It seems like just yesterday our great nation was on the verge of utter chaos with Covid’s first appearance, widespread riots sweeping cities across the country, and grocery store shelves left empty with no restock in sight. It felt as if our mutual social contracts were one bad event away from being stuffed into beer bottles with gasoline and it was the first time in a long time my generation was able to bear witness to the fragility of the futuristic lifestyle we take granted.
Whether or not it remains in one piece is uncertain, but in any case, it is crucial now more than ever that each person has the ability and knowhow to protect themselves should misfortune arise, and panic ensues. A firearm could mean the difference between life and death, but only if the wielder can make the right calls. By practicing dry fire techniques, any capable person can hone their instincts to react at a moment’s notice with the precision and use of force necessary to maintain peace.
In my state of Texas, the abolishment of concealed carry constituents has encouraged aspiring gun owners to find choose their weapon of choice, but there are always bad apples that try to ruin the bunch. This is why also now more than ever; it is fundamental that Texans practice and learn proper firearm etiquette to minimize any potential slip-ups that could cost the lives of the innocent. In a perfect world, live fire at reputable shooting ranges with assistance from instructors would be ideal but given the uncertain and fast-paced environment we live in most Americans will have to find an alternative means of preparation. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that life is precious, and anything can be done online.
From school, to work, to a shooting range, firearm safety practices can become more widely available to everyone with a computer and a gun, which can be used as part of a shooting simulator for home. Just as today’s pilots and NASCAR drivers can practice virtually without the risk involved, it is also possible to practice and develop the skills through strategic virtual scenarios that mimic the real world the best they can. This means to practice rapid unholstering of the firearm, swift and accurate aiming abilities, and finally a steady pull of the trigger on target without ammunition. Building the habit with help future proof any possible mishaps that may arise and must be followed all the way through.
These dry fire practice sessions are rare instances of pulling the trigger without intent to use and require absolute assurance that the firearm is unloaded. There is room for error here, but without following up the dry fire shot, in a real-life scenario the final squeeze of the trigger will lose some steadiness, then its accuracy, and finally its reliability in that order. However, with a simple inspection of both the clip and chamber, virtual dry fire practices can combine our progressing shift to online alternatives and faster than mind indicts that could be the difference between life and death.
