How to Split Dry Fire Training Between Competition and Concealed Carry

Published on November 25, 2025
Duration: 7:27

This guide outlines how to effectively split dry fire training between competition shooting and concealed carry. The speaker emphasizes that many fundamental shooting skills are transferable, but suggests prioritizing practice based on individual goals. Key takeaways include focusing on disciplined, accountable shooting for defensive practice and speed/accuracy for competition, along with incorporating dry draws and strategic carbine/handgun training sequencing.

Quick Summary

To split dry fire training between competition and concealed carry, prioritize based on your goals. For defensive practice, focus on disciplined, accountable shooting and sight picture. For competition, emphasize speed and aggressive target acquisition. Many fundamental skills overlap, allowing for integrated training sessions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Listener Question
  2. 00:16Shooting is Shooting: Fundamental Skills
  3. 00:47Crossover Between Defensive and Competition
  4. 00:51Which Gun to Practice With?
  5. 01:36Defensive Practice Focus
  6. 02:20Competition Practice Focus
  7. 02:35Speaker's Personal Practice Strategy
  8. 02:55The Oddity of Drawing the Gun
  9. 03:25Switching Between Carbine and Handgun
  10. 04:03Prioritizing Carbine Training
  11. 04:43Ammo Cost Considerations
  12. 04:57Dry Fire Session Structure
  13. 05:35Priorities and What You Want to Get Good At
  14. 05:57Handgun Platforms: Not as Different as You Think
  15. 06:35Defining Defensive vs. Competition Practice
  16. 07:00Conclusion: Shooting is Shooting

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I split my dry fire training between competition and concealed carry?

Prioritize your training based on your goals. For defensive practice, focus on disciplined, accountable shooting and sight picture. For competition, focus on speed and aggressive target acquisition. Many fundamental skills overlap, so you can integrate elements of both into your sessions.

What are the key differences in dry fire practice for competition versus concealed carry?

Competition dry fire emphasizes speed, accuracy, and aggressive engagement ('using the force'). Defensive dry fire focuses on disciplined, accountable shooting, ensuring you see your sights before each shot, and practicing reactive shooting rather than just rapid pairs.

Should I practice with my competition gun or my carry gun more for dry fire?

It depends on your priorities. If competition is your main focus, practice primarily with your competition gun. For concealed carry, focus on the fundamentals of safe handling, trigger control, and accountability. You can integrate practice with your carry gun periodically.

How do I incorporate dry draws into my concealed carry practice?

Practice dry draws from your concealed carry holster regularly. This helps improve your presentation speed and accuracy to a sight picture, and is often recommended before leaving the house.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Joel Park

View all →