Gun ownership is a fundamental right of American citizens, guaranteed by the 2nd amendment to the constitution of the United States. However, gun owners also have a personal responsibility to not only safeguard their firearms, but also to know how to use them safely and properly. To that end, an emerging trend of dry fire training is helping new and existing gun owners learn to fire their weapon, and get comfortable with it, without using live ammunition or visiting a gun range. There are several reasons why gun owners may choose dry fire training over live ammunition, including the cost and availability of ammunition, the COVID-19 pandemic, and convenience.
Many Americans choose to own guns as a means of safety and protection. Some people are even choosing to build their own guns using 80 lowers, since we have a natural instinct to protect… ourselves or at least to want to feel safe. Many people feel that owning a gun provides some level of comfort or protection for them and their family. Since the pandemic began, gun sales in America have skyrocketed as crime and violence have increased. This increase was evident around the time of the 2020 riots and protests happening across our country, creating huge spikes in demand for guns and ammunition. This demand far outweighed the supply, causing significant price increases, as well as shortages. Many calibers of ammunition were sold out across the country for months at a time, and when stores did get shipments in, they rationed the sales, increased prices, and sold out again almost instantly. The cost of most ammunition has increased as much as four-fold, and many calibers are still very difficult to find, if it can be found at all.
The pandemic has also forced many Americans indoors and has changed the way that we do many activities, including school, work, and even practicing the use of firearms. While a few years ago, the average gun owner could buy a box of ammo for $10-12 and head to the range, they are not as apt to do that when the cost of that same box is now $50-60, they would be wearing a mask, and possibly risking their health or the health of others. The solution to this problem is dry fire training.
Dry firing is simply discharging your firearm without live ammunition or practicing with a laser or similar type of virtual simulator. Dry firing is safe and does not cause any damage to most guns. It provides a safer method for gun owners to practice using their firearm, costs less, and does not require one to travel to a range. There are also virtual simulators at many indoor ranges that will help build confidence in gun usage and help a gun owner to safely improve their shooting skills in a simulated and safe environment. Dry firing improves gun safety and competence by providing opportunities for endless training scenarios without putting the shooter or others at risk. Gun owners can practice drawing, movement, various stances, and rapid firing, among other skills without risk of injury, without the cost of ammunition, and even without leaving the comfort of their home.
There are many benefits to dry fire training that can only help gun owners become more skilled, safe, responsible, and comfortable handling their firearms. The cost of ammunition, targets, driving to the range, and range fees can add up significantly, all of which can be mitigated by dry fire training. Dry firing is a safe, cost-effective, and smart alternative to live range firing, and should be adopted by all gun owners.
