Over the last few months, I have posted up a few different articles about the benefits of steel targets when training with a handgun or rifle. One complaint I’ve read in the comments section is the fact some of you guys can’t run steel at your range. That’s understandable and had me thinking about people who can only run paper targets.  I’ve decided to start running drills from various websites and will give you the pros and cons of each drill. I figured it would be a great way to give shooters a tool to use when looking for new drills on range day.

The F.A.S.T Drill

The first drill on my list is one that is great for both beginner and advanced shooters. The F.A.S.T drill or Fundamentals, Accuracy & Speed Test helps shooters work on their throttle control as well as shooting cadence. The drills consist of having six rounds total with two rounds in the first magazine and four in your spare. Shooters can also use a timer but it’s not required. At the beep, the shooter draws their firearm and puts two rounds into a 3×5 target square. After that, the shooter will have to perform a slide lock reload and put the final 4 rounds into an 8-inch circle which represents the body. If you decide to use a timer there are a few different categories to judge your score on Pistol Training’s Website.

My range partner trying out the F.A.S.T drill with his Glock 34

I ended up shooting the drill a total of 5 or 6 times and it was honestly very helpful. The F.A.S.T drill made me really work on my cadence when shooting the drill and kept me slow enough so I placed my shots. I let my shooting partner try out the drill along with a new shooter and both had different reactions. My shooting partner is an experienced shooter and said how much it made him focus on shot placement in the target. The new shooter who tried it said it made him focus on accuracy and try to place his shots. The F.A.S.T drill is beneficial because it makes various shooters try to improve on different aspects of their shooting. The biggest downside is shooters tend to rush and miss shots but that’s certainly not the fault of the target.

How To Create It and Overall Impressions

The actual target used to be free online but no longer is. It’s honestly very easy to create on a piece of paper. What I’ve done in the past is take a 3×5 card and trace the outline in the upper middle section of a piece of paper. Once that’s done, you can draw the 8-inch circle using a protractor or measuring it out and drawing a circle. Now the basic layout is done, you’re ready to make multiple copies or a template to draw more.

Some Examples of the drill with my SIG Sauer X-Five and my range partner’s Glock 34

Overall, I think the F.A.S.T drill is great whether you’re a new shooter or someone who goes weekly to the range. It’s not a technical or challenging drill but gives the shooter enough of a challenge to be beneficial. I use the F.A.S.T drill typically when I just get to the range and want to get warmed up for more technical drills. This is a great drill for beginners because its an approachable drill and it doesn’t overwhelm them. Its a very welcoming drill and is great for any shooter. Be sure to try it out next time you’re at the range. If you have a favorite drill be sure to leave the name in the comments below. If you have questions feel free to message me on my Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there!