Firearms Preparedness In the realm of preparedness, prioritizing firearms proficiency is essential. While some individuals acquire firearms expertise through military service, law enforcement careers, or years of experience as hunters or outdoorsmen, the majority of Americans lack comprehensive, real-world firearms training and knowledge. As a dedicated gun enthusiast, I train daily with my firearms because, when adversity strikes, no one is coming to save me. In those critical moments, the only person I can depend on is myself. Even among those who claim to be proficient with firearms, I’m often surprised by the disparity in skill levels. For example, I once encountered someone at the range who identified as former Air Force Special Forces yet struggled to hit a paper plate at 100 yards with an AR-15—a task I accomplished with ease. Another acquaintance invested in a premium AR-15 from a reputable manufacturer but, five years later, has never fired it, despite insisting it is a cornerstone of his TEOTWAWKI (The End of the World as We Know It) defense strategy. To enhance your tactical firearm skills and accuracy, you need a strategic combination of education, consistent practice, and disciplined commitment. Here’s how to elevate your abilities:
- Enroll in tactical training courses and participate in programs offered by renowned institutions like Gunsite Academy, Tactical Hyve, or the Sig Sauer Academy. These courses cater to all proficiency levels, from beginners to elite professionals, and include essential techniques such as shooting while moving, utilizing cover and concealment, and transitioning efficiently between targets.
- Engage in competitive shooting and test your skills under pressure by joining events like 2- and 3-gun challenges, USPSA, IPSC, or IDPA competitions. These environments sharpen your tactical prowess while providing opportunities to learn from some of the nation’s most skilled shooters.
- Practice dry firing and incorporate dry fire drills into your routine to refine trigger control, build muscle memory, and perfect technique—all without using live ammunition. Always prioritize safety by aiming in a secure direction with a solid backstop, such as a fully stocked bookshelf. Commit to daily practice for consistent improvement.
- Master your firearm’s mechanics and familiarize yourself with your weapon’s nomenclature, operational procedures, maintenance routines, and malfunction clearance techniques. Knowledge breeds confidence and operational efficiency.
- Focus on the fundamentals! Professional shooters excel by mastering foundational elements, including stance, controlled breathing, sight alignment, and precise trigger control. Study experts like Massad Ayoob to refine these critical skills.
- Prioritize physical fitness! Physical conditioning directly impacts survivability in high-stress scenarios. Strengthen your core, improve endurance, and maintain overall fitness to enhance agility and effectiveness in a firefight.
- Adopt the right mindset. Tactical proficiency demands mental discipline as much as physical capability. Familiarize yourself with concepts like the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) and the color codes of readiness (white-your nose is in your cell phone and you are oblivious to your surroundings, making you an easy target; yellow-your alert to your surroundings but have no current threat; orange-you are specifically alert to a potential threat and/or hunting a potential adversary such as a home invader; red-you have encountered a threat and it’s all systems go! Now you wait for the mental trigger. Develop this preset mental trigger to determine when and how to engage decisively. This trigger tells you when to shoot (example, a guy runs at you with a knife). Know your state laws!
- Secure your concealed carry permit. Ensure full compliance with legal requirements and take the necessary steps to obtain your permit responsibly.
**Disclaimer**: The information provided in this article is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Firearms training and usage must always be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Readers are encouraged to consult local, state, and federal laws regarding firearm ownership, usage, and concealed carry permits to ensure compliance. Safety is paramount. Always adhere to established firearm safety protocols, including the use of proper protective gear and the implementation of secure storage practices. The recommendations in this article are aimed at improving skill and proficiency but do not guarantee success in critical situations. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the content of this article. It is the sole responsibility of readers to exercise caution, follow legal procedures, and prioritize safety when engaging in firearms training or preparation activities. Good luck, stay vigilant, and remain safe. Remember: It’s better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.