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

Icarry Duty Holsters 1
Icarry Duty Holsters 1

I Carry: A Look at Today's Latest Duty Holsters

Duty holsters have their place, particularly in law-enforcement and security circles, and they do provide some benefits to civilian users, too.

Political Report | Oregon’s Hunting, Fishing, and Agricultural Gambit Accelerates the End Game

Gun control activists have become increasingly emboldened. The shift from targeting the margins to challenging the mainstream signals nothing is off-limits. Gun bans are being aimed at the most popular firearms in America. Now, even hunting—which survives in countries that ban defensive gun use—is being targeted.

ACGG Creates Doug Turnbull Firearms Restoration Arts Grant

The American Custom Gunmakers Guild Foundation announced the introduction of its new "Doug Turnbull Firearms Restoration Arts Grant," which is an expansion on the foundation's mission to support gunsmithing education in the United States.

The Armed Citizen® July 31, 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.

Review: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

Lipsey’s has teamed up with Smith & Wesson to revive a pair of short-lived, but highly sought after, Night Guard revolvers. The L-frame options include the Model 386, a seven-shot design chambered in .357 Mag.

Standing Guard | We Need to Stand Tall Together

In the short time I have been in this position—humbled and honored to be serving you and our cause—I have focused on streamlining our programs and services, refocusing our efforts on our competitions and other events, and committing resources to the many legal and legislative fights we are in to defend and, where necessary, to win back our Second Amendment-protected freedom.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.