Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 08-28-2023 Origin: Site
The world of firearms training is constantly evolving, with new drills and standards being introduced to push shooters to their limits. One such drill that has gained popularity among enthusiasts is the Man Card Drill. This performance-based standard combines both rifle and pistol shooting, testing the shooter's skills under pressure and demanding the utmost precision. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of the Man Card Drill, from its purpose to the execution of the short card and long card drills. Whether you're a seasoned shooter looking to challenge yourself or a beginner seeking to improve your marksmanship, mastering the Man Card Drill will undoubtedly take your shooting skills to the next level.
At its core, the Man Card Drill is a performance-on-demand drill that challenges the fundamentals of shooting. It requires shooters to complete iterations with both a rifle and a pistol, showcasing their proficiency in various shooting positions and scenarios. The drill is designed to be highly demanding, replicating the stress and pressure one may experience in real-life situations. By pushing shooters to explore their weaknesses and improve their skills, the Man Card Drill is a humbling and fulfilling experience.
The drill is divided into two main components: the short card drill and the long card drill. Successfully completing the short card drill with full accountability earns you the coveted metal Man Card, a symbol of pride and accomplishment. Once you've earned the short card, you can attempt the extended card by undertaking the more challenging long card drill.
The short card drill serves as an initial benchmark for shooters. It consists of five iterations on a C zone target placed at a distance of 25 yards. Each iteration tests the shooter's performance-on-demand skill set and abilities with both the rifle and pistol. Throughout the drill, shooters are allowed two attempts per iteration, providing an opportunity for improvement and refinement of their techniques.
The first iteration focuses on pistol shooting. With a compressed ready finger, straightened off the trigger, shooters must drive straight out upon hearing an auditory signal and fire a single round within one second. Shots outside the C zone or exceeding the time limit are not counted. However, if the shooter fails on the first attempt, they are granted another opportunity to complete the iteration successfully.
The second iteration involves drawing the pistol from its holster or a point of concealment. Shooters must establish a reference point for the gun with their forearm for swift access. Once the signal is given, the shooter must draw the gun, establish sight, and fire one round on the steel target within 1.5 seconds.
Moving on to rifle shooting, the third iteration starts from a low ready position with the rifle angled downward at 45 degrees. Shooters must quickly aim for the target and fire a single round within one second upon hearing the signal.
The fourth iteration involves a high ready position with the rifle angled at 45 degrees. Shooters must aim at the designated target and fire one round within one second upon receiving the signal.
The final iteration of the short card drill combines both rifle and pistol shooting. Shooters must execute either a low or high-ready rifle drill within one second, followed by a quick transition to the holster drill using the pistol. The entire transition should be accomplished within 2.5 seconds.
By successfully completing all five iterations within the specified time limits and meeting the performance standards, shooters earn their short card and the recognition of their peers.
For those seeking an even greater challenge, the long card drill awaits. This advanced version of the Man Card Drill consists of 14 iterations, including six pistol iterations, six rifle iterations, and two transition drills from pistol to rifle.
Similar to the short card drill, shooters must complete the long card drill on a C zone target placed at 25 yards. However, there are stricter time requirements, adding to the overall difficulty. Shooters are granted two attempts for each iteration, but failing in both attempts results in losing the long card. Nonetheless, once the short card is earned, it remains a proud achievement, allowing shooters to continue striving for the extended card.
The long card drill starts with the same five iterations as the short card drill. The first iteration requires shooters to draw their pistol from either a sling or the ground. They must ensure their sights, cross-checks, and thumb compress are ready. Shooters then straighten their finger off the trigger and fire one round at the steel target within one second from a compressed ready position.
The second iteration mirrors the previous drill, requiring shooters to draw their pistol from the holster within 1.5 seconds and fire one round at the target.
In this iteration, shooters face to the right with only their belt line and hips orienting in that direction. The shooter's head can face the target. The goal is to complete the drill in 1.5 seconds or less.
Facing up range, shooters draw their pistol from the holster after looking over their non-dominant shoulder. Their hips should be oriented up range, and the drill must be completed within 1.5 seconds.
Facing left, shooters draw their pistol from the holster, ensuring their hips are oriented in the same direction. The target must be completed in 1.5 seconds or less.
Shooters must take an empty magazine and perform a tactical reload within three seconds, ensuring the firearm is reloaded and ready to engage the target. This iteration is performed within the target's frame of reference.
Returning to rifle shooting, shooters have one second to finish the target from a low-ready position with a 45-degree downward angle.
Similar to the previous iteration, shooters must complete the target within one second from a high ready position with the rifle angled at 45 degrees.
Shooters have the freedom to choose any ready position, such as facing right with their hips oriented in the same direction. The goal is to finish the drill in one second.
Facing up range, shooters must complete the drill within one second from any ready position.
In this iteration, shooters turn left with their hips oriented in the same direction. They must complete the target in just one second.
Shooters must take an empty magazine, reload from any ready position, and hit the target within three seconds.
Shooters must perform a tactical reload with the empty magazine while preparing for a weapon transition from rifle to pistol. The completion time for this iteration is 2.5 seconds.
The final and most challenging iteration of the long card drill combines multiple elements. Shooters must perform a tactical reload with an empty magazine, followed by a weapon transition from pistol to rifle. They must then perform another tactical reload with the pistol and return it to the holster. Finally, shooters must retrieve the rifle, reload it, and fire one round at the target. The entire drill should be completed within eight seconds.
Mastering the Man Card Drill is an arduous yet rewarding journey for any shooter. It serves as a true test of rifle fundamentals, pushing individuals to perform under pressure and in front of their peers. The short card drill sets the foundation, challenging shooters to complete five iterations with 100% accountability. Once the short card is earned, shooters can strive for the highly coveted long card. With 14 iterations, including more demanding time requirements, the long card drill is the ultimate challenge for those seeking to push their shooting skills to the limit.
Take the opportunity to test your skill sets and earn that Man Card. Embrace the challenge, refine your techniques, and become a better shooter. The journey may be demanding, but the rewards are worth it. So, grab your rifle and pistol, step onto the range, and show the world what you're made of.
