[JellyJar]

I have heard of different shooting drills where you shoot so many rounds as fast as you can into a certain size target at so many feet to see if you can adequately control your handgun.

Does anybody here have such a test that they thing is relevant?

[BRE346]

I haven't tried that specifically until I'm happy with SD-range accuracy. There are six standing iron targets at the range I like to use. Sometime during the session I'll try to knock them all down as quickly as possible. One of them doesn't go easy and it will get another shot or two. I've even tried double-tap and triple tap with these iron BGs. Another is to work on shooting at the iron plates on the rack, six of them. Knock 'em down , stand 'em up. Do it again. Damn, it's fun. All with my carry. Lucky me. I have the range to myself.

[Tomcat47]

Look on youtube for F.A.S.T. Drills

I like them myself... Could be could for both competition and self defense Concelaed Carry.

It deals with Fast target aquisition, emergency reload etc. I like it.

Dave Seviegny is one of the top at this drill.

[Chris Rhines]

One of the standard drills for developing and evaluating your recoil control is the Bill Drill - from the holster, 6 shots into an 8" circle at 7 yards, as fast as possible. 2.0 seconds is excellent.

-C

[Tomcat47]

^^^^ And This Guy Chris Rhines Is Another of the Fastest at The F.A.S.T. Drill ^^^^ LOL! :)

And Chris What is the Maker of the meter you use in the FAST video?

It looks better than a lot I have seen, but dont ever get a real good look at it.

[Chris Rhines]

Aw man, I was hoping nobody would notice that. I had a pretty good run there, although not a patch on Dave. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU3jceN4JAc) :D

The shot timer that I use is a CED 7000. It works well enough, although the battery is starting to go out on mine.

-C

[9mmepiphany]

The F.A.S.T. drill is a good indicator of overall proficiency with a handgun as it test many skills at the same time.

The Bill Drill (it is named after Bill Wilson) is a good test of the manageability a gun's trigger and recoil. I had a friend who ran several different guns through Bill Drills to determine which to choose to compete in USPSA Production with. He was a sponsered shooter for H&K at the time and switch over to the Sig 226 because of the odd recoil impulse of the USP's double recoil spring system

[BCRider]

What about just get the stuff you need and join in the fun with the local IDPA or IPSC clubs in your area? The IDPA in particular is a closer model to an actual CCW situation.

You get to test your draw and rapid shooting in an enviroment that isn't static and is lots of fun.

But if that isn't in the cards for now here's a drill we've done on some skills and drills practice nights. It's quite a challenge and requires great holster and firearms handling.

http://pistol-training.com/drills/dot-torture

[baylorattorney]

adding a laser sight to your handgun will tell you a lot about your stance, grip, action, trigger pull, without firing a round.

[Ankeny]

I have heard of different shooting drills where you shoot so many rounds as fast as you can into a certain size target at so many feet to see if you can adequately control your handgun.

Yup, the Bill Drill is the first to come to mind. Bill Drills have a lot of utility if you know how to use them as a diagnostic tool and/or as a measurement of performance. In addition to handgun manipulation, the Bill Drill is excellent for developing visual skills. The goal (visually) is to develop the ability to track the sights as they raise and return while being able to call the shot.

From a mechanics perspective Bill Drills can help you to learn how to time the gun, develop trigger manipulation skills, fine tune your grip, develop proper balance and stance, and so forth. Having said all of that, unless a shooter knows how to use Bill Drills properly, the drill is a good way to erode fundamentals in the quest for speed while building bad habits. As Chris said, 2 seconds from the holster is pretty sporty. Something in the range of 1.75 with a Kydex holster and a full size (insert favorite carry gun here) is not unrealistic for a person who is very accomplished at this type of drill.

[Hk Dan]

The El Pres is good too (Rob Pincus, be quiet). The Bill Drill is an excellent measure of recoil control, especially if you vary the distance that you shoot it from string to string.

[loneviking]

I like the El Presidente as it combines speed, movement and accuracy.

