The Difference Between Target Shooting in an Indoor Range and Defensive Shooting at an Outdoor Range: Why Ares Training Facility in Leesburg is Ideal

At Viking 6 Tactical, we believe in preparing you for the real world, not just for static target shooting. While target shooting at an indoor range can be a useful tool for building marksmanship fundamentals, it falls short when it comes to practical, defensive shooting skills. The controlled environment of an indoor range limits your ability to engage in dynamic drills such as shooting from the holster, shooting while moving, or using cover. That's where outdoor ranges like Ares Training Facility in Leesburg stand out, offering you the freedom to train like you fight.

Indoor Range: Great for Fundamentals, Limited for Reality

Indoor shooting ranges typically focus on static shooting at fixed distances. These ranges are perfect for practicing accuracy, trigger control, and sight alignment, but they don't allow for realistic defensive training. The enclosed environment, rigid shooting lanes, and inability to move while shooting limit your growth beyond the basics of marksmanship. In most cases, drawing from the holster is prohibited, and the opportunities to shoot at varied targets or from different positions are non-existent.

If your goal is purely to work on groupings or zeroing in your firearm, an indoor range is great. But defensive shooting is a different beast altogether.

Outdoor Range: A Whole New World of Realistic Defensive Shooting

Outdoor ranges like Ares Training Facility in Leesburg provide a far more flexible and realistic environment for defensive shooters. Here's why:

1. Shooting from the Holster

In a self-defense scenario, you will almost certainly need to draw your firearm from a holster. Unfortunately, many indoor ranges do not allow holster work due to safety concerns in a confined space. At an outdoor range like Ares, you can safely practice drawing from your holster and firing multiple rounds at a time, just like you would in a real-life defensive situation. This ability to work on your draw speed, target acquisition, and first-shot accuracy is invaluable for defensive shooters.

2. Shooting While Moving

In a real-world encounter, you are unlikely to stand still while being attacked. Movement is essential to avoid becoming an easy target, and shooting while moving is a crucial skill in defensive shooting. At Ares Training Facility, you have the space and freedom to practice engaging targets while moving forward, backward, or side-to-side. The ability to shoot on the move can dramatically improve your survivability in a defensive encounter.

3. Reloading from Cover

Engaging multiple targets often means you'll need to reload. Doing so while taking cover is a key aspect of defensive tactics. Ares Training Facility allows you to incorporate cover and concealment into your training. You can practice reloading behind obstacles, like barricades, simulating real-life scenarios where you would need to reload while minimizing exposure to threats. This dynamic training isn't just good practice—it's a lifesaving skill.

Why Train at a Bermed Lane?

Ares Training Facility also features bermed lanes, which offer a controlled yet expansive environment for training. In these lanes, shooters can move freely while engaging multiple targets from various angles, something impossible to replicate in most indoor ranges. The controlled berms ensure safe shooting zones, while allowing you to experience tactical scenarios, such as moving to engage one target and then immediately shifting to another.

The Benefits of Training at Ares:

• Engage Multiple Targets: Unlike indoor ranges where you focus on one static target, at Ares, you can practice transitioning between multiple targets, improving both your situational awareness and target acquisition skills.

• Shoot and Maneuver: The open space allows you to practice realistic tactical movements, combining shooting, moving, and using cover—all essential skills in a defensive situation.

• Safe, Controlled Environment: The bermed lanes create a safe shooting zone where you can focus on dynamic drills without worrying about safety violations common in more restrictive environments.

  
  

Conclusion

While indoor target shooting is an important step in becoming a proficient shooter, it is not enough if your goal is to prepare for a real-world defensive situation. Ares Training Facility in Leesburg offers the perfect venue for practicing critical defensive shooting skills like drawing from a holster, shooting while moving, and reloading from cover. At Viking 6 Tactical, we encourage our students to train like they would fight, and an outdoor range like Ares provides the ideal environment to do just that.

Step up your training by experiencing the difference between static target shooting and dynamic defensive shooting. You'll not only sharpen your skills but also gain the confidence needed to protect yourself and others in any situation.