Tips & Techniques: “Right & Wrong” Drill

by
posted on January 11, 2025
** 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. **
pistol with target

A simple 15-shot learning exercise, the aptly named Right & Wrong Drill consists of two strings of fire focused on technically correct execution of the fundamentals for maximum accuracy and two that encourage the shooter to explore how much he or she can get away with technique-wise and still get an acceptable hit.

The target is a standard 8.5"x11" piece of paper folded in half and then halved again for a roughly 4"x5" rectangle. The shooter places the target 3 yards away for the first few strings. To begin, the shooter fires—as nearly as possible—a perfectly centered shot, focusing on feeling the trigger move straight rearward and the sear release. The next two shots are now placed as nearly as possible into the first shot’s bullet hole, keeping in mind that the point of aim will have to compensate for the height of the sights or optic over the bore. 

Now the hard toggle to “wrong,” staying at the same distance. Fire four individual shots while aimed for the center of the target but “whacking” the trigger hard. The object is to see if your firing grasp is sufficiently placed and firm to resist the crashing of the trigger and keep the impacts in the small target. It will feel as if you are breaking the rules, but you may be surprised at the results.

The next three shots explore poor sight alignment. Intentionally misalign the front sight so that it is barely inside the rear notch to the left, high and right while pointing toward the center of the target. With an optic, place the red dot just outside the window where it is no longer visible to the same vectors. Break each of these shots with a correct press to isolate the variables. Surprisingly, impacts will typically be well within the target.

With the knowledge of how much one can get away with, place the target at 12 yards. Finish by doing things “right”—fire a careful five-shot group with diligent application of sight alignment/picture, trigger control and follow-through. The goal is to keep all hits on the paper.

Latest

Kahr Arms X9
Kahr Arms X9

Review: Kahr Arms X9

When Kahr introduced the 10-round X9, it was first a matter of “about time.” However, after examining the pistol, it’s apparent that the company found a way to catch up with its competitors in a hurry.

Frugal Tactical: Retay USA's RA1522 Line

Largely known for its line of imported shotguns, Retay USA is moving into the tactical rimfire field with its collection of .22 LR-chambered RA1522 guns.

The Armed Citizen® March 9, 2026

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

Firearm Industry Rebound on the Horizon?

Several industry developments indicate the post-pandemic decline in gun sales may finally be coming to a halt. Here's what that means for consumers.

Preview: Adapteur & Silencieux Silencer Adapter

Cleverly designed and precisely made in France by Adaptateur & Silencieux, the Ruger Mark IV, III and II Silencer Adapter allows those classic models to accept suppressors.

Review: Yankee Hill Machine Victra-12 Shotgun Suppressor

Yankee Hill Machine has recently released its Victra-12 shotgun suppressor, which promises to quiet the report of a 12-gauge shotgun while adding less weight than ever before.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.