Low-High Reload

The Low–High Reload Drill is a straightforward, low round count exercise that blends fundamentals with shot placement prioritization and a reload under mild pressure. It introduces visual transition control and emphasizes accountability on both speed and accuracy. Like most of our monthly picks, it’s solo-friendly and easily run on a single target, with minimal setup.

Setting Up the Drill: Shooter begins with a magazine loaded with 2 rounds in the handgun, and a second magazine loaded with at least 2 rounds. Load and holster the pistol using the 2-round magazine, and stow the spare magazine on your person. Place your USPSA torso target 7 yards from the firing line.

Drill Instructions: On the beep, the shooter draws and fires two rounds to the body A-zone, performs a mandatory slide-lock reload, and then fires two precise rounds to the head A-zone of the target.

Scoring and Penalties: We’re using hit factor scoring. Points ÷ Time = HF.

• Shooting from an open rig (no concealment, standard mag pouches) = no penalty.

• Shooting from a duty rig (ALS-style or retention holster + standard reload) = -0.2 sec bonus.

• Shooting from concealment (concealed holster and reload) = -0.5 sec bonus.

• Starting from low ready (defined as 45-degree presentation) = +1 second penalty.

• Misses outside the defined zones count as zero points — shoot clean.

Summary: The Low–High Reload Drill forces you to change gears mid-string. The body shots let you work cadence and recoil control. The reload gives you a forced reset, and then you’re tasked with slowing down just enough to make clean, high-value hits to the head. This is a great drill for exposing “gear shift” errors: people who rush post-reload shots tend to yank them high, and those who take too long eat up precious time. There’s also a mental load from aiming at different scoring zones that mimics real-world processing under pressure.