Defensive pistol practice

[OpFlash]

Reading some of the threads here got me to thinking about when I did all my shooting at an indoor pistol range. Developing basic trigger control, etc. is a good thing, but shooting slow fire at paper is not what you should be spending the majority of your time doing if you call yourself practicing with your defensive pistol. Trying to hold the gun perfectly steady and mastering the art of shooting minute groups is challenging and useful, but those skills are not the most important in a defensive situation. If it is within your power, join an outdoor range where you can shoot as fast as you want and hopefully even move while you are doing it. Of course IDPA, etc. is good but there is nothing like being a member of an oudoor range where you can be the only one there if you go at the right time. This allows you to do things like practicing controlling your gun with your heart pumping after some kind of excersize. Shooting fast while on the move, engaging multiple targets from different angles, drop on the ground in the middle of it all. Think up a course of fire and use three mags, have a snap cap in one mag (mix them up so you don't kniow which one has it) to practice your failure drills.

I know this is all old hat but if you can find a way to do it this is what you should be doing much more of than standing still making pretty little groups in paper. Oh, and its a lot more fun too!

Sorry just felt like having a little rant.

 

[Rotorflyr]

This thread would be better suited for a location other then "autoloaders" (so mods feel free to move it) but you do raise some valid points.

Having said that, I'll add: IMHO, you'd be better off taking a defensive class such as those offered by Thunder Ranch, TDI Ohio, Vallhalla, Lethal Force etc....THEN doing the types of drills you mention, just to make sure you do it right
A couple of the benefits of this would be mobile targets and the "force on force" scenarios, which will give you a better feel for what a sd situation may be then shooting at a stationary target will.

 

[Gary G23]

I personally believe competitive shooting is better practice than practicing on your own.
Shooting schools are okay but I can't afford to do that three times a week. I can however shoot matches three times a week.

 

[10-Ring]

The thing I like about competition is the pressure of being under the clock, the movement, precision and the diff't stages. Also, it's just ALOT of fun. I agree that hitting a range isn't everything...and maybe even a bit misleading in one's combat skills, but it is better than nothing...just not everything!