.

If you have already ruled out the options above and you are left with practicing on a conventional public range then your defensive skills will be limited, however there are still some things you can do.  In general I recommend practicing at target distances between 1-7 yards if the range has the proper facilities for this.  You aren't likely to get mugged or murdered from 40 feet away so you need to practice shooting up close.  Use targets which are realistic such as the B27 or more lifelike terrorist / hostage versions which are printed in color.  Shoot the actual gun and ammunition which you will use for defense if you can afford it, and if not then find the closest possible load in a cheaper target version.  Practice in low light or at night if the range allows it (unfortunately most do not).  Practice with your strong and weak hand, one handed and two handed, kneeling and standing.  Start out very slow and deliberate until you are consistently accurate then gradually move the targets back and speed up the pace over time.  Experiment with point shooting versus aimed fire and learn how to fire from a low-ready or weapon retention position.  Practice different stances such as the weaver and isosceles.  Use a timer to simulate stress and measure your progress over time.  Have a fellow shooter load your gun with a random mix of live ammunition and dummy rounds or "snap caps", then when you are shooting you will be able to see if you have developed a flinch or other bad habits when you come upon the dummy rounds.  This also allows you to practice your malfunction clearing and reloading drills.

When you aren't able to get to a range at all then you can still practice some things from home if you have the right setup.  Start by using a dummy training gun which you can buy to match your carry gun, or use an unloaded firearm with snap caps as long as you are sure your gun is unloaded and safe for such practice.  They also make some nice laser shooting devices that can be added to your gun and work with reactionary targets to build your skills without live firing.  Find a safe area and practice stance, verbal commands, drawing from concealment, sight alignment, trigger squeeze, and follow through.  Practice accessing the gun from storage locations such as a gun safe or closet.  Practice your routine for securing inside your home or vehicle, locating and protecting loved ones, calling the police, escaping, etc.

Check out the following site which has a lot of good videos that will cover more specific training exercises depending on your current abilities and situation.

http://www.gunvideo.com/

Best of luck and stay safe!

Bob