On another thread Mort agreed with me "that most shooters don't shoot like they realistically ought".
So I figured I would throw this out for discussion. What should someone concerned about self defense, and defense of family/friend that are next to you whenever, practice & study? How should they prioritize these skills? Where do they draw the line between self defense and fun/recreation? Not saying you can't enjoy it but if it is a self defense need then it should receive higher priority on the money & time budget.
Here are some of my thoughts on the topic.
Novice:
Get a weapon. Start with a handgun, since you can carry handgun more places than long guns your more likely to have it if you need it. Practice safe gun handling every day, or at least 5 out of 7 days, so it becomes deeply ingrained [I include loading, unloading, presentation, etc in this...all done safely].
Shoot at least a box of shells [ie 50 rounds] a year. [Remember this is for self defense not gun nuts...for people who think they NEED this to stay alive, etc. they don't always have $ to spend on ammo and range time]. Two boxes of ammo would be better. Don't shoot all your ammo at once. Budget your ammo and shoot once every 3 or 4 months.
Dry fire at least once a month. Practice basics of shooting [ie front site, consistant grip, etc] while you dryfire.
Buy and read Cooper's Principal's of Personal Defense. Read it at least once every 3 or 4 months.
Intermediate:
Advanced
So I figured I would throw this out for discussion. What should someone concerned about self defense, and defense of family/friend that are next to you whenever, practice & study? How should they prioritize these skills? Where do they draw the line between self defense and fun/recreation? Not saying you can't enjoy it but if it is a self defense need then it should receive higher priority on the money & time budget.
Here are some of my thoughts on the topic.
Novice:
Get a weapon. Start with a handgun, since you can carry handgun more places than long guns your more likely to have it if you need it. Practice safe gun handling every day, or at least 5 out of 7 days, so it becomes deeply ingrained [I include loading, unloading, presentation, etc in this...all done safely].
Shoot at least a box of shells [ie 50 rounds] a year. [Remember this is for self defense not gun nuts...for people who think they NEED this to stay alive, etc. they don't always have $ to spend on ammo and range time]. Two boxes of ammo would be better. Don't shoot all your ammo at once. Budget your ammo and shoot once every 3 or 4 months.
Dry fire at least once a month. Practice basics of shooting [ie front site, consistant grip, etc] while you dryfire.
Buy and read Cooper's Principal's of Personal Defense. Read it at least once every 3 or 4 months.
Intermediate:
Advanced