October 23rd, 2023
6minute read
Amongst the world of firearm drills, there are a handful of classics.
We have theFailure Drill,theBill Drill, and theEl Presidente.
This classic drill works on several skills.
To improve your handgun shooting skills, modified drills, like this take on the El Presidente, can keep things fresh.
The El Presidente forms an amazing foundation for shooters to build on.
Today we will focus on how we can modify the El Pres to work various skills.
First, lets run over the Classic variant of the El Presidente.
This modified El Presidente drill can be run with any handgun and sight configuration. The author demonstrates here with an Echelon and red dot sight.
Load two magazines with six rounds apiece.
Hands are in the air in a surrender position.
Shooter then reloads and fires two additional rounds into each target.
Using cover is an important aspect of defensive shooting. This modified drill incorporates it into the training.
Shooters are expected to land all 12 rounds into the A-Zone of the IPSC target in under 10 seconds.
[Learnhow to load a 9mm.]
El Pres Under Cover
This variation of the drill will introduce an element of cover.
While two-handed shooting is preferred, defensive encounters could require the use of a single hand. It can be helpful to practice one-handed shooting whenever possible.
In a gunfight, the use of cover is absolutely a must.
Getting behind cover isnt using cover.
Being able to get behind cover and effectively engage from behind cover is using cover.
You do not need a fancy range or electronic targets. Simple static targets can be used to help improve your shooting under stress.
This version of the El Pres will give you the use of cover practice required to excel.
The par time is again 10 seconds.
Establish three targets one yard apart in a row.
In addition to your safety gear, this modified El Presidente drill doesn’t require more than a timer and your carry gear.
Set up a barrier or notional cover ten yards from the target line.
Load two magazines with six rounds apiece.
The shooter will start behind cover with their firearm holstered and spare mag ready.
As the gun runs dry, the shooter will get back behind cover and conduct a reload.
With this El Pres variant, we will work with both hands but only one at a time.
Par time is 10 seconds.
Establish three targets one yard apart in a row.
This drill requires no reload, so load one magazine with 12 rounds.
A reload is forced if your handgun cannot hold at least 12 rounds.
You will be facing the target to start with your weapon holstered.
Then, safely switch to your non-dominant hand, keeping the firearm oriented downrange.
Now, engage each target once more with two shots.
Playing Card Presidente
For this drill, well need to have a series of 35 cards.
you could purchase or simply draw 35 boxes on your target if possible.
Place two of these cards on each target.
I always place the cards opposite of each other with some distance between them.
The Playing Card El President has us working on our transition skills and accuracy with small targets.
Par time on this variation is 12 seconds.
Place three targets one yard apart from each other in a row with the 35 cards placed on them.
Load two magazines with six rounds each and establish a firing lane 10 yards from the targets.
Shooters will start with their back to the target.
Reload your weapon and once more fire one round into each of the 35 cards.
123 321 El Pres
This drill will break up the monotony of two rounds on each target.
Sometimes a threat will take more than one round, and sometimes, they may only take one round.
This variant of the El Presidente will shake up your cadence and force you to think as you shoot.
To establish this, get your three targets and number them one, two, and three.
Ensure the numbers are drawn nicely and big on the targets so that they are easily visible.
Par time is the standard 10 seconds.
Place your three targets in a row one yard apart.
The order does not matter, and you could mix it up if you so choose.
Load two magazines with six rounds each and establish a firing line 10 yards from the targets.
Shooter starts with their back to the targets.
On the command, they will turn, draw and engage the targets.
Shake It Up
Never be afraid to shake things up when it comes time to train.
Never get too comfortable and never rest on good enough.
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