Training in an Ammo Shortage.

Best Firearm Practice Tip of 2021…

As a serious concealed firearm carrier, professional firearms and tactics training should be at the top of your list of must have’s. In my opinion training (and ongoing practice of said training) will always be more important that new gear and gadgets… always. It may not always be “as cool” as getting a new toy, but it is what will make the difference in “your gunfight”! 

Nothing and I mean NOTHING will improve and sustain your firearms training more than actual PERFECT live fire repetitions of said training. Good practice, (practice that is well thought out and based on the solid training you have received) is critical in maintaining your ability to perform at an unconscious competency level. 

However, having said that I acknowledge the reality of the times we live. I realize that you probably will not be able to get same level of live fire repetitions in practice this year (2021) as you may have in the past, due to ammo availability and ammo cost. Ok but “How can you do that when: a. I cannot get to the range to practice. b. I cannot find the ammo to practice. c. I cannot afford the ammo to practice. d. I only have 10 – 15 minutes a day in free time, my life is getting in the way”

Dry fire and lasers are an option...Yes it’s good, but it only really helps with you grip, presentation, stance and trigger press. It’s not enough... wouldn’t it be nice to be able to actually draw and SHOOT, your pistol from your regular holster, while moving, feel some recoil impulse and run REAL drills as you would at the dynamic range! In short, practice the things you took training in…but in your house! In your back yard! In your garage! Yes of course it would…but how would that be possible! How do you add that vital live fire practice without going to the range or building a range on your property? 

Simple: Airsoft and Air Guns. Yes I know, there is not the same recoil, not the same malfunctions (for you 1911 guys lol… just joking, calm down sparky) they don’t have the same effective range… But other than that, you can practice pretty much all you need to practice. At a fraction of the cost AND you can do it when you have time, the odd 10 minutes here and there without the commitment of hours of a day at a commercial range. 

Get yourself the “airgun or airsoft equivalent” of your actual defensive firearms and practice with them. Yes an equivalent…literally an air weapon that is an EXACT replica in every way in both function and form to your actual live fire firearm. Check out UMAREX as an example…Or even the Sig Sauer Air Guns. You will have a problem telling the difference without dropping the magazine. 

Remember that an airgun and an airsoft weapon although may look identical, are VERY different. These are NOT however toys, they can cause damage to you and your belongings. Be careful.

AIRSOFT guns shoot a 6mm plastic pellet, at about 300fps designed for shooting at relative close range 15 yards and in. These can be safely used indoors (with the correct eye protection) these guns are great for indoor / outdoor use / force on force use (again with correct eye and body protective great).

AIRGUNS on the other hand shoot LEAD and copper projectiles in either .177 or .22 of an inch caliber, travelling at up to 1,300 fps. These guns will ABSOLUTLY maim or possibly kill if used incorrectly. They are in fact used for small game hunting in many states and overseas. DO NOT use AIRGUNS for indoor or force on force. These will also punch holes right through trash cans, flesh, wood etc. NOT for use indoors or against people. They are not toys, but with a great option for practice with a correct backstop in the back yard. 

Regardless to which one you go with, the guns are relatively inexpensive (most under $200) and most of the pistols will fit your carry holster, allowing you to use your standard gear…

Practice with these guns is cheap!, Yes CHEAP! The ammo is pennies and the CO2 or gas is a few dollars for hundreds of shots. In most cases you can even re-use the BBs!

Those of you that train with FFT on a regular basis will have heard the instructor recommend “get an airsoft” in most every class. It’s cheap, and it allows you to practice realistically all the things that you NEED to practice cheaply and when you have the time. 

Be careful. Make sure you are careful and keep your real guns and your “Air Weapons” separate and well-marked maybe spray your air weapons and different color (red). Try to get into a regiment of locking up any REAL firearms when you’re using the air weapons to avoid any tragedy that a mix up could course. 

Stop complaining that you cannot practice because of ammo / time / costs. Stop making excuses, make it a priority so your training pays you dividends in your practice.