Dry firing

[Pat-inCO]

I have been a bit remiss about my dry fire practice. I've done about three sessions
in the last five months, which is way low for me. Today (with the temp at 115 AGAIN)
seemed a good time to get back into my routine.

Dug out one I hadn't dry fired sine before I left CO, a CZ 97B. THAT is one big
honker. Large grip, HEAVY double action, slight creep in single action. I need to
do a LOT more with that one.

Then I got out a Sig 1911. That one has such a heavy knurling on the front strap
it is uncomfortable to grip tightly. It DOES show you what a good trigger is about.

From there I went to a Kimber CDP. Amazing trigger, fun to work with.

My last one for today was a Desert Eagle 1911G. I am still amazed at the amount
of gun you get/got(?) for the price. In working with it I noticed what looked a bit like
the early stage of rust. Took it down and checked. Nope! Dust yes, rust no.
Happy camper. I'll mention that the trigger on the G was as good as the CDP, and
possibly just a bit smoother, if that's possible.

I'm convinced a little time dry firing is worth a whole lot more than you might think.
Makes sure everything is working and lubricated properly. Also provides some
every inexpensive fun. 8)

 

[JFB]

do you use snap caps or maybe a spent brass?
One of my "muscle memory" excercises is to focus on target, close eyes, draw/raise gun to position then look to see if sights are on target

 

[blackhawknj]

I use snap caps for center fire, for my CF pistols I use a magazine of a contrasting color-a blued pistol gets a nickel or stainless magazine. For rim fire I have started using yellow drywall screw anchors.

 

[bobski]

jfb....if you open your eyes and its not on target, what do you do to fix it?

 

[BDM1]

jfb....if you open your eyes and its not on target, what do you do to fix it?

In this situation, the sights may be fine, but his eyes may need to be adjusted!!!!

 

[daveg.inkc]

I became a better shot with dry fire practice. I held on a light switch with my new SR 1911. And the trigger on this .45 is excellent. A serious hand gunner should dry fire as much as live fire.

 

[contender]

Dry fire practice is still a form of practice. All the top competition shooters I know practice dry fire along with live fire. It's invaluable. In fact, a few years back,, a Japanese gentleman came to the USPSA Nationals,, and was able to place in the top of the field. His practice was almost ALL dry fire,, because of the Japanese restrictions on handguns.

 

[Snake45]

One of my "muscle memory" excercises is to focus on target, close eyes, draw/raise gun to position then look to see if sights are on target

That is an excellent drill. After just a few tries, you'll be surprised how close you are.

It's a great confidence-builder for shooting in low-light conditions, too.

 

[Colonel Daddy]

Dry fire practice is still a form of practice. All the top competition shooters I know practice dry fire along with live fire. It's invaluable. In fact, a few years back,, a Japanese gentleman came to the USPSA Nationals,, and was able to place in the top of the field. His practice was almost ALL dry fire,, because of the Japanese restrictions on handguns.

I remember that gentleman from some time back. He unfortunately disqualified himself several years by firing too early. Lost track of him but glad he finally won a match. It would be very discouraging to pay what it must have cost him to come here from Japan only to be disqualified. Wish I could remember his name!

 

[blume357]

I've discovered laser cartridges....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NJo4Q5wF0k&feature=youtu.be

 

[bobski]

no one answered my question.

 

[JFB]

no one answered my question.

1st, adjust how you are holding the grip. TRY to remember the "feel" in your hand.
* with a shotgun or even rifle (and if you have the money) you can have the stock bent, comb adjusted etc. the same could be done with pistol grip

2nd the next is observing error and making cognitive corrections, rememoring the muscle feel in arms/hand
* Like said, most people can make these thought/motor processes and be "on target" after a few trys the first time and hopefully be able to recall at a latter time and thus be on target first try.

being able to perform the 1st requires you are capable of the 2nd

IF not able to perform the 2nd, then possible there is an underlaying nuerological condition (ie Huntington's or similiar) there is testing that measure the error someone "misses" and use to track progression of disorders

Sorry to the OP for pulling the dry firing discussion off topic. maybe this side discussion should be editted out

 

[contender]

bobski,,, to answer your question.
You have to adjust your grip,, and PRACTICE duplicating that feel. Once you get it correct,, and doing so often,, it will become your natural grip.

 

[Snake45]

jfb....if you open your eyes and its not on target, what do you do to fix it?

First thing to do is make sure your grip is consistent. It has to be exactly the same way every time.

When you've achieved that, pick a point across the room and draw (or raise) the gun with your eyes open so the sights come up right on target. Repeat this 100 times.

Now try it again with your eyes closed. On target? You're getting it. If not, take a break, and repeat the exercise tomorrow. Repeat 100 times a day until you're bringing the gun up naturally with your eyes closed.

This will probably take less time than you'd think. :wink:

 

[Rick Courtright]

Now try it again with your eyes closed. On target? You're getting it. If not, take a break, and repeat the exercise tomorrow. Repeat 100 times a day until you're bringing the gun up naturally with your eyes closed.

Hi,

Excellent point. My coaching experience was on a trap field more than any other discipline, and I'm still not much of a handgun shooter. I would tell my students if they were having a good day, be it dry firing at home or live firing at the range, to extend their session a bit. If they were having a bad day, put the gun away. There'e no sense in practicing bad habits regardless of the type of gun you're working with.

Rick C

 

[Pat-inCO]

Sorry to the OP for pulling the dry firing discussion off topic.
maybe this side discussion should be editted out

I don't see any need to.
To me, all of this is part of the Dry Fire process.

 

[steveodtw]

I was surprised to see that Ruger advises dry firing in their manual for my new Wrangler .22LR.

 

[Thumbcocker]

I was told by a Ruger rep some years back that you could dry fire ANY Ruger. I don't dry fire rimfires.

 

[jgt]

In my experience, dry fire and slow deliberate fire will indeed develop muscle memory. When a person finds themselves in a situation where there is no time to think or aim, muscle memory takes over. I don't know how eyesight enters into the equation, but I believe it does play a part.