In May, I attended The Mingle: Openness to Experience for the second time. This weekend event, put on by Shelley Hill of The Complete Combatant, is by invitation only to women in the firearms industry. All attendees rotate through three training blocks during The Mingle’s two training days. In each training block, I pick up little nuggets of information that I can use later in life. During Brian Hill’s block, “Inner Game of Shooting,” I learned of a drill to perform on the range when I need to get out of my head (Because, as Brian Hill says, “Shooting is a mental game.”), change things up and start over. I’m sure you’ll find that this simple shooting drill will help you improve your shots.
First of all, I’ve been shooting for almost 15 years now. I understand the fundamentals of shooting, and I use a high thumbs-forward grip. I can usually call my shots and self-correct. However, sometimes, no matter what I do, my shots get squirrely, and the holes on the target are not where I want them. When that happens, rather than get frustrated and just sling lead downrange, the drill I learned from Brian saves the day.
Now, this isn’t a set-in-stone drill; it’s more like do these things and see how your shots change. It’s important, though, to complete all the steps in the order listed. I think you will understand once you read through the steps.
Target: Use a target that has six similar shapes to aim at. Here is a link to the target we used in our training block: The Complete Combatant’s Target.
Distance: It depends on the target’s size, but I suggest keeping it under 30 feet.
Rounds: Determine in advance how many rounds you want to shoot at each target. I suggest four or five, which means you need 24 or 30 rounds.
Steps:
1 Holding your pistol using your tightest grip, engage target one.
2 Holding your pistol with your weakest grip, just enough to safely fire. Engage target two.
3 Use a one-handed grip with your dominant (strong) hand, engage target three.
4 Use a one-handed grip with your support (weak) hand, engage target four.
5 Shoot your rounds using the opposite grip you usually have. For example, if you are right-handed, shoot like a left-handed person and vice versa. This is a little tricky, and I suggest you practice it with an unloaded gun beforehand. Once you’ve carefully transferred your pistol and obtained your grip, engage target five.
6 Now, engage the final target with your standard grip and see where your shots land. I bet they are much better.
By switching up your grip before engaging each target, you’re slowing yourself down. Now, you really have to concentrate on your shots, where you are placing your trigger finger and how you are pressing the trigger. Basically, you are taking yourself back to the fundamentals: grip, sights and trigger. Once you have gone through all the steps, it’s like your mind does a little reset and gets you back on track.
If you’re on the range and find yourself missing your shots or just not shooting that well, stop, take a breath, and go through the steps posted above. If you really want to become a great shooter, check out TheCompleteCombatant.com and register for one of Brian Hill’s classes. He is an eloquent speaker who really cares about the people he coaches and wants to see them succeed.
Also, don’t forget to visit The Armory Life’s skills section to read the latest tips and tactics from trainers across the country.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore. View all posts by Michelle Cerino