BTW, if you're not getting the speed you see that others have, you may want to check your gun. My P6 was fairly fast, but I couldn't run it like I saw others being run at IDPA matches. After some experimentation, I found that with an SRT trigger and the rubber Pachmyer grips my speed went way up. I don't know what gun you're using, but you might want to look around and see what modifications are available for it that would increase the speed.

[NMGonzo]

I try to shoot one handed (2 shot per second would be my goal, never achieved) with either hand at 10 yards COM.

I thrive to achieve that.

[9mmepiphany]

I actually see no point at all in aiming at the same point and shooting that many times in 2 seconds. You'll just develop bad habits trying to shoot that fast.
The point of the Bill Drill isn't a training exercise, it is a comparative test...of either your interface with a certain gun or you ability to control a gun of your choice.

BTW since the world record for firing 5 shots is 1.06 seconds (http://bobmunden.com/about/records-amazing-feats/) I'm going to have to call BS on anyone who claims here they can do 6 shots in 2 seconds. It is an extremely rare person that can do that. With most guns it isn't even possible. So just because someone here says 2 seconds is "excellent" don't expect that it actually happens all that often. It's possible that a few people can do it and maybe even some of the people here. I'm not so cynical that I claim to have knowledge about what others can do without actually seeing them in action. But 6 shots in 2 seconds from a draw into 8" is incredible. It's way above excellent.
I don't have any knowledge of your prior training or experience, but it is certainly possible for most people who have received proper training and this is using Stock Production guns. At least this has been my experience in teaching classes of non-professionals shooters...mostly engineers and doctors.

After a 2 day shooting class, the expectation is that attendees can accurately shoot at 4 rounds a sec (.25sec splits) with the goal being 5 rounds a sec (.20sec splits)...3 shots in a sec is pretty pedestrian. It is simply a matter of learning to see your aligned sights faster and using that to cue your final press on the trigger. As a point of reference, top flight competitive shooters are shooting ~.17sec splits at that distance.

What takes more time than anything else is the reaction to the start signal (~.25sec) and the presentation from the holster and bringing the gun to eye level for the first shot

[Ole Coot]

My range is on my own property. Once each practice I use a regular paper plate at about 15yds, 4 rounds in mags, draw and fire strong hand only 4 rounds, drop mag change to weak hand reload with 8. 4 with weak hand only and last 4 both hands. I don't try and time myself, done it long enough to know if I am smooth and accurate or need a little more practice. I use a 45 or 40cal. Just quick and smooth, also need all on the center flat of the plate.

[Ankeny]

I'm going to have to call BS on anyone who claims here they can do 6 shots in 2 seconds.

Actually, I have shot dozens of Bill Drills in under 2 seconds. I used them when I was experiencing trigger freeze, problems with grip neutrality, isolation of the trigger finger, and so forth. I have a .wmv of a typical Bill Drill that I shot with a Les Baer PII out of a BladeTech holster a few years back, but it doesn't seem to want to play in my browser. Maybe it will work for you, maybe not. Anyhow, here is the link: Bill Drill (http://www.rtconnect.net/~rankeny/bill.WMV)

If you want to use multiple targets, here is a six shot drill with two on each. Two per target. (http://www.rtconnect.net/~rankeny/2times3.WMV)

[Chris Rhines]

The point of the Bill Drill isn't a training exercise,... Respectfully, I have to disagree on this point. The Bill Drill is a very useful skill-building exercise if you're working on recoil control, sight tracking, and/or grip development. I do five or ten reps most times I go to the range. I can't break 2.0 seconds consistently, but I'm pretty close...

The best Bill Drill I ever witnessed was by a local USPSA Production GM. 1.61 seconds clean. My eyes just about bugged out of my skull.

-C

[Deaf Smith]

Just watch 'Magnum Force' and do like Clint did in the indoor gunrange!

Deaf

[Ankeny]

1.61 seconds clean :what:

[MrWesson]

When I have someone else with me I draw/double tap with them telling me when to draw.

I also have a airsoft replica and we put on some protective gear(eye protection,kickboxing gloves,cup, you get the idea). I have a buddy attack me(no punching) from different distances and I attempt to shoot him from my ccw stance. Its important to get a low power airsoft because they do hurt.

