Staying current

I can provide courses in the use of these materials, and loan them myself if they are needed.

SIRT/Lasertrain – These are pretty cool, I have one I use for off range practice and training, and I’m certified in the USCCA Lasertrain curriculum as an instructor

Shoot Off – This is a free open source virtual range software. Using a webcam and laser cartridges or SIRT, this lets you practice fire and score it electronically.

LaserLyte – Cartridges you can load in your firearm to use with applications like Shoot Off or for other dry fire training with actual weapons.

SureStrike Laser Ammo – Similar to LaserLyte, a little spendier but has some extra features and with the right kits, you can use the same laser with multiple calibers. They also sell their own software and targets that are compatible, and support IR lasers. (most webcams have IR filters, so you’d need to use their equipment with the IR)

Good old practice at the range! It’s hard to beat firing the real thing, and it’s good to practice recoil recovery and strong grip, since those will matter greatly in a defensive situation. When you’re not sure, practice an isoceles grip and stance, lower the weapon as low as you can without flagging the bench, and practice raising it up, pushing out, and point shooting at center mass at a distance of 12-25 feet. This is the most common defensive distance and fire type, so building good muscle memory and grip is important.

Want to shake up your practice?

• Use a silhouette target
  • While we don’t aim headshots in real life, it can be a good variation if you’ve used a lot of the target, or just want to vary your target
• Use a smaller pistol target at a further distance
• Shoot for the corners of the target in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion a few inches in
• If your range allows rapid fire, shoot a 3 round burst at the same target
• Have a friend load in a handful of dummy rounds into your magazines, and practice clearing the “Jam”
  • Go through the misfire process – slam the magazine, and move the action with the firearm tilted toward the ejector port (or whatever action is appropriate for your firearm)
• Switch magazines between several loaded ones to practice mag drops, reloads, etc. Many firearms lock the slide on empty, so this drill may not simulate conditions unless you short load your magazines.