Skills Check: Rifle Standard Delta 2

Carbine performance is all about maintaining control.

by
posted on September 13, 2026
** 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. **
AR on table with target

For me, drill work is about building consistency across changing variables. As distance decreases and time compresses, performance must remain stable. The goal is not just speed, but also to maintain control as the window tightens. The Rifle Standard Delta 2 is a drill that pressures recoil control, visual discipline and cadence as those demands increase.

This drill is shot at multiple distances with progressively shorter par times, forcing you to balance aggression with accountability. Shooters typically overdrive the gun at closer distances, assuming it’s easier, which leads to unnecessary misses. Stay disciplined, track your sights and let speed come from efficiency, rather than from rushing.

The drill begins at 20 yards with a 30-round magazine. On the signal, fire 10 rounds in 10 seconds. Move back to 10 yards and fire 10 rounds in 5 seconds and then move to 5 yards and fire the final 10 rounds in 2.5 seconds. The total round count is 30, with a 3-point penalty for every second over par. The target is either the TCT MK4 or the TCT B8; both honest targets that demand accountability as speed increases. Try scoring each stage individually to keep things cleaner.

When I run this drill, I’m watching how well I manage the gun as the problem speeds up. The closer targets don’t mean careless shooting; they demand even more control because the time is compressed. Most mistakes happen when shooters try to outrun their vision, followed by poor recoil control. If your hits start to fall apart, it’s not a speed issue; it’s probably a poor gun mount.

Here’s the Drill

Course of Fire:

Distance: 5 to 20 yards

Time: 2.5 to 10 seconds (3-point penalty for every second over par)

Rounds: 10 rounds per stage, 30 rounds total

Sequence:
At 20 yards, fire 10 rounds in 10 seconds
At 10 yards, fire 10 rounds in 5 seconds
At 5 yards, fire 10 rounds in 2.5 seconds

Scoring:
The drill is scored for a maximum of 300 points. Final score determines performance level:

211 to 240: Intermediate

241 to 270: Advanced (Passing)

271 to 300: Expert

Latest

SA 35 4 Polished 01
SA 35 4 Polished 01

Short & Sweet: Springfield Armory's SA-35 4" Polished Blued

Springfield Armory continues to expand its SA-35 High Power handgun line, and one of the latest versions is this new SA-35 4" Polished Blued model that provides some added luster while remaining compact.

75 Years of CCI

What better time to look at what’s new at CCI than when the company's celebrating 75 years in business?

The Galactic Pistol Alliance: An Entry Point For New Competition Shooters

Galactic Pistol Alliance jettisons rule confusion and offers a much more relaxed model for newcomers to competition shooting, all while keeping cool shooting stages and an emphasis on safety.

NRA Supporter & Gold Expert Mike Fuljenz Wins Newsletter Award

Longtime NRA Supporter Mike Fuljenz, founder of Universal Coin & Bullion, was awarded the 2026 Best Investment Newsletter award by the Numismatic Literary Guild. 

Keepin’ It Simple: Chiappa Wildlands 92 Field & Core Models

Chiappa USA is returning the Wildland series of lever-action rifles to its roots with the 92 Field and Core, designs that keep it simple while still offering modern features.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 5, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.