Shoot This Drill – The V Exercist

The V Exercise was created for those who would like a continuous moving-and-shooting exercise that can be scaled to a moving-and-transitioning exercise. It is intended to force more movement in different directions to promote safe handling of firearms, and to force shooters to get out of the line-based shooting mindset. It gives participants a chance to move at a speed they themselves can go—not at the speed of others. It also forces a little bit of critical thinking, depending on setup. 

Setup & Shooting Instructions

Version 1: 1x Target setup/Full magazine of shooting

Set cones in a V shape, where the bottom of the V is downrange. The arms of the V should be around 10 yards from the V’s bottom, but they can be longer. Width is up to you and the space available. The bottom of the V is set at a minimum of 25 yards from a single target in the center. When setup is complete, the V should be pointing at the target in the middle.

Starting position is on either arm of the V, and you will move and shoot at a continuous rate until you reach the V’s center, then you will SAFE the firearm, orient in a SAFE direction, then walk, run or sprint to the top of the other arm. You will then turn toward the target and begin moving and shooting continuously toward the middle of the V. Repeat the process for the remainder of your magazine. 

Version 2: 2x Target setup/Full magazine of shooting

Cones are set the same as in Version 1. Set up a target 25 yards in front of each of the V’s arms. When setup is complete, the V should be pointing between the targets.

Starting position is on either arm of the V and you will move and shoot, transitioning between targets, or shoot one of the targets at a continuous rate until you reach the V’s center, then you will SAFE the firearm, orient in a SAFE direction, then walk, run or sprint to the top of the other arm. You will then turn toward the targets and begin moving and shooting, transitioning between targets, or just shoot at the opposite of the previous side while continuously moving toward the V’s middle. Repeat the process for the remainder of your magazine. 

Version 3: 3x Target setup/Full magazine of shooting

Cones are set the same as in Versions 1 and 2. Set up a target 25 yards in the middle and in front of each of the arms of the V. When setup is complete, the V should be pointing at the center target in a three-target array.

Starting position is on either arm of the V and you will move and shoot, transitioning between all three targets, at a continuous rate until you reach the V’s center, then you will SAFE the firearm, orient in a SAFE direction, then walk, run or sprint to the top of the other arm. You will then turn toward the targets and begin moving and shooting, transitioning between all three, and continuously move toward the V’s middle. Repeat the process for the remainder of your magazine.

Target/Scoring Options:

If on steel, all hits are expected. This is a an all-or-nothing exercise. Make sure to use discretion on the steel and what you’re shooting at it. I’m not your real dad; you do what you want. If on paper, the A-zone should be the target zone and it should be scored based on the number of rounds you chose to shoot. All A-zone hits are expected. C or worse hits will be considered a reminder that you suck and need to practice more. You’re welcome. If these standards are too high, stop expecting less of yourself. You are better than that. Do better. For more information or clarification, visit kinetic-consulting.net. Text by Jon Dufresne Illustrations by Charles “Chip” Lasky

About the author

Jon Dufresne served with 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying multiple times in various capacities. The Ranger Battalion also provided him with training and first-hand experience in small unit tactics, airborne operations, field medicine, breaching, foreign languages and small arms.

Upon leaving the Army, Dufresne worked in executive protection and acted as a law enforcement consultant, molding his military experience into a contextual view of the threats faced outside of combat environments. He comes to the firearms industry with an ideal blend of military and citizen experience, shaping his courses to apply to Mil, LE and citizen students alike. Train with him at kinetic-consulting.net.