3 yd
Distance
50
Rounds
1
Reps
50
Total Rounds
Dot Torture is arguably the best pistol accuracy diagnostic ever designed. The test uses a target with ten numbered 2-inch dots, each requiring a specific shooting task — single shots, pairs, strong hand only, weak hand only, and multiple target transitions.
The drill consumes exactly 50 rounds fired at 3 yards. Before you scoff at the distance, try shooting a perfect 50/50. Most shooters can’t do it on their first attempt. The small dot size demands real trigger control and sight alignment — skills that directly transfer to every other drill and stage you’ll ever shoot.
There’s no time limit. Accuracy is the only metric. Once you can clean the test at 3 yards, move back to 5, then 7. If you start missing, you’ve found your training distance. Run it at the start of every range session as a warm-up and progress tracker.
Range Setup
Setup
Print or purchase a Dot Torture target. Tape it at 3 yards. No time pressure — accuracy only. Requires strong and weak hand shooting.
Scoring
Count hits inside each dot. Perfect score is 50/50. Any miss = start over at the same distance next session.
Tips
Slow down. This is not a speed drill. Press the trigger without moving the sights — that's the entire point.
Progression
Clean at 3 yards → move to 5 yards. Clean at 5 → move to 7. Track your score over time. Cleaning it at 7 yards puts you in elite territory.