Simple Pistol Drills for Self Defense
There are a variety of drills and trainings that have been developed over the years to improve firearms skills. The absolute best thing you can do, especially as a new gun owner, is take a training class. Heck, take several. However, once you have the basics of safe gun handling down, you should be training on your own as frequently as you are able. Ammo prices are obviously higher than they once were, so efficient use of your range time is crucial. Read our suggestions for the best pistol drills below to maximize your training time!
Mozambique(Failure to Stop)
This drill should sound familiar to anyone with even passing knowledge of firearms handling, and for good reason. The basics of the drill are simple: you will(using a humanoid torso target) fire two shots into the torso and then immediately fire the third shot into the head. If your range allows, make the drill even more complete by beginning with your pistol in its holster and incorporating a draw.
This drill stresses shot placement, multiple shots, and the transition between vital targets. If this is your first time trying something like this, start slow and smooth. Focus on making every shot count. Gradually, you can increase the speed of the drill to impressive levels.
Malfunction Drill
This drill can be done alone, but is best if you have a partner. You will need either spent shell casings or snap caps. Have your training partner load your pistol for you. They will load the shells/snap caps along with regular rounds throughout the magazine before giving you the weapon. Then, as you are training, you will experience the dreaded ‘click’ of a round not going off. You then must manually clear the dud round and get back on target.
If you are really bold, incorporate the malfunction drill with any other drill, like the above listed Mozambique drill. This will add an additional layer of stress to your training, and allow you to practice multiple things at once.
Box Drill
This drill is similar to the Mozambique drill, but double.
Place two targets, about a yard apart and equidistant from you. When you begin, you’ll engage one target with two shots to the chest. You’ll then engage the second target with two shots to the chest. Transitioning back to the first target, you will shoot one round to the head, and then switch back to the second target and shoot your last shot to its head.
This drill stresses the same things as the Mozambique, but adds in the element of engaging multiple targets. It is an unfortunate reality of self defense that there are often multiple opponents.
Reloads
As with the malfunctions, reloading is something you should incorporate into the other drills. Practice regular reloads when your gun runs empty, and tactical reloads to top off you pistol in between other drill repetitions!
For all your shooting and range needs, head over to Spring Guns and Ammo. Our qualified team is standing by to help you, whether you are a first-time gun buyer or a grizzled veteran.
