IFC’s John McLaughlin shares how developing a Dry Practice checklist can help keep you safe while becoming more proficient with a firearm while not firing an actual shot.  John’s 8 step checklist is:

1. Unload your firearm yourself. Place ammunition in a safe location well away from your dry practice area.
2. Use a temporary target like a post-it note with a black square drawn on it, or a sized down target printed out at home. Place it on a wall capable of stopping an inadvertent round/discharge. If this is on the main floor of the house it may be a good idea to close curtains to avoid neighbors calling the police about someone with a firearm.
3. Set a reasonable time limit for dry practice. Some people do ten dry presses every morning while others commit to 10-15 minutes each day.  If you get tired or interrupted stop your dry practice session.
4. Verbally announce to yourself that dry practice has begun.
5. Perfect practice makes perfect.  If you stumble, relax and slowly return your weapon to the holster and try again.
6. Verbally announce when dry practice has concluded.
7. Remove your temporary target.
8. Reload as required for your daily carry routine. Remember Dry Practice has concluded.