Skip to main content

Skills Drills: The 2x2x2 Drill

Skills Drills: The 2x2x2 Drill

I was first told of this drill in 1992 by a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, which was using it to keep its troops sharp with a pistol. The 2x2x2 drill is "skill on demand"; a soldier could be confronted by a trainer at any time—walking to lunch, say—and told to shoot the drill immediately; no prior warning, just like a gunfight.

Gear

Handgun in "real world of work" carry. Duty holster, thigh/chest rig or concealed—however you carry your gun. No open speed or competition rigs.

Drill


On command, draw and fire two rounds in two seconds at 20 feet on a 3x5 card placed vertical on a target backer. If a round breaks the edge of card it is considered a hit.

Goal

The history of handgun conflict has shown the pistol must be drawn and rounds on target in two second or less if a close threat is to be stopped. The 2x2x2 builds the required kinesthetic ability of delivering the drawn pistol to where the eyes are looking with minimal motion.


Speed is a lack of unnecessary motion and not herky-jerky muscle manipulation. To successfully complete the 2x2x2, the pistol must come straight up from the holster and punched straight out to card with no "ditch digging" or "fishing reel casting." Minimal trigger action and recoil control are essential.





GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

Smith & Wesson Model 350 Hunting Revolver In .350 Legend

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

First Look: Taurus GX4 XL

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

A Perfect 10? The S&W M&P 10mm

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

S&W M&P Shield Plus

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

A Perfect 10? The S&W M&P 10mm

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

Beretta A1 Carry

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

First Look: Federal .30 Super Carry Pistol Cartridge

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Learn

Bad Shooting Advice

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Learn

Skills Drills - 3 Second Headshot

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Learn

Shooting from Kneeling

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Handguns

Taurus GX4

Richard Nance shows off this easy to carry flashlight from Streamlight.
Gear

Streamlight Wedge

Handguns Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Handguns App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Handguns subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now