El Presidente Drill:
This drill is part of the Universal Firearms Proficiency Standards project hosted by ShootingExperience.com.
The El Presidente Drill is a legendary firearms training exercise designed to test and improve a shooter’s draw speed, target transitions, recoil control, reload efficiency, and overall accuracy under time pressure.
Purpose
Originally developed by Col. Jeff Cooper, this drill trains real-world defensive shooting skills including fast draws, efficient target transitions, controlled pairs, and reloads under time pressure.
Equipment Needed
- Handgun (semi-automatic or revolver)
- 12 rounds minimum per run
- Three targets (USPSA/IPSC or IDPA silhouettes) or 11″ x 6″ paper
- Shot timer
- Magazine pouch
Procedure
- Set targets 1 yard apart, 10 yards from the shooter.
- Shooter starts facing away from targets, hands raised (“surrender position”).
- On the buzzer: Turn 180°, draw, fire two shots at each target.
- Reload, then fire two shots per target again in same order.
Scoring & Time Standards
Scoring Zones:
| Target Zone | USPSA Penalty | IDPA Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| A-Zone / Down Zero | 0 sec | 0 sec |
| C-Zone / Down One | +0.5 sec | +0.5 sec |
| D-Zone / Down Three | +1.0 sec | +1.5 sec |
| Miss | +10 sec | +5 sec |
| Procedural Errors | Varies | +3 sec |
Performance Goals:
- Beginner: 12+ seconds
- Intermediate: 8–12 seconds
- Advanced: 6–8 seconds
- Grandmaster-Level: Under 5 seconds
Drill Variations
- One-Handed Version: Use weak-hand only on second string.
- Headshot-Only: All shots must land in the head zone.
- Steel Version: Adapted for steel targets.
- Carbine Version: Modified for 25-yard rifle use.
FAQ
What does the El Presidente Drill test?
Draw speed, target transitions, accuracy under time pressure, and reloads.
Who invented the El Presidente Drill?
Col. Jeff Cooper, founder of modern pistolcraft.
What is a good time for this drill?
Under 12 seconds is solid, under 8 seconds is advanced, under 5 is elite.
Can I use a revolver?
Yes, though it may add difficulty due to slower reloads.
Do hits outside the A-zone still count?
Yes, but they carry time penalties depending on the scoring system.