Elisjsha Dicken Drill: A Long-Range Pistol Drill for Accuracy Under Pressure

The Dicken Drill honors the actions of 22-year-old Elisjsha Dicken, who stopped an active shooter at the Greenwood Park Mall in Indiana in July 2022. With only a concealed 9mm handgun and no formal law enforcement training, he delivered 10 rounds at roughly 40 yards—scoring 8 hits in 15 seconds and saving countless lives. This drill simulates that real-life scenario, testing your ability to react, move, and land shots at distance under time pressure.

Materials Needed:

  • Handgun (concealed carry configuration)
  • Holster
  • 10 rounds of ammunition
  • Shot timer
  • Full-size silhouette or IPSC-style target
  • Optional: barricade (for bracing at distance)
  • Eye and ear protection

Setup Instructions:

  1. Set up target at 40 yards.
  2. Shooter begins seated with firearm concealed.
  3. Use a shot timer or have someone call the start.
  4. Mark shooting positions at 40, 25, and 7 yards.
  5. Optionally place a barrier or post at the 40-yard mark for bracing.

Drill Instructions:

  • On the start signal, from seated position, draw and fire 4 rounds from 40 yards (brace if desired).
  • Advance to 25 yards and fire 4 more rounds.
  • Advance to 7 yards and fire the final 2 rounds.
  • Time stops after the 10th round is fired.

Scoring / Pass Criteria:

  • Hits: Minimum of 8 out of 10 rounds on target (center mass scoring zone).
  • Time: Complete all 10 rounds in 15 seconds or less.
  • Clean draw, consistent movement, and tight shot placement are key.

Coaching Tips / Variations (Optional):

  • Run the drill cold, as a first-shots test.
  • Use a par time function on your timer to increase pressure.
  • Modify the drill to include reloads or low-light conditions.
  • Record and review performance—this is a scenario where composure and control matter most.

Recommended Target Download:

Use a full-size silhouette target or A-zone style printable target. Check out our free downloadable targets page!

This drill isn’t just a test of skill—it’s a reminder. Your mindset and your training might be the only thing standing between chaos and order. Honor the real-world courage of Elisjsha Dicken by bringing focus and urgency to your own training. Track your progress over time, and share your best distance with us on Instagram—tag @midatlanticmunition! And if you need ammo that’s as consistent as your shooting, check out our handgun ammo collection.