Stepping onto a shooting range for the first time can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether you’re interested in self-defense, competitive shooting, or simply honing your marksmanship, practicing structured drills is the best way to improve your skills. At PAC Range, we welcome shooters of all experience levels and provide a safe, professional environment for you to develop your confidence and accuracy.
In this guide, we’ll introduce some essential shooting range drills for beginners, covering marksmanship fundamentals, firearm handling, and real-world shooting scenarios. These drills will help you build muscle memory, refine your technique, and get the most out of your practice sessions.
1. The Slow-Fire Accuracy Drill
Purpose: Focuses on precision, trigger control, and sight alignment.
For new shooters, accuracy is the foundation of firearm proficiency. This drill allows you to concentrate on each shot’s mechanics.
How to Perform the Drill:
- Load one round at a time into your firearm to prevent rushing.
- Stand at a five- to seven-yard distance from the target.
- Focus on proper grip, stance, sight picture, and trigger control before taking a shot.
- Slowly squeeze the trigger until the shot breaks.
- Assess your accuracy before loading another round.
Pro Tip: If your shots are consistently off target, adjust your sight alignment and grip. One common mistake is jerking the trigger rather than pressing it smoothly.
The Slow-Fire Accuracy Drill
Purpose: Focuses on precision, trigger control, and sight alignment.
For new shooters, accuracy is the foundation of firearm proficiency. This drill allows you to concentrate on each shot’s mechanics.
How to Perform the Drill:
- Load one round at a time into your firearm to prevent rushing.
- Stand at a five- to seven-yard distance from the target.
- Focus on proper grip, stance, sight picture, and trigger control before taking a shot.
- Slowly squeeze the trigger until the shot breaks.
- Assess your accuracy before loading another round.
Pro Tip: If your shots are consistently off target, adjust your sight alignment and grip. One common mistake is jerking the trigger rather than pressing it smoothly.
The Controlled Pairs Drill
Purpose: Teaches shooters to fire multiple accurate shots in quick succession.
Once you’ve mastered single-shot accuracy, the next step is learning to fire controlled pairs (also known as double-taps).
How to Perform the Drill:
- Stand seven to ten yards from your target.
- Align your sights and fire two quick shots while maintaining control.
- Focus on managing recoil and resetting your sights between shots.
- Check your shot placement before repeating the drill.
Pro Tip: Avoid slapping the trigger. Instead, maintain contact and reset it smoothly between shots for better accuracy.
The “Failure to Stop” Drill (Mozambique Drill)
Purpose: Develops speed and target transitions in defensive shooting.
This drill is commonly used in defensive firearm training. It teaches you to engage a target effectively under pressure.
How to Perform the Drill:
- Set up a silhouette target at seven yards.
- Fire two shots to the center mass (chest area), then one shot to the head.
- Practice acquiring the headshot quickly but accurately after the first two shots.
- Repeat several times, increasing speed as your accuracy improves.
Pro Tip: Start slowly and focus on precision. Speed will come naturally as your technique improves.
The “One to Five” Drill
Purpose: Improves speed, accuracy, and trigger control under pressure.
This drill is excellent for beginners looking to balance speed and precision.
How to Perform the Drill:
- Place a standard target ten yards away.
- Fire one shot, then two shots, then three shots, and so on up to five shots in one sequence.
- Each shot should be well-placed—do not sacrifice accuracy for speed.
- Take a break between sequences to assess your shot grouping.
Pro Tip: If you struggle with accuracy at higher shot counts, slow down and focus on your trigger reset and sight alignment.
The Reload Drill
Purpose: Teaches efficient magazine changes under time constraints.
Knowing how to reload efficiently is a critical skill for any shooter. This drill ensures you can reload smoothly and quickly without fumbling.
How to Perform the Drill:
- Load your magazine with only one or two rounds.
- Fire until the gun runs dry, then reload as quickly as possible.
- Focus on maintaining proper grip and sight alignment while reloading.
- Resume shooting immediately after reloading.
Pro Tip: Keep your spare magazine accessible (such as in a mag pouch) and practice reloading without looking down.
The “Walk and Shoot” Drill
Purpose: Teaches shooting while moving—a fundamental skill for self-defense or competition.
Many real-world scenarios require shooting on the move. This drill builds your ability to maintain accuracy while walking.
How to Perform the Drill:
- Stand ten yards from the target.
- Fire one shot while stepping forward.
- Continue moving toward the target, firing a controlled shot with each step.
- Practice moving backward and sideways while engaging the target.
Pro Tip: Keep your knees slightly bent and your upper body steady. This helps maintain accuracy while in motion.
Train Smarter at PAC Range
Practicing these beginner-friendly shooting range drills will help you develop solid fundamentals, improve accuracy, and gain confidence with your firearm. At PAC Range, we prioritize safety, skill development, and education, ensuring every shooter—regardless of experience level—has the opportunity to grow.
Tips for an Effective Training Session
- Set Clear Goals – Focus on specific skills in each session.
- Prioritize Safety – Always follow range rules and maintain muzzle discipline.
- Analyze Your Shots – Use a target with scoring rings to track progress.
- Stay Consistent – Regular practice leads to steady improvement.
If you are ready to take your training to the next level, join us at PAC Range for personalized instruction and structured training sessions. Whether you are practicing for self-defense or sport, our state-of-the-art facilities and expert instructors will help you achieve your shooting goals.
Visit PAC Range today and start your training journey with confidence.
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