Mozambique Drill

Range Distance: Typically 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 feet)

Type of Target: IPSC cardboard target or humanoid silhouette target

Start Position: Ready or Holstered, depending on specific variations

Exercise Rules:

The “Mozambique Drill” also known as the “Failure to Stop” drill, is a classic practical shooting exercise that tests a shooter’s ability to transition between targets while maintaining accuracy. This exercise is often used in defensive handgun training. Here are the exercise rules:

  1. Range Distance: Set up one or more IPSC cardboard targets or humanoid silhouette targets at a typical distance of 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 feet) from the shooter. The number of targets and their arrangement can vary.

  2. Start Position: The start position for the Mozambique Drill can vary depending on the specific variation of the exercise. Some drills may start from the ready position, where the firearm is aimed in a safe direction but not holstered, while others may start from the holster.

  3. Procedure: On the start signal, the shooter engages the designated target(s) with multiple rounds. The drill typically consists of three shots per target. The shooter first engages the chest area of the target with two shots (known as a “failure to stop” or “body shots”), then transitions quickly to the head area and delivers one precise shot (a “headshot”). This sequence tests the shooter’s ability to transition rapidly between body and head shots while maintaining accuracy.

  4. Scoring: Scoring is based on the accuracy of the shots within the designated scoring zones on the target and the time taken to complete the drill. Hits within the scoring zones are scored accordingly.

Qualification Time: The qualification time for the Mozambique Drill can vary depending on the specific exercise and the level of competition or training. Shooters aim to complete the drill as quickly as possible while achieving accurate hits. Qualification times are typically set by match organizers or trainers based on the exercise’s objectives.

The Mozambique Drill is a valuable exercise for enhancing a shooter’s target transition skills and accuracy, especially in self-defense scenarios where rapid threat assessment and precise shots are critical.


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