Intermediate
Pistol
Port Entry
Source: Common dry-fire training standard
4s
Par Time
7 yd
Distance
8
Reps
Port Entry trains the move of setting up at a port — a small opening in a wall, barrel, or barricade — and engaging targets through it. For dry-fire purposes you can construct a port from a cardboard box, a target stand with an A-zone cut out, or a low piece of furniture. The port should be at a comfortable shooting height so you do not need to crouch.
The key skill is anticipation. When you arrive at the port, you should already be aiming through it at the first target you intend to engage, before your eyes have fully cleared the opening. This means you commit to the sight picture before you can see the target — and then verify the alignment as the port reveals the target. Hesitating until you can see the target costs you the entry time you would have spent setting up.
Train the entry in both directions — move to the port, engage, then exit it just as deliberately. Most ports do not allow you to shuffle your feet without sacrificing the sight picture, so set your feet once and engage every target the position offers. If a target requires a different stance, that is your cue to leave the port, not to rearrange yourself in it.
Range Setup
Setup
Construct a shooting port at eye level from a cardboard target with the A-zone cut out, a low piece of furniture, or improvised barricade. Target(s) visible only through the port. Pistol confirmed unloaded, holstered. Shot timer.
Scoring
At the par beep, you must be set in the port with the gun on the assigned target and a stable sight picture. Feet shuffling after arrival, foot inside the port frame, or trigger press = failed rep.
Tips
Aim before you see the target. The sight picture should be ready by the time the port reveals the target — not built afterwards.
Progression
Practice entry from both sides of the port. Reverse the drill (start in the port, exit). Add a movement requirement before entering, then before exiting.