I have on a few occasions done it allowing punching(12oz gloves) as a test.. not alot of fun.

Get a shooting buddy who is serious about CCW and also remember that the real thing can never be simulated.

[9mmepiphany]

Respectfully, I have to disagree on this point. The Bill Drill is a very useful skill-building exercise if you're working on recoil control, sight tracking, and/or grip development. I do five or ten reps most times I go to the range. I can't break 2.0 seconds consistently, but I'm pretty close...

The best Bill Drill I ever witnessed was by a local USPSA Production GM. 1.61 seconds clean. My eyes just about bugged out of my skull.

-C

I'm sorry, I wasn't being clear...I was responding to the previous post that there was no tactical point to firing 6 shots on one target.

I should have said that the Bill Drill isn't a tactical training exercise, it is indeed a skill building drill. It is the best way to consistently find the measurable edge of the envelope in the balance of speed and accuracy

[Hk Dan]

Jeff56--you clearly don't spend a lot of time around competition shooters. 6 shots from a holster in 2 seconds is, well, basically the standard. I've done it in 1.48, but dropped 1 shot to the -1 zone. It's not a stretch AT ALL to do it in 2 seconds.

Why would you need to? Meth. Heroine. Jack Daniels. Adrenalin. Need I go on? You shoot until he's down, and no, he won't vaporize if you hit him with a .45 ACP. You still need multiple hits. Preferrably multiple hits in the shortest amount of time possible. Multiple attackers is one of the single least likely situations for self defense. Face it, if you find yourself in a firefight with 3 guys at 7 yards, you were far better off just giving up the wallet and being a good witness.

Finally Sir, 10 shots in 11 seconds is SLOW fire. On a bad day I'm running .2 splits, on a good day .12 (with hits). I'm sirry for being critical, but 1 shot per second is what we consider careful, aimed fire. Relaxed shooting. Sedate, zen-like concentration. That's 50 yard stuff.

If I were you I'd start working the Bill Drill and El Pres!

[9mmepiphany]

You're clearly fanning a gun to fire that often and that's clearly not something anyone should try without years of practice with blanks or wax bullets.
No fanning involved...fanning is very hard with an autoloader anyway

I'm talking about presentation from a holster, bringing the gun up to eye level, taking a sight picture for each shot and even pausing to insure sight alignment before each shot is fired

No I don't spend my time around "training" classes.
...And a double tap is a proven method of dispatching people without wasting ammunition you might need for other purposes.
...You people think that because I didn't pay big money to go to some training that I don't know anything about weapons.
...So don't treat me like I'm stupid because I don't play cowboy games. And again I'll believe that the average shooter can fire 6 rounds in 2 seconds and hit anything when I see it.
I wouldn't say or treat you like you are stupid without more information ;)

I would say that some of the information you are basing your position on is dated and rather narrow

Besides all this it seems to be customary to doubt everything everyone says on this board so I'm just following suit. .

Here is the standard for the F.A.S.T. Drill. It is 6 shots, but it includes a draw from concealment and a reload, 2 on a small target (3"x5') and 4 on a larger one (8")
Ranking:

10+ seconds: Novice
less than 10 seconds: Intermediate
less than 7 seconds: Advanced
less than 5 seconds: Expert
The site (http://pistol-training.com/fastest/fast-wall-of-fame) list 70+ shooters from classes who have shot it at the Advanced level (< 7 sec) and 3 who have shot it at the Advanced level (< 5 sec)

As for seeing if done, here is the current record holder...at 3.56sec
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU3jceN4JAc

...and another at just over 5 sec
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN-y-MwxILA&feature=related

[Ankeny]

Jeff56:

I think there might be some apples to oranges going on here. Most of the drills and times being discussed here are in regards to performances by competition shooters using auto loading pistols. Revolvers are a horse of a different color.

Furthermore, a sub 2-second Bill Drill used to be considered a USPSA Grand Master time. As the talent pool got deeper, a really good Grand Master time is now down around 1.75 seconds. You are correct, that type of performance is not typical. As far as doubting what you read on shooting forums, you need to remember folks generally talk about their best performance rather than a cold on demand par time performance.

