If you don’t know how fast you can go, then find out. The Winners in the shooting sports have a very good idea just how fast they can go before the wheels fall off and they start missing targets and hitting “no shoots.” 

And you should, too. This is critical practice for real world defensive shooting.  You need to test your skills to be confident with them under the ultimate stress conditions.  I can’t tell you how many “good shots” have been cocky about their ability to shoot their first match only to be humbled by reality.

What’s the secret to improving your skills quickly? Put yourself to a real test in an actual range, that way should ever be in a real gunfight — you’ll know your level of competence and be confident in it.

I recented did another blog post on ways to practice this, so click here to read all about it.

What’s often missing is a place to practice drawing from the holster and shooting multiple targets quickly.  Many ranges prohibit holsters, drawing, multiple shots and fast rates of fire.

One way to get around that is to be willing to look bad and shoot in organized matches to build your skills. This will quickly let you know just how you match up in speed and accuracy.

To find matches near you, go to the IDPA or the USPSA and see what it takes to participate. Often you can receive free instruction from generous members. Just ask for what you need.

Another way to improve is finding a range that allows the kind of shooting you need to practice.

You will find good shooting exercises to practice by setting up and shooting the IDPA classifier. Also, check out the Classifier Stage Setup diagram, and read the Safety Officers instructions for the Classifier as well.

What is the most important thing you will need as a new shooter? Good safety habits.
The match director, the safety officer and fellow competitors don’t care if you have a lot to learn, just that you are safe at all times. Follow instructions and be very muzzle-conscious.
Know where you are pointing your gun at all times.

Click here to find IDPA Safety Officers/Instructors around the country.

You may feel you are well-trained as you fire accurate shots from your firing position at your local range, but you may be missing the training easily available to make you a faster, safer, and confident shooter. You’ll learn to shoot moving targets, shoot while moving, shoot under pressure and have a lot of fun doing it.  You’ll meet a lot of great people as well.

For the record, here are the 4 safety rules we all abide by:

4 Rules Of Gun Safety:

The 1st Law of Gun Safety – The Gun Is Always Loaded!

The 2nd Law of Gun Safety – Never Point A Gun At Something You’re Not Prepared To Destroy!

The 3rd Law of Gun Safety – Always Be Sure Of Your Target And What Is Behind It!

The 4th Law of Gun Safety – Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Your Sights Are On The Target!