2-4-2 Drill Breakdown

Published on February 25, 2026
Duration: 6:07

This expert-level guide breaks down the 2-4-2 drill, a performance-based training exercise popularized by Rick from Achilles Heel Tactical. The drill emphasizes efficient movement, target prioritization, and accurate shooting under time pressure, using a 2-4-2 round engagement sequence on targets of varying sizes and distances. It's designed to expose deficiencies in movement and shooting efficiency, with hit factor calculations providing an objective measure of skill.

Quick Summary

The 2-4-2 drill is a firearms training exercise designed to improve efficiency and accuracy under pressure. It involves engaging two targets on the front, four in the middle, and two in the back, typically for time. The hit factor (total points divided by time) is used to objectively measure performance, highlighting movement deficiencies and target prioritization skills.

Chapters

  1. 00:20Introduction to the 2-4-2 Drill
  2. 00:40Drill Layout and Target Setup
  3. 01:04Purpose of Drill Target Setup
  4. 01:19Rifle Run One Objective
  5. 01:302-4-2 Drill Explained
  6. 02:07Second Rifle Run Comparison Focus
  7. 02:58Calculating Hit Factor
  8. 03:27Run Two Improved Movement and Exit
  9. 04:07Iterations on Transitions and Safety
  10. 04:412-4-2 Drill with Pistol
  11. 05:24Drill Advantages Exposed by Runs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2-4-2 drill and its purpose?

The 2-4-2 drill is a firearms training exercise focusing on efficiency and accuracy. It involves engaging two targets on the front, four in the middle, and two in the back, typically for time. Its purpose is to expose movement deficiencies, improve target prioritization, and measure skill through a hit factor calculation.

How is the hit factor calculated in the 2-4-2 drill?

The hit factor is calculated by dividing the total score (points earned from hitting target zones) by the total time taken to complete the drill. This provides an objective measure of shooting performance, combining accuracy with speed.

What are the target setup requirements for the 2-4-2 drill?

The drill typically uses a wide USPSA target as the front target, followed by two partial targets in depth. The shooter starts at a designated position, often 20 yards from the first target, with a cone placed 5 yards off the first target to mark a movement point.

How does the 2-4-2 drill help improve shooting skills?

By running the drill for time and analyzing the hit factor, shooters can identify inefficiencies in their movement, transitions between targets, and weapon handling. Comparing multiple runs, like one with beginner mistakes versus an optimized run, clearly shows areas needing improvement.

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