By Tom Givens, Chief Firearms Instructor, Rangemaster Firearms Training Services
The goal here is to help motivate folks to get to the range and actually shoot their defensive weapons, and to have some fun in the process. A good way to do that is the 3-2-1 at 6 drill.
This is a simple, low round count drill that works on several skills in a very brief exercise. The target is the RFTS-Q silhouette, an IALEFI-Q, or an IDPA cardboard target. If the IDPA target is used, add a 2” circle to one shoulder. The drill is fired at 6 yards, about the length of a typical SUV.
The shooter starts with his gun holstered and concealed. On signal, draw and fire 3 rounds to the 8-inch chest circle, 2 rounds to the head circle, and 1 round to the zero circle above the target’s shoulder. Use an electronic timer or have an accomplice to time you with a stopwatch. Record your time for each run. All 6 rounds must hit the indicated area for a run to count.
Shoot the drill 3 times, for a total of 18 rounds. A single miss is a disqualification. If all 18 rounds hit the intended target zones, total the times for the 3 runs. The total time becomes your score. Your goals are as follows:
Normal earth people who carry a handgun: 35 seconds or less
Well-trained shooters: 30 seconds or less
Instructors: 25 seconds or less
Pistol Wizards: 15 seconds or less
This drill tests a rapid concealed presentation, varying cadences, a vertical transition, a horizontal transition, and a strict accuracy/accountability requirement…all in just a few rounds. You’re encouraged to go to the range, shoot the drill, and then post your thoughts and a photo of your target on the Rangemaster Facebook page. Give it a try.