Dry Fire Training Will Positively Affect Gun Owners

Dry fire training has been used by competitive shooters for decades, allowing them to get the edge on their competition through extra, at-home practice. With ammunition prices soaring and shooting ranges temporarily closed due to COVID-19, as well as nervousness about the situation with Ukraine and Russia, gun owners have resorted to dry-fire training to safely - and inexpensively - practice their shooting techniques at home. Dry fire training will positively affect gun owners by giving them the opportunity to safely develop their shooting skills at home.
When the phrase “dry fire” is looked up on the internet, thousands of videos and articles pop up, including one from the National Shooting Sports Foundation titled, “Dry Fire Practice.” Thus, it’s safe to assume that dry firing is very popular. The only question is, why? According to Shooting Sports USA’s article, “Why You Need To Dry-Fire Practice,” this method of practice is an “inexpensive, safe and time-efficient way to enhance showing skills.” Whether it is a competitor or a beginner in training, the fundamentals of shooting can still be drilled without recoil, improving coordination and technique.
Dry firing is not only popular, but important. MSN reports that "U.S. gun sales are up 40% in 2021 to 39,695,315 and still rising." FOX News and other news networks also report a similar story. Additionally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has reported that there has been a significant increase in the number of firearms produced and imported over the past five years (The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 4-6). Due to the increase in both sales and productions, there are significantly more gun owners in need of basic training. For them, dry firing allows for safe practice sessions, teaching the gun owner how to handle the firearm without using any live ammunition. Additionally, the owner can perform thousands of repetitions without a single penny being spent on ammo, making this training method not only effective, but affordable to anyone.
Thanks to online dry firing videos, NRA videos and articles, or dry firing shooting apps, gun owners can practice using their firearms with or without guidance. Of course, safety is always a concern, and Shooting Sports USA has posted a list of safety rules for dry firing in their article, “Why You Need To Dry-Fire Practice.” It is also recommended that any new gun owner take a hunters safety course.
Dry fire practice is a technique that anyone can use, for any technique. Sheriff Jim Wilson, in his article “Is It Safe to Dry-Fire Your Gun?” states that “While dry practice is most often associated with the personal-defense gun, it is really a good form of practice for any of the shooting disciplines.” Whether the trainee is a novice or a competitor, dry fire training presents itself as a viable method for practicing technique, stance, or familiarity with the firearm. It is an inexpensive way to explore the world of shooting without leaving the front door.