Master the Baer Standard Shooting Drill

You need a benchmark to test your cold-start performance. Therefore, you must shoot the Baer Standard shooting drill. Specifically, this drill exposes flaws in your draw, target transitions, and speed reloads. Ultimately, you will discover exactly where your pistol skills need immediate improvement.

Key Takeaways

• You must shoot this drill entirely cold without any warmup.
• Furthermore, you must achieve 100% accuracy to pass.
• Consequently, speed reloads and throttle control dictate your success.

Baer Standard Shooting Drill Quick-Reference Metrics

• Target Type: Baer Solutions Standard Target (Two 6″x3.5″ rectangles, one 3″ center circle)
• Distance: 3 yards, 5 yards, or 7 yards
• Par Time: 9 seconds or less
• Rounds Fired: 13 total rounds
• Starting Position: Gun holstered, hands relaxed at your sides. 10 rounds loaded in the gun, 3 rounds in a spare magazine.

Step-by-Step Execution

You must execute these steps flawlessly to beat the par time. Therefore, pay close attention to the sequence.

1. First, load your pistol with a 10-round magazine and holster it. Place a 3-round magazine in your pouch.
2. Next, stand with your hands relaxed at your sides. Wait for the shot timer buzzer.
3. Subsequently, draw your firearm and aggressively fire 5 rounds into either the left or right rectangle.
4. Then, transition immediately to the opposite rectangle and fire 5 more rounds.
5. Afterward, perform a rapid slide-lock speed reload using your 3-round magazine.
6. Finally, slow your pace and fire the last 3 rounds precisely into the 3-inch center circle.

Pro Tips for Dominating the Drill

You must control your mental pacing. Specifically, you shoot the

rectangles fast but you must shoot the center circle carefully. Furthermore, your speed reload acts as a forced tempo change. Consequently, you give your brain time to switch from speed mode to precision mode.

Moreover, you cannot afford a sloppy grip. Hence, secure a crushing grip during your initial draw stroke. Otherwise, your sights will bounce erratically during the rapid-fire strings. Ultimately, consistent grip pressure guarantees faster split times.

FULL RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

The firearm drills, exercises, standards, and related information provided on this website are for general informational and reference purposes only. They do NOT constitute professional instruction, certification, or supervision. Firearms training is an inherently dangerous activity that carries a significant risk of property damage, severe bodily injury, or death.

By accessing, reading, or utilizing the information on this website, you expressly agree to the following terms:

• Assumption of Risk: You voluntarily assume all risks associated with the handling and discharging of firearms and the execution of any drills described herein.
• Release of Liability: You agree to fully release, indemnify, and hold harmless the operators, authors, and affiliates of this website from any and all civil or criminal liability, claims, damages, or legal consequences arising directly or indirectly from your use or misuse of this material.
• Personal Responsibility: You are solely responsible for your own safety, actions, and judgment. You agree that you will only attempt these drills under the direct, in-person supervision of a certified firearms instructor.
• Strict Compliance: You agree to strictly adhere to all applicable local, state, and federal laws, facility range rules, and universal firearm safety protocols. Speed and performance must never supersede strict physical safety.

If you do not accept these terms in full, or if you are unsure of your physical or technical capabilities, do not attempt any drills or exercises described on this website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss a shot on the Baer Standard shooting drill?

You automatically fail the drill if you drop a single shot outside the designated scoring zones. Furthermore, precision matters more than speed. Therefore, you must guarantee 100% accuracy before pushing your par time.

Can I run this drill with a rifle instead of a pistol?

Yes, you can absolutely adapt this drill for a rifle. Specifically, you start at the low ready position from 10 yards away instead of drawing from a holster. Consequently, you still test your transitions and reloads under pressure.

Why do I need to shoot this drill cold?

You never get a warmup in a real-world self-defense encounter. Ultimately, shooting cold reveals your baseline, on-demand performance level. Therefore, it provides the most honest assessment of your current tactical abilities.