DRILLS
Being a firearms instructor, I am often asked by students what they should practice. As I have stated numerous times, the basics are the essence of advancement. Without a strong foundation you have little hope of improving your skill level to a high degree of proficiency.
In past installments of “Tip of the Month” we’ve looked at several different practice sessions including Clint Smith’s recommended drills. This month I thought I’d give you a drill from the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council. It is used at the police academy for all new trainees and covers the basics fairly well. The thing I like about this drill is it is not limited to just handguns, with a little modification it can be used with a rifle or shotgun.
Draw Right/Left Course
Rounds 20
Distance 7 yards
Time Constraints None
Shot Intervals None
Passing Score 90 percent or 18 Hits
All fine motor skills affecting basic marksmanship, drawing, body/hand coordination, and target identification
Shooters start at the 7-yard line. On command, the shooters walk parallel to the targets, facing right. Ten targets with legible numbers are hung. On the first command, which identifies one of the numbers on the targets, the shooters stop, turn and identify, draw, and engage the specified target. The shooters repeat this process until they reach the last target. At that time, the shooters repeat the process walking to the left.
This course is designed to develop the shooter’s ability to maneuver so as to identify and engage a threat from varied positions.
NOTE: ALWAYS practice safety first!