For us “Drill Practice” is isolating an individual part of a skill and focusing intently on improving or mastering said skill. The goal with good drill practice is to maximize overall improvement while minimizing overall effort. Success equals consistency over time.
This close-range pistol drill emphasizes speed, precision, and shot cadence in a high-pressure scenario. We all know how important it is to stop a threat immediately—and how hard that can be with pistol calibers. This drill gives me the chance to practice at two different speeds: one for the torso and one for the head.
Shooters engage an 8-inch scoring zone in the torso and a 4-inch zone in the head at 5 yards using a “failure to stop” sequence—two rounds to the torso followed by one precision shot to the head—all within a 3.5-second par time. It reinforces the draw mechanics, helps push for fast but controlled follow-up shots, and teaches how to throttle speed for a precise headshot under stress. Practicing this transition is critical in real-world defensive scenarios. It takes discipline, recoil control, and sharp visual focus. Training under a strict time limit helps me better cope with stress to make quicker, more accurate decisions when it matters most.
Here’s the drill:·
On the signal, fire 2 round to the torso and 1 to the head within 5 seconds. Repeat for a total of 5 repetitions.
This drill emphasizes consistency, pay close attention to several key metrics. Compare them across all 5 of the repetitions. Look for a +/- of 0.25 difference in overall time to signal consistency. As far as score, anything above 120 points for all 5 repetitions signifies competency of three core skills; the drawstroke, follow through and precision under stress. There is a +3 point penalty for every second over par so make sure to factor that in. Let’s talk about scaling and variations. If you are having a hard time making the par time, meaning you are over par for 3 of the 5 repetitions, perform the drill from the ready position. If you only have an NRA B8 target then fire all 3 rounds for score but reduce the par time to 3 seconds.
Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind. Focus your attention on the precision required for the headshot—it’s not just about speed; it’s about visual discipline. Manage recoil with purpose so you can stay fast while delivering a tight, controlled final shot. Mastering this balance is what turns speed into skill. Good luck and have fun.
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