The Riggs Drill is a deceptively simple pistol standard that compresses time, pressure, and accuracy into one unforgiving test. Originally developed and shared by Archangel Defense, this drill is designed to feel cinematic—but it quickly exposes sloppy fundamentals and rushed execution.
Set at just five yards, the Riggs Drill forces shooters to manage cadence, visual discipline, and trigger control while the clock is actively working against them. The target itself is intentionally distracting, encouraging shooters to rush. The standard punishes that impulse.
This isn’t a drill about dumping rounds or chasing ego-driven speed. It’s about composure under pressure, clean execution, and finishing strong when the timer is screaming and the target is daring you to screw it up.
Materials Needed
- Pistol and holster (concealed or duty setup)
- 8 rounds of ammunition
- Shot timer
- Riggs Drill target (printable)
- Target stand, tape, or stapler
Setup Instructions
- Place the Riggs Drill target at 5 yards.
- Start from the holster or compressed ready (par time varies by start position).
- Ensure your timer is set and ready—this drill moves fast and offers no recovery shots.
Drill Instructions
At the signal:
- Draw (or present from compressed ready) and fire 8 rounds at the target.
- Complete the string within the applicable par time:
- 10 seconds from the holster
- 8 seconds from compressed ready
- Drill ends after 8 total shots.
No make-ups. No resets. One clean run.
Scoring / Pass Criteria
- A hit counts if the bullet breaks the scoring line.
- 7 out of 8 hits is a passing score.
- More than one miss = failure.
- Shots fired over the par time count as misses.
This is a pass/fail standard. Either you execute under pressure, or the drill wins.
Coaching Tips / Variations
- Don’t let the target rush you—this drill rewards visual patience, not panic.
- Smooth presentation matters more than raw draw speed.
- Track results over time; consistency is the real benchmark.
- Run it cold at the start of your session for honest feedback.
- To increase difficulty, demand a clean 8-for-8 pass.
- For newer shooters, allow one extended-time familiarization run—then tighten back to standard.
Target Download
Use the official Riggs Drill target layout below or print your own matching design. The visual presentation is intentional—it’s part of the test.
Credit for the drill concept and target design goes to Archangel Defense. You can find more of their standards and training material directly on their site.
More Pistol Training Drills
If you’re working through the Riggs Drill, these pistol training drills are also worth adding to your range rotation:
- 5-Day Dry Fire Practice Routine
- Man Card Drill
- Greenline Tactical’s 5-5-7 Pistol Drill
- The Humbler (700-Point Aggregate) Drill
- The Dots (36/36) Drill
- Vice Presidente Drill
- Mozambique Drill
Closing
The Riggs Drill looks simple on paper. It isn’t.
It forces discipline when speed feels tempting and demands accuracy when the clock says otherwise. Run it honestly, track your results, and let it expose where your fundamentals break down.
Put it into your next range day plan, see how you hold up under pressure, and share your results. If you need to resupply before your next run, make sure you’ve got enough handgun ammo on hand—this drill earns every round.
Train sharp. Shoot clean. Earn it.