Dot Torture

This is a test that I got from a range officer at the NRA range one night. I showed it to Todd who liked it more than I did. He figured out that it originally came from David Blinder at personaldefensetraining.com. I don’t know when David put this together, but IPSC shooters have told me they were doing this test in the early 90’s. It has taken on a life of its own and I have to admit, I can’t figure out why. It is a very inefficient way to practice anything, as it is a test. It isn’t hard for a good shooter, though it will obviously be difficult for someone new to handgunning. If you can clean this, then you have gotten what you need and should move on to something more productive. You can certainly push the distance back and try again. Todd cleaned it at 7 yards and was trying for 10 yards when last we spoke about it. I will also add that though Todd liked this test, we never shot it more than very occasionally during the years we trained together. As I said, I don’t favor this for anything, as I can use those 50 rds in much better ways, but it seems to be incredibly popular with recreational shooters. If you enjoy it, that’s great, but there are much better drills available on the rangework page if you are trying to get better.

Start at 3 yards. You have to get all 50 hits to pass. Once you can shoot the whole drill without a single miss, either increase the distance or add time pressure. For instance, try to finish the entire drill in under 5 minutes while maintaining 100% accuracy.

(click on the target to bring up the full-size version which you can then print out)

• Dot 1 – Draw and fire one string of 5 rounds for best group. One hole if possible, total 5 rounds.
• Dot 2 – Draw and fire 1 shot, holster and repeat X4, total 5 rounds.
• Dots 3 & 4 – Draw and fire 1 shot on #3, then 1 shot on #4, holster and repeat X3, total 8 rounds.
• Dot 5 – Draw and fire string of 5 rounds, strong hand only, total 5 rounds.
• Dots 6 & 7 – Draw and fire 2 shots on #6, then 2 on #7, holster, repeat X4, total 16 rounds.
• Dot 8 – From ready or retention, fire five shots, weak hand only, total 5 rounds.
• Dots 9 & 10 – Draw and fire 1 shot on #9, speed reload, fire 1 shot on #10, holster and repeat X3, total 6 rounds.

There is also a dedicated TDA (Traditional Double Action, aka “DA/SA”) version created by Sean Leffler:

• Dot 1 – Draw and fire two pairs (first shot DA, second shot SA) for best group. One hole if possible, total 4 rounds.
• Dot 2 – Draw and fire 1 shot (DA), holster and repeat for a total of 4 rounds.
• Dots 3 & 4 – Draw and fire 1 shot on #3 DA, then 1 shot on #4 SA, holster and repeat three more times, total 8 rounds.
• Dot 5 – Draw and fire three pair (first shot DA, second shot SA each pair), strong hand only, total 6 rounds.
• Dots 6 & 7 – Draw and fire 2 shots on #6 (first shot DA, second shot SA), then 2 on #7 (both SA), holster, repeat three more times, total 16 rounds.
• Dot 8 – From ready or retention, fire three pairs (first shot DA, second shot SA), weak hand only, total 6 rounds.
• Dots 9 & 10 – Draw and fire 1 shot on #9 (DA),  reload, fire 1 shot on #10 (SA), holster and repeat two more times, total 6 rounds.

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.