Handguns and Defensive Weapons Season 4 Episode 12 Practice Versus Training

In season 4, episode 12 of Handguns & Defensive Weapons, titled "Practice Versus Training", the team explores the differences between practicing shooting and receiving formal training. Host Richard Nance and his expert guests delve into the importance of continuing education and proper techniques to improve shooting skills and increase overall safety.

The episode begins with a discussion of the differences between practicing shooting and receiving formal training. Nance notes that while practice can help maintain shooting skills, training is essential to improve and expand those skills. He emphasizes the importance of enrolling in courses taught by qualified instructors who can provide valuable feedback and guidance.

To illustrate the benefits of training, the team visits a shooting range where instructor Jeff Gonzales offers a lesson on shooting fundamentals. Gonzales explains the importance of a proper grip, stance, and sight picture, and guides the shooters through a series of drills to reinforce those skills. Nance notes that the personalized attention and immediate feedback provided by an experienced instructor like Gonzales is invaluable for those looking to improve their shooting abilities.

Next, Nance and his team visit with Matt Jacques, a former Marine Corps firearms instructor and founder of Victory First. Jacques emphasizes the difference between simply practicing shooting and receiving formal training from an instructor. He notes that training involves understanding the basics of shooting, such as grip, sight picture, and trigger control, as well as developing advanced skills like engaging multiple targets, shooting on the move, and using cover effectively.

Jacques leads the group through a series of drills that gradually increase in difficulty, emphasizing the importance of building a strong shooting foundation before advancing to more complex skills. Nance notes that while some shooters may resist training, seeing it as unnecessary or a waste of time, the benefits can be substantial in terms of improved accuracy, speed, and safety.

To further illustrate the importance of training, the team speaks with National Shooting Sports Foundation trainer Bill Brassard Jr. Brassard emphasizes the need for continuous learning and skill development, noting that advances in firearms technology and tactics necessitate ongoing training to stay safe and effective.

The episode concludes with a visit with firearms expert and trainer Gabe Suarez, who stresses the importance of using realistic scenarios and stress-inducing drills to prepare for the unpredictable nature of defensive shooting. Suarez encourages shooters to embrace the challenges of training, noting that the more difficult the training, the easier it will be to handle real-life situations.

Overall, "Practice Versus Training" highlights the importance of seeking formal firearms training to improve shooting skills and increase overall safety. Through conversations with experienced instructors and practical demonstrations of shooting drills, the episode emphasizes the benefits of ongoing education to enhance shooting abilities and stay prepared for any situation.