Skills Drill: Closing the Gap

With today’s threat of active shooters ever present, being able to shoot at distance can be an important skill. Similarly, the ability to hit a target when you’re physically challenged could make a big difference in such a situation.

Gear: No special gear.

Drill: This one requires some room. Place an IPSC target or eight-inch paper plate against a safe backstop. From 50 yards, engage the target with five rounds. Move quickly but safely to 25 yards and engage the target with another five rounds. Move quickly but safely to 10 yards and engage the target with another five rounds. If your carry gun is a revolver or semiauto with limited capacity, you’ll have to perform at least one reload.

Goals: Get hits—period. You want to see how well you can shoot farther out and how well you can execute shots when you’re breathing at least a little hard. You’re also learning safety: You’ve got to keep your finger out of the trigger guard when moving. As always, start slowly. Work on marksmanship and safe gun handling first and foremost.

You can add target stands or similar to represent cover at the 25- and 10-yard points. Move to these to engage the target and do any reloads. Additional targets at the backstop can help you tell how well you’re hitting at the longer distances.