The IPSC Five-Three Drill

The Five-Three Drill is a dynamic IPSC handgun drill designed to enhance speed, accuracy, and tactical reloading under movement. It combines most of the key factors required for IPSC, including the draw, trigger control, reloading, transitions, and recoil management.

The drill derives its name from the use of 5 magazines to fire a total of ten rounds at three targets. It involves engaging all three targets with specific movement and reloading patterns, gradually increasing in difficulty with distance.

Objectives of the Five-Three Drill

The goal is to effectively engage three targets in a specific sequence, with rapid movement and reloading, focusing on speed and accuracy. The drill progresses in difficulty by increasing distance while maintaining efficiency and precision.

Equipment and Setup

Targets: Use three IPSC targets aligned in a straight line, 1 to 1.5 meters apart.
Distance: Start in front of the left-hand target, 3 meters from the target array.
Firearm: Any suitable handgun, but preferably the handgun you use for matches.
Ammunition: Five magazines with at least two rounds in each.
Timer: You will need a suitable IPSC timer with a delay function.

Steps to Perform the Five-Three Drill

Starting Position: Stand 3 meters in front of the left target, with your handgun holstered.
Engagement and Movement Sequence: The drill progresses in 5 phases.
1. Left Target: Draw and fire 2 shots on the left target.
2. Move to Center: Reload while taking 2 steps to the right; fire 2 shots on the center target.
3. Move to Right: Reload while taking 2 steps to the right; fire 2 shots on the right target.
4. Return to Center: Reload while taking 2 steps to the left; fire 2 shots on the center target.
5. Return to Left: Reload while taking 2 steps to the left; fire 2 shots on the left target.
Accuracy and Speed: Aim for all shots to be in the A-zone, with one or two Cs being acceptable. Focus on speed.
Par Time: Start with a par time of 1.4 seconds per phase (7 seconds total for the 10 shots).

Progression

Initially, perform this drill at 3 meters.
Once you can complete it in under 7 seconds with all Alphas, increase the distance to 4 meters, then 5 meters, and so on.
Gradually increase the distance up to 25 meters. At 25 meters, aim for a par time of 2 seconds per phase (10 seconds total) with no more than 2 Cs.

Reloads

As you transition between targets, aim to eject a magazine on your first step and load the fresh magazine as you take your second step.

Reset and Repeat

Be patient. If you can do the drill in under 10 seconds at 3m, celebrate that. That is a great time already. Practice repeatedly, focusing on maintaining accuracy while increasing speed and managing the reloads efficiently.

Tips for Improvement

Dry-Fire: Although this drill is designed as a live-fire drill, the best way to master it is to do regular dry-fire run-throughs.
Focus on Smooth Reloads: Efficient reloading is crucial to maintain speed during the drill.
Stance and Movement: Ensure a stable shooting stance and practice smooth, quick steps during transitions.
Gradual Increase in Difficulty: Don’t rush to increase the distance. Ensure proficiency at each level before progressing.

Conclusion

The Five-Three Drill is a comprehensive exercise that challenges your shooting skills, emphasizing speed, accuracy, and the ability to reload under movement. This drill not only improves your shooting capabilities but also enhances your tactical skills, making it an excellent practice for both competitive shooters and tactical professionals.

Remember, consistency and gradual progression are key to mastering this drill.

Pro Tips:

With this drill, focus on speed above accuracy, at least when you first start. At 3m, you will be able to hit the targets somewhere. The goal is to have all Alphas, but when you first start, the real challenge will be getting the transition (particularly reloading) times down.

With 5 x 10-round magazines, you can run this five times. When you're down to 2 bullets in each magazine, you'll need to have three rounds in the first magazine and 1 round in the last magazine. Otherwise, you'll have to release the slide between every reload.