The bottom line: Practice or die.

If you have a CCW Permit – When was the last time you practiced at the range?
With our gang violence increasing in this country, and people are getting CCW Permits every day, why are you not practicing? If you need the protection of a gun, you need to practice. The ultimate goal for any sane person should be to never be involved in a gun fight, unless you are in fear of your life. Are you willing to bet your life on the gun that has been sitting in the corner or in the safe for years with out being cleaned or fired? My parents bought a house with a cubby hole in the hall. One of us said “that would be a great place for a hidden gun”, sure enough there was one there. It was pulled out and the gun was rusted and the bullets had to be pried out of the chambers. The gun was given back to the original owner, and this gun would not have saved anyone in an emergency.
One of groups that helps with practicing and makes it fun is the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). Carryconcealed.net is in the process of becoming a corporate sponsor and getting involved with our local chapter.

The following is a description from the IDPA web site.
The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide. The organization now boasts membership of more than 11,000, including members in 19 foreign countries.
One of the unique facets of this sport is that it is geared toward the new or average shooter, yet is fun, challenging and rewarding for the experienced shooter. The founders developed the sport so that practical gear and practical guns may be used competitively. An interested person can spend a minimal amount on equipment and still be competitive.
The main goal is to test the skill and ability of the individual, not equipment or gamesmanship. “Competition only” equipment is not permitted in this sport.
The firearms are grouped into five (5) divisions: 1) Custom Defensive Pistol (.45ACP semi-automatics only); 2) Enhanced Service Pistol (9mm (9x19) or larger caliber semi-automatics); 3) Stock Service Pistol (9mm (9x19) or larger caliber double action, double action only, or safe action semi-automatics); 4) Enhanced Service Revolver (.38 caliber or larger double action revolvers); and 5) Stock Service Revolver (.38 caliber or larger double action revolvers). See Appendix One – Equipment for delineations in the revolver divisions. Shooters are then classed by like-skill levels with progression from Novice (NV); to Marksman (MM); to Sharpshooter (SS); to Expert (EX); and, finally, to Master (MA).

The bottom line: Practice or die, but you might as well have some fun on the way! Clark -Carryconcealed.net
http://www.idpa.com/