Vice Presidente Drill: A Classic Pistol Drill for Reloads and Target Transitions

The Vice Presidente Drill is a modernized variation of the classic “El Presidente” drill. It trades the turn-and-draw element for a face-forward, low-ready or holstered start—ideal for ranges with stricter movement rules, or as a pure measure of transition speed and shooting fundamentals.

This drill is a staple in competitive and defensive handgun training because it throws multiple targets, multiple hits, a reload, and a second engagement string at you—all under time.

Materials Needed:

  • Handgun and holster (or low-ready if range restricts draw)
  • Spare magazine and mag pouch 12 rounds of handgun ammo per run
  • Shot timer
  • Three silhouette or USPSA-style targets
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Tape/pasters for target reset

Setup Instructions:

  1. Space three targets shoulder-width apart (about 1 yard between each), all at 10 yards distance.
  2. Shooter starts facing downrange, hands at sides (or at low ready).
  3. One loaded magazine in the gun with 6 rounds, one spare with 6 rounds on your belt.
  4. Timer ready to record total time.

Drill Instructions:

  1. On the beep, draw (or come up from low ready).
  2. Fire two rounds into each target (left → center → right).
  3. Perform a reload.
  4. Fire two more rounds into each target (right → center → left).
  5. Yes, reverse the target order after the reload.
  6. Total of 12 rounds fired, 4 per target.

Scoring / Pass Criteria:

  • Use scoring zones (A-zone or center mass preferred).
  • Goal is all hits inside the vital zone.
  • Par time:
    • 10 seconds or less is solid.
    • Under 8 seconds = advanced performance.
  • Deduct 1 second for each miss or shot outside the scoring zone.

Coaching Tips / Variations (Optional):

  • Switch directions on the first volley: right → center → left, then left → center → right.
  • Run from concealment to simulate defensive conditions. Add a “failure drill” (2 to chest, 1 to head) to each target string for a higher complexity version. Use smaller targets like 4” circles or “down zero” IDPA zones to demand more precision.

Recommended Target Download – Use the MidAtlanticMunition 3-Silhouette Target or print three copies of the 3-Ring Target and space them out horizontally on a backer. Check out our free targets at midatlanticmunition.blog/free-targets.

This drill rewards speed—but demands control. Want to level up? Run it once a week and log your times. Share your results with us on Instagram—tag @midatlanticmunition! And if you need more ammo, check out our handgun ammo selection.