Going to the Range Will Not Make You Better- How to Actually Improve

Published on January 15, 2026
Duration: 11:07

This guide, presented by Neil from Geauga Firearms Academy, emphasizes that true shooting improvement comes from deliberate practice and addressing fundamental flaws, not just frequent range visits. He advocates for dry fire as the most effective training method, using a mirror to identify and correct errors like 'turtling' and flinching. The range should serve as a place to evaluate skills developed through focused home practice, highlighting that shooting is largely a mental discipline.

Quick Summary

To truly improve shooting skills, avoid 'range insanity' by focusing on fundamentals and deliberate practice. Utilize dry fire exercises, often with a mirror, to correct errors like flinching and poor trigger control. The range should be used to evaluate skills developed at home, as shooting is primarily a mental discipline.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Range Insanity
  2. 01:29The Search for 'Cheat Codes'
  3. 03:02Shooting as a Mental Problem
  4. 05:30The Role of Professional Training
  5. 08:01The Power of Dry Fire
  6. 09:14Range as an Evaluation Tool

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my shooting skills if just going to the range isn't working?

To improve shooting, focus on deliberate practice and fundamentals. Utilize dry fire exercises to build muscle memory and correct errors like flinching. Treat the range as an evaluation tool for skills honed at home, rather than the primary learning environment.

What is 'range insanity' in shooting?

'Range insanity' refers to the ineffective practice of repeatedly going to the range and shooting without a structured plan to diagnose and correct errors, expecting improved results from the same flawed actions.

Why is dry fire practice so important for shooters?

Dry fire practice is crucial because it allows for high-volume repetition without live ammunition, enabling shooters to build proper muscle memory and identify physical errors like flinching or poor trigger control, often masked by recoil during live fire.

Should I focus on advanced shooting techniques or fundamentals first?

Always prioritize fundamentals. Advanced tactics are secondary to the core ability to hit a target consistently. Professional instruction is recommended to ensure these fundamentals are learned correctly and deeply ingrained.

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