Objective: This drill was designed to assess practical marksmanship potential with smaller handguns (true pocket pistols, micro-nines and snub revolvers) that are commonly utilized for personal defense. Hit potential and reloading will also be evaluated.
Target: Anatomy overlays or 8 inch paper plates may be affixed to any silhouette target.
Distance: 8 yards
Begin Exercise: The handgun will be loaded with 5 rounds only and placed in a secure holster. On the signal, fire 5 shots, RELOAD and fire 3 more shots.
Scoring: This drill is designed for self-evaluation purposes. Can you get it done in 8 seconds or less? How do your hits look? Small pistols should be able to turn in snappier times than snub revolvers. Remember, you are only competing with yourself. Add one second to your total time for any hits outside the 8 inch circle.
Instructor Notes: This drill is only valid when using the smaller types of handguns outlined above. If you can clean it with your Glock 19 or like-size pistol, big deal! Less than stellar performance with the small hideouts may give you reason to reconsider your discreet carry handgun. Danger isn’t always going to be neatly arrayed a mere 10 feet away. The bad guy is not going to spot you any points because you chose to carry a lesser handgun.
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.
