“Focus on the basics, chase consistency, and embrace the journey.”

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Gun Experiment, I sat down with Ben Dewalt of On Site Firearms Training and Tim Herron, USPSA Grandmaster and firearms instructor, for an in-depth conversation all about pistol training. We discussed philosophies on improvement, how to design performance-oriented classes, and dispelled common shooting myths and bad advice. Ben and Tim walked us through what separates good shooters from great ones, the importance of trigger management and consistency, practical drills for every skill level, and why continual learning matters. We also took a deep dive into what it takes to build a dream home range, including the must-haves and activities that make training at home both safe and effective. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced shooter, there’s something for you in this episode!

Call to Action

1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com

2. Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify

3. Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Facebook

4. Be a part of our growing community, join our Discord page!

5. Grab some cool TGE merch

6. Ask us anything at AskMikeandKeith@gmail.com

5. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are a big part of making the show possible.

Show Sponsors

A big shoutout to On Site Firearms Training for supporting the show and always bringing top-level training to their motivated students. If you want to level up your skills, check them out at oftllc.us for upcoming classes, including special clinics co-taught with top tier instructors from around the country!

Key Takeaways

Constant self-improvement is the key to advancing as a shooter—let go of perfection and embrace the process.
The Performance Pistol Clinic is all about meeting students where they’re at and customizing drills based on their real-world needs.
“Consistency” is the #1 attribute that separates great shooters from the rest; focus on proper, repeatable reps rather than chasing speed or metrics.
Trigger management remains the most critical fundamental, regardless of skill level or shooting discipline.
The myth that you can only improve at the range is debunked—dry fire and gun handling off-range are essential for skill building.
Bad advice to watch out for: “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast”—instead, strive to be smooth and in control.
Building a home range takes planning, safe backstops, and realistic expectations. Five acres can be enough for a high-quality range if designed well.
For those with limited ammo or time: prioritize dry fire, short and purposeful range sessions, and focus on one high-value drill at a time (such as the Chuck Pressburg 25-yard Rundown or Bill Drill).
Mindset, consistency, and attitude will push you past plateaus. Keep showing up!

Guest Information

Ben Dewalt, Co-founder and Senior Instructor at On Site Firearms Training.
Tim Herron, USPSA Grandmaster, owner Tim Herron Shooting LLC.

Keywords

Firearms training, pistol clinic, shooting fundamentals, trigger management, consistency, home range, dry fire, competitive shooting, defensive shooting, gun instructor, shooting drills, Performance Pistol Clinic, On Site Firearms Training, Tim Herron, Ben Dewalt, USPSA, self-improvement, gun safety, shooting tips, training philosophy, mindset, bad shooting advice, gun experiment podcast

Ready to improve your skills and embrace the journey? Make sure you subscribe and share this episode with your training partners!

Behind the Trigger: Real-World Shooting Advice with Ben DeWalt and Tim Herron