Bringing lessons home from the range

Published on July 9, 2025
Duration: 7:48

This video provides expert guidance from Ben Stoeger on refining grip fundamentals and recoil control through specific drills. It emphasizes the importance of translating live fire observations into targeted dry fire practice, rather than focusing on metrics during live fire. Stoeger advises on adjusting focus for different distances and using live fire to test dry fire training effectiveness.

Quick Summary

To improve grip fundamentals, use live fire to identify specific issues like hand tension or slippage. Then, translate these observations into targeted dry fire practice. Aggressively practice the corrections in dry fire, focusing on aspects like full finger extension or maintaining a solid support hand connection, rather than chasing metrics during live fire.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Question
  2. 00:26Drill Descriptions: One Shot Return & Doubles
  3. 03:40Distance & Fundamentals Focus
  4. 04:59Live Fire to Dry Fire Transfer
  5. 06:01Flipping Live Fire & Dry Fire Roles
  6. 07:02Avoiding Metric Traps
  7. 07:41Conclusion & Call for Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do different shooting distances affect fundamental focus?

At closer distances, the focus is on running the gun as fast as possible and getting comfortable with recoil. At longer distances (15-20 yards), the focus shifts to maintaining target acquisition as sights may leave the target during recoil, requiring trust in their return.

What is the best way to transfer live fire grip learnings to dry fire?

Identify specific grip issues during live fire (e.g., hand tension, slippage). Then, in dry fire, aggressively practice the correction, such as full finger extension or maintaining a solid support hand connection, for a sustained period.

Should I focus on metrics during live fire practice?

No, live fire should be used to test your dry fire training and identify breakdown points, not to achieve specific scores. Focus on experiencing what happens and then use those observations to refine your dry fire practice.

What are the 'one shot return' and 'doubles' drills?

The 'one shot return' drill involves firing one shot and immediately returning the gun to the aiming point, focusing on recoil control. The 'doubles' drill involves drawing and firing two rapid shots, repeating for pairs to assess grip and visual connection.

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