Are you just port shooting? Ripping into that bull’s eye? Picking up mags from the range table to do your reloads? Is that really the way to prepare to defend yourself? Would just that really help you survive a gun fight?
If you intend to really prepare properly to survive a possible attack or gun fight, you should absolutely get out of the ports and get into some classes. We live in a 360-degree world, not including what may be happening above you or below you. You’re probably not just going to be static and just standing there, the ability to move will more than likely help you survive. There is also the need to test your capabilities and your equipment. Oh, and the stress level!!!!
We’ve heard it said so many times, “It’s a thinking man’s game!” I’m in agreement that it absolutely is, especially in regards to firearms manipulation and relative tactics. How much of a thinking process are you indoctrinating into your firearms training?
We’ve seen what stress can do when it’s incorporated into our training. High levels of stress at times causes things to go wrong, as well as possibly causing us to make the wrong decisions. Although, in training we can’t truly replicate the level of stress that may occur during a gun fight, I hope that some stress is added to your training. Stress often gets added to live fire drills by adding timed sequences of fire, a physical task, some movement, bringing the trainee to a level of pre-exhaustion or other forms of stressors. Less-lethal training, without having to train live fire, when it’s used for force-on-force training is an absolutely great way to add stress. Force on Force training has numerous benefits, adds simulated situations to work through and forces the trainee to think of how to initiate a proper response to what may be happening, etc. This is all great, and it absolutely has its benefits, but let’s talk about training to think things through, even during live fire practice.
Wait… while training, I should think about more than just shooting? Absolutely! Your firearms training should include movement, tactics and decision making. During training, you should be thinking through and assessing everything as you do it correctly as well as what can possibly go wrong, being aware of and visualizing things that can help with your reactions. Well-planned live fire drills, where you have to think through small scenarios, where to go, how fast to move, take cover, when to perform a tactical (planned) reload, etc… This should all be practiced on the training ground.
You may, or may not, have heard that you should have the ability to “Shoot, Move and Communicate!” The ability to shoot is just part of that equation. Let’s add in the moving and communicating. It’s essential to add dynamic movement as part of your firearms training. I’ve always said, you’ll most likely be moving, getting into uncomfortable positions, looking for cover, taking a better position, advancing or retreating, and this is all while making split second decisions and mitigating high levels of stress. Oh, and communicating, possibly dealing with the public, communicating with those who are with you, calling for aid, all things that should be discussed and put into action.
Let’s face it, so much is going on. If all that your training entails is the ability to shoot at a target, you’ve only touched one part of the total package. I’ve seen many times, even great shooters falter when they are told to start moving, communicating and thinking on their feet. Being a good shooter, is exemplary, but having the ability to shoot, move and communicate is the end goal. Just like everything you do with your firearm, your training should be intentional. The intent, to make you better and well-rounded.
Proper Repetitive Practice Builds Automatic Permanence!
See you on the range!
Couldn’t agree more. Urban classes and others teaching shooting on the move, at different targets, low light, etc. are a must.
Getting out to an IDPA, or USPSA match will get you drawing, moving and reloadingin a way you just cannot do from a port.
Find a match near you on practiscore.com.