7–12 yd
Distance
13
Rounds
4
Reps
52
Total Rounds
Most shooters can hit a target while standing still. Far fewer can maintain sight picture while walking toward a threat and even fewer while backing away from one. The M-Drill forces both directions in rapid succession — you walk forward into a target, transition, then immediately back up into a different target, all while putting rounds on paper. Five cones form an M shape at two depths, and every movement phase is a shooting phase.
Set 3 targets 5 yd (5 m) apart. Place 2 cones 7 yd (7 m) from the targets and 5 yd (5 m) apart — these are the front row. Add 3 cones 12 yd (12 m) from the targets and 5 yd (5 m) apart — these form the back row. Start at Cone 1 (back row, in line with Target 1) at low ready. Engage T1 with 1 round. Walk forward at 45 degrees toward Cone 2, engaging T2 with 3 rounds while moving. At Cone 2, transition to T1 and back up at 45 degrees toward Cone 3, engaging T1 with 3 rounds. At Cone 3, transition to T3 and walk forward at 45 degrees toward Cone 4, engaging T3 with 3 rounds. At Cone 4, transition to T2 and back up at 45 degrees toward Cone 5, engaging T2 with 3 rounds. Total: 13 rounds.
The aggress-regress cycle is the diagnostic. Compare your walking-forward groups to your backing-up groups — most shooters will see tighter hits when moving forward because they can see their footing. If backing-up groups open up, slow down the regression pace until the group matches. Keep your eyes on the target when backing up, not on the ground behind you. Run with pistol first, then rifle — rifle magnifies every platform error and will expose any instability in your backwards movement.
Range Setup
Setup
3 targets (IPSC, USPSA, or paper silhouette) in a straight line, 5 yd (5 m) apart.
5 cones arranged in an M pattern at two depths:
- Front row: 2 cones, 7 yd (7 m) from the targets, 5 yd (5 m) apart.
- Back row: 3 cones, 12 yd (12 m) from the targets, 5 yd (5 m) apart.
Rifle or pistol, loaded, at low ready.
Start position: standing at Cone 1 (back row, in line with Target 1), facing downrange.
Scoring
13 rounds total per rep.
All rounds must land in the scoring zone (A zone or equivalent).
Compare group size between aggressing phases (walk forward, cones 1-2 and 3-4) and regressing phases (back up, cones 2-3 and 4-5).
A miss from any position or phase is a failed rep.
Once hits are consistent, score on total time with a shot timer.
Scoring: Hit Factor (HF) = points ÷ time. USPSA target zones: A = 5, C = 3, D = 1, Miss = −10. Higher HF = better performance.
Tips
Keep your eyes on the target when backing up — looking behind you breaks the sight picture and costs more time than tripping would.
Progression
Add a par time once both aggressing and regressing groups are equivalent.
Require all A-zone hits — any C or D is a failed rep.
Increase walking speed while maintaining group size.
Add a no-shoot beside each target to force visual discipline during transitions.
Run with rifle if trained with pistol, or vice versa.
Increase target spacing to 7 yd (7 m) to lengthen the diagonal movement.