How, and How Often do you shoot?

[Mtbkski]

I was wondering about everyone getting out to shoot? When you do shoot, is it just standing on line, squeezing off nice slow controlled shots? Do you ever train in more realistic shooting. Quick draws? Shooting off balance? Shooting left vs right handed? Moving targets? Shooting from behind cover? Firing from the hip? IDPA or IPSC? How many rounds do you shoot per session and how often you shoot.

[ca2pa]

I havent found anyplace to "freely" shoot out in the open. Range wont allow double taps, rapid fire, etc. I shoot 50 rd controlled in 3 calibers 9mm, .45. 357 mag. Then i alternate 25 rds with right hand, and 25 rds with left hand for each(not .357mag) usually about 200 rds. I didnt ask them if i could shoot from concealed position, but i think it should be ok since i have my ltcf right? i'll ask at the range next time. I would love to be able to shoot behind cover, on ground, on the move, etc. Just need to find a place outdoors where nobody minds. I used to go once a week (my brother had a hook-up on ammo, practically free) but now that im in PA, i cant really afford to shoot that often, ive found since ive been here (about a month or so) ive only gone 3 times. =(

[TonyF]

Originally Posted by Mtbkski

When you do shoot, is it just standing on line, squeezing off nice slow controlled shots?

Yes, at distance, to ensure I'm pressing the trigger correctly.

Do you ever train in more realistic shooting. Quick draws?

Yes.

Shooting off balance?

No.

Shooting left vs right handed?

Not often. As time permits.

Moving targets?

No. Don't have any .......... yet.

Shooting from behind cover?

Barricades, yes.

Firing from the hip?

No.

IDPA or IPSC?

No.

How many rounds do you shoot per session and how often you shoot.

200 to 300 rounds per session. Preferably weekly but at least once a month.

[novice]

Originally Posted by Mtbkski

I was wondering about everyone getting out to shoot? When you do shoot, is it just standing on line, squeezing off nice slow controlled shots? ....

pretty much. not often enough. still working on very basic skills. usually bang out only about 50-100 rds in big calibers, more in .22.

[Mtbkski]

Here is a neat drill to practice hitting moving targets.

Blow up a balloon. Give it a toss. Make sure the wind is blowing down range or across range. As the balloon moves away. Wait..... Wait...... Now, draw and try to hit the ballon. I had a lot of fun with this one at a local range by my house.

[MarcS]

I have an agreement with my range that i can pretty much do whatever i need, so i train as often as time and money permits.

[Mtbkski]

Some simple things that I do while shooting.

I shoot with my body sideways to the target. Nothing says the bad guys will all be right in front of you. I put strong side down and weak down down. Interesting to draw and point down range across your body. Simulating the bad guy on your side goes for a weapon.

I shoot from behind cover. Even if it is just a post on the Range shed. I move garbage cans and shoot from both sides of them. Left and right haned. I shoot over and around this stuff.

I trying doing everything with just my left hand. Simulating a gunwound to my strong hand. This one is tough. Especially the reloads. Still can't do them worth a shit. Try same thing with strong hand. Still isn't easy. (Keep one arm at side or across your chest to simulate a hit/wounded limb)

The balloon game I mentioned above is great on a breezy day. Great to practice moving targets. Let one go. Let a couple go. It gets fun and exciting then.

I chase a tin can down the range. It starts out right in front of me. And then, everytime I hit it, it jumps down range, now I have a new distance to shoot. Hit it again and again as quickly as possible.

I use bulleye targets, and human forms for more realistic shooting.

I make it as fun and exciting as I can.

[Hokkmike]

Twice a month. Target with rifle. Various with pistol. the idea is to keep it SAFE and FUN. I don't do much with the shotgun.

[Thekatar]

My work schedule has been negatively impacting my range time, but I should get out there next week. I like to go at least once a week, and twice if possible.

For me, frequent low round-count sessions are much preferrable to 500 rounds once/month.

I usually start 25 yards, slow fire for marksmanship fundamentals. I tend to speed things up after a while at 25 yards, then move it in a bit closer for drawing, shooting, assessing, and reholstering. I try to move laterally when I have the range to myself. I practice stoppage reduction with empty casings loaded randomly in magazines that I mix up and grab off the bench. I do need to work one hand (both strong and weak) occasionally.

Usually 100-150 rounds per session.

[Mtbkski]

Originally Posted by Thekatar

I practice stoppage reduction with empty casings loaded randomly in magazines that I mix up and grab off the bench.

Very good idea. I will have to work this one into my shooting.