Dry Practice Saves Shooting Expertise, Ammo, Rainy Days

This episode of Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS explains why dry-fire training is for everyone, every day.

posted on September 7, 2021

Yes, even Smith & Wesson's pro shooter and brand ambassador Julie Golob is feeling the sting of our current ammunition shortage. You've no doubt heard dry practice—also known as dry-fire training—touted as a safe and inexpensive way to exercise your gun-handling skills without ammo. That's absolutely true, but dry practice (done right) can do a lot more than get you through "ammogeddon." 

As Golob explains in this GUNSMARTS video, dry-firing your handgun is excellent practice for both new and experienced shooters. For beginners, the beauty of dry practice is that it gives you a safe way to explore how to move with an unholstered and uncased handgun on the range.

For slightly more advanced shooters, it allows the opportunity to iron out a flinch or to work on the fine points of trigger squeeze. Experienced shooters can use dry practice to run movement drills safely in their home. (Just remember to observe all of the rules of gun safety ... no exceptions and no excuses!)

Yes, there's some truth in advertising: Dry-fire training can even save a rainy day. After all, the weather's always perfect when your home is your "range"! 

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