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

man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass
man inspecting a cartridge with a magnifying glass

The Drawbacks of Being a Numbers-Oriented Gun Guy

Like any hobby or pastime that is in any way even vaguely related to machines or technology, firearms attract a (possibly) disproportionate number of “right-brained,” STEM-oriented personalities who like numbers.

First Look: MDT Hand Cannon Slingshot

Slingshots are fun, but they can also be a legitimate backup defensive tool—in 2023, a 13-year-old Michigan boy saved his 8-year-old sister from being kidnapped by using a $3 slingshot to fire a marble and a rock at the assailant, striking him in the chest and head.

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.