The distance--10 feet--isn't that far, but misses routinely happen here despite being up close and personal. Ask any top-rated Action Pistol competitor if he has missed a full-size cardboard target at this distance; the answer is always "yes" (me included, and on more than one occasion). As far as real-world work goes, folks miss each other all the time despite being muzzle-to-muzzle.

Start your practice, if permitted on your local range, at contact distance with your gun muzzle up to the target. (Cutting out the target's center helps a lot.) As you gain proficiency here, back up a few feet at a time.

Most ranges take a very dim view of shooting this close to the target, for all the right reasons. The bullet path this close may well track outside the confines of the backstop, and when your drill is viewed by those not knowledgeable or interested in defensive pistol work, they may see your actions as reckless and dangerous.

Speaking of dangerous, this close-up work can be, since much of it is one-handed and with the gun pulled back in close to your body. Don't rush things here, and make sure you don't get any of your parts in front of or alongside the gun muzzle. To put a keener edge on this, I suggest practicing with a partner who can observe and correct as necessary. And don't be in a hurry.

An excellent alternative to live fire is to use an Airsoft gun, ideally one that replicates your carry handgun. I wouldn't get too wrapped up in getting an exact copy of your defensive arm, though, as the point of these exercises is to develop the ability to use the gun reflexively, without conscious thought. Also, by using Airsoft guns, you're not limited to practicing on a live-fire range, with the accompanying travel time and range restrictions.

Now for the limits on your imagination and common sense. Obviously, it isn't too bright to wave look-alike guns around amongst the general population, such as practicing being mugged in the mall parking lot during business hours. You just might get shot by someone with a real gun.

Here I must add that if and when you do this sort of practice, you should remove any firearm and live ammunition from within reach. I know Airsoft guns won't chamber live rounds, but humor me. If there's no real gun or ammo, then no one will get shot. Doing otherwise creates a possibility that has, historically, resulted in serious or fatal injuries.

As I noted earlier, the point of your efforts is to become reflexive in using your handgun, able to get to it and use it to make good hits within 10 feet, regardless of body position and with either hand. This skill should cover about 90 percent of any real-world threats encountered by a non-sworn civilian.