Top 5 Mistakes / Bad Habits We See in Firearms Training Classes

Our Director of Training, retired Navy SEAL Dorr, shares the top five mistakes we see in our firearms training classes.
Watch the video to find out what they are so you can avoid making them.
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#tacticalhyve #training #mistakes

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

Probably a good idea for folks to mark their magazines so they're easily identifiable so less chance of picking up the wrong one. I'm definitely a bit ocd so I know it would irritate me if some low attention span person shooting next to me is absent-mindedly picking up my mags on a cold break.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

Also good to differentiate carry/service mags from training mags. You don't want to mix up the mags you depend on to save your life with the mags you've dropped onto the ground hundreds of times.

[@carls2210]

I have my initials on all of mine.

[@Goldenwithaleash]

Absolutely. I use one of those metallic sharpie pens. It also help diagnose a potential bad magazine if you’re getting repeated failures with the same mag.

[@fleuger99]

Not everyone has the same firearm so should be easy to grab your own besides the fact you'll be several feet apart from the person next to you on the firing line, at least in the classes I've taken over the years.

[@RedHotSerrano]

All my mags have my nickname on them so that doesn’t happen lol springer precision

[@Goldenwithaleash]

I used to teach CCW and beginner pistol classes. Probably the most common I see is dudes letting their ego get in the say. The old, “I’ve been shooting my whole life….” mentality. There is a big difference between plinking with .22’s on the farm or deer hunting and defensive pistol shooting. They’re the ones you have to watch like a hawk for safety violations. Women don’t tend to come with a lifetime of bad habits and egos so they usually listen to instructors and make the most progress in class.

[@joshuahowe9417]

I find my Female students always end up being the best students.

[@eugenepearson4467]

There is one in every crowd.

[@OneLove-zy3bb]

I'm having a problem shooting to my right target as well as my left. I'm left eye dormant and right handed any suggestions I'm a female lol

[@kendallkilgore7799]

Sadly range etiquette rarely exists on private facilities. More than once I have had people fire from behind me. Hands were not thrown because guns are involved. Range owners removed offenders all 3 times it happened. Sad that it happened at all.

[@onpsxmember]

That fatigue/hydration and pauses can't be overstated. Especially when going to a class in an unfamiliar environment the heat and often the elevation gets underestimated. When the attention is deteriorating all the wrong stuff happens. If one is catching a cold having first symptoms and waited a long time to take the class it might ruin the experience quite a bit. If you check the policies of the courses, set reminders weeks ahead to check if anything gets in the way. Being preoccupied takes from your investment.

[@dtna]

Pat Rogers (R.I.P.) used to hand out NUUN hydration tablets on warm days to place in everyone's canteen or Camelback. I used to have a small pocket size tablet and pen to take notes. You pay good $ to take training classes and I would review my notes that night.

[@lethalbutterknife3409]

Good point! Even at indoor ranges I noticed my forearms getting tight on days I haven’t been hydrating properly that day or the day before. Started making something called soul water…legit beats the breaks off of any sports drink I’ve ever used. Be safe and god bless folks

[@BadGuyDennis]

Something I want to add on is that fatigue can cause injuries like twisted your ankle, fallen in an unexpected way etc.

[@rpwbass]

Great video even for folks who think they have enough experience and training. Always good to be reminded of fundamentals. Thanks, TH!

[@frankfaircloth7578]

Thanks for the teaching. Appreciate the knowledge.

[@ericrumpel3105]

ANOTHER GREAT informational video that needed put out there. Thanks fer sharing.

[@dtna]

I was told to hydrate before class. If we weren't peeing by 10 a.m., then we would be dehydrated. I was also told not to eat a heavy lunch when training. Otherwise, we would get sluggish, groggy and in an afternoon slump.

