It started as curiosity. I wanted to improve my firearm handling skills, so I turned to TikTok, where fast-paced training clips flood the algorithm with flashy moves, smooth reloads, and high-speed holstering drills. It all looked impressive – until I realized I was picking up some seriously bad habits that could get someone hurt.
The truth is, not everything that looks cool is useful – or even safe. In fact, I quickly learned that a lot of these viral techniques were more about theatrics than real-world survival. Here’s where I went wrong, and what I had to unlearn to fix my form.
The Myth of Speed Holstering
One of the first bad habits I picked up was rushing my holster movements. Every TikTok instructor seemed to treat holstering like some kind of race against the clock, as if the goal was to slam the gun into place as quickly as possible. The problem? There is absolutely no tactical advantage to holstering fast.
In real life, if you’re putting your gun away, that means the threat is neutralized or the situation is over. There’s no reason to rush that motion – doing so increases the chance of negligent discharge or catching clothing in the holster, which can result in an accidental trigger pull.
What I learned instead was the importance of controlled, deliberate movement. A gun should come out smoothly and go back in the same way. There’s no rush – only safety and consistency.
Following Targets to the Ground—A Hollywood Mistake
Another TikTok trick I fell for was dropping my muzzle after every shot, as if I was tracking a target collapsing to the floor. At first, it seemed logical – it mimicked how people fall in movies. But here’s the reality: real threats don’t drop like actors in an action scene.
In most real-world shootings, a person who’s been shot will stumble, run, or attempt to fight back. Dropping my gun prematurely meant that I was training myself to lower my guard before the fight was actually over. Instead, I had to retrain my instincts to keep my sights on target until the threat was completely neutralized.
The Useless “Gun Snapping” Habit
Many TikTok shooting videos show people yanking their gun back to their chest after every shot, as if they’re in some kind of tactical shooting competition. I saw it so many times, I started doing it myself. But when I actually thought about it, I realized: why am I pulling my gun away from the threat?
The whole point of aiming is to stay on target. Bringing my gun back to my chest after every shot wasted movement, interrupted my sight picture, and slowed down my follow-up shots. Real shooting drills emphasize keeping the gun in a ready position until the scenario is fully under control.
The Thumb Crossover Grip Disaster
One of the worst habits I unknowingly picked up from TikTok was a terrible grip technique. Some videos featured shooters using a crossed-thumb grip, something that looked stylish but actually made recoil control much worse.
I learned the hard way that a proper grip should have both thumbs pointing forward along the frame of the gun. This allows for better control, reduced recoil, and faster follow-up shots. The moment I switched my grip, I could feel the difference – more stability, less muzzle rise, and improved accuracy.
Over-Complicated Draw Techniques
A lot of the TikTok instructors I followed loved to add extra movement to their draw. Twists, unnecessary turns, dramatic hand flicks – it looked stylish, but it also added wasted time and unnecessary complexity.
In a real defensive scenario, there’s no room for flair or wasted movement. The goal is to draw, acquire the target, and fire if necessary – smoothly and efficiently. I had to unlearn all the exaggerated motions and break my draw back down to the basics.
Pointless Tactical Reload Tricks
Another ridiculous habit I picked up was the over-the-top reload theatrics. In many TikTok videos, shooters would slam their magazines in aggressively, flick their slides, or do flashy spin reloads that served no actual purpose.
What I didn’t realize at first was that reloading isn’t about speed – it’s about consistency. If I was doing a tactical reload under pressure, it needed to be smooth and controlled, not rushed or flashy.
Neglecting Situational Awareness
One major issue with TikTok training is that it focuses too much on looking cool and not enough on practical survival skills. Many of the videos I watched had no emphasis on checking surroundings, identifying additional threats, or assessing cover and concealment.
In reality, firearm training isn’t just about shooting accurately – it’s about understanding the situation, identifying risks, and making good tactical decisions. I realized that I was too focused on my stance, speed, and reloads, and not focused enough on my environment.
Unrealistic Multiple Target Engagement
A lot of TikTok firearm training videos show people rapidly switching between multiple targets, treating it like a speed drill with perfect accuracy every time. What they don’t show is that real-world target engagement isn’t that clean.
Shooting multiple targets involves judging threats, prioritizing dangers, and adapting to movement – something that static TikTok drills don’t prepare you for. I had to start focusing on realistic target acquisition, movement, and assessing actual threats rather than just firing at evenly spaced targets.
Training for the Wrong Scenarios
One of my biggest mistakes was training for situations that were unrealistic. TikTok is full of dramatic hostage rescue drills, rooftop engagements, and John Wick-style shootouts – but that’s not what self-defense shooting looks like.
Real-life scenarios involve surprise, stress, and a lot of unknown variables. The best firearm training is designed around practical self-defense, not Hollywood-style engagements. I had to shift my mindset away from training for entertainment and start training for survival.
Fixing My Training: What Actually Works
After realizing how much bad training I absorbed from TikTok, I made some serious changes. I started focusing on fundamentals, efficiency, and realism. Instead of chasing flashy speed drills, I practiced:
- Safe, smooth holstering and drawing
- Maintaining proper grip and stance
- Keeping my sights on target until the threat is neutralized
- Reloading efficiently, not theatrically
- Building real-world situational awareness
The difference was immediate and dramatic. My accuracy improved, my reactions were more controlled, and I stopped making unnecessary movements that could cost me in a real situation.
The Bottom Line: Be Careful What You Learn Online
TikTok makes firearm training look like an action movie, but the reality is very different. Many of the techniques I picked up were dangerous, impractical, or outright ridiculous.
If you’re serious about firearm training, learn from credible instructors – not social media influencers who prioritize views over safety. Real training is about safety, efficiency, and preparation – not theatrics.
I learned my lesson the hard way. If you’re getting your training from TikTok, double-check everything before turning it into a habit – because some bad habits could cost you dearly.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.