Dry Practice Saves Shooting Expertise, Ammo, Rainy Days

This episode of Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS explains why dry-fire training is for everyone, every day.

posted on September 7, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Yes, even Smith & Wesson's pro shooter and brand ambassador Julie Golob is feeling the sting of our current ammunition shortage. You've no doubt heard dry practice—also known as dry-fire training—touted as a safe and inexpensive way to exercise your gun-handling skills without ammo. That's absolutely true, but dry practice (done right) can do a lot more than get you through "ammogeddon." 

As Golob explains in this GUNSMARTS video, dry-firing your handgun is excellent practice for both new and experienced shooters. For beginners, the beauty of dry practice is that it gives you a safe way to explore how to move with an unholstered and uncased handgun on the range.

For slightly more advanced shooters, it allows the opportunity to iron out a flinch or to work on the fine points of trigger squeeze. Experienced shooters can use dry practice to run movement drills safely in their home. (Just remember to observe all of the rules of gun safety ... no exceptions and no excuses!)

Yes, there's some truth in advertising: Dry-fire training can even save a rainy day. After all, the weather's always perfect when your home is your "range"! 

Latest

Rao Female Instructor Women In Rifle Class3 Photo By Rao
Rao Female Instructor Women In Rifle Class3 Photo By Rao

Why We Need More Women Instructors

The landscape on the gun range has changed dramatically in recent years, with more women than ever punching holes on paper and ringing steel. Here's one way we can keep them there.

Stoeger V7000 Shotgun Review

This new scattergun offers a pleasant day of shooting, and with a sticker price under a grand, you'll have room left over in the budget for a case of shells and clays.

TKG Teams Dominate 2026 Sporting Clays Championship

Team B&P shooter Karen Miles claimed the Lady Main Event and Lady All-Around titles, among others. In the Ladies Cup, Karen Miles, Kiersten Sales and Madison Sharpe finished first, second and third respectively.

New Guns 2026: Smith & Wesson New Model 22 of 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic

These new offerings combine period-correct styling and heritage-driven features with the quality and reliability expected from a modern Smith & Wesson revolver.

Self-Defense on Campus and What Every Family Should Know

Here are a few things to consider as you establish clear rules and expectations surrounding personal safety.

NRA Whittington Center's Adventure Camp Youth Program: A Transformational Experience

Beyond learning marksmanship skills and having a whole lot of fun in the outdoors, kids who attend this camp emerge as patriotic leaders.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.