Start Shooting Better Episode 5: The Casino Drill

Published on December 7, 2017
Duration: 5:41

The Casino Drill, developed by Tom Givens, is a challenging shooting exercise designed to test accuracy under cognitive load and stress. It requires drawing, engaging six numbered shapes in sequence, firing a specific number of rounds at each, and performing emergency reloads, all within a 21-second par time. This drill pushes shooters beyond basic mechanics, evaluating their performance when thinking is required beyond simple muscle memory.

Quick Summary

The Casino Drill, developed by Tom Givens, is a shooting exercise designed to test drawstroke, presentation, accuracy at speed, and emergency reloads under cognitive load and stress. Performed at 5 yards with a 21-second par time, it requires engaging six numbered targets in sequence, firing the indicated number of rounds at each, and reloading as necessary.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction to the Casino Drill
  2. 00:35Casino Drill Mechanics and Setup
  3. 01:06Drill Rules, Par Time, and Penalties
  4. 01:29Skills Tested and Drill Purpose
  5. 01:56Casino Drill Variations for Practice
  6. 02:32Understanding Performance and Accuracy
  7. 03:07The Impact of Stress on Performance
  8. 03:47Chris Baker's Casino Drill Run
  9. 04:18Melody Lauer's Casino Drill Run Analysis
  10. 04:54John Johnston's Casino Drill Variation
  11. 05:16Conclusion and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Casino Drill and what does it test?

The Casino Drill is a shooting exercise developed by Tom Givens that tests drawstroke, presentation, accuracy at speed, and emergency reloads. It requires engaging numbered targets in sequence while managing cognitive load and stress, pushing shooters beyond basic mechanics.

What are the rules and par time for the Casino Drill?

The Casino Drill is typically performed at 5 yards with 7 rounds in the pistol and two 7-round spare magazines. The par time is 21 seconds, with penalties added for misses or procedural errors. The goal is to engage six numbered shapes, firing the corresponding number of rounds at each.

How can I make the Casino Drill more challenging or prevent memorization?

To prevent memorization, use alternate targets with different shape arrangements. You can also vary magazine loading by using 6, 7, and 8 rounds, or have someone else randomly load magazines, ensuring a total of 21 rounds across three magazines.

What are good scores to aim for in the Casino Drill?

Current top scores are around high 10s to low 11s. Achieving a clean run within the 21-second par time is a significant accomplishment, especially for new or intermediate shooters. Accuracy is emphasized over simply chasing time.

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