Here in Ohio it is definitely fall, and the weather is starting to turn colder, which it will continue to do until everything thaws out next spring. So, I thought I would dedicate this post to giving some ideas for how to train when the weather is less than perfect.
The best way to train, is just like you would if the weather was perfect. Cold, windy, overcast day? Great, put on a coat, and go to the range! Not only is it more likely you will be the only person there, so you can optimize your training time, but I am a firm believer in training like you will fight. I will add a caveat here. I understand that some people view firearms as purely for recreation or sport, and don't really think about them as defensive tools. If you fall in that category, then maybe you are content with just shooting when it is nice outside, or indoors.
But, if you carry a firearm for defense, do you just carry it outside when it is 75 degrees and sunny? Then why would that be the only time that you go to the range? The changing seasons bring new challenges to carry a defensive sidearm, and your training should reflect that.
Odds are that you are wearing more, heavier layers of clothing. Have you practiced drawing with those extra layers on? There is a big difference between just sweeping a t-shirt out of the way, as opposed to a winter coat. The winter coat allows you to conceal a full-sized handgun easier, but also complicates the draw. So, go to the range wearing your seasonally appropriate outerwear, and practice drawing, and firing in it. Are the sleeves positioned in such a way that you can move adequately to draw and fire? Or do they restrict your movement?
Equally important, do you wear gloves when your hands get cold? When is the last time that you tried drawing and shooting your handgun, or even just shooting your handgun, with those gloves on? Is the trigger guard on your pistol big enough that you can get your gloved finger into position? Do you know how to index your finger on the trigger to pull slow, steady, and straight to the rear while wearing your gloves? What about operating the rest of the controls on your pistol with gloves on? Or performing malfunction drills? Or reloads? If you are going to be wearing gloves, these are things you need to consider.
As the days get colder, they also get shorter. It is not uncommon for people to leave in the morning for work when it is dark, and then get back home after the sun has already set in the evening. If this sounds like your winter, when is the last time that you tried to do any low-light shooting? Does your pistol have night sights or a laser to help you properly index your shots before firing them? Have you taken the time to check the zero if it does? Are you carrying some sort of hand held flashlight to illuminate any potential targets?
These are all things that people who don't live in tropical paradises need to consider as the seasons change, because they should affect your gear, tactics and training. You don't necessarily need to go out to the range in a monsoon, but if you do, more power to your. You will almost certainly be the only person there. But, when we as humans experience discomfort, like being cold, we tend to start to internalize everything, and just focus on our own misery. If you go to the range when you are in such a state of mind, it will force you to stop internalizing, and focus on other things, like firearms safety, and how well you are shooting. So, it adds a little bit of adversity to your range trip, which will help you get outside you comfort zone, and push yourself, to increase your skills.
You can always hop in the car and crank the heater on the way home, so there really is no excuse for not training in less than perfect weather. It will teach you a lot about your gear, and more importantly, about yourself.
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