Target Keywords: Glock 19X training drill, 2-yard torture drill, handgun practice for beginners, speed and accuracy training.
One of the most effective ways to truly master your defensive handgun is through simple, repetitive drills that stress both speed and precision. In a recent video, we broke down the "Two-Yard Torture" drill—a challenge that is easy to understand but surprisingly difficult to execute perfectly, making it an excellent practice method for any shooter.
What is the "Two-Yard Torture" Drill?
The drill, popularized by trainers like Larry Vickers, is designed to test a shooter's compromise between speed, accuracy, and control under pressure [
The Basic Setup:
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Target: A standard silhouette target with an approximately 8-inch circle in the center (roughly the size of your palm without fingers) [
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Time Limit: Under 3 seconds to take two shots (two rounds) [
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Starting Position: Ready position (hands in front of you, not drawing from a holster) [
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The Core Challenge: Distance Progression
The "torture" comes from gradually extending and then closing the distance, forcing the shooter to adjust sight picture and timing on the fly:
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Outbound: Start at 2 yards and move out in 2-yard increments: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and finally 20 yards [
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Inbound: Immediately work your way back in the same increments until you return to 2 yards [
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Why This Drill Works
For many shooters, the distance beyond 12 yards is where the speed and accuracy conflict truly begins.
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Speed vs. Accuracy: Up to about 10–12 yards, a shooter can easily maintain the sub-three-second time limit. Beyond this point, you are forced to consciously slow down to acquire the sight picture, which is where the difficulty lies [
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Training a Base Standard: The goal is to consistently keep both shots within the 8-inch circle without exceeding the three-second time limit—no matter the distance. Our average time for the drill was in the 1.7 to 2.89 second range, but pushing the speed often resulted in shots outside the target, especially past 14 yards [
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Take the Challenge with Your Carry Pistol
We used the Glock 19X for this demonstration, but the drill can (and should) be scaled up or down based on your platform. If you want a significant challenge, try this drill with a sub-compact concealed carry firearm, which adds complexity due to the shorter sight radius and smaller frame [
Whether you use a full-size pistol or a compact carry gun, this drill is a simple, low-cost practice method that provides valuable feedback on your shooting mechanics. It is essential to practice to be a safe, competent owner, so don't just collect—practice! [
Ready for the Next Step in Handgun Training?
Easy B Tactical curates a selection of modern pistols that blend quality and performance, perfect for both range time and defensive use.
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For a high-quality, dependable workhorse, we recommend checking out the Ruger RXM 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol we carry.
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For an elite, optic-ready platform that excels at precision drills, consider the expertly-designed Shadow Systems MR920 Foundation 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol.