Top 5 Pistol Drills to Sharpen Your Pistol Skills

What are the five best ways to practice shooting for accuracy and speed? GUNSMARTS' Julie Golob shares her top picks!

posted on September 9, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Let's face it: The vast majority of us don't have time to go to the range as often as we'd like, and most of us can't afford to feed our concealed-carry pistols a case of ammunition at a time. Dry practice and laser training can really help bridge the "training gap," but in the end there's no substitute for the real operation of a firearm. So what's the best way to maximize your time and money on the range? Pistol drills, of course!

There are hundreds of drills out there, but nobody knows better than Julie Golob which ones will prepare you for real-world scenarios. She's a world-renowned champion shooter, Smith & Wesson brand ambassador and a strong Second Amendment advocate, so she's a busy woman with plenty of skill to spare (and share). In this video from Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS series, Golob walks you through the five pistol drills that she knows will bring you "up to speed" as quickly as possible.

Latest

NRA Championships 2026 Kim Rowe Team Vihtavuori Lede
NRA Championships 2026 Kim Rowe Team Vihtavuori Lede

Kim Rowe Delivers Standout Performances at 2026 NRA National Championships

Rowe earned top honors and multiple podium finishes at both the NRA National High Power Mid-Range Prone Championships and the NRA National High Power Long Range Championships.

New Guns 2026: Ruger Adds More America 250th Anniversary Firearms

Each limited production model in this special collection is distinctly marked with the inscription, "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."

Delights for Dad on Father’s Day

Whether Dad is a dedicated hunter, competitive shooter, avid reloader or simply enjoys spending time outside, here's a selection of products that is sure to please.

4 Gun Sayings That Are Absolutely True … and 3 That Aren’t

There are a lot of cliches and one-liners we throw around in the gun community. Some of them are true, but some are just baloney.

How to Have a Wild—but Safe—Time in America's National Parks

Our national parks are the envy of the world, but you must responsibly navigate these three outdoor hazards to stay safe during your visit: wildlife, weather and geological features.

The Armed Citizen® Reload June 12, 2026

One man's idea of brotherly love didn't exactly align with his sister's philosophy.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.