The Modified Dot Torture drill based on a popular shooting exercise (Dot Torture Drill) designed to help shooters improve their marksmanship skills, particularly, trigger control, transitions, and reloading. This drill involves shooting at a target with multiple numbered dots, each presenting a unique challenge. The drill is usually done at 3 yards, but can be moved back as skill improves.
Modified Dot Torture Drill Target – Click to Download
Here’s an outline of the dot torture drill:
- Materials Needed:
- A firearm
- At least 50 rounds of ammunition
- Modified Dot Torture target sheet, which contains 10 circles (dots) numbered from 1 to 10. These can be found online and printed out.
- Drill Breakdown:
- Dot 1: From Ready Position, extend fire one string of 5 rounds for best group. One hole if possible, total 5 rounds.
- Dot 2: From Ready Position, extend fire 1 round, back to ready and repeat X4, total 5 rounds.
- Dots 3 & 4: From Ready Position, extend fire 1 round on #3, then 1 round on #4, back to ready and repeat X3, total 8 rounds.
- Dot 5: From Ready Position, extend fire string of 5 rounds, strong hand only, total 5 rounds.
- Dots 6 & 7: From Ready Position, extend fire 2 rounds on #6, then 2 on #7, back to ready, repeat X4, total 16 rounds.
- Dot 8: From Ready Position, extend fire five rounds, weak hand only, total 5 rounds.
- Dots 9 & 10: From Ready Position, extend fire 1 round on #9, speed reload, fire 1 round on #10, back to ready and repeat X3, total 6 rounds.
- Scoring and Completion:
- The goal is to complete the drill without any misses. If a miss occurs, it’s recommended to start over until you can complete the whole drill with no misses.
- The objective is not speed but accuracy and smoothness of motions. As your skill improves, you can begin to add speed to the drill.
- For a more challenging variation, increase the distance, or reduce the size of the dots.
Remember, safety is paramount. Always ensure that your firearm is in a safe condition when not actively firing, and always be mindful of your muzzle direction. Make sure to follow all range rules and safety guidelines.