The Importance of Dry Fire Training for Shooters

Dry fire is one of the most powerful tools a shooter can use, and in this week’s episode of Making Shooters Better, Terry Vaughan and Kristen Wilson sit down with Matt Hickman of DryFire Mag to explore why. Matt brings a blend of law enforcement experience, product-development insight, and a passion for practical training that makes this conversation both informative and accessible for shooters of all levels.

Matt Hickman’s Journey to DryFire Mag

Before joining DryFire Mag, Matt spent years in law enforcement, where training wasn’t optional—it was a lifeline. He shares how those experiences shaped his understanding of practice, consistency, and the need to create tools that work for real shooters in real environments. That perspective ultimately led him to DryFire Mag, where he now helps shooters bridge the gap between at-home training and live-fire performance.

Why Dry Fire Matters More Than Most People Realize

Matt explains that dry fire is often misunderstood. It’s not a replacement for live fire—it’s the foundation that makes live-fire sessions more productive, safer, and more cost-efficient. Without recoil or range constraints, shooters can focus on the fundamentals:

• Building reliable trigger control
• Reinforcing proper grip and stance
• Strengthening sight alignment and sight picture
• Training safely at home, with far more repetitions

He stresses that shooters should approach dry fire with intention. It’s not just “clicking the gun.” It’s structured, safe practice that builds skill long before stepping onto the range.

From Feedback to Innovation

One of the most interesting themes in this episode is how user feedback shapes product development at DryFire Mag. Matt shares stories about the surprising things shooters reported—everything from unexpected training habits to the way stress influences performance.

These insights helped fuel innovations like the SureStrikeMAG, a collaboration between DryFire Mag and Laser Ammo. Combining a trigger-reset magazine with Laser Ammo’s proven laser technology gives shooters a complete dry-fire system that feels realistic, provides instant feedback, and eliminates the constant need to rack the slide. Matt explains how partnerships like this are moving the entire training industry forward.

Parallels Between Martial Arts and Firearms Training

Matt also draws interesting comparisons between martial arts and shooting. Both require discipline, patience, and an understanding of how the mind and body respond to stress. He highlights how the “calm under pressure” mindset translates directly to firearms handling and why consistent training—especially dry fire—helps shape that mindset.

Common Mistakes and What New Shooters Should Know

Matt, Terry, and Kristen dive into some of the most frequent mistakes new shooters make, including:

• Rushing through fundamentals
• Neglecting stance and grip
• Focusing on speed instead of consistency
• Not integrating dry fire early in their training

The conversation reinforces that progress comes from intentional repetition, not shortcuts.

Training as a Family and Building a Supportive Community

One of the more encouraging parts of the episode is Matt’s discussion of family involvement. Whether teaching kids firearm safety, practicing with a spouse, or simply having support at home, he explains how family engagement strengthens good habits and builds shared confidence. Shooting is safer, more enjoyable, and more meaningful when it’s supported by people you trust.

The Future of Shooter Training

Looking ahead, Matt sees technology playing an even bigger role in developing shooters. Smart feedback tools, laser-based systems, pressure-sensitive targets, and data-driven training platforms are already reshaping how people improve. But even with the rise of tech, the fundamentals never go away—something Matt emphasizes repeatedly.

Watch the Episode

If you want to improve your skills with practical, real-world advice, this episode is packed with it. Matt’s blend of experience, humility, and curiosity makes him an outstanding guest, and Terry and Kristen bring out insights that apply to every shooter, whether you’re brand-new or deeply seasoned.

Watch the full conversation on YouTube and follow Matt Hickman and DryFire Mag to stay updated on tools, training ideas, and the evolution of the SureStrikeMAG partnership.


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