Intermediate
Pistol
Hackathorn 3-Second Head Shot Standards
Used in: Defensive · Police Qualification
Source: Ken Hackathorn
3s
Par Time
5 yd
Distance
9
Rounds
3
Reps
27
Total Rounds
The Hackathorn 3-Second Head Shot Standards is a deceptively simple drill that demands both speed and surgical accuracy. Three IPSC targets stand shoulder to shoulder at just 5 yards — close enough that you should never miss, fast enough that most shooters do. Each string requires one head shot per target in a different sequence, forcing your brain to process target order while your hands drive the gun.
Three strings of fire, three rounds each. String one: left to right. String two: right to left. String three: center, left, right. Par time is 3 seconds per string from the ready position. Hits count anywhere in the head box (A and B zones). Passing standard is 7 out of 9 head hits with all strings under par.
Once you can clean it from ready, run it from the holster. Once that’s consistent, push the targets back to 7 yards. This drill is a diagnostic tool — it will tell you exactly where your transitions break down and whether your draw is costing you time. Track your hit percentage and average string time across sessions to measure real progress.
Range Setup
Setup
3 IPSC targets placed shoulder to shoulder, spaced 2 feet apart. Shooter faces targets at 5 yards. Start from ready position (low ready or compressed ready). Timer required.
Scoring
Hits anywhere in the head box count (A and B zone). Passing standard: 7 out of 9 head hits with all three strings at or under 3 seconds.
Tips
Drive the gun to the next target with your eyes, not your hands — let your eyes arrive first and the sights will follow.
Progression
Start from ready position. Progress to drawing from the holster. Then increase distance to 7 yards, then 10. Tighten the standard to 9/9 hits before moving back.