One of my favorite training tools (especially when the weather is bad, or time is at a premium and I can’t make it to the range) is dry-fire. This type of practice is safe, effective, cheap, and one of the best ways to become a better shooter. Ask any competition shooters and they’ll explain the countless hours they spend dry firing at home. 15 focused minutes of dry firing practice is all it takes.
Dry fire allows you to practice your grip control, sight alignment/picture, holster draw, reloads, trigger control, and more. There are many different drills you can use, and I encourage you to do some research reading articles and watching some videos to see what will work best for you.
Steps for Successful and Safe Dry Fire Practice
- Safety First: Make sure the firearm is unloaded, check the magazine, remove all ammunition from your practice area, and double-check the chamber.
- Designated Space: Choose a safe and dedicated area for dry fire practice, free from distractions and with a secure backstop.
- Aim at a Safe Target: Point the firearm at a safe target, ensuring a bulletproof backstop to catch any accidental discharges.
- Use Snap Caps: Insert snap caps (also called dummy rounds) into the firearm to cushion the firing pin, preventing damage during dry fire sessions. Most modern centerfire handguns (9mm, 40, 45, etc.) can be dry fired with no damage, however if you have a older pistol or a .22 rimfire you will want to use a snap cap to prevent damage to the firearm.
- Practice Trigger Control: Focus on smooth, slow, and controlled trigger pulls without disturbing your aim. Remember to keep your focus on your front sights when aiming.
- Maintain Grip and Stance: Practice keeping a proper grip and stance which will reinforce your muscle memory.
- Sight Alignment: Work on aligning your rear sight and front sight accurately, which will refine your ability to find that clear sight picture a little faster each time.
- Practice Drills: Incorporate different types of dry fire drills, like sitting down, drawing from a holster or moving between targets, to help you prepare for any real-life scenarios. We also offer CCW/CHL courses if you want instructor-led training.
- Regular Sessions: Practice, practice, practice. Regular dry fire practice will boost your muscle memory, improve control of the trigger, and help with overall shooting confidence and marksmanship.
- Review and Adjust: After each session, make a note for how you think you did. Write down any areas that you want to improve so you can remember them for next time.
Dry Fire Aids
I also like to have the aid of technology in conjunction with my dry fire, so I utilize laser training systems. The ITarget Pro is an inexpensive system which costs $99 for the laser cartridge/target. If you want to spend a bit more I recommend the Mantis Laser Academy. If you are serious about your training and want to take your marksmanship to the next level check out the MantisX which is a small device that mounts on your pistol rail (check for rail compatibility). This system provides a ton of drills and feedback to your phone for both live and dry fire training.
Happy training,
Patrick DFT
