So training...
Here are a few key training thoughts.
1) Draw
It's tough to find a range that will allow the practice of drawing from your holster and firing. The vast majority of us will never find a range that will allow this simple action.
The process of drawing from your carry holster can be done at home (dry fire exercise).
Drawing is a fundamental skill for those that carry. You need to know the limitations of position and how fast you can put your firearm into action. Also change up on clothes (coat, vest, shirts) so you can practice.
*Please make sure you have an unloaded firearm before doing this...
2) Low ready
Now for the majority of folks. Practice shooting from a low ready. Sight acquisition is another key element to learn as a skill. Since again draw, engage, fire isn't a reality for most of us... we can almost all shoot from the low ready position.
3) Double taps
Most ranges are becoming more friendly to quicker shots. Again this falls into... so long as you can keep those rounds on target.
Shooting fast to be fast isn't the goal. Its more getting you into "controlled" rapid fire. Placing hits quickly and efficiently. Remember self defense skills is about how quick and how accurate. Not... about how fast you can miss.
4) Side step
Even though you can't shoot on the move... you can still move a step to the side. Even in most ranges you have a good 3'x3' square area to move around in. Just remember to not step back beyond the firing line (red line in some cases). Just stepping to the side or even one half step forward or back will develop some movement skills.
Start slow and half baby steps (remember to keep all shots on target).
Please do remember - you need to know the rules of your specific range. Ask before you do.
Most range are more friendly to self defense skills so long as you can keep your rounds on target.
Be safe and start off slow. The last thing you want to do is a ND (negligent discharge).
And here is my bias... Buy more magazines (4-7 is a good start).
When shooting... you don't need to learn how to load a magazine. You need to shoot.
