Fundamentals Win Fights

posted on January 25, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg

The reason that experts are constantly training is that repetition builds fundamentals, and fundamentals are the foundation of good marksmanship. Not having to think about how to line up the sights, reload or clear a malfunction, allow users to be faster at responding to a deadly threat, and can be the difference between winning and losing a fight.

There are also fundamentals for self-defense situations. Recently, Tiger McKee, director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, discussed defensive fundamentals, such as communication, movement and cover. These also have to be practiced in order to be conducted properly when under the stress of an attack. You don’t want your first time using a defensive skill to be during an attack.

If you’re range doesn’t allow this type of training, you can practice using a dummy gun in your home, which also helps you fine tune your home-defense plan with your family.

Latest

Franchi Momentum MULE rifle
Franchi Momentum MULE rifle

New for 2026: Franchi Momentum Mule Rifle

Franchi’s do-it-all MULE rifle is designed as a general-purpose carbine.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Spec Series M&P9 and R Handguns

Smith & Wesson expands its Spec series with the Spec Series IV M&P9 M2.0 Metal Compact pistol and the Spec Series R revolver.

New for 2026: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

For 2026, Henry adds two new product families, one designed for hunting, the other for protection.

Gun Of The Week: Daniel Defense DDPCC 9 mm Carbine

Daniel Defense's pistol-caliber carbine, the DDPCC, offers AR-15-style operation in a more budget-friendly caliber.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New for 2026: Stoeger STR-45 Combat Pistol

For 2026, Stoeger adds the .45 ACP chambering to its Combat line of STR handguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.