I too get my doubts when I read performances that are better than what the best shooters in the world consider within the limits of human function. But hey, it's the Internet. :D

[9mmepiphany]

BTW since the world record for firing 5 shots is 1.06 seconds
I thought that sounded a little slow, so I went back to the link to discover that it is indeed a bit dated...almost 40 years old

Currently, Jerry Miculek holds revolver world records of:
1. 8 shots in 1 second on one target
2. 8 shots on 4 targets (2 shots each) in 1.06 seconds
3. 6 shots, reload, another 6 shots on one target in 2.99 seconds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3fgduPdH_Y

Training and technique has progressed some over time

[MachIVshooter]

The aforementioned are all good drills. But I feel more dynamic, real world type drilling is more useful. I'm not really concerned with being able to get good stopwatch times standing in front of a barrel, grabbing the gun at the whistle, firing 3, reloading and firing 3 more into a stationary target. It has it's fun factor, but I can't think of any possible scenario in real life where that's particularly useful. When it really happens, the target will not likely be static, there'll be no whistle, and if my weapon only has 3 rounds, I screwed up.

I like to go out to my buddy's property where we have some barrels, old cars and a number of other realistic concealment/cover objects, in addition to a landscape that introduces more variables than a flat dirt range. We also can shoot in more directions. So we'll place some targets about and then walk around as we would in everyday life. Then, suddenly have to locate the target, draw, maybe hit the ground or get behind cover, maybe shoot on the move. Kind of our own Hogan's alley, but a bit more interesting.

It gives you a much better feel for how it could really go down than knowing the layout well, knowing (basically) where the targets will be, and shooting from stable or otherwise predetermined positions. And hitting a full size silhouette from ~ 20 feet while running? Not easy at all. You may empty a 15 round magazine and only score 2 or 3 hits. Kinda humbling.

We play with rifles there too. Try whirling around, finding your target and scoring hits as fast as possible with an AR from 20 yards.

I would advise, though, that there is a danger factor with this type of practice. I've tripped and tumbled with loaded guns, had weapons go sailing out of my hands. There's a reason commercial ranges don't allow this sort of thing

[MrBorland]

Originally Posted by Jeff56
BTW since the world record for firing 5 shots is 1.06 seconds


I thought that sounded a little slow, so I went back to the link to discover that it is indeed a bit dated...almost 40 years old

Currently, Jerry Miculek holds revolver world records of:
1. 8 shots in 1 second on one target
2. 8 shots on 4 targets (2 shots each) in 1.06 seconds
3. 6 shots, reload, another 6 shots on one target in 2.99 seconds

Eh...not sure what the source is for the world record being 1.06 seconds for 5 shots, but Ed McGivern shot 5 rounds in 0.45 seconds with a double action revolver. And not just once - he repeated the feat 4 times in one day later that year. And what year was it? 79 years ago in 1932. AFAIK, even JM hasn't beaten that record with his 0.57sec.

[MachIVshooter]

Eh...not sure what the source is for the world record being 1.06 seconds for 5 shots, but Ed McGivern shot 5 rounds in 0.45 seconds with a double action revolver. And not just once - he repeated the feat 4 times in one day later that year. And what year was it? 79 years ago in 1932. AFAIK, even JM hasn't beaten that record with his 0.57sec.

And then there's Bob Munden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcZHVspVIDs

[9mmepiphany]

And then there's Bob Munden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcZHVspVIDs

It is Munden's record, that we are discussing, that does not eclipse Ed McGivern's

[Hangingrock]

I am certain that I’m not in the same speed category as the really-really fast that have been mentioned. On the other hand I’m not the slowest of the slow but then maybe I am. For certain I don’t fire the numbers of rounds I did in decades past.

I’m not certain what a set piece drill indicates other than you are very good/exceptional at that drill which most likely translates into other skill levels.

