Merles Standards

Ben Stoeger emphasizes precision over raw speed in target transitions. He advises focusing on a small spot on the target and letting the gun naturally follow your gaze, akin to using a mouse pointer. This technique, when mastered, allows for faster and more accurate transitions than 'driving' the gun or using physical cues like pointing thumbs. He suggests practicing for precision first, then gradually increasing speed while maintaining relaxation and control.

This video details a comprehensive pistol skills test developed by Ben Stoeger, designed to benchmark shooter proficiency. It incorporates elements like drawing from a holster, shooting from various positions (standing, kneeling), strong and weak-hand-only shooting, movement, and reloads, all under strict par times. The test uses three USPSA targets and requires a range capable of 25-yard shooting. Stoeger emphasizes that the par times are set with a buffer, making the test achievable with dedicated training.

This video analyzes common mistakes during a dynamic pistol drill at an indoor range, featuring an EDC Glock 19. The instructor, demonstrating experienced authority, highlights issues like a 'slow start,' forgetting to reload, and impatience with red dot sight acquisition. The content provides actionable insights for improving performance in timed shooting scenarios.

This guide, drawing on expert instruction, emphasizes the convergence of competitive and tactical shooting. It advocates for integrating principles from both disciplines to enhance overall firearm proficiency. The core message is that effective training focuses on achieving accurate and fast target engagement, regardless of the specific context, by avoiding artificial limitations and practicing sound marksmanship fundamentals.

Instruction from Ben Stoeger, co-author of 'Baseline Dryfire' and 'Practical Shooting Training', emphasizes focused practice. He advises limiting drills to 2-3 core concepts per session, dedicating 10-20 repetitions to each for effective learning. This approach, whether dry-fire or live-fire, helps shooters develop skills efficiently, even with limited ammunition.

This video features Ben Stoeger, a recognized expert in competitive shooting, discussing fundamental handgun techniques. He emphasizes the importance of grip stability and proper sight picture over potentially destabilizing cues like pointing thumbs. Stoeger advises focusing on a precise visual point on the target and allowing the body to naturally align with it, a method he learned from figures like Matt Pranka. The discussion also touches on the effectiveness of different training methods and the common pitfalls in firearms instruction found online.

This video demonstrates a critical malfunction where the magazine drops during recoil, a common issue in competitive shooting. Ben Stoeger, a professional competitive shooter, highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing such failures. The guide provides steps to troubleshoot this specific problem, emphasizing safety and proper firearm handling.

This video demonstrates a critical safety incident: an uncommanded discharge of a Sig Sauer P320 during the re-holstering process. Expert analysis from Ben Stoeger highlights the visual evidence of the discharge originating from the holster, emphasizing the importance of constant vigilance and proper technique even when the firearm is supposedly "safe" in its holster. The incident underscores the need for thorough firearm inspection and immediate post-incident assessment.

Ben Stoeger, a professional shooting instructor, explains common misconceptions about red dot sights. He emphasizes that true proficiency comes from focusing on the target, not the dot itself. The guide details training methods, like occluding the optic, to develop this crucial skill, comparing it to the lifelong refinement needed for trigger control.

This comprehensive dry fire program, led by World Champion shooter Ben Stoeger, focuses on refining fundamental handgun skills. It includes a structured warm-up, detailed drills for draw stroke mechanics, efficient reloads (including strong and weak hand only), and positional shooting from kneeling. The program emphasizes precision and control, progressing to dynamic movements and transitions essential for competitive shooting.