This week we’ll build upon the last DotW, which involved learning to watch your sights as the muzzle rises during recoil. By keeping your eyes on the front sight throughout the cycling of the gun, you should have the “fastest” possible sight picture to break your next shot. As soon as the front sight is on the target, you can fire again.
This week, we’ll work on a variation of the Changing Gears drill from the Drills section of this site.
You’ll need two small (we suggest 3×5 cards) and two larger (8″ paper plate, 8.5×11 sheet of paper, etc) targets. You can place them in just about any arrangement you want. For example, from left to right, you can have small, big, big, small. Range should be about seven yards.
To shoot the drill, engage each target with two rounds, then move on to the next target. You’ll fire a total of eight shots per run. Remember to go slowly enough that you get all your hits … especially on the small targets. But you also want to shoot as soon as your front sight is on the target. Because it will be easier to align & find your sights on the bigger targets, your shots on those targets should be noticeably faster than your shots on the little 3×5 cards. If you fire eight shots that sound like a smooth consistent rhythm, you’re doing it wrong.
Watch your front sight as it rises and falls, and press the trigger (smoothly, straight back) as soon as you get the visual cue to fire.
Once you’ve shot the drill a few times, switch around the order of the targets and try again. Get used to letting the target’s size and distance dictate how fast you can shoot. Learn to “switch gears” by letting your eyes control your pace rather than your trigger finger.
Training with firearms is an inherently dangerous activity. Be sure to follow all safety protocols when using firearms or practicing these drills. These drills are provided for information purposes only. Use at your own risk.