I see at the range on occasion those semi squatter arms held high shooters with their sophisticated equipment going thru their regimented drills. They certainly look good. They practice their movements and shooting scenario/drills. (It should be noted that the range has shooting bays with earthen walls of thickness and height that allow movement and target placement not found on conventional ranges.)

I’m not mocking what their doing some of those individuals are extremely fast and accurate. On the other hand they sometimes come over to the bay I’m in to see if I’m still alive. That said I go thru a set of “Skill Maintenance Exercises” in 8 parts as outlined in “The Modern Technique of the Pistol by G.B. Morrison/Jeff Cooper, Editorial Adviser Copyright 1991.

It works for me.

[possum]

The Bill drill

The 1/2 and 1/2 drill (though normally a carbine drill it is a great test with a handgun)

The 1-5 drill ( another carbine drill but works great at getting you to run the gun and control the gun in 1,2,3,4, and 5 rd strings.

Mag Pul Bsa drills. Though this is not really a test, it will allow you to see where you are currently and where you want to go, and you can chart your skill improvement.

The pistol training.com Fast (fundamentals of accuracy and speed test)

[Claude Clay]

2 idpa silhouette targets at 5 & 7 yards ; one with 2- 8" paper plates, the other with one mid chest.
draw at the buzzer and double tap each plate. vary the order ; and vary the shots, as in one each and than go back for the second round rather than 2 each and moving to the next plate.
from concealment time to the 1st shot should be under 2 seconds ( 1.5 is very proficient) and under 3 seconds for all 6 rounds.

though this is a very basic drill it rather requires that you have worked all the kinks out of your carry rig; and that you have dressed for 'success'. most important is that you can access your gun--draw smoothly: nothing gets in your way, no wasted motion. not exactly 'The Weapon Shops of Isher' but you think gun and your muscle memory makes it to be in your hand pointed as you will it and your next conscious though will be 'shoot/don't need to shoot'.
to train such that you do not need to shoot, gather some friends and give them flashlights; at the buzzer you turn to face the targets and those with a light on them are don't shoots.

[Hangingrock]

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc277/lowflash/IMG_3477.jpg
Firing pairs @ 7yds. No I don’t have a timer but I’m going as fast as I can.

[possum]

Firing pairs @ 7yds. No I don’t have a timer but I’m going as fast as I can.
As it has been said by Kyle lamb, and this is a great example. I will paraphrase....
There are a lot of people that can shoot 1 or 2 shots quickly and accurately. However there are few that can shoot 3,4 and 5rds fast and accurately.
Hence the reason that I recommended some of his drills in my above post

I totally agree with him and I see it a lot at the range, in training courses, and environments. If you are only training to shoot pairs, hammers etc, and not continue to drive the gun until the fight is done you are selling yourself short. not every gun fight is over with a pair. May people's answer is "well i shoot a pair assess, and if i need to shoot more I do". The problem with this is that you are wasting time, and energy. In the time that you shot the pair and assessed you could have put 6 or more rounds on target. The quicker you stop the threat the less opportunity you have to bite the bullet yourself. Shoot until they "fall off" the front sight.

[Hangingrock]

The problem with this is that you are wasting time, and energy. In the time that you shot the pair and assessed you could have put 6 or more rounds on target.

Let’s look at it this way the cardboard doesn’t know the difference. With (8) magazines of (16) rounds each I was able to practice drawing the weapon from concealment (64) times and placing (2) shots in a compressed time period for each draw stroke. I could have opted for (128) draw strokes from concealment while placing (1) shot each time.

While not perfect I did exercise reasonable control of the weapon delivering pairs in a compressed time period drawing from concealment.

I could have simply in (1) draw stroke dumped (16) rounds on to the target which would not have phased the cardboard in the least.

Believe me I understand your point but you must also understand my point I don’t have deep pockets or and agency funding my consumption of ammunition.:what::)

[mljdeckard]

When I am back home, I look forward to doing a LOT of el Presidente drills over a few weekends.

