DOT TORTURE DRILL COURSE OF FIRE
The drill consists of shooting 50 rounds at ten two-inch dots from a distance of 3 yards.
First Dot – Draw and fire one string of 5 rounds as accurately as possible. Ideally it should be one hole. Rounds required: 5
Second Dot – Draw and fire 1 shot, holster, and repeat four times. Rounds required: 5
Third & Fourth Dots – Draw and fire 1 shot on Dot 3, then 1 shot on Dot 4. Holster and repeat three times. Rounds required: 8.
Fifth Dot – Draw and fire a string of 5 shots using only your strong hand. Rounds required: 5.
Sixth & Seventh Dots – Draw and fire 2 shots on Dot 6, then 2 on Dot 7. Holster and repeat four times. Rounds Required: 16.
Eighth Dot – From ready or retention position, fire five shots using only your support hand. Rounds required: 5.
Ninth and Tenth Dots – Draw and fire 1 shot on Dot 9, perform a speed reload and then fire 1 shot on Dot 10. Holster and repeat three times. Rounds required: 6.
TIPS FOR EACH DOT
- 1st Dot: Consider this as a warmup dot. Your eyes should be focused on the front sight, and you should be looking for a surprise trigger break with each shot. Pay close attention with each shot here, because this is as easy as this drill gets.
- 2nd Dot: This is a great opportunity to work on your press-out and a smooth draw from concealment. Accuracy is still the goal here, but start to work on other techniques as well.
- 3rd and 4th Dots: These dots build on what you’ve learned in the first two dots and add in transitioning to another target. Don’t over-run the dot when moving back and forth. Rather, get a good sight picture and a trigger press with each shot on each dot.
- 5th Dot: Getting a good grip on your pistol and understanding how your sights move are the key to success on this stage. Chances are, this dot is going to be a rude wake up call for you. It’s very hard to shoot this dot clean unless you’ve made strong-hand only work a priority during your dry-fire and live-fire practice.
- 6th and 7th Dots: Mental concentration is the key to success on these dots. Because the shoot two then two rhythm is quite familiar to anyone who’s done some training or competition, it’s tempting to fall into bad habits on these two dots. Resist that temptation, and pay attention to each shot on these dots.
- 8th Dot: Long distance runners have “the wall,” and people who shoot the Dot Torture Drill have the eighth dot. Any flaws with your trigger press, sight picture, or grip come into sharp focus when you’re using only your support hand. If you can shoot this dot clean on a regular basis, you should be able to handle the other nine dots in this drill.
- 9th & 10th Dot: The key to these dots is maintaining your concentration as you manipulate your gun. The reload forces you to briefly shift your attention from the front sight and trigger in order to slide a new magazine into your gun. This, in turn, can cause your mind to wander when it comes time to make the shot on the last dot.
50 Rounds per session usually a minimum of 3 Sessions place pre-practice shoots = 200 rounds for the day
The Dot Torture Drill is indeed a challenging and effective drill for improving pistol shooting skills. Here are some additional tips and insights for those looking to undertake this drill:
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety when handling firearms. Ensure you’re in a controlled environment, follow all safety protocols, and use proper eye and ear protection.
- Start Slow: As mentioned, don’t rush through this drill. Focus on accuracy and precision before attempting to speed up your shooting. Smooth and controlled trigger pulls are key.
- Dry Fire Practice: Before live-firing, consider dry-fire practice with an unloaded firearm. Dry fire allows you to work on your trigger control, sight alignment, and draw without the cost of live ammunition.
- Holster Skills: If you’re not experienced with drawing from a holster, seek professional training to ensure you’re doing it safely and efficiently. It’s a critical skill for defensive pistol use.
- Grip and Recoil Management: Pay attention to your grip and how the gun recoils during each shot. A proper grip and stance can help you maintain control and improve accuracy.
- Focus on the Front Sight: Consistently focus on the front sight post when aiming. The front sight is your reference point for accurate shooting.
- Practice Weak Hand Shooting: Weak-hand shooting can be challenging, but it’s a crucial skill for self-defense scenarios. Dedicate time to practicing and improving your weak-hand shooting.
- Reloading Skills: Mastering the speed reload is essential. Ensure your reloads are smooth and efficient, minimizing downtime.
- Record Your Progress: Keep a log of your Dot Torture Drill scores. This will help you track your improvement over time and identify areas that need more work.
- Challenge Yourself: Once you consistently achieve perfect scores at three yards, consider moving back to longer distances, such as five or seven yards. Shooting accurately at greater distances is an excellent way to enhance your skills.
- Variations: You can create variations of the Dot Torture Drill to add even more challenge. For example, you can shoot it under time constraints or with reduced-sized targets to increase difficulty.
- Mental Focus: Maintain mental focus throughout the drill. Avoid rushing through the shots or getting complacent, especially during repetitive sequences.
- Review and Adjust: After each session, review your performance and identify areas where you struggled. Adjust your training accordingly to address those weaknesses.
- Stay Safe and Have Fun: Shooting should be an enjoyable and educational experience. Always prioritize safety, and don’t get discouraged by mistakes. Use them as opportunities to learn and improve.
Remember that mastery of any skill takes time and dedication. The Dot Torture Drill is an excellent tool for refining your pistol shooting skills and can help you become a more proficient and confident shooter.
