Stock up on some .223 bulk ammo, we’re back with an AR shooting drill that will help you become more accurate when under pressure and when shooting at more than one target (well, more than one point on the same target, technically).
This is the “Failure to Stop” drill, also sometimes referred to as the “Mozambique” drill. It requires you to fire three shots in rapid succession, at two different points of aim, accurately. Missing any of them is considered a failure.
Here’s how to perform the drill.
How to Do the Drill
Theoretically you could perform this drill with any target that has two spots, but we’re going to say the easiest way to do it (and the most realistic) is to use a silhouette target.
Set the target up between 10 and 25 yards. Our advice? Set it up at 10 yards, become proficient with the drill, then move it back to 25, and when you get comfortable there, most it back to 30 or even farther.
Make sure that the head and chest of the silhouette target are easily visible from your shooting position.
To run this drill, you’ll need a partner with a timer. Start with your rifle at the low-ready position, if possible. If the range won’t allow this, you can start from the ready position.
Your partner will signal to you when to fire and time you. When signaled, raise the rifle and fire two shots at the center of the target and one at the head of the target (if not using a silhouette, fire two at one point and then shift your point of aim to another for the final shot).
The idea here is to fire all three shots on target (missing any is a failure) and to do so as quickly as possible. Your partner can give you an indicator of how quickly you fired the shots since he or she should have a timer.
Also, once you can reliably fire all shots on target without missing any, drill faster to try to shave milliseconds off your time.
Once you can reliably fire all three shots on target in a time you’re satisfied with, move the target back in 5 yard increments and continue drilling. This drill is typically done at ranges within 30 yards, but that’s also because it’s commonly done with a handgun.
If you want a real challenge, since you’re using a rifle here, try moving the target back past 30 yards and firing over iron sights. If you can complete the drill with a rifle at ranges in this ballpark (or farther) without missing, you’re getting somewhere.
Why This Is a Great AR Drill
This is a great AR drill because it coaches handling, accuracy and speed, and because it has real-world applications.
The nature of the target, and the placement of the shots, mimics a real-world situation in which you had a hostile target, or even a dangerous, charging animal.
The first two shots are placed on the center mass of the chest of the target; the final shot is aimed at a more vital area, signifying the “failure to stop.”
Because this drill is run offhand, it coaches good handling and accuracy in an uncomfortable position. These skills can be transferred to other offhand shooting disciplines as well, and will coach you on reaction time as well.
And, on top of that, this is a drill that can be performed at close ranges (you don’t need a great deal of range to run it) with basic targets and stands. You’ll need a partner and a timer, but not much else.
And, since each drill only chews up 3 rounds of ammo, it’s not that hard on the ammo can, either. Unlike the X Drill and the Bill Drill, the Failure to Stop drill is fairly economical. It also offers big returns in exchange for the investment in time and ammo.
Of course, you’ll still need to get some .223 bulk ammo. This is not the only drill you’ll need some surplus for. There are lots of other ones you can pair with it, like the Box Drill and the Malfunction Drill (that latter one is especially a good one and doesn’t even require you to burn through ammo).
Stock Up on .223 Bulk Ammo Here
Need to get some extra .223 bulk ammo before you hit the range and start drilling? We can help with that. Check out our full bulk ammo collection via the previous link and stock up - we carry both handgun and rifle cartridges in bulk, too, in a wide range of calibers.
While you’re here, don’t miss a chance to score great deals on other range essentials and shooting accessories. Check out our hot deals and police trade-in specials so you never miss a good deal.