Video: 5 On Target Self-Defense Shooting Drills

Richard Mann gets you on target with these shooting drills tailored for concealed carry.

The old saying goes, “A pint of sweat, saves a gallon of blood.” Nowhere is this truer than pertaining to training with a defensive firearm.

The hours of trigger time with a self-defense pistol, rifle or shotgun might never be called into play — if lucky. But it's far from a waste. Because with it, if lethal force is ever required, as armed citizens we can be certain we'll respond precisely and effectively.

Richard Mann dusts off his SIG Sauer P226 RX Compact, complete with ROMEO1 Red Dog sight, and runs over five popular gun drills for self-defense shooting. The Gun Digest writer's drills move from breaking a single precise head shot, all the way through a 15-shot, three target series, complete with reload. To say the least, there is something for everyone in this video, even the most seasoned armed citizen.

It's also important to note, the former law enforcement officer and military man does not begin each drill with the handgun at the ready. Mann draws his P226 from concealment, under relatively bulky clothing. This aspect is imperative to competent concealed carry. Not only does it build vital muscle memory, it also gives a feel for how a particular pistol draws.

The P226 provides a good example why this should be a consideration. The double-action/single-action pistol is hammer fired, which presents the challenge of a spur. While SIG has done its utmost to eliminate any potential snag points, rounding it completely, it might require an adjustment for a shooter more familiar with a striker-fired. Realizing this may come too late without incorporating every potential movement into a gun drill.

With this in mind, it is advisable to find facilities that allow you to train the way you'll fight. Otherwise, you'll just be going through the motions.