This Week: The critical training you can do for stress shooting… How to get a free copy of Spy Secrets that Can Save Your Life… The “Around the World” drill… Great tactical pen advice… And, another self-defense tool to carry on you at all times. 

Last Thursday, a few folks who I do business with flew out from Maryland to have some fun at Spy Ranch.

We had a blast shooting both handguns and AR-15’s and you can see our motley crew in the picture below.

 

During this firearms training, I had them do several drills including shooting and moving. The fact is, in a real life event you probably won’t be standing still and if you have to defend yourself you’ll likely be moving away from the threat or towards the threat depending on the situation.

In addition to shooting and moving, another drill we do at Spy Ranch is the “Around The World” drill.

The way it works is that we set up targets in different areas of the range that are spread a good distance apart. Then, someone goes into the range with an instructor following him or her for safety and they run from target to target shooting each one that are in all different directions of our 360-degree range. (You can see an aerial view of the range below.)

 

The reason the Around the World drill is so important is because it gets your heart going and you must be able to get to your target, acquire a sight picture, and do a proper trigger press while going after targets that are surrounding you.

However, since most people can’t access a 360-degree range to do these kinds of drills, there are still a lot of training drills you can do by yourself.

One such drill I recommend trying is the ice drill. For this drill you’ll fill two bowls with ice water and place your hands in them. After a few minutes, remove your hands and practice safely dry firing your weapon. The reason this drill is important is because during a stressful situation your hands often respond similar to what it’s like having them in a bucket of ice. (In other words, it’s tougher to manipulate the gun.)

Adding a timer to any firearm training is another effective way to put a little pressure on yourself. One drill that can add pressure is when your firearm is disassembled. In this drill, your firearm is completely apart and you must put the firearm together and fire a round in a certain amount of time.

A shooting drill that will really force you to concentrate and improve your trigger pull is to put a penny on your front sight and then pull the trigger. If you have a smooth trigger pull the penny shouldn’t fall off. If it does fall, that means you’re not pulling the trigger straight to the rear in one fluid motion.

I will say, that you want a partner to help you with the penny drill because it becomes incredibly frustrating to try and do this drill by yourself.

Finally, another simple drill that will help you become a better shooter during a stressful situation is increasing your heart rate. For example, you could do 50 jumping jacks or push-ups and then practice your dry firing.

You’ll be surprised at the difference between dry firing after exercise and without, and how much more difficult it is to fire when you have exercised beforehand.

All of these drills are simple and any gun owner can do them in the comfort of your own home. If you are able to find a range that will allow you to do these drills and then shoot, that’s even better.

Studies suggest that during a shooting, our bodies and mind will perform at half the level they normally do during a regular day at the shooting range. This is why it’s so important to always train and practice on a regular basis.

You now have some simple ways to add some stress to your dry firing, and if the day ever comes when you must use your skills, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself and your family.

 

The Mailbag

From Colin C: I recently received an offer through my e-mail account for a free edition of your book. I just wanted to make sure this is a legitimate offer and not spam…

A: Yes, this is a free offer from me. Click here to claim your free edition of my book.

From James D: Love your material and teachings. Good advice about Tactical Pen on plane, better if in carry on. I carried one in my carry on and my person…

A: I always carry my Tactical Pen in my carry on. After you get through security you can remove the Tactical Pen from your carry on and have it on your person in case you need it, which is what I do.

From Doug G: It’s important to point out that an social predator, the kind that will kill you, say nothing or very little before an attack. That is how you can distinguish them from antisocial bullies. There is no bluster or chest pounding. No macho displays, they move like a shark and zone in on their intended prey, usually from a position of advantage. This is why SA is so important. It is your only chance at identifying an attack and either doing something to avoid it or counter it.

A: You are 100% right. Situational awareness is key.

From Lori B: I would like to know if you are intending to offer any of your courses in the New York City area.

A: Right now, I don’t have any courses in NYC. The next course with seats still available will be in Las Vegas on March 31- April 1, 2017. Click here for more details about this Spy Course.

From Jay W: I love your tactical pen… I’m wondering if you have another weapon you might suggest I carry?

A: A great tool is the Micro Spy Tool. It’s plastic and most people won’t even question what it is… but it’s also extremely deadly.

 

Stay safe,

Jason Hanson