Handgun range strategy/practice methods...

[Shinken]

Do you have have any practice methods that you use when going to the range or do you just go to burn off rounds and try to improve marksmanship?
I have been going to a local indoor range for 2-3 months now at about 3 times a week average. I burn approximately 100 rounds per visit. Most of my time is spent trying to improve aim... now I am getting a bit tired of that and am starting to wonder if I am not missing some other practice/methods. I appreciate any input.

CC

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Start working on your speed, performing "double-tap" (or "controlled pair" if you prefer) drills, at varying areas of the target (center of mass, pelvic area, head). Also shoot both two-, one- and some weak-handed at varying distances, as well as some holster work. (Be sure your range permits rapid fire, shooting at the head area of a target - which can damage target frames or supports if you hit them and get you the boot - and drawing from a holster first.) A sound-activated shot timer is not a bad idea. Take your time at first, then start increasing your speed; smoothness accounts for some four-fifths of speed.

A few drills I like are the so-called "Mozambique" ("double tap" to the body, one in the head; the "five in five at five" (from holster, draw and fire five shots into the A-zone of a IPSC or IDPA target five yards away in five seconds); and "Chase the Bullet Hole," wherein you put a fast first shot on the target, then see how fast you can empty the magazine into the first hole without seriously enlarging it. The latter is not really a combat technique per se, but a test of shooting skill (consistency of grip, sight picture and trigger press). Unfortunately, at any indoor range there is no way to practice shooting from unconventional positions (e.g., knocked on your back, prone, etc).

Be ready for a large ammo bill or start reloading, because this will use up much more ammo, and faster.

 

[TAB]

I start by fliping a coin. heads is I start by taking a shot,then trying to shoot at it, tails I run a mag full of my carry/sd ammo in double tap, head, hip( or hip then head) repeat.

Another thing I like to do atleast once a session is draw, fire once, reholster.

Alternating strong hand, weak hand is also a very good thing.

this is all assuming the range will let you do that.

 

[CWL]

Look for a local IDPA group and start attending the meets. They will put you thru drills where you incorporate movement, drawing and the use of cover while engaging multiple targets. Its fun, not completely realistic, but much better than just punching paper down the lane.

Also go to the Stratigies & Tactics section here and look at the sticky called "drills" for solo practice drills.

Last one is to spend some money, invest the time and take some professional self-defense training (not gun safety) classes.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Do you have have any practice methods that you use when going to the range or do you just go to burn off rounds and try to improve marksmanship?

I shoot almost every day (home range). It would get boring if all I did was bullseye shooting, so I try just about anything that comes to mind. Such as using a timer, shooting weak hand/weak eye, shooting my defense pistols at long range (100 yards), practicing with gun lasers and laser/lights, etc, several evenings a week.
Sometimes even somewhat unusual shooting, such as last week. I wanted to see if I could pass the Texas Concealed Carry shooting qualification with my eyes closed. I passed.

 

[mainmech48]

I use the drill sequences Clint Smith has written about in his column in "American Handgunner".

While they are naturally different for semiautos and revolvers, both are designed to exercise all of the basic defensive skill sets for each type of weapon in 100 rds.

Repeating these drills at least once a month helps me maintain and improve my skills while also identifying any areas that require more work. I address those areas with more reps afterwards.

 

[CountGlockula]

Dry fire for 20 minutes. Practice from 3 to 15 yards. Double taps and triple taps.

For outdoors, I do drawing drills, El Presidente, and shoot on the move.