Step into the Live-Fire locker – these posts are about sending rounds downrange when the timer is running hot and the targets don’t care about excuses.
Straight from the range: full drill breakdowns with real par times, shot strings, splits, and reloads on camera, plus the gear that survived (or didn’t) when brass was flying. No dry-fire-only here – if it’s tagged live-fire, I burned real ammo so you can see exactly what clean runs look like from concealment, what gear holds zero after 300 rounds, and how fast you actually need to be to pass the standards that matter. Grab your range bag, steal the setups, beat the times, and show off your target pics on the socials.
Central Texas Standards – Chip McCormick & Ronin Colman’s nearly forgotten 125-round monster. Weak-hand, reloads, 50-yard shots, even prone. This 1980s beast still demands Master-class skill to clean in 2025.
Ken Hackathorn’s The Wizard doesn’t mess around—it’s a raw competency test for concealed carriers. You either have the skills to nail it, or you don’t. So, how tough is it? Let’s break it down.
Jim’s Helluva Little Drill is deceptively challenging. When executed correctly, it sharpens your ability to stay process-focused while running a gun, all while honing often-overlooked marksmanship skills. Let’s explore it.
The 1-2-3-4-5 Drill is an easy but sneaky challenge. Clean it at 5 yards, then chase 15 Xs or push the distance. Ready to test your skills? Dive into the breakdown and give it a whirl!
Need a shot timer to up your game? Don’t sweat range yahoos and knuckleheads—I’ve got you covered with pro picks and alternatives for dry fire, matches, and coaching. Let’s make matchmaking magic!
Been slacking on drill posts—oops. Time to get back on the horse with the NRA Basic Pistol qual. 5 yards, 5 shots, 4-inch circle, no clock. Cakewalk? Maybe. I broke it down to see if it’s worth your time—read on…
KR’s Three Seconds or Less drill is a solid baseline for minimum competency concealed handgun carriers should strive for. But how difficult is it? Let’s find out.
The Casino drill, developed by Tom Givens, challenges marksmanship and cognitive skills. Variations of the drill increase cognitive difficulty. It’s a fun drill and a valuable training tool.
The Rangemaster Advanced Firearms Instructor Qualification course of fire contains tighter time limits and more complex shooting sequences. Despite subtle differences, its overall difficulty is comparable to the initial qualification.
The Rangemaster Firearms Instructor Qualification course of fire has evolved over time, with different revisions documented. Passing requires consistent pistol handling skills and the ability to handle test pressure.
