Created by David Blinder, the Dot Torture Drill is a no-frills, low-round-count challenge that will expose any weakness in your pistol fundamentals. It’s not about speed—it’s about precision. And once you can clean it consistently at 3 yards, start backing up. If you’re honest with your training, this one will frustrate you before it builds you.
Materials Needed:
- Handgun and holster (if working draws)
- 50 rounds of ammunition
- Shot timer (optional)
- Dot Torture target (10 numbered 2” circles)
- Spare magazine
- Eye and ear protection
Setup Instructions:
- Set the Dot Torture target at 3 yards (start here, then move back as proficiency improves).
- Shooter starts from low ready or holstered, based on current skill level.
- Follow the drill instructions for each numbered dot.
Drill Instructions:
- Dot 1: Draw and fire 5 shots (all into one dot).
- Dot 2: Draw and fire one shot, 5 times (reholstering between each shot).
- Dot 3 & 4: Draw and fire one shot on 3, then one on 4. Repeat 4 times (8 rounds).
- Dot 5: Draw, fire 5 shots strong hand only.
- Dot 6 & 7: From ready, fire two shots on 6, then two on 7. Repeat 4 times (16 rounds).
- Dot 8: From ready, fire 5 shots weak hand only.
- Dot 9 & 10: Draw and fire one shot on 9, reload, then one shot on 10. Repeat 3 times (6 rounds).
Scoring / Pass Criteria:
- Goal: All 50 shots must land inside the 2” dots.
- No time limit—this is a control and fundamentals drill, not a speed test.
- Record total hits out of 50 and track your progress week to week.
Coaching Tips / Variations (Optional):
- Start close, then gradually increase distance (3 → 5 → 7 yards).
- Only count it as “passed” when you shoot a perfect 50/50.
- Add a par time for each dot to layer in pressure.
- Run it cold to gauge skill without warm-up bias.
Recommended Target Download – Use a standard Dot Torture target (ten 2” circles). We’re developing our own MidAtlanticMunition-branded version for this drill. Check back soon or explore other free printable targets here: midatlanticmunition.blog/free-targets
Continue Your Training
This drill is part of the MidAtlanticMunition Shooting Drills & Firearms Training Hub, a growing library of handgun drills, rifle drills, dry fire exercises, training standards, and downloadable targets.
→ Explore the Full Shooting Drills & Firearms Training Hub
Dot Torture will make you slow down, focus, and own every shot. Post your scores, challenge a buddy, or revisit it monthly as a performance benchmark. Want our branded Dot Torture target? Drop us a line and we’ll get it done. Track your progress over time, and share your results with us on Instagram—tag @midatlanticmunition! And if you need ammo that’s as consistent as your shooting, check out our handgun ammo collection.