Working Together: Building a Stronger Community in Training and Shooting

In the world of shooting, whether in the realm of tactics or competition, there’s an unfortunate tendency to pit one group against another. This often results in unnecessary hostility between instructors, shooters, and those who might be new to the craft. Sometimes, it’s easy to slip into a competitive mindset, where we start to measure our skills against each other, but what often gets overlooked in the process is the value of working together as a community.

Whether you're a grandmaster shooter or a Special Forces veteran, the most important thing to remember is that everyone brings something unique to the table. Instructors, regardless of their background or discipline, all have one goal: to help others grow, improve, and succeed. The shooting world is rich with diverse experiences and knowledge, and when we allow ourselves to be open to learning from one another, we can grow exponentially.

The Divide Between Tactics and Competition

The tension between tactical shooters and competition shooters is no secret. Both schools of thought offer valuable perspectives on training, but sometimes they seem worlds apart. While tactical shooting focuses on real-world applications, emphasizing skills like decision-making under pressure, stress management, and combat readiness, competition shooting hones precision, speed, and consistency in a controlled environment. Both offer unique benefits, but rather than seeing them as mutually exclusive, we should understand that they complement each other.

Unfortunately, this divide has fueled unnecessary animosity in some circles. Instructors, who may be experts in one area, often find themselves at odds with others, leading to debates that can damage the community's unity. The same can be said for shooters. Whether you’re on a tactical team or part of a competitive squad, there’s sometimes a lack of respect or understanding of the different skills that each group brings to the table. This undermines the larger purpose—growth as a community.

The Dangers of Fragmentation and Misinformation

As social media platforms continue to evolve, so does the spread of information. Unfortunately, with the rapid consumption of content comes the risk of misinformation. In the rush to share videos, tips, and advice, we often see clips from training sessions that are taken out of context or misinterpreted by viewers who may not have the full understanding of the technique or its intent.

This can be dangerous. For a new shooter, the lack of context around a technique could lead to unsafe practices on the range. Without the proper foundation, techniques seen in a quick Instagram video may be executed in ways that are not only ineffective but potentially harmful.

The answer isn’t to attack others or call out instructors. Instead, we should encourage a more responsible approach to sharing information and promote constructive feedback that leads to improvement, rather than division. If you're teaching something, ensure it's grounded in safety, sound principles, and relevant context. And if you're learning from others, approach their teachings with curiosity, patience, and respect.

The Power of Collaboration and Inclusivity

The power of community lies in collaboration, not competition. We all have the opportunity to help one another grow. The best instructors don’t see themselves as the "end-all-be-all" of knowledge. They are humble in their teaching, knowing that everyone—whether a seasoned shooter or a beginner—has something to contribute.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a high-level competitive shooter, a military veteran, or someone who just picked up a firearm—if you have the ability to teach, the willingness to help others, and the commitment to safety, you are qualified to make a difference in someone else’s life. Instructors come from all walks of life, and each one has something valuable to offer.

When we embrace this diversity of experience, we help build a more inclusive and welcoming community. Whether you’re teaching someone how to handle their first pistol or refining advanced techniques with an elite shooter, the goal is always the same: to help others improve and to create a safer, more proficient shooting community.

Respecting Every Shooter’s Journey

The journey of every shooter is different. Some are here to compete, others to defend, and still others for personal empowerment. Regardless of the path, the key is mutual respect. As instructors, we must remain open-minded and adaptable to each student’s unique needs and goals. For shooters, the focus should be on self-improvement and the willingness to learn from a variety of sources.

We must foster an environment that celebrates growth and acknowledges that everyone’s journey—whether it's in competition or tactical training—is valuable. Just because someone might not align with your particular style or focus doesn’t make their approach any less valid. Instead, recognize that there is value in every perspective, and that learning from diverse instructors, experiences, and disciplines ultimately benefits us all.

Moving Forward Together

The shooting community is stronger when we stand together, supporting one another and fostering an atmosphere of respect and collaboration. We need to stop the infighting, the competitive undermining, and the judgment of others’ teaching methods. Instead, we should celebrate the richness of our community, recognizing that each individual—whether they’re a seasoned expert or a newcomer—has the potential to contribute something meaningful.

In the end, whether you're shooting for fun, self-defense, or competition, we all share the same goal: improving our skills, ensuring safety, and growing as individuals. So let’s set aside the hostility and focus on growing together. Instructors, shooters, and all involved in this craft have the ability to help each other improve. When we work together, we all rise.

Let’s embrace that opportunity, and remember that a community that grows together is a community that thrives.