6 Pistol Drills I Practice at the Range

Published on April 9, 2026
Duration: 46:52

This video details the El Presidente drill, a classic pistol training exercise developed by Jeff Cooper in the 1970s. The drill emphasizes accuracy, speed, and fundamental shooting mechanics, incorporating elements like turning, multiple target engagements, magazine changes, and target transitions. The instructor, Pat Mac, demonstrates the drill at a relaxed pace for warm-up, focusing on smooth execution and feeling the firearm and ammunition, before gradually increasing speed. He also discusses common mistakes and the importance of objective self-critique during practice.

Quick Summary

The El Presidente drill is a classic pistol exercise developed by Jeff Cooper to enhance accuracy, speed, and firearm mechanics. It involves turning, engaging multiple targets, performing magazine changes, and re-engaging targets, promoting a holistic approach to shooting proficiency.

Chapters

  1. 00:22Range Warm-up and Course Prep
  2. 01:02The El Presidente Drill Explained
  3. 03:43Executing the El Presidente Drill
  4. 05:34Malfunction During Drill
  5. 06:42Analyzing El Presidente Performance
  6. 07:17Objective Self-Critique and Grip Issues
  7. 08:18The 'Impossible to Miss' Pace
  8. 08:54Press Checks and Weapon Status
  9. 09:18Checking Split Times and Mag Changes
  10. 10:39Focus on Accuracy Over Speed
  11. 11:22Pistol Malfunction (Extractor/Ejector Issue)
  12. 12:08Consistent El Presidente Times
  13. 13:14Loading Mags and Course Structure
  14. 14:14Instructor Challenges and New Drills
  15. 15:10The Big Picture: Better Shooters, Safer Communities
  16. 16:14Owning a Gun vs. Being Armed
  17. 17:02EDC: Beyond the Firearm
  18. 17:32The Liability of Untrained Gun Owners
  19. 18:32Beyond Shooting: Vehicle Awareness, First Aid
  20. 19:06The Sentinel Course Overview
  21. 21:04Slow Fire and Sight Zero Check
  22. 23:35The Value of Bullseye Shooting
  23. 24:57The Trifection Drill
  24. 27:53Breathing and Visualization on the Line
  25. 28:26Red Dot vs. Irons Sights
  26. 30:00Strong Hand vs. Support Hand Training
  27. 31:23Checking Split Times (Series of Fives)
  28. 35:03Reactive Targets and Avoiding 'Looking Over the Sights'
  29. 37:03Falling Plate Drill Setup and Execution
  30. 39:55Target Transition Drill (10-Second Par)
  31. 45:13Performance-Based vs. Outcome-Based Training
  32. 45:56Getting Out of the Flat Range Mindset

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the El Presidente drill and why is it important?

The El Presidente drill, developed by Jeff Cooper, is a fundamental pistol exercise that tests accuracy, speed, and firearm mechanics. It involves turning, engaging multiple targets twice, performing a magazine change, and then engaging the targets twice again, making it a comprehensive drill for overall shooting proficiency.

What are common mistakes to avoid during pistol drills like El Presidente?

Common mistakes include a loose pistol grip leading to excessive muzzle whip, poor support hand grip, and slow or fumbled magazine changes. The instructor also warns against focusing too much on speed at the expense of accuracy, emphasizing the 'impossible to miss' pace for building solid fundamentals.

How does Pat Mac approach training and self-improvement as a firearms instructor?

Pat Mac emphasizes performance-based training over outcome-based training, focusing on 'how well' and incremental improvement from a personal baseline. He advocates for objective self-critique, practicing weaknesses, and getting out of the flat range mindset to develop situational awareness and a broader tactical perspective.

What is the significance of reactive targets in firearms training?

Reactive targets, like falling plates, teach shooters to maintain focus on their sights and execute precise trigger control. They help prevent the common error of 'looking over the sights' to see the target's reaction, which can lead to misses and disrupt the shooting process.

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