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Shifting Gears Drill Essentials: Practical Combat-Tested Pistol Training Tips from War HOGG Tactical

Master the Shifting Gears Drill with War HOGG Tactical – a key pistol training exercise for varying speed and precision based on target size and distance. Step-by-step guide to setup, execution, variations, and diagnostics for elite firearms skills.
Walther PDP with