How do you train at a Restrictive Range

[HKVP9]

A lot of public ranges in CA really limit us to how we can train to get proficient with our firearms.

-No drawing from the holster
-No more than 1 shot per 2 seconds
-No head shots on target
-Etc Etc.

I guess it makes sense from a business standpoint to have these rules for liability reasons, but no need to get into all of that. Though we are very limited and restricted to how we can train at most CA ranges unless we drive out to BLM or pay for an expensive class, we still have to make the best of what we got. So...

What tips and tricks do you like to teach people when you take them to the range for the first time?

What are some of your favorite shooting drills that helped you get better with Accuracy, Defensive shooting, Weapons Manipulation etc etc.

And lastly, What do you guys like to do for fun when shooting with your buddies? (My favorite so far is playing the battle ship targets.)

[CouchOperator]

If i was restricted to an indoor range, which has little to nothing to do with it being a first range trip or not, id shoot Dot Torture. As always, alot of at-home dryfire even though i can reload/run/shoot/etc from various positions and whatnot at my.range and local BLM. My idea of fun is getting their heart rate up and calling odd target orders while they have a magazine or three i loaded filled with random empty casings. My idea of fun and a good day is failing hard, for i know what i need to work on.

[HKVP9]

If i was restricted to an indoor range, which has little to nothing to do with it being a first range trip or not, id shoot Dot Torture. As always, alot of at-home dryfire even though i can reload/run/shoot/etc from various positions and whatnot at my.range and local BLM. My idea of fun is getting their heart rate up and calling odd target orders while they have a magazine or three i loaded filled with random empty casings. My idea of fun and a good day is failing hard, for i know what i need to work on.

That sounds like a lot of fun, shooting on the move from various positions is something I would absolutely love to practice on every range trip, along with target transitions and shooting moving targets. Which range do you go to? Dot Torture Target looks solid, going to print a few at work tomorrow.

[CouchOperator]

That sounds like a lot of fun, shooting on the move from various positions is something I would absolutely love to practice on every range trip, along with target transitions and shooting moving targets. Which range do you go to? Dot Torture Target looks solid, going to print a few at work tomorrow.

5 dogs and BLM.

[ER308]

Much of training is developing muscle memory. You can develop most of that in the living room for drawing, reholstering, sight picture, and mag changes with an empty gun.

[Gun Kraft]

What you teach people when you take them to the range for the first time (basic fundamentals) is very different than what you're asking (holster draw, defensive accuracy, etc).

Having said that, here's something I wrote a while back about how you can practice the latter despite range rules. It isn't perfect but it helps.

https://www.gunkraft.com/articles.htm#Square

[uxo2]

Airsoft....

Develop muscle memory.

Then go to BLM and shoot the way you train.

[omega]

you could practice your shoot n scoot drills with airsoft or paintball at home or your own backyard, as long as it doesnt attract attention from neighbors

practice drawing and using a flashlight in your backyard at night

a lot can be done without live fire, kind of like shadow boxing with a toy gun just to retain muscle memory / drawing from holster / aiming / trigger pull / use of a gun & flashlight during night time conditions.

[ocabj]

You can do a lot of practice at home with just dry fire. Set your shot timer on the part timer setting and can easily exercise your time to draw and fire on a target.

If you have to live fire, there are still quite a few outdoor ranges you can draw from holster at. It may require membership, but it is worthwhile if you are an avid shooter.

[Wordupmybrotha]

Here's what do:
1. Shoot one handed with RIGHT hand from various distances.
2. Shoot one handed with LEFT hand from various distances.
3. Square dance. Step right shoot, step back shoot, step left shoot, step forward shoot. Reverse. Can do this 2 handed and then one handed.
4. Simulate a home defense scenario. Lay a loaded pistol on the table. Pick it up and shoot a single shot as fast, but safely as possible. Then I do it again, but rack the slide and shoot. Then I do it again, but load the mag, rack and shoot. A lot of different variations of this. Can shoot 2 hands or 1 hand, dominant hand, weak hand; one shot, two shots, etc.
What I discovered while doing this simulation is that center axis relock is fast and accurate. People can make fun of it all they like, but it's much faster than extending both arms in a traditional method. Btw, I just use my normal grip and tilt the pistol at an angle with bent elbows. I don't do that crazy thumb grip that they use on Youtube.

5. I also do some point and shoots at close 3-5yds.

And I'll alternate 22lr to rest my hands and wrists.

I usually just stay for an hour or hour and a half. Time flies.

[Guns and guitars]

You don't.

[the Scholar]

Reeds in Santa Clara allows shooting from a holster after successfully completing their Handgun Stage 2 class. I am signed up for the upcoming class in October.

Personally, I take classes or go to club shoots nowadays so I can get that experience of shooting at multiple targets, holster draws, clearing malfunctions, moving and shooting, etc...

Depending on experience levels, you might not want to do more advanced stuff without some professional critiquing. That is an easy way to build bad habits in my opinion. I am not sure on your experience levels but take some courses if you have the time and money to do so.

[the Scholar]

If i was restricted to an indoor range, which has little to nothing to do with it being a first range trip or not, id shoot Dot Torture. As always, alot of at-home dryfire even though i can reload/run/shoot/etc from various positions and whatnot at my.range and local BLM. My idea of fun is getting their heart rate up and calling odd target orders while they have a magazine or three i loaded filled with random empty casings. My idea of fun and a good day is failing hard, for i know what i need to work on.

That sounds like a great time. Out of curiosity, where is your range at?

[PoorRichRichard]

Much of training is developing muscle memory. You can develop most of that in the living room for drawing, reholstering, sight picture, and mag changes with an empty gun.

Pretty solid advice. Then head out to some BLM as others have suggested.
OP- Not sure of your location, but I can put you on to some decent spots in San Bernardino county. PM me with phone number if interested.

[PoorRichRichard]

And lastly, What do you guys like to do for fun when shooting with your buddies? (My favorite so far is playing the battle ship targets.)

.....Reach-a-rounds. Welcome to Calguns OP!