With the new year comes a reflection of the previous year's accomplishments, as well as an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to a better, and more well prepared version of ourselves. For some, this may be a renewed focus on the upcoming hunting seasons. Others may be getting ready for attending their first local USPSA or 3 gun match. However with the cold weather it can be difficult to get to the range to put in the necessary reps and rounds down range to improve upon our existing skill set. But there are other great ways to stay sharp, and even improve, without leaving home or breaking the bank.
Dry fire training is the practice of using an unloaded firearm to train all of the skill sets associated with shooting, without sending any ammo down range. This can be done in a basement, garage, bedroom, or anywhere with enough space to place scaled down targets on a wall, and room to stand and move a bit. Check out this video of 3 Gun Competitor Lanny Oakley going through a 10 minute dry fire routine. While seasoned action shooting sport competitors are likely familiar with these concepts, here is an article from Alien Gear Holsters to learn more about how to get started. If you’re interested in podcasts, check out this episode of the 3 Gun Show Podcast.
Dry fire training isn’t just for competitive shooters. You may not want to be the next Jerry Miculek, but that doesn’t mean dry fire can’t help. Here is an excellent article explaining how to dry fire for self defense from Vortex Optics.
Whatever your goals, use this training activity to learn something new, or stay sharp when time is short and the temps are low.