The Three Round Pressure Cooker – by Mike Boyle

Self-Evaluation  for Snub Revolvers and Pocket Pistols 

Objective: This drill was designed to give the shooter feedback on their ability to make surgical hits when firing at game speed. 

Target: Any target with a realistic size high value scoring area may be used such as IPSC or IDPA. Small paper plates or a B8 center placed on any paper or cardboard silhouette to create a high value area may also be utilized. 

Ammunition Needed: 30 rounds 

Distance: 3-15 yards 

Additional Gear: Shot Timer 

Begin Exercise: Unless otherwise noted, all firing done with the handgun concealed. Reload as necessary. On the signal, draw and fire, 

Phase One @ 3 yards- 3 shots in 2.5 seconds 

Phase Two @ 3 yards- 3 shots in 3 seconds, Strong Hand Only 

Phase Three @ 5 yards- 3 shots in 3 seconds 

Phase Four @ 5 yards- 3 shots in 3 seconds, Weak Hand Only (begin in Ready Position) 

Phase Five @ 7 yards- 3 shots in 3 seconds 

Phase Six @ 7 yards- 3 shots in 3 seconds Strong Hand Only 

Phase Seven @ 7 yards- 2 body shots, 1 head shot in 3.5 seconds- 2X 

Phase Eight @ 10 yards- 3 shots in 3.5 seconds 

Phase Nine @ 15 yards- 3 shots in 6 seconds 

Scoring:  Are 90% of your shots in the high value area? Making the par times? 

These drills are excerpted from Mike Boyle’s book: “101 Drills for Handguns and Rifles and Shotguns.”
Mike Boyle is a retired law enforcement officer and has been active in use of force instruction for over 40 years. He has been a police academy assistant director, instructor, Rangemaster and is the author of 2 books, 3 training videos and hundreds of magazine articles on firearms, training and tactics. Mike served 21 years on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors. Mr. Boyle can provide instruction on various firearms disciplines including handgun, shotgun and low light threat management. He can be reached at mboyle308@gmail.com.