Dry-Fire, Dry-Fire, Dry-Fire!
Dry firing is a technique anyone can practice at the range or, at home!
Always double check that your firearm is unloaded before dry fire practice begins!
Always unload “by procedure” (call us and ask if you are unsure!) And, always orient the firearm in a safe direction, depending on YOUR environment.
Follow all safety rules at all times!
Before dry fire begins, it’s helpful to mentally note and verbalize: “dry-fire”.
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
Pick a point on the wall (use sticky notes) or a target and achieve a proper sight picture. With iron sights, focus on your front sight and avoid the temptation to check the target as you dry fire. Just stay focused on your front sight! With an optic (red dot sight), the shooter should remain target focused!
WHAT DO YOU FEEL?
“Prep” (take all slack out of trigger) the trigger, and then slowly add pressure until the trigger breaks! This will help you tremendously during live-fire. Remember: we typically “miss” because the gun moves while pressing the trigger. Use minimal force!
Charge the slide to reset the trigger and repeat. At the range, practice 5 dry-fire reps for each live-fire rep. Continue this for 5 rounds. This drill will help you work trough recoil anticipation and get a feel for the trigger of your firearm. And, dry-fire will help make a box of 50 rounds EASILY last an hour!
Note: Do NOT dry fire rim-fire firearms such as those chambered in .22 Long Rifle without using snap-caps or other dummy cartridges. Otherwise, you will risk damaging the firing pin of rim-fire firearms. Many firearm manufacturers will also advise the use of snap caps to minimize damage to the breach-face or other areas.
– Quinton Vollmer, Firearms Instructor, Service Associate | Shoot Center