[Deaf Smith]

Several things needed.

Get a dummy all metal 'non-gun' that is the same dimensions as your defensive gun.

Also, if possible, a .22 version of your defensive gun.

In the house or garage use the non-gun to practice drawing, pivots, retention shooting, concealed draws, weak handed draws, etc.. that way alot of your gun handling skills will be learned before the range, not on the range.

Then on the range a .22 version allows you to go back to the basics and again practice. Try to draw and fire no more than 2 shots per string. Re-holster and do it again. All shooting should be from the leather (or Kydex as is used alot today.) You can practice such things as hip shooting, transitions, weak handed and strong handed shooting, etc...

Go slow at first and by then end of the session speed up some.

Then go to your defensive gun and redo the basics all over.

By the end of the session your shooting arm should be very tired and sore the next day.

After a few months (with weekly shooting practice and nightly gun handling skills with the non-gun) THEN go do a IDPA match!

The IDPA match is not training but a test to see WHERE YOU ARE with your training. Note weak performance areas and adjust your training to get better in those weak areas.

And then make this a hobby/avocation and not a chore to do and you will find your skills far better than you ever though they could be.

Deaf