Why Consistent Practice Matters—On and Off the Field

How important is practice? In short, practice is the cornerstone of improvement in any endeavor. Whether you’re learning to play an instrument, mastering a sport, or honing your skills with firearms, consistent practice is what elevates your abilities and keeps you sharp.

When it comes to firearms, the importance of regular practice cannot be overstated. I understand that not everyone can make it to the range every week, nor can everyone just step out into their backyard to practice shooting. But intentionality is key. As the owner of a firearms store, even I find it challenging to make time to shoot as often as I should.

Let me share a personal example. If you happened to catch the video Karis Cundiff made for us a few weeks ago, her editing skills didn’t show that it took me five rounds with my Savage Model 11 chambered in .223 Remington to set off a jug of Tannerite. A year ago, I would have accomplished that on the first shot. What changed? Quite simply, I hadn’t practiced with that rifle in nearly a year.

A similar scenario played out during Independence Day weekend. Again, it took me two or three shots to set off the Tannerite. I still hadn’t put in the necessary practice, nor had I checked the zero on my scope. Although a well-stored scope generally holds its zero, my rifle is my go-to piece and often travels with me—whether riding in my truck or strapped onto an ATV. This regular movement, paired with my lack of attention when loading and unloading, caused the scope to drift off. In fact, it was shooting high and to the left by the time I finally took the opportunity to practice and re-zero it. While the deviation was only about two inches, that’s enough to miss a four-inch target at over 100 yards.

Deer hunters, in particular, are notorious for storing their rifles until just before the season, then quickly firing a couple of rounds and calling it good if they hit within a four-inch circle. While this may suffice for hunting, it increases the risk of missing or, worse, wounding what should have been an easy harvest. Perhaps the scope is still on target, but a lack of practice can easily lead to avoidable mistakes.

Conclusion

Consistent practice is not just about refining skill; it’s about maintaining confidence and ensuring reliability when it matters most. Whether you’re aiming for precision on the range or success in another area of life, making time for regular practice is an investment in your own competence. Don’t let complacency or a busy schedule erode the hard-earned skills you’ve built—get out there, practice with intention, and keep your abilities sharp