Quantify Your Progress

This video from Farewell Firearms Training, featuring an instructor from Dryfire Crew and Vortex Optics, focuses on improving shooting speed by emphasizing early movement. The core principle is to get off the 'X' (shooting position) as soon as possible, even while acquiring targets. The instructor highlights that time is often lost on entries and exits, and advocates for accepting an 'acceptable' sight picture to break shots and move, rather than waiting for perfection. This technique is demonstrated through practical examples on an outdoor range, showing how to integrate movement with shooting for greater efficiency.

This entry synthesizes Ben Stoeger's insights on standard shooting tests, emphasizing their role as tools for individual skill development rather than mere reward systems. Stoeger, an expert instructor, details the components of these tests, including position changes and complex engagement orders, explaining their purpose in preparing shooters for practical scenarios. He highlights performance expectations and differentiates competition shooting from real-world applications, stressing safety and effective practice as key for class participation.

This video emphasizes focusing on the granular details of shooting technique rather than solely on timer results. Instructor Joel Park advises using the timer primarily as a start signal, advocating for attention to sight alignment, trigger control, and body mechanics during target transitions. The core message is that obsessing over split times can be detrimental to actual skill development, which should be driven by consistent, accurate shot placement and feel.

This video demonstrates practical techniques for addressing common pistol malfunctions. Instructor Mike emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, including clearing malfunctions with the non-dominant hand to build proficiency. The core drill involves aiming, pressing the trigger, identifying the issue, and executing a fix, highlighting the need to overcome discomfort during challenging scenarios.

This video emphasizes the critical distinction between performance-based and outcome-based training, particularly in shooting drills. The instructor, drawing from sports psychology principles, advocates for focusing on the process of executing shots accurately (performance) rather than solely on achieving a specific result like a fast time (outcome). By prioritizing correct technique and accuracy, students can overcome 'over-trying' and ultimately improve their speed and overall effectiveness. The book 'With Winning in Mind' by Lanny Bassham serves as a primary reference for these concepts, highlighting how mental management and focusing on the process lead to better results in shooting and life.

This guide, presented by a professional firearms instructor from Regular Guy Training LLC, details how to effectively track progress in firearms training. It emphasizes the critical role of a shot timer in quantifying performance, moving beyond subjective feelings to objective data. By combining a shot timer with a solid set of drills, shooters can establish baselines, monitor improvements over time, and ensure meaningful skill development.

This video demonstrates a rapid fire drill focusing on efficient magazine reloads and immediate resumption of fire. The shooter, equipped with tactical gear and an M4 Carbine with an ACOG optic, showcases proficient weapon manipulation and recoil control. The drill emphasizes maintaining a high rate of fire while executing smooth tactical reloads.

This review of the Springfield M1A Scout Squad after 7,000 rounds highlights its robust reliability, especially with steel-cased ammunition. The instructor, speaking with high authority from extensive practical experience, details maintenance tips like using grease for lubrication and warns about potential malfunctions caused by glove interference with the operating rod. Cosmetic wear, such as brass marks on the stock, is viewed as a 'badge of honor' from heavy use.

This guide, presented by Regular Guy Training LLC, advocates for using readily available and cost-effective automotive lubricants for firearms. The instructor, drawing on military experience with belt-fed weapons and high-volume shooting, explains why conventional motor oil and high-temperature lithium grease are superior and more economical than many specialized gun lubes. It covers platform-specific recommendations, including considerations for cold weather and different firearm designs like AR-15s, AK-47s, and Glocks.

This guide details building a reliable AR pistol, emphasizing component selection for hard-use scenarios. It covers barrel and gas system choices, DI vs. piston considerations, and the importance of quality upper and lower receivers. The build focuses on practical reliability and shooter ergonomics, including ambidextrous controls and essential accessories, with a total cost around $1600 for the base build.