[possum]

Let’s look at it this way the cardboard doesn’t know the difference. With (8) magazines of (16) rounds each I was able to practice drawing the weapon from concealment (64) times and placing (2) shots in a compressed time period for each draw stroke.
you can and should practice everything but going loud at home. You can get your reps of draw stroke at home, and fire 0 rounds.

While not perfect I did exercise reasonable control of the weapon delivering pairs in a compressed time period drawing from concealment.
You did indeed. By the looks of the target you are very capable and comfortable with doing that. The problem is the comfortable part. So many people have the ability to do better than they think, however they do not want to push to failure. That is the only way that you know what you are capable of, and the only way that you will ever be better than a pair from concealment in a "compressed" amount of time. People do not want to fail, especially men, and they do not want the people to the right of left of them to see them push the limits, "fail" and miss. The person to the left and right of you unless you are really lucky will not be with you in a fight for your life.

From what I see you did not miss a single shot. This would normally be applauded on a square range, however If you fire 1000rds at the range, and you made 1,000hits you did not have a chance to learn, grow and improve that day beyond what you already were capable of.

I could have simply in (1) draw stroke dumped (16) rounds on to the target which would not have phased the cardboard in the least.

I said nothing about shooting that many rounds. You have taken what I said way out of context. while 2rds every time is a habit that you do not want to get into; 2-6 is a great spot. Alternate your strings of fire, don't get into a habit of always coming out of the holster and firing 2 rds. There are times that you come out the holster and not fire rounds at all. As this is probable in the real world. This goes into breaking the draw storke and firing into 2 parts not 1 but that is a whole other topic.

2+3+4+5+6= 20/ 5 (amount of options) = 4 you are still getting a good number of reps of what you are trying to do as well you are not building a training scar that might be disastrous for you in a fight.

Another way to get more training is the use of dummy rounds in your magazines. so you have to clear 1 type 1 malfunction per magazine. Also down load your magazines so you have to reload when you have to not when you know you have too. This again is a realism.

Believe me I understand your point but you must also understand my point I don’t have deep pockets or and agency funding my consumption of ammunition.
me either, however what is your life worth? I didn't say that you had to shoot more ammo, or spend more money, but do the best with what you have. Get the most out your training/ practice sessions. You can do a lot to prepare yourself off of the range. Look at case studies and learn from experienced people.

[mljdeckard]

I am also planning on casting and reloading my own bullets to be able to shoot more.

[BCRider]

It's a safe bet that if you shoot drills that you'll get good at shooting drills. Drills are good but in the end they are just drills. A lot of you have tried to make this distinction. Probably the best practice I've seen described so far is likely what MachIVShooter described above. But as he admits it's hardly what most ranges would consider as safe handling in a lot of those cases.

IDPA events bring to the table the need for a balance of accuracy and speed and present the shooter with various scenarios. But as much as the variety is better than static drills it's still a drill since the competitors can stand back and size up the situation before stepping up. But short of dressing up in protective gear and doing the stuff with airsoft or paintball or simunition it's the best that most shooters are going to be able to find.

In the end the idea of drills is to get practice at drawing and shooting with acceptable accuracy and speed. As such it would be foolish to put all your trust in any one drill or in shooting at targets at any one set distance.

The goal is to get comfortable with all the operations associated in drawing and shooting. As such draw and shoot two is just as valid as draw and shoot 6. Both should be practiced on occasion. Shooting a magazine at plates as fast as practical is just as valid as shooting one shot for accuracy at some distance. It's not the distance but the idea that you may have to take a shot through a small opening or at a small portion of a target.

Hell, for that matter aiming isn't always something that is needed. What about setting up a target that is about one to two yards away and draw and fire from the hip. Basically this is what IDPA calls "shooting from retention" where you would not be able to extend your arms both because of the time it would take as well as the idea that it would place your hands and arms within "knife" distance of the target. I've only gotten to shoot such a setup once in an IDPA stage and it was the first time I'd done such a thing. It was an eye opener for sure. But in the end it was still just a drill.

