Failure Drill

posted on July 14, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg

The Failure Drill consists of three shots designed to ensure that an attacker is stopped by putting two shots into center of mass with a final shot to the head.

While most attackers can be deterred by the simple act of drawing a gun, and most others with a single shot or two, the Failure Drill stops those few attackers that just don’t stop due to adrenalin, motivation or drug use.

The idea is simple. Fire two shots into the center-of-mass to stop the attack, but if these don’t do the job, it should at least slow the attacker down long enough to fire a carefully aimed shot to the head. While this seems like common sense, most people automatically refer back to however they typically shoot at the range when under the stress of an attack. This is why the failure drill is so important. If you normally only fire at the center of mass at the range, then you will probably only fire at the center of mass during an attack.

Start the failure drill with the gun in your holster concealed by a cover garment with a silhouette target about 5 to 7 yards away. Have a friend time your efforts along with telling you to go. At the mark, draw and fire two rounds into center mass, then transition and fire one shot to the head. Most shooters will take around 3 to 4 seconds to perform this drill, while a good shooter can shave it down to below three. If you can do it in around two seconds, you’re good.

Latest

Appendix-Carry
Appendix-Carry

Rifleman Report: Proficiency Is Key

As the end of the calendar year approaches, and new firearms and related products continue to become available, we’re reminded that, while gear is important, training safely with it while developing familiarity is just as vital.

Tips & Techniques: Applying A Linseed Oil Finish (Without Turning Your Stock Into A Sticky Mess)

Linseed oil may be the oldest wood finish known to man, with evidence of linseed oil finishes being applied to wood as far back as ancient Egypt.

I Have This Old Gun: British Garate Revolver

World War I, as it would come to be known, rather took most powers by surprise. In 1914, Great Britain, which had not entered into a formal alliance with France and Russia, was expected by some to sit on the sidelines while the others went at it.

Beretta Commemorates 50th Anniversary Of 90 Series Pistol Family

Beretta's popular 90 Series handguns, including the iconic Beretta 92, celebrates 50 years of production in 2025, and to honor the milestone, the company has released a limited-edition variant.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 24, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Ruger & Glenfield: Revisiting The Budget Approach To Firearms

Decades ago, no-frills firearms were offered within the sporting-goods departments of many popular retailers. Does the return of the Glenfield Firearms brand by Ruger signal a return to those days?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.