The Drill:
The Seated Shooting Drill is a dry-fire drill that incorporates a simulation of normal life. Since we find ourselves in a seated position at some point during the day, it is important to practice using a firearm from that position. The fact that this drill is a dry-fire drill means it won’t cost you money for range fees or ammo.
The Setup:
Pick a kitchen chair, living room recliner, couch or whatever you sit on in your house. Choose a target across the room (preferably a target that is 6 to 8 inches in diameter to simulate the thoracic cavity): a lamp shade, a kitchen cabinet or even just a sheet of paper taped on your wall. For this drill, we used a SIRT training pistol, but your cleared/empty personal defense pistol will work well too. Lastly, you will need a holster, preferably the one you use for daily carry.
The Skills:
Most people, whether on the range, in the backyard or in the home, practice shooting from a standing position. Unfortunately, this isn’t always practical. Since life finds you in a myriad of different positions, it’s good to practice drawing from those in which you often find yourself. (I typically find myself sitting in a recliner either watching TV or reading.) Knowing the most efficient way to draw while seated will help fill training gaps left from only practicing in a live-fire range environment.
The Details:
Each of the four seated positions in the video begins with the same initial steps:
Step 1: Reach down with your non-shooting hand, pull your shirt up out of the way of your firearm and hold it high and tight to your upper chest. As you’re pulling your shirt up and out of the way, secure a firm grip on your firearm with your shooting hand.
Step 2: Unholster your gun by pulling it straight up out of the holster.
Step 3: Orient your body toward the target, extend your arm and press the trigger.
Chair/Target Orientations
Position 1: Target 180 degrees behind you
Position 2: Target 90 degrees to your right
Position 3: Target directly in front of you
Position 4: Target 90 degrees to your left
Safety Considerations:
Even though this is a dry-fire drill, be sure to follow the four universal safety rules at all times. If you are using your daily carry firearm in lieu of a training pistol, visually and physically verify that it is unloaded and that there is no ammo in the room in which you are training.
Closing Thoughts:
The Seated Shooting Drill is a good way to make your training applicable to daily life. Standing in a perfect stance, square to your target at 15 feet, isn’t a very realistic simulation of what you may encounter when faced with a deadly force incident. Try to make your training routine and drills as close to life as possible.
Vary your training. Keep it fun. Keep it safe. And keep practicing.
