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

FN Updgrades
FN Updgrades

FN Improves Iconic MAG Machine Gun

The FN MAG, better known to Americans as the M240 machine gun, has been in U.S. military service since 1976, and this year, the platform has gotten some serious upgrades.

Switching It Up In West Texas: The WTO SwitchLug System

The SwitchLug by WTO is designed for popular rifles, and it’s a modern system that doesn’t require buying new rifle.

President’s Column | On a Scale of One to 10, Houston Was a 20

As they say, the 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting in Houston is a wrap. More than 73,000 freedom-loving Second Amendment supporters—the highest number since the COVID pandemic—joined us for three days of celebrating freedom.

The Smith & Wesson Academy Reopens

One of the latest expansions at S&W's new Maryville facility is the addition of an entirely new training ground, the new home of the legendary Smith & Wesson Academy.

New for 2026: EAA Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifles

This year, EAA Corp. expanded its catalog with a new hunting rifle, the Balikli BLK bolt-action, which has high-end features for its price, as well as compatibility with broad aftermarket.

HOUSTON 2026 | The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Exuberance was the defining spirit of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings. More than 73,000 attendees packed the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston to celebrate 250 years of America, concurrent with 155 years of their NRA.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.