The best handguns and the best holsters can’t help you in a crisis situation if you haven’t put in the practice to make them effective. Sure, it takes time and extra effort to head to the firing range frequently to stay in firing shape, but the payoffs can be immense in a combat scenario. It requires some extra money spent on targets and ammunition and maybe a firing range membership, but the confidence you’ll bring to a conflict is priceless.
When you get to the range, don’t just spend your time fiddling with new gadgets you bought or chatting with shooting buddies, get down to business and maximize your time. Spend time getting familiar with your various handguns. Get comfortable with how they feel to hold and fire. Contrary to what some may think, it isn’t all about the gun, either. How you position your body and how you handle movement while firing are essential elements to self-defense with a firearm.
Practice loading and reloading your pistol repeatedly.
Start slowly, making sure that each movement that is required is efficient, then pick up speed. It never hurts to imagine yourself in a combat situation. As much as possible, keep your eyes up and your handgun trained on the target. Keep your magazines in a familiar place on your belt or holster and get smooth and comfortable with finding them without looking.
Practice various movements.
The movements required to move from a resting position to a ready position and then to a firing position are essential to practice. Attackers aren’t going to present themselves politely at times when you are positioned in a firing stance. The conditions could be very hasty, confusing, and panicked. The light may be low, you may be carrying a briefcase, or have children alongside you. Take these possible scenarios into account when you practice at the range.
Considering the close range in which you’ll probably engage an attacker, maintain a distance of around 7-10 feet from your target. Practice transitioning from a relaxed position to locating your firearm and eventually sighting it on the target. Repeat this as many times as necessary to get comfortable. Adjust your holster and ammunition as much as needed for maximum efficiency.
Consider setting up multiple targets.
Frequently, attackers are not alone and may have a plan for overtaking their target. Keep in mind that unloading your entire magazine on one target can have deadly consequences. Practice using your shots most effectively and maximizing the number of hits per target.
Fire on the move.
A self-defense scenario is never slow and stationary. No attacker will wait for you to move first, nor will they allow you time to get comfortable. The act of firing while moving will take time to master, but it is worth the effort. Move from side to side with your pistol trained on the target. Undeniably, you’ll be trying to remove yourself from the dangerous situation, so practice firing while backing away from your target. You may sound strange to the others at the range, but don’t be afraid to practice yelling or verbally notifying the imagined attacker that you have a gun and intend to use it. Crisis situations are seldom peaceful and quiet affairs.
As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Using your practice time at the range pays off in many ways. Consider the outcomes if you are caught in a self-defense scenario and are unable to find your back-up ammunition or fumble with your pistol at a crucial moment. Regular practice is essential to staying safe when armed with a handgun.