[@jtorivio0311]

You goin over going too fast is something I struggled with when I first started shooting guns. Marine corps taught the “slow is smooth, smooth is fast” mentality which immensely helped me be more effective

[@davidwatts7390]

great tips!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@rfpowell2606]

Great information thank you

[@bk3328]

Good stuff, thanks for the vid.

[@papastephens]

Great tips!

[@mikereese15]

Great tips Dorr

[@SectionChief]

Signing up for the wrong class is something that I've seen too much of from other participants, especially if there are prerequisites listed beforehand. Either they bring the wrong gear and or are overwhelmed by the curriculum. It can make for an unsafe class and it usually wastes other peoples time when instructors have to keep halting class or 'baby' someone else. Just because you have 100,000 rounds down range and been shooting for 20 years doesn't make you advanced in every class. Don't be ashamed to take the beginner or intermediate classes of a program if that's where you currently rate.

[@WOLVERINE95899]

Spot on Section Chief !

[@thomaspamelawashington1397]

Good insights. Thanks.

[@johnnottahcal5725]

I feel the pain. Alot of folks are forced to self-train at less than free to train environments. It took me TOO long to out-train the ‘catch a mag’ reload.

[@grantchristensen9995]

Doing tactical 3 rifle after completing first 2, I'm nervous at beginning of every class but usefully the training from previous class comes back to you pretty quick.

[@djkak5320]

I began shooting handguns in ‘75, with no training. Each shot was a unique event, with no consideration for a followup shot. After almost 30 years away from shooting handguns, a person might think that those old habits would be forgotten...it turns out that these old habits are well ingrained and need to be dealt with before a person can begin moving forward. I’m still challenged with focusing on how the sequence of shots felt, and not mentally celebrating drilling out the bullseye. I’m progressing; the mental game with this chit is intense!

[@andrewmanley9579]

I had already been a subscriber, but this vid made me ring the bell. Yeah now I want to train with you.

[@vincegordon6830]

Excellent

[@Fer-De-Lance]

Thanks.

[@gjhoward]

BH4: I was at an entry-level Defensive Pistol course recently. We were doing turning drills, where the threat is either to your side or behind you and you have to identify, turn, draw, aim, fire. On more than one occasion, I found that my footing was too fast, threw me off balance and my shooting stance suffered. When this happened, I made sure to stop, reset, try again, before even drawing my firearm. The instructors were very encouraging. They said it's better to start again, than try to shoot while off balance. So they were happy to see me reset. My shots were good when I did this.

[@joshuaborne4721]

Nice Sig carried one in LE for 26 yrs, now I got the one that feels like a 2x4 in your hand.

[@TheRealSlowhand]

Great content, great points... Thank you for the help this content will provide...

[@stevenallen1392]

Thx for the post. Wish you had a FL training location.

[@cletustollery6914]

Another great, informative vid! My Father was a Marine and I have shot and hunted from a young age. Completed hunter safety class at 13 and CCW classes BEFORE online or "no qualifying" was "thing" (Dad insisted, and I did the same with my college age daughters, as well, though not required in my State). Question for the Hive or anyone else.... I am fine shotgun hunting with a group, AR or other rifle shooting among people, but for the life of me I CANNOT keep a steady hand shooting a pistol if anyone is watching me shoot. Bothered me for YEARS now and don't talk much about it, just pass on offers to shoot friends "new pistol" at the ranges or out back. Alone, or teaching my daughters safety, technique, accuracy and proper use of pistols, I am fine. Even my kids have rarely seen me shoot pistol, just went out back and looked at targets and asked why I don't shoot pistols unless I'm alone. Sound familiar to anyone?

[@Chuck_Carolina]

I will be the first one to admit I don't shoot side arms well, but that was just me growing up and the lack of being around/shooting them. In boot camp we FAM fired the 1911 (familiarization) . I owned one and sold it - I never really shot it well. Years later I had to qualify with the damn thing, it wasn't until then that I figured out what my problem was - the 1911A1 does not fit my hand. I managed to get through it and qualify. The point is Cletus, for me a side arm is so much more important to fit my hand properly than a rifle. After that I learned that any fire arm that does not fit me, pistol or rifle, is OK. Look, today most bolt action rifles you can buy don't have open sights on them; and 95% are sold with stocks not made for use with a scope by 98% of people. Ask yourself why? You will figure it for yourself when you ask yourself the right questions.

[@amarinos66]

Tutto molto utile. Grazie😊

[@mrbiggin747]

A big factor in #5 is people letting pride over estimate their ability, and in some cases classes with misleading descriptions. I fell victim to this myself when I first started out. You spend some time at the range with your buddies, you watch a lot of videos (and maybe one to many tv shows) and you say "I can do that". Then you end up signing up for these advanced tactical classes without the proper fundamentals, and end up in way over your head. I tell people what ever you think your level is, start with the prerequisite to that class. If nothing else it's a great way to reinforce fundamentals, and build that oh so important muscle memory.

[@Mojo32]

Great advice, but sadly most of us can't afford the extra classes (or any of them in a lot cases).

[@tomarmstrong4761]

As an inexperienced shooter, I appreciate vids like this. All five make a LOT of sense to me, but I had trouble thinking about the first one mentioned. After thinking on it a moment or two, I realized there is a difference between "going to a low (or high) ready" to look at the environment to be sure there are no other threats to address and "lowering the firearm to look at what I've done to the target." I was taught low ready as a teenager in AJROTC, but was away from pistols for a long time. I grok why high ready is important, and am trying to teach myself to press from that rather than draw to low ready then acquire my target. I suppose that both ready positions are useful depending on the scenario. Thoughts?

[@DonziGT230]

I can't think of any reason that a high ready is better than low, unless a barrier or some other thing dictates it, but lots of reasons for the contrary.

[@bigpickle1776]

"After you blasted somebody..." @1:45 . Had me rolling.

[@pg234forreal]

I wish you had Offspring’s Bad Habit as the intro song on this

[@prairiefire4032]

Hydrate for sure; I add a little Red Diamond Real Salt (Kosher) to my water. Also have figured out the perfect foods for me to bring on an all day training. I don't deviate much and that has worked for years.

[@Sethemiah]

i appreciate your video. truly. its a tad basic for me, but it will help me teach my little sisters and 7 nieces down the road! aw, doggone it. go ahead and have a like.

[@biologistangler7901]

what holster is that? I'm trying to find a drop holster, but not one that needs a leg strap, yours seems like the perfect position.

[@SlappMcSlappface]

2:50 going fishing!

[@robertwatson818]

I once shot (once) with a guy who was a fanatic about picking up brass--HIS brass. I had a huge tarp--30X40--so we could do non movement drills and brass would land on the tarp. Once through for the day we would just pick uptake corners of the tarp causing all the brass to slide into the center of the tarp. We would each pick up the amount of brass we shot and pack up. But--the first time this guy shot with us he interrupted the training by insisting after he was through shooting--we all had to stop while he picked up HIS brass--each one carefully marked. He would pick them up--examine each case--rub off any dirt or blemish--and put it into a small box. We never had him out with us again. Mags are the same issue--they just have to have that mag back ASAP as it is THEIR mag and it must not stay on the ground. They will pick the mag up--wipe it off and then examine it for "injuries" before storing it. This is anal behavior at best.

[@wayneclu91]

Great video Mr. Dorr I go to my range every week just to keep me sharp & focus. Was watching some old TV crime shows & notice this one actor /LEO had his finger on trigger while ruining down street. I thinking what if he trip your natural response would be to brace your self for the fall. another crime drama was LEO in one clip using a Glock & next one they were using a revolver. 1950's TV cops carrying stub nose 38 shooting tires out going around a corner is another one. I do not think that would be very effective. Amazing what people can learn Yesss ?

[@sombra6153]

I’ve had to deal with the shooter who has lower the gun after every shot and squint to see if they hit the target. Usually the same individuals who maintained that they knew how to shoot “so why were you telling them……?” Then, on a qualification course they complain that the time standards are too fast that they couldn’t get off all their shots. There’s also the “good ole boy” reload technique that didn’t get included in Cooper’s Modern Pistol or any other curriculum. To perform this technique, the shooter leans belly forward, back arched, and manipulation of the pistol reload is accomplished at belt buckle level. This may trace some origins to the practice of opening beer bottles with belt buckles.

[@sark4786]

calm down commando

[@badgumby9544]

Had an NRA Certified Trainer we recommend to customers come in the other day with one of her students, that she had already trained. The student wanted to buy a hand gun. Every time I handed her a pistol, she grabbed it with her finger in the trigger. Every time she handled a weapon she had her finger on the trigger. She was also flagging me when handling the firearm. I didn't say anything, hoping the Instructor would. Instructor never said anything. Not sure if she even noticed. Obviously having second thoughts about recommending this Instructor to our customers.

[@Jeremy-Two]

I train with my fire extinguisher once a year, sometimes. Training or playing with guns?

[@kevinrtres]

DO NOT check after the shot - follow thru instead, ready for the next shot. DO NOT pick up magazines until the firing line has been cleared and you've holstered your weapon or lowered the rifle barrel. DO NOT lost situational awareness because of fatigue. Do not drill if you're tired - this could lead to accidental discharges - one well known woman actually admitted to exactly that. DO NOT try to speed up the training until you've truly mastered the basics - don't chase after the next move. Take your time, relax, be patient and speed up gradually via timed practice. DO NOT skip beginner classes and jumping into the advanced classes ( e.g. to save money ) because you might not know the terms and could be interfering with the rest of the class.

[@jamescollins9712]

I got yelled at for checking my shot last class lol

[@ThisHandleIsntTook]

Jocko sent me. Subbed.

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

I've never understood why people are lowering their firearm to check the target. ASSESS THROUGH YOUR SIGHTS! If you can't see the target through your sights, what in the ever loving F are you aiming at?

[@bloodbath3585]

Where’s the big dog Coach at?

[@ianbuick8946]

6:34 Which class for John Wick again? sign me up for that one.

[@grappler240]

#1... I have always called "qualification disease".

[@penrynbigbird]

Sorry, posted on the wrong video, I've deleted my comment here. Your video is very informative and I enjoyed it very much. Thank You!!!

[@craigbenz4835]

Re #1: What is the solution for new shooter? Multiple shots without checking? The rest makes sense.

[@DonziGT230]

Lowering the gun doesn't enhance your eyesight so don't do it. You should be seeing them as you shoot, if you have to pause shooting to focus on the target do so with the gun still on target. If you can't see your hits try a color changing target. Bullet choice can help too, flat point or wad cutter bullets make the hits on paper easier to see than round nose. Another option is steel targets; they're fun, hits are clearly audible giving you immediate feedback, and with white paint the exact hit spots are pretty easy to see while shooting.

[@Tacdriver10]

I've seen all these mistakes and seen trainers not address any of it. It's the trainers job to correct these mistakes at the classes and work with the students to get it right that's the whole point of paying money to be corrected and learn.

[@Mojo32]

I agree with your mindset here. I have been to a few CCW classes over the years in the states I've lived but I've never been to any classes like this (can't afford it) so although his points made sense after he said them a lot of people may not even know to think any of that is wrong (much less even notice what they are or aren't doing), I'd like to assume the instructor would've told and explained all of those things long before the student could do them.

[@bwrscott1]

Quality training beats quantity of training. Bad habits are bad for a reason. Learn slow (precision) and speed will come with continued training.

[@hawkeyeted]

Checking the shot is easily the #1 thing I see too.

[@johnnyhonda4404]

May I ask what the purpose of the astroturf is for on the range?

[@tacticalhyvecadre1049]

Laying down on during long range shooting. Thx for posting

[@WOLVERINE95899]

The biggest and worst mistake I see at the range when I'm the range officer for the day is when the range gets called to go cold, and people on the firing bench are still trying to handle their weapons while people are downrange. Even if they aren't pulling the trigger, there is always a chance of an accident al discharge. I tell people a lot not to be in a rush. Slow down and think so everybody has a good experience.

[@mikesmith-wk7vy]

I hate places that have mandatory prerequisites that’s just a way to get more money. I’ve been shooting for a long time but don’t get much formal class time I don’t like entry level classes because many are too basic just fundamentals and not worth the money but some ranges require them for the intermediate level ones I want to take. I’m not a master or full of myself but I’m not spending 300$ to learn what a safety is or how to grip a gun or load a mag

[@PATCsawyer]

#1 is just like swinging a golf club. Keep your head down and follow through, don't try to watch where the ball (or bullet) went while you swing.

[@nicksalazar657]

Like the small piece of grass you are standing on🤣

[@hobbyking5364]

AL GORES RHYTHM

[@MrStaybrown]

My sister paid and attended a ccw prep course for new shooters. She said the instructor kept talking about politics alot instead of proper firearms training. She doesn't recommend that person to anyone. Just be a good instructor.

[@Nonyabusiness911]

I can’t see the holes so no need to stop.

[@hopewilliams6705]

My bad habits lead to you... Sry couldn't help it

[@robertdinicola9225]

I just dont stop shooting till they hit the floor or the mag runs dry.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

Just make sure to train like you fight, or else you might end up fighting like you train.

[@pigslayer106]

It’s extremely dangerous bringing people with no experience to the range. Accidents happen immediately and people don’t like to be corrected. So therefor they are not invited back

[@joshuahowe9417]

Well if no one takes a newbie to the range how will they ever get experience?

[@rydplrs71]

Shooting until the threat is gone includes taking a moment to see how you did. A low ready isn’t the worst habit to have while looking at the scene above and below your sight line.

[@robertwatson818]

Signing up for the wrong class can be caused by the shooter not understanding his/her actual skill level. Just because they can hit the gallon jug every time at thirty feet does not translate to real world.

[@blackforest270]

i don't agree with number one,if i shoot a Deer or whatever i always check to see how it is doing before another shot,i know that is hunting and may not be the same.

[@mrwest5552]

1. sweeping ? 2. sweeping 3. sweeping 4. sweeping with a moronic look in the eyes 5. sweeping while your neighbor slaps your gun hand down ?

[@5jjt]

No, I wAnT My MaGazInE NoW! OtHeR's SaFetY iS NoT aS IMpOrtAnT aS mY MaGaziNEs!

[@BcBera]

Whoever invented low-port needs to reassess this very dnagerious movement. That barrel should always point downrange, up, and down but never at yourself, your arm your body, or the individual standing next to you. If you think otherwise you are a danger downrange, on the range, and everywhere else. If you do this near me I will break your jaw. I will never low-port ever!!!

[@SAR0311]

😂

[@cfm6229]

bad muscle memory are you kidding? i shot and im trying to see where it hit you say no just shoot you mag worth of ammo then look wow! Im there to enjoy and learn Im not there to practice protecting my self and hope it never happens because THOU SHALT NOT KILL do you get that?

[@SAR0311]

Boy you missed that one🤪🤦

[@michaelrobins320]

Why take the pistol barrel off target to 60 degrees towards the sky on the mag reload.Train to reload with the barrel remaining on target .No muzzle change of direction safer.More importantly your muzzle as well as your eyes remain focused and trained on target no need to reaqquire target .Keep muzzle and eyes on target during reload.

[@mycookimoro]

you don't know what you're talking about

[@williammullen756]

I trust the marine corps thanks for your not so good help