Stop Collecting Gear You Don’t Know How to Use: Why Practice Matters More Than Purchases

November 15, 2025

One of the biggest traps in the preparedness and survival community is our love for gear. We research it, compare it, buy it… and then many of us set it on a shelf and never practice with it. Whether it’s a firearm, a bug-out bag, a fire starter, nightstand weapon, or everyday carry setup — gear without training is almost useless.

This topic hit me hard while I was at the range this week. I noticed the same thing I’ve seen for years: people show up, sit at the bench, fire a few rounds, and pack up. But real-world situations don’t happen from a bench. They happen when you’re moving, stressed, tired, cold, confused, or scared.

Real-World Practice Matters

If your only experience with your gear is unboxing it, admiring it, and taking a few controlled shots, you’re not prepared. You need to know how things work when you’re under pressure, wearing a pack, kneeling, prone, winded, or disoriented.

Ask yourself:

Have you ever drawn your carry gun under time pressure?
Have you ever walked a mile with your packed bug-out bag?
Have you ever slept outside using only what’s in your kit?
Do you actually know how to use your fire starter?
Have you ever practiced with your home-defense setup?

Most people haven’t — and that’s dangerous.

Dry Fire + Range Time = Real Skill

You don’t need to spend a fortune on ammo. Dry fire at home can build muscle memory. But at some point, you must train the full sequence: draw → acquire target → shoot → follow up → reholster. And you need to do it with the gear you’ll actually use in emergencies.