Spring training is here. The weather is warmer and the days are longer. You’re hitting the range more. Here are five drills to knock off the winter rust and sharpen your fundamentals. Try them with both carbine and handgun.

1. DOT TORTURE
DISTANCE: 3–5 YARDS | 50 ROUNDS

Use a target with ten small circles. Each circle has a specific task — slow fire, draws, strong-hand only, reloads. Five rounds per circle.
The focus here is fundamentals: trigger control, sight alignment, and discipline. If winter left your shooting a little sloppy, this drill would show it — and help fix it. Remember your optic offset!

2. BILL DRILL
DISTANCE: 7 YARDS | 6 ROUNDS

From the holster, fire six rounds into the A‑zone as quickly as you can maintain control.
Named after Bill Wilson, the Bill Drill tests recoil management, grip, and your ability to track your sights under speed.
It’s simple, but brutally honest.

3. FAILURE DRILL (MOZAMBIQUE)
DISTANCE: 5–7 YARDS | 3 ROUNDS PER REP

Two shots to the body, followed by one to the head.
The drill became widely known through teachings from Col. Jeff Cooper. According to the story, a mercenary in Mozambique stopped a threat only after transitioning from center‑mass shots to a headshot.
Today, the drill teaches target transitions, recoil control, and precision under speed.

4. THROTTLE CONTROL
DISTANCE: 5 YARDS

Popularized by T.REX Arms, the Throttle Control drill helps shooters manage cadence and transitions between targets.
From the draw, engage each circle according to the number printed inside it. Larger circles allow faster splits, while smaller circles force you to slow down and confirm the sight picture.
The goal is learning to “drive the throttle” — shooting fast when the target allows it and slowing down when precision demands it.

5. 1‑RELOAD‑1 DRILL
DISTANCE: 7 YARDS

Start with one round in the gun and a loaded magazine on your belt. Fire one round, reload, and fire one more.
It’s a simple way to work on efficient reloads while keeping your sights on target.
You don’t need a complicated training plan to get back into rhythm. A few focused drills and consistent reps can quickly bring your fundamentals back online.

And when you’re pushing the pace on drills like these, having equipment you trust matters. Optics from Meprolight are built for clarity, durability, and reliability — so you can stay focused on the fundamentals that make you better.
Get out there, shake off the winter rust, and make the most of the longer days.

Meprolight USA

1485 Mountain Road, Andersonville, TN 37705

717-985-4488

meprolight.com • marketing@meprolight.us