Intermediate
Pistol + Rifle
Transition Drill (Pistol-Rifle)
Source: Common tactical / 2-gun competition standard
8s
Par Time
15 yd
Distance
6
Rounds
5
Reps
30
Total Rounds
The pistol-rifle transition is one of the most dynamic and practical skills in tactical and competition shooting. When your rifle runs dry or malfunctions, the fastest option isn’t reloading — it’s transitioning to your sidearm.
Start with the rifle loaded with 3 rounds, facing two targets at 15 yards. At the buzzer, engage the first target with 3 rifle rounds. When the rifle goes empty, let it hang on the sling, draw your pistol, and fire 3 rounds on the second target. Total: 6 rounds, two weapons, one continuous string.
The par time of 8 seconds is generous — but a smooth, controlled transition under 6 seconds is genuinely fast. The key is not fighting the rifle on the way down. Let the sling do its job, get your hand to the pistol grip immediately, and drive the gun out to the target.
Range Setup
Setup
Two targets at 15 yards, spaced 2 yards apart. Rifle loaded with 3 rounds on a sling. Pistol holstered. Start at low ready with the rifle.
Scoring
All 6 hits in the A-zone. Time from buzzer to last pistol shot. Any miss = +2 seconds. Track transition time (last rifle shot to first pistol shot) separately.
Tips
Don't fight the rifle. Release, let it hang, and immediately drive your hand to the pistol. Your eyes should already be on the pistol target.
Progression
Isolate the transition first — practice letting the rifle drop and drawing the pistol without live fire. Once smooth, go live. Push for sub-6s total.