Maintaining Proficiency(with minimal shooting)

[eJack]

We all know the days of unlimited low priced ammo are about gone. In most locales, handguns are easier to get than the ammunition they require. Without components, even reloaders are suffering. Burning through 500 rds. a week to "stay sharp" may well be a thing of the past.

Faced with future ammo scarcity, has anyone given serious thought to maintaining handgun proficiency with minimal shooting? Are there any exercises besides "dryfire dryfire dryfire....repeat as necessary" that can be used to maintain a fair level of competence (not talking championship marksmanship here)? Are there any creative twists to dryfiring that can make it more effective? Are shooter video games the answer?

It's dawned on me that double action revolvers would permit a rapid-fire dryfire drill while semi-autos would not. Should the ability to dryfire and practice without ammo be a factor in choosing a gun?

Finally, what do people feel is the MINIMUM amount of live fire practice that would allow tolerable competence and weapon familiarity?

BTW, I hate playing the zero-sum games the greenies play but, under the present conditions, a bullet not fired at the range is a bullet available for more serious purposes.
Bob

I learned to swim, not because I thought it could save a life some day, but because I enjoy it. I took every martial arts class I could make time for, not because I thought it could save a life some day, but because I enjoy it. I took first aid and CPR classes, not because I thought it could save a life some day, but because I enjoy it. I learned outdoorsman's skills in Boy Scouts, not because I thought it could save a life some day, but because I enjoy it. And finally, I learned to shoot, not because I thought it could save a life some day, but because I enjoy it. People go out and shoot 1000 rounds a month (or week or day) because they enjoy it (and they have more free time and money than most of us), not because shooting ridiculous round counts is necessary to be prepared to defend themselves.

IMO it would only take about 100 rounds a year coupled with dry practice when you have the urge to maintain what ever level of skill you have. The visualization and muscle memory developed in practicing the motions are far more valuable than live fire. Muscle memory is never lost.

 

[krs]

it becomes more effective if you combine visualization with the trigger break...like Zen Archery

I know that. Each shot is the match - make the one shot all, do it perfectly. Have another match of one shot. Cleanse your mind of everything - let the shot BE - nothing before, nothing after, nothing during exists much less does nothing matter....ohh-hh-hh-mmm....but when there are lapses into imperfect consciousness from perfect unconsciousness..... they are boring.

 

[9mmepiphany]

but when there are lapses into imperfect consciousness from perfect unconsciousness..... they are boring.

another truth presents itself

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Not exactly the same weight in the hand, but I have a pair of quality airsoft 1911's that duplicate the grip, sights, and trigger pull pretty well. I can definitely improve on my point shooting, draw, and sight alignment with the airsoft, and do it pretty cheap. The .22 conversions come in a close second, but the airsoft can be used in any residence, without hearing protection of complaints from nearby occupants.