Introduction: Can you run your carry handgun really fast and still shoot with a high degree of precision? Absolutely! Clearly, all those foundational skills such as grip, getting on the sights, trigger management and recoil control have to be in perfect harmony, but this succeeding in this test is well within the realm of possibility.
I carry a pistol at work and much of the time in my travels, but I will confess to packing a snub revolver around my quiet little backwater. I first shot this drill with a Springfield Armory Ronin Commander-size 1911 chambered in 9mm. I was pleased with the results and thought I might try it with one of my pet snubs, a Kimber K6s loaded with .38 Special wadcutters. Quite frankly, I was expecting a train wreck. Much to my surprise, my best run was only a half second slower than my pistol!
Are your skills and carry handgun up to the task? Rest assured, this is a very challenging test. If you miss a shot or two I wouldn’t categorize it as the end of the world. But if your shots are everywhere but the 3 inch square, you may want to give this a little thought. Perhaps more practice is in order or maybe you should consider a different gun.
I was quite surprised with my positive results with the K6s and don’t think I could replicate my performance with many of the other small handguns I own. But the Kimber has sights you can pick up quickly and a better than average trigger action. A high degree of concentration is required to succeed. Remember, the bad guy isn’t going to spot you any points because you brought what some may perceive as an inferior gun to the party.
Objective: This drill was designed to test the shooter’s ability to make surgical hits when firing at speed. The draw stroke, acquiring the sights, trigger management and recoil control will all be assessed.
Distance: 5 yards
Target 3 inch squares. Playing cards may also be used.
Rounds Needed: 5 per run
Other Equipment Needed: Shot timer
Begin Exercise: Load with 5 rounds and holster. On the signal, draw and fire 5 rounds into the target in 5 seconds.
Scoring: Did you hit with all 5 rounds? Did you make the 5 second par time? If so record the time and go again. Continue until you miss or your elapsed time for 5 hits is greater than your previous run. No whining allowed!
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.
