Accuracy isn't just about having a great Rifle or Pistol; it’s about consistency, preparation, and practice. Whether you're sighting in a new Scope or trying to tighten your groups, the right Target Equipment and proper drills are essential. This guide covers the gear you need to analyze your performance and the simple exercises that will help you become a sharper shooter.

The Essential Equipment for Precision Practice

Effective training requires tools that give you immediate, reliable feedback on your shots. Invest in these items to make your range time more productive:

• Shooting Rests and Bipods: To eliminate human error and test the mechanical accuracy of your firearm, you need a stable platform. A quality Bipod or front and rear rest setup is crucial for zeroing and bench shooting. They provide the rock-solid base needed to diagnose true accuracy problems versus simple shooter error.

• Magnification Tools (Spotting Scopes and Binoculars): Don't waste time walking downrange after every shot. A good pair of Binoculars or a high-powered Spotting Scope allows you to instantly see your point of impact, enabling immediate adjustment and saving valuable range time.

• Range Finders: Knowing the exact distance to your target is non-negotiable for accurate shooting, especially at longer distances. A reliable Range Finder provides the precise data needed to make correct elevation holdovers or scope adjustments.

• Quality Targets: Paper targets with clear grid lines (MOA or Mil) are ideal for sighting in. For immediate visual feedback during drills, reactive or steel targets are an excellent investment. Always ensure you are using appropriate Target Equipment rated for your caliber.

Fundamental Range Drills to Improve Consistency

The Ball-and-Dummy Drill

This simple drill is the best way to diagnose one of the most common shooting flaws: anticipating recoil (flinching). Mix three to five rounds of live Ammunition with three to five dummy rounds (or snap caps) into your pistol magazine or rifle. Cycle the gun and fire without knowing whether a live round or dummy is up next. If you flinch when the dummy round is hit, your sights will dip, revealing your pre-ignition push.

The Dot Torture Test

Widely used by instructors, this drill uses a single sheet of paper with ten 2-inch circles (dots). It combines different shooting skills—drawing, reloading, strong-hand-only, and weak-hand-only shooting—into one comprehensive assessment. Each dot has a specific sequence of shots and fire positions. Shooting this drill regularly provides a quantitative measure of your progress across all pistol fundamentals.

The 5x5 Drill (Rifle/Shotgun)

This focuses on precision and speed at moderate distances. Set up a target with a specific, small aim point (like a quarter-sized sticker). The goal is to fire five consecutive shots into that point, using a timer. Start by focusing purely on accuracy, even if it takes a long time. Once you can consistently hit the 5-shot group, gradually decrease your time limit. This trains you to manage recoil and maintain sight picture rapidly.

The One-Hole Group Drill (Rifle)

At 50 or 100 yards, your goal is simple: make one ragged hole. Use your most stable platform (Bipod and rear bag) and focus intensely on sight alignment, breathing control, and trigger press. Don't worry about the time; worry about perfection. This drill builds the mental discipline necessary for precision long-range shooting.