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

Mossberg Maverick Sa F
Mossberg Maverick Sa F

Mossberg Expands Budget-Priced Maverick Line With Semi-Auto Model

As part of its International family of shotguns, Mossberg announced the introduction of the Maverick SA Semi-Auto, a versatile, value-focused semi-automatic platform built to deliver reliable performance.

New For 2026: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC

Springfield Armory's new Echelon 4.0FC combines the full-size capacity of the full-size Echelon with the compact slide of the company's 4.0C model.

Beretta Celebrates 500 Years In 2026

In 1526, Bartolomeo Beretta received his first order of arquebus barrels. Now the company is celebrating 500 years in business, and the Beretta family is still at the helm.

CVA Does Plinkers: The Cascade Rimfire Series

Known for its extensive line of muzzleloaders, this year, CVA is expanding its cartridge-firing lineup with the introduction of the CVA Cascade Rimfire series of rifles.

Favorite Firearms: A Little Rifle, A Big Gift From Dad

My story starts in a small gun shop in Brewster, Ohio, run by a Korean War veteran out of his garage. He had some nice new guns and sporting goods and a small rack of used guns.

The PR-3AT: KelTec's Magazine-Free .380

At its heart, the KelTec PR-3AT is a compact concealed-carry pistol chambered in .380 ACP that uses the same rotary-barrel and top-loading, magazine-free design as the PR57.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.