If you already follow our friends at RECOIL magazine and RECOILweb.com, you're probably already familiar with the concept of dry fire drills. Either way, it's important to know that dry firing can be a beneficial technique for shooters of all skill levels.

Manipulating a firearm is heavily dependent on practice and muscle memory, and dry fire drills can help you overcome some technical hurdles without spending lots of time and money firing live rounds at a range. This way, if you ever need to use your gun in a self-defense scenario, the motion of drawing, aiming, and firing will become smoother and faster.

Springfield Armory has created a series of videos to demonstrate various dry fire drills in a step-by-step process. The series is called Dry Fire Friday, and features teaching from prominent instructors including Jason Burton and Rob Leatham. Check out the videos below, and consider trying these techniques at home — but first, be absolutely certain your handgun is cleared and unloaded. Dummy rounds or snap caps may be used if you choose. Be smart, and practice safely.

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The first drill emphasizes smoothly pulling the trigger without moving the gun. Placing an empty brass casing on the slide is a classic way to visualize movement.

The second drill involves drawing from concealment, for those who carry concealed. If that's not applicable to you, Springfield Armory offers many other dry fire drills in their playlist. If you do carry concealed, drawing smoothly is obviously something you should learn inside and out.

Finally, it's also wise to practice reloading from concealment. The following drill simulates reloading an empty gun from the slide lock position, and firing the first dummy round of the new magazine.

Obviously, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dry fire drills and technique, but it's a good start. Springfield's hashtag is appropriate — take these tips into consideration and get clickin'.

Written by Patrick McCarthy