Whether your training goal is to improve your gun handling or maintain the skills you already have, getting to practice shooting at home through dry fire training is something from which all shooters can benefit regardless of skill level. The more time and more reps you get with your equipment, the more natural the motions become, and smooth mechanics mean speed. Dry firing is also a safe way to work out kinks and even push yourself; if you’re going to try something new and or uncomfortable, then taking some dry runs is the way to go. Let’s look at three fundamental drills that can serve as warm-ups

Speaking of safety, let’s quickly start by clearing our weapon and the room you’re training in from all live ammunition. 

This is about as simple as it gets, a great warm-up, yet is an essential piece on which to build your training regimen. If you have a new-to-you gun you’re getting acquainted with, preparing for a tournament, or keeping the ol’ muscle memory intact, quick sight acquisition should be a core competency. Starting from a holster draw or low-ready position you present your weapon and get your sights on target - that’s it. The “firing” is optional for this drill, as the point of this exercise is developing the “point” part of “point and shoot”. More than point shooting -- unless that’s purely your goal -- an important aspect here is to be realistic about how quickly you’re comfortably getting the sights on target. If you’re running a red dot you’ll have a clear view of how off you are as soon as you present, while the wiggly front blade of your iron sights may be trickier if you’re going too fast. Walk before you run, start slow with good, smooth mechanics, and build speed. 

Adding a laser cartridge into the mix provides some basic, and valuable, visual feedback as to where your shots are landing. With a laser round in the chamber, when you pull the trigger your hammer or striker activates the laser down the barrel in a quick flash. This not only gives you an idea of how accurate your shots are, with a keen eye you can monitor any jumps or squiggles the laser makes during its brief delivery. The more movement the more mechanical wrinkles you need to iron out. Sussing out which direction the laser is moving consistently though can be tricky, making diagnosis of any potential issues a bit murkier. 

And perhaps the best way to practice shooting at home: the Laser Academy system. Boasting the largest selection of drills in the industry, you’re ensured plenty of ways to make yourself a well-rounded shooter, all without getting bored and stuck in a rut. Historical data lets you track progress as you go, pacing yourself while increasing the speed and accuracy of your shots. Different types of targets, different scenarios, and you can even compete against a shooting partner, there’s a lot to like about the Laser Academy training system - see what it can do for you below: