How Often Should You Hit the Range?
Scott Garcia
March 22, 2023
Beginner vs. Experienced Shooters

Regular trips to the range are like sharpening a tool you might need to defend yourself or your loved ones in a critical moment. But how often should you go? The answer depends on your experience level and goals. This guide will explore the optimal range frequency for both beginners and experienced shooters, ensuring you stay confident and prepared with your firearm.
Beginners: Building a Solid Foundation
For those new to handguns, frequent range visits are crucial to build a solid foundation in firearm safety and proficiency. Here's how to establish a practice routine:
- Weekly Practice: Aim for at least one range visit per week, firing 50-100 rounds each session. This consistent practice allows you to master the fundamentals of grip, stance, sight picture, and trigger control. Remember, safe firearm handling should be ingrained in every action.
- Dry Fire Practice: Supplement your range sessions with dry fire practice at home. This allows you to work on your draw, sight alignment, and trigger squeeze without ammunition.
Invest in Yourself:
To develop a strong foundation from the start, consider enrolling in a quality beginner handgun course at Advent Training. Our instructors will guide you through proper technique and safety protocols, ensuring you build confidence and competence.
Intermediate and Advanced Shooters: Refining Skills
With more experience under your belt, the focus shifts to refining your skills and maintaining proficiency. Here's how to optimize your range time:
- Bi-Weekly to Monthly Practice: Experienced shooters can benefit from bi-weekly or monthly range sessions. Aim for 150-200 rounds focused on accuracy and speed drills to keep your skills sharp.
Challenge Yourself:
Don't get stuck in a rut! Incorporate drills that challenge you, such as shooting from different distances and positions, or using your weak hand.
Specialized Training:
Take your skills to the next level with specialized training offered by Advent Training. We provide red dot training courses to help you master red dot sights for faster target acquisition, and scenario-based self-defense training to prepare you for real-world situations.
Continuous Learning: Proficiency is a Journey, Not a Destination
Regardless of your experience level, firearm proficiency is a continuous learning process. Here are some ways to stay on the path to mastery:
Regular Assessments:
Regularly evaluate your skills through self-evaluation or feedback from instructors. Identify areas for improvement and set new goals to push yourself further.
Variety is Key:
To avoid plateaus, incorporate variety into your range sessions. Practice from different distances and positions, and don't forget to challenge yourself with weak-hand shooting.
Community Building:
Consider joining shooting communities or leagues for motivation, camaraderie, and the opportunity to learn from other experienced shooters.
Conclusion: Proficiency Matters!
The frequency of your range visits depends on your goals and commitment to Proficiency Matters. Beginners should prioritize frequent practice to build a strong foundation, while experienced shooters can benefit from focused training sessions. Regardless of your level, the key is to stay engaged, consistently assess your skills, and seek opportunities for growth. With regular practice and a dedication to learning, you can ensure you are always confident and prepared with your firearm.
Pro Tip: When hitting the range, prioritize quality over quantity. Focus on proper form and technique rather than just firing a large number of rounds.
Ready to Join the Proficiency Journey?
Contact Advent Training today to discuss our beginner handgun courses, specialized training options, and ongoing learning resources. We're here to help you develop the confidence and skills you need to be a safe and responsible gun owner. Together, let's walk the path of proficiency.
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