Mastering the El Presidente Drill: Gear, Technique, and Troubleshooting

As a long-time shooting instructor and outdoor skills enthusiast, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial consistent, focused practice is for handgun proficiency. One of the most effective drills for developing speed, accuracy, and transitions is the El Presidente drill, also known as the El Prez drill. This article will break down everything you need to know to run this drill safely and effectively, from selecting the best drill holster to diagnosing and correcting common problems like consistently shooting to the left. We’ll cover the history, setup, execution, and troubleshooting, ensuring you get the most out of your training. Understanding the nuances of the El Presidente shooting drill is key to improving your defensive shooting skills.

Understanding the El Presidente Drill: History and Purpose

The El Presidente drill originated with the Mexican Federal Judicial Police in the 1970s, designed to simulate a gunfight while moving. It’s a timed drill that tests your ability to draw, fire accurate shots on multiple targets, reload, and re-engage, all while moving laterally. The drill emphasizes speed and accuracy, forcing you to maintain control under pressure. It’s a fantastic way to identify weaknesses in your draw, reload, and target transition skills. It’s not just about being fast; it’s about being fast and hitting what you’re aiming at.

Why is the El Presidente Drill So Effective?

Unlike static shooting, the El Prez drill introduces movement, which more closely mimics real-world self-defense scenarios. It forces you to:

• Improve your draw speed: The timed nature of the drill encourages a quick and efficient draw.
• Enhance target transitions: Rapidly switching between targets builds muscle memory and improves your ability to acquire new targets quickly.
• Refine reloading skills: The reload stage tests your ability to reload smoothly and efficiently under pressure.
• Develop situational awareness: Moving while shooting requires you to maintain awareness of your surroundings.

Essential Gear for the El Presidente Drill

Having the right gear is crucial for safety and performance. Let's start with the most important piece: the best drill holster.

Choosing the Best Drill Holster

Your holster needs to be secure, allow for a fast and clean draw, and be comfortable for extended use. I recommend a Kydex holster specifically designed for competition or training. Here's what to look for:

• Retention: Adjustable retention is key. You want it secure enough to prevent accidental dislodgement but loose enough for a quick draw.
• Ride Height: Adjustable ride height allows you to customize the holster to your body type and shooting style.
• Cant: Cant refers to the angle of the holster. Experiment to find what feels most natural for your draw.
• Mounting Options: Consider whether you want a belt mount, drop-leg mount, or other mounting option.

Popular brands known for quality drill holsters include Safariland, Comp-Tac, and Blackhawk. REI Expert Advice offers a good overview of holster options.

Other Necessary Equipment

• Handgun: Your preferred defensive handgun.
• Ammunition: At least 100 rounds of reliable ammunition.
• Magazines: At least three magazines.
• Magazine Pouches: Secure magazine pouches for quick reloads.
• Targets: Cardboard silhouette targets are ideal. (See section below on target setup).
• Timer: A shot timer is essential for tracking your performance.
• Eye and Ear Protection: Non-negotiable safety gear.
• Range Safety Officer: Always train under the supervision of a qualified Range Safety Officer.

Setting Up the El Presidente Drill

Proper target placement is critical for a realistic and effective drill. The standard setup involves two targets placed 5 yards apart, with a starting position 5 yards in front of the targets.

Target Configuration and the Use of Cardboard Silhouette Targets

Use cardboard silhouette targets (or similar) and position them as follows:

1. Place Target A on the left and Target B on the right.
2. Position yourself 5 yards directly in front of the center point between the two targets.
3. Ensure there is enough space to safely move laterally between the targets.

You can find detailed diagrams and setup instructions on the USPSA website.

Executing the El Presidente Drill: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to run the El Presidente shooting drill:

1. Starting Position: Stand facing the targets, gun holstered, with one magazine inserted.
2. On the beep: Draw your handgun and fire two shots at Target A.
3. Move: Holster your handgun and move laterally to the right, to a position approximately 5 yards from Target B.
4. Draw and Fire: Draw your handgun and fire two shots at Target B.
5. Reload: Holster your handgun, reload one magazine, and re-holster.
6. Re-Engage: Draw your handgun and fire two shots at Target A.
7. Finish: Holster your handgun and stop the timer.

Focus on smooth, controlled movements and accurate shots. Don't sacrifice accuracy for speed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: Why Do I Shoot to the Left?

One of the most common complaints I hear from students is, “Why do I shoot to the left?” There are several potential causes. Let's break them down:

Common Causes of Leftward Deviation

• Grip: A weak or inconsistent grip can cause the gun to move during recoil, leading to leftward deviation. Ensure a firm, high grip.
• Stance: An open stance (where your body is angled away from the target) can contribute to shooting left. A more square stance is generally more stable.
• Trigger Control: Jerking the trigger instead of squeezing it smoothly can disrupt your sight picture and cause a miss.
• Follow-Through: Failing to maintain your sight picture after the shot breaks can also lead to inaccuracies.
• Anticipation: Anticipating recoil can cause you to flinch, throwing off your shot.

Corrective Measures

Here are some drills to help correct leftward deviation:

• Dry Fire Practice: Practice your grip, stance, and trigger control with dry fire.
• Slow-Fire Drills: Focus on accuracy and smooth trigger control at a slow pace.
• Mirror Work: Practice your draw and shooting technique in front of a mirror to identify and correct any flaws.
• Seek Professional Instruction: A qualified shooting instructor can provide personalized feedback and help you identify and correct your specific issues.

Variations of the El Presidente Drill

Once you’ve mastered the basic El Presidente drill, you can introduce variations to increase the challenge:

• Full Magazine Reloads: Reload with a full magazine instead of just topping off.
• Multiple Reloads: Add more reload stages to the drill.
• Strong Hand Only: Perform the drill using only your strong hand.
• Weak Hand Only: Perform the drill using only your weak hand.
• Increased Distance: Increase the distance to the targets.

Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount. Always follow these guidelines:

• Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
• Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Be aware of your surroundings and identify your target and what is beyond it.
• Always wear eye and ear protection.
• Follow all range rules and regulations.

The NRA provides comprehensive firearm safety resources.

Conclusion

The El Presidente drill is a powerful tool for improving your handgun skills. By focusing on proper technique, using the best drill holster and appropriate targets, and addressing common issues like shooting to the left, you can significantly enhance your speed, accuracy, and confidence. Remember to prioritize safety and practice consistently. Happy shooting!