As a competitive shooter, I’m always looking for ways to sharpen my skills, especially when range time isn’t easy to come by. Between weather, travel, and everyday life, live-fire practice isn’t always realistic. What is realistic and incredibly effective is dry fire training. And one of the biggest game-changers in my routine has been the Steel Shoot Dry Fire Banners now offered by Creekside Custom.
Product link: https://creeksidecustomlasering.com/training/dry-fire-banners/
Why I Started Using Steel Shoot Banners
Like most shooters, I knew the value of dry fire, but I didn’t have a consistent system that helped me train the way I compete. Steel Shoot Banners changed that for me five years ago. They give you:
- Accurate stage layouts
- Consistent target visual references
- The ability to train your eyes
- A structured environment that mimics match stages
For Steel Challenge specifically, training your eyes is just as important as trigger control. Your eyes drive the gun, and the banners create that visual discipline even when you’re standing in your living room or garage. All you need is a wall and 5’ – 10’ of distance for all stages
My Routine: Only 10–15 Minutes Every Other Day
I was skeptical when I was gifted my first set of banners, so I put it to the test. For two weeks, I committed to a simple rule:
10–15 minutes of structured dry fire, every other day.
That’s it. No hour-long sessions. No overtraining. Just consistency and discipline.
Using the Steel Shoot Banners setup, I practiced transitions, and visual focus for each plate. What I had to keep myself honest with is where my eys/dot/plate relationship was when I ‘pulled’ the trigger (which I simulated with a ‘dead’ trigger pull each time)
And the results were undeniable. The AMG Timer did not lie.
Real Results: From 1.90–2.00 Seconds to 1.55–1.70 Seconds
I focused specifically on the Steel Challenge stage Pendulum, one of the most visually demanding stages in the sport.
Before the two-week banner-based training block, my RFRO times were consistently:
- 1.90–2.00 seconds per string
After two weeks of disciplined dry fire using Steel Shoot Banners I setup and shot Pendulum:
- 1.55–1.70 seconds per string
That’s a major improvement in a very short period—and it wasn’t from shooting thousands of live rounds. It was from sharpening visual discipline. I saw things so very clearly.
The Key: Discipline and Consistency
The Steel Shoot Banners work but only if you work and put in the time.
If it’s raining outside…
If you don’t have a range nearby…
If your schedule is tight…
You can still train like a professional shooter.
You can still build the visual discipline that lowers your stage and match times.
The banners give you the environment you need. Discipline provides the results.
Taking It to Competition: Rimfire Challenge World Championships
I used this system heavily in the weeks leading up to the Rimfire Challenge World Championships, and I’m proud to say:
I won my age group.
The stages weren’t the same as Steel Challenge but the training absolutely carried over. Any time you train your eyes to track, transition, and pick up targets efficiently, you gain a competitive edge.
Steel Shoot Banners aren’t limited to Steel Challenge they make you a better shooter, period.
Final Thoughts
Dry fire is the secret advantage of top shooters, and Steel Shoot Banners make that training consistent, repeatable, and incredibly effective.
If you want to improve your times, tighten your transitions, and build visual speed—even when you can’t get to the range—these banners will get you there.
Train with the same system I use:
https://creeksidecustomlasering.com/training/dry-fire-banners/
See you out on the range soon!
Steve
Steve Foster - Competitive Shooter 