By: Paula Morgan

Range Time Prep 

Perhaps when you think of going to the range, you think about your range equipment such as bags, safety glasses, ear protection, and so on. You view it simply as a matter of getting there, firing a couple of magazines down range to hit targets, and calling it good. Maybe you plan to take some friends with you or make it a family day. Regardless of what the reason is, preparing for time at the range can help reduce frustrations and maximize your intended outcome. 

Personally, I began to question if my time at the range was well spent. Exactly what is being accomplished? How does any of the time spent apply to the practicality of a real-world experience?

 To answer these questions, I decided to reach out to Ben Morgan, a lead Instructor with the Battleline Tactical Team. He has been one of my coaches since late 2019, and I value his advice given his background which includes the following: He is a former member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, 1st Ranger Battalion, and a former U.S. Army infantry Officer. While attending college at Colorado State University earning his B.A. Degree in History, Morgan served with the Army 19th Special Forces Group. He then spent time in the Middle East working as a Close Quarters Battle Instructor, teaching Iraqi and coalition forces. From there, he applied his military background and experience to private contract work, which first took him to various places across the globe. This included Africa as part of the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance Program (ACOTA), training battalion-level staff officers to prepare for peace and support operations in Darfur. Following this experience, he accepted work for the U.S. State Department’s High Threat Protection program in Baghdad, Iraq, with contractor Triple Canopy.  

The interview has opened a whole new world of exploration for range time, including steps you may have never considered, but are critical for achieving the best possible outcome. It’s serious business, in a chaotic world. Why are you carrying in the first place? The bottom line is you need to set your standard. To zero in on some specifics as to what this may look like, I determined that the premise of this article will focus on gun ownership as a means of personal protection, with specifics to handguns. 

New to the Community

If you are new to the firearms community, never fired a pistol before, have a new pistol, or need a refresher course to get up to speed on the latest trends, Ben advises you should take a class. It is important to search for a good instructor with experience, who can present information for instructional purposes. An instructor with real-world experience who has actively been engaged in actual gunfights is going to have more factual data point experiences to engage the class.

Many classes now specifically cater to the ‘women only’ population, particularly concerning personal protection, but this should not deter women from attending classes with male instructors. The basics are the same when it comes to the mechanics and mechanical processes. Physical strength is generally the biggest factor to consider with women in general.

Setting Your Standard 

Classes are stepping stones. Once you outline the standard you set for yourself, then you will be able to focus on various objectives so you can meet your standard. This depends in part, on your budget, time, availability, and commitment. The following example is provided as a framework to get started. If this approach does not work for you, then scale it accordingly.

Range Prep:

–       Dry Fire at least two times per week

–       Ensure the pistol is cleared, and safe before practice

–       Specifically work through the mechanics process of the draw stroke, working through each of the movements to the point of presentation, and site picture

–       As you continue to improve, work on the speed

–       Use a “post-it” note as a point of aim, working from 3 yards to 15 yards, depending on the size of your home.

–       Consider adding a Matrix Dry Fire System to your training Dry Fire Training System & Training Aids for Home & Range | Mantis X

–       Know the range you are planning to go to, what they will allow you to do, and plan your drills accordingly.

At The Range:

–       Range time at least once per week

–       100-125 rounds per week, 500 rounds per month.

–       Take a notebook!

–       Added Note: The Matrix System X10 Elite offers multiple options and can be used for both live fire and dry fire. Dry Fire Training System & Training Aids for Home & Range | Mantis X

–       Calculate x number of rounds per planned drill. If the drill calls for 10 rounds at 10 yards, then plan accordingly.

–       If 100 rounds a week is too much, then consider scaling it back to 50 rounds per week, and plan accordingly. 

Other Considerations When Setting Your Standard 

Good Enough Verses Perfect 

Ben feels one of the most important considerations should be your speed. If you have mastered the mechanical process, then work on the draw speed, while maintaining a solid mechanical process. If you are slow 10 out of 10, the next logical step is to work on bringing your speed up, without breaking the mechanical process. How do you define good enough versus perfect? How much deviation from the point of aim to the point of impact is acceptable? Is it an Alpha hit on a USPCA target or a closed fist? The accuracy standard should remain consistent when increasing the distance. Don’t back up until you can achieve the desired accuracy standard at a given distance.  

Public Vs Private Ranges

It is important to learn about the range you plan to use. There are several different layouts. This includes static indoor and/or outdoor ranges; moveable indoor and/or outdoor ranges; protected, outdoor ranges. Another trend is called a virtual range, which engages computer-simulated, life-like scenarios for you to work on your skills. 

There is a difference in what a public range will allow you to do versus a private range, such as a gun club. Many of the public ranges are more restrictive. For example, they may not allow for a draw stroke from the hip. In this case, you would be forced to work with what they will allow you to do, such as pressing forward from the chest in your presentation. Public ranges tend to be busier. They should have range safety folks looking out for potential safety issues. 

Gun clubs and private ranges may be a better option, however, they may not have a range safety, so be mindful of all safety protocols, especially your muzzle awareness. Typically, gun clubs have a fee-based membership system. 

The driving distance to one range may override another. If you are starting out, you may feel better at a static range. Call ahead. Know the hours of operation. Ask questions. I know firsthand you can save time and frustration by knowing what to expect before you make the trip.   

Planning and Running Your Drills 

You can run both dry fire and live fire drills with planning. Look for drills that help to focus on the mechanical process such as a speed drill, accuracy, grip, sites, and stance. Drills include other factors such as terrain, situations, and tactics. Realize EVERY ROUND HAS A PURPOSE. 

Another suggested useful tool is called the Coach’s Eye App. However, upon researching this option it was discovered this app has recently been retired. There are other app options similar to the Coach’s Eye. The great thing about these types of app tools is that you can slow them down to hone in on each step of your mechanical process.  

 Ben Stoeger, a Professional Practical Shooting Instructor, has written a book called, “Practical Shooting Training,” which provides shooting drills from Level 1 to Level 4. Each level covers marksmanship fundamentals, transition/vision drills, stage skills/movement, and special drills. 

Additional Sources 

The following sources were suggested as options for classes, instructors, and drills. Check them out! You might be surprised by what you find.

 United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA)

 Instagram Matt Pranka, x-ray.alpha.llc, www.xrayalpha.com

 Instagram Bob Keller, kellergamutresolutions, www.gamutresolutions.com

Instagram Mike Pannone, CTT-Solutions LLC, https://www.ctt-solutions.com/documents   Offers an online Marksman Evaluation, 50 rounds 

Instagram Charlie Ross, Hades Consulting, HADES Consulting (hadesunleashed.com) 

In Retrospect 

I began training with the Battleline Team in April 2019. Classes have been an informative, and fun learning environment on tough topics. These classes have afforded me training in closed quarters, situational training, with the use of a pellet gun, both outdoor and indoor ranges. Challenging yourself to get out of your comfort zone is important. If you should ever fall into an altercation where your self-defense becomes a necessity, you will fall back to your weakest level of training. Planning your personal training program is critical! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paula Morgan is an Army Veteran who worked in Army Aviation during her years of service on active duty. She is the Founder and President of Twin Rotors Mission, a 501c3 veteran nonprofit which focuses on providing mental health assistance such as Equine Assisted Therapy to veterans, families, active-duty service members, and first responders. For more information, go to: www.twinrotorsmission.org Follow on FB: Twin Rotors Mission; IG: twin.rotors.mission