The Basics of Dryfire Training: An Intro Guide

Whether you’re new to shooting or have years of experience, there’s one training technique that everyone can benefit from: dryfire training. This method is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to improve your shooting skills without having to be on the range. In this post, we’ll walk through the basics of dryfire training, why it’s so valuable, and how you can incorporate it into your regular practice.

What is Dryfire Training?

Dryfire training is simply the practice of going through the motions of shooting—without any live ammunition. You simulate real shooting scenarios, using your firearm, but without actually firing a live round. This can be done in the comfort of your home or another safe environment.

The primary goals of dryfire training include improving:

• Sight alignment and picture: Aquire your sight picture and maintain alignment throughout the shot process.
• Trigger control: Learn to press the trigger smoothly without jerking or upsetting your sight picture.
• Hardware manipulation: Practice a smooth and efficient draw from your holster, safe and intentional reholstering, and reloads.
• Target transitions: Improve your ability to efficiently and deliberately move your sight picture between targets.

Why is Dryfire Training Important?

There are a few key reasons why dryfire training is essential for both new and experienced shooters:

1. Cost-effective: Ammunition can be expensive, and finding time to get to the range can be challenging. Dryfire training allows you to practice regularly without the need for live rounds.
2. Time-effective: Most of us can’t get to the range several times a week, but we can certainly dryfire that much. Just like any other skill development program or workout routine, there are no excuses.
3. Motor skill development: Although “muscle memory” is the commonly used term, it’s actually your brain and nervous system that create efficient pathways for specific movements. Dryfire practice helps you build these neural pathways, so actions like drawing, aiming, and squeezing the trigger become more automatic and refined.

How to Dryfire Safely

Safety is the most critical aspect of dryfire training. Here are some steps to ensure you’re practicing safely:

1. Unload your firearm completely: Double-check that there is no live ammunition in the gun or in the room where you are practicing.
2. Use a safe target: Make sure you aim at a safe target, such as a designated dryfire target on a backstop that could stop a round if a negligent discharge were to occur. Remember your rules of firearm safety.
3. Clear distractions: Ensure that you’re in a distraction-free environment where no one else can interrupt or startle you during practice.
4. Set a routine: Develop a clear mental checklist to follow each time you start your dryfire session, reinforcing safety procedures. Step into and out of the training “zone” with intentionality.

Your Dryfire Dojo: Dedicated Space for Training

The term “Dryfire Dojo” comes from the guru Memphis Beech. To get the most out of dryfire training, it helps to have a dedicated space—what we like to call your “dryfire dojo.” This is a safe, designated area where you can practice regularly and intentionally, with all your necessary gear in one place. Setting up this space can help you develop a consistent routine and make it easier to focus without distractions. Your dryfire dojo doesn’t have to be fancy; a small area in your garage, basement, or office can work just fine.

Plan your space for safety. Have your target(s) set up in a designated place with a safe backdrop that could stop a round if a negligent discharge were to occur. Never let that happen, but prepare for it. Clear distractions from your dojo, and ensure that you’re in a distraction-free environment where no one else can interrupt or startle you during practice

There is no live ammunition allowed — ever — in your dryfire dojo. Live ammunition does not enter your training space, anywhere in the gun, magazines, bags or on your person. Make this a permanent obsession and preoccupation.

Tools to Enhance Your Dryfire Training

While basic dryfire training can be done with just your firearm, there are a few tools that can enhance your sessions and help track your progress:

• Shot Timers: To simulate the pressure of live-fire situations, a shot timer can help you track your speed and improve reaction times during drills like drawing and transitioning between targets.
• Laser Cartridges: These fit into the chamber of your firearm and emit a laser when you pull the trigger, allowing you to see exactly where your shot would land. They’re a great tool for getting instant feedback on your accuracy.
• MantisX Systems: This high-tech training tool attaches to your firearm and provides detailed feedback on your grip, trigger pull, and overall shooting mechanics. It’s an excellent way to track improvement over time and get insights into what might be affecting your accuracy.
• SIRT Pistols: These training pistols are designed specifically for dryfire practice and simulate the weight and feel of a real firearm. They come equipped with lasers that indicate where your shot would have landed, providing instant feedback without the need to modify your own firearm.
• Dummy Rounds: Also known as “snap caps” these inert training rounds can be used to simulate loading, malfunction drills, or improve your trigger control without using live ammunition. They are great for practicing realistic scenarios safely.
• Cardboard Targets: Having designated targets, even simple cardboard ones, can add structure to your dryfire practice. They can help simulate range conditions, and you can position them at various distances and heights to create more dynamic drills.

These tools not only make your training more engaging but also ensure you’re getting the most out of every session by focusing on measurable improvement.

Tips for Effective Dryfire Training

• Keep it short and frequent: Dryfire training doesn’t have to be long to be effective. In fact, your average session should last no more than 20 minutes. Short, consistent sessions will provide better results than occasional, long ones.
• Focus on form: Since there’s no pressure of recoil or noise, you can concentrate solely on your stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger pull.
• Set goals: Establish goals for each session. Whether it’s improving your draw speed or transitioning between targets faster, having a specific goal will keep you focused and motivated. Track your progress: if you can measure it, you can monitor it.

Conclusion

Dryfire training is an invaluable tool for shooters of all skill levels. It offers a cost-effective, convenient, and efficient way to refine your shooting skills and build confidence in handling your firearm. By focusing on safety, using your “dryfire dojo,” and incorporating the right tools—such as shot timers, laser cartridges, or a MantisX system—you can significantly improve your performance without ever leaving home.

Happy training, and remember: practice makes permanent! (That’s right, permanent. Practice does not make perfect.)