The whole point is don't focus on any one drill. They are all good because they all make you think and shoot in different ways. Mix them up with both close in drills and far out drills. Do drills that both empty the mags and drills that only use two rounds from each mag so you get good at both multiple shots to a small area and at changing mags. If you know you're slow at drawing and sighting the first shot then concentrate on drills that have lots of draws and first shots at various sizes or distances. But mix this up with other drills. The idea is that variety in your drills and any competitive matches you shoot will make you a better gun handler without locking you into just one practice mode.

[Hangingrock]

The point is that I used (1) of (7) skill maintenance exercises pictured and therefore the assumption was made that was the only drill/skill maintenance exercise that I use.

Assume (Ass-u-me) then sermons were rendered.

Earlier in the subject at hand I referenced a book titled “The modern Technique of the Pistol by G.B. Morrison Jeff Copper, Editorial Advisor Copyright ©1991.

For the last twenty years I’ve employed the (7) skill maintenance exercises to maintain skill level. I believe Cooper’s doctrine has legitimacy/relevance/validity.

[possum]

In the end the idea of drills is to get practice at drawing and shooting with acceptable accuracy and speed. As such it would be foolish to put all your trust in any one drill or in shooting at targets at any one set distance.
I agree.

The goal is to get comfortable with all the operations associated in drawing and shooting.
Initially yes, and I agree, but if you want to be better you have to push your limits and see what you are capable of.

The whole point is don't focus on any one drill.
agreed.

Hell, for that matter aiming isn't always something that is needed.
once you make your movements and presentations efficient, which with practice will build consistency, which in turn will allow you to shoot more "intuitively" and do so much farther out that just a few yards.

[possum]

For the last twenty years I’ve employed the (7) skill maintenance exercises to maintain skill level. I believe Cooper’s doctrine has legitimacy/relevance/validity.
He did at his time, and he was way beyond his time when he came out. There are a lot of people that have studied his doctrine, became a fan boy, and that is all they open their minds too. A lot of wars, conflicts, and experience has been gained from folks since his day. There are more and more people with experience that he never had that have came into the industry. This goes back to my point about reading case studies, and learning from those that have been there and done that so you don't have to learn the hard way, or be another statistic.

Is his a good starting point and a template? Sure but like him, and any other instructor don't get into a dogmatic doctrine cycle. Your training should evolve, the training that people offer should evolve. If you are doing the exact same things that you were doing 20 years ago, and haven't changed, or even thought about new or more up to date doctrine that is an issue in of itself.

Not everything that comes out is "new" not everything is better, and some is just different. While some is just plain stupid. I have been to many schools, and seen many methodologies, and I can give you at least a couple examples of each. However there are things that come around that you should at least try. There are some things that have came around since Cooper, and gunsite that is very applicable and was not used in his day.

[BCRider]

Even if these are the best 7 drills ever dreamed up they still limit the person that learns them. 7 options is still not all that much. They are still drills and if the shooter doesn't go out of their way to participate in enough drills, training and competition where there is little repitition or similar patterns they will still lock onto these drills and end up with a limited repetoire of responses to a real situation.

Now don't get me wrong. In among all the "as random as possible" shooting events that a person can attend if the same drills are repeated they can serve as an idicator to the shooter of how they are progressing or not progressing. And certainly the skills learned in drills can be utilized in other forms of practice or competition. But if the shooter doesn't progress beyond the drills and use them in some higher form of practice that puts them into play then they are still just drills with little application to a real life situation.

It's like a student of Karate learning a set of various moves but they never actually apply them in any matches. So they remain as separate skills instead of components of a coordinated application against a foe in a match where there is no set regularity.

Hell, I'd suggest that an excellent form of practice is to get out and play at some paintball just so you get used to the concept of "INCOMING!". It's well known that a lot of training goes out the window when faced with the prospect of a BG shooting back or chasing you with a knife. I know that the prospect of a hit from a paintball has caused me more adrenaline and dry mouth on the paintball field than I've felt at any of my handgun competitions. Does this mean you should leave your handgun in the safe and just go play paintball? Of course not. But doing some paintball CAN get you to learn what it feels like to operate under the influence of adrenaline while being "shot" at. Other possible but likely more expensive options are training academies that uses simunition or airsoft.