The Drill:
This week, we are joined on the range by Jason Speller, Chief Instructor of the law enforcement D.R.A.W School. Jason shared a great new drill with us that he uses to train law enforcement officers around the country: The 1 to 5 Drill. This drill focuses on first-shot accuracy and then builds the accuracy of subsequent shots by incrementally increasing strings of fire each time the firearm is drawn from the holster.
The Setup:
You will need your defensive firearm, holster and 45 rounds of training ammunition. A silhouette target with an identifiable center-mass focus point, such as the USCCA target used in the video, will work best. Load up your magazine(s) with 15 rounds. If your firearm has less than a 15-round capacity, you will have to load up multiple magazines and reload during the course of fire between draws.
The Skills:
This drill will help refine your draw process through repetition. It will decrease the time it takes to get that ever-important first shot on target. The drill then goes on to incrementally increase the number of rounds fired at a time, helping not only with multiple-shot accuracy but also breaking any “one shot and done” training scars you may have. Lastly, since there is a draw component between each string of fire, you will be building the critical skill of accessing your firearm from the holster.
The Details:
Begin by facing the target with your pistol in the holster from approximately 3 to 5 yards away. Your firearm should be loaded with 15 rounds (or you should have 15 rounds loaded into the number of magazines your firearm will require). This is not a timed drill, so it should be completed at a controlled pace. Accuracy is more important than speed. Speed will inherently come through repetition. Each string of fire starts from the holster and will require you to draw, acquire the target and put the designated number of rounds accurately on target. Start out slowly and gradually increase the speed of your draw and rate of fire. Accuracy is key.
String #1: Draw and fire one round on target; reholster.
String #2: Draw and fire two rounds on target; reholster.
String #3: Draw and fire three rounds on target; reholster.
String #4: Draw and fire four rounds on target; reholster.
String #5: Draw and fire five rounds on target; reholster.
After completing each sequence of five strings (15 rounds), push yourself to increase draw speed and decrease the amount of time between shots when firing multiple rounds. If rounds begin to land outside of the desired target area, you must slow down until all rounds are back on target. Shoot the course of fire three times for a total of 45 rounds.
Safety Considerations:
This is a live-fire drill and should be completed only while adhering to the four universal safety rules as well as any range-specific rules. This drill requires the shooter to draw from the holster between each string of fire. Exercise extreme caution whenever drawing from the holster and reholstering your firearm. Ensure your finger is clear of the trigger during both processes. Tuck in any baggy clothing that may get caught within the trigger guard and cause a negligent discharge. Employ the help of a good instructor to assist and provide the necessary training to accomplish this drill safely. As always, eye and ear protection are required for all live-fire training.
Closing Thoughts:
By slowly building up the number of shots being fired, you will be able to keep rounds on target even when firing up to five rounds in a series. Repetition of your draw stroke should be a fundamental element of training whenever possible and whenever range venue allows. Speed of the draw is important, but not at the expense of accuracy. Remember, in a gunfight, a fast miss will lose to a smooth, accurate shot on target every time.
Vary your training. Keep it fun. Keep it safe. And keep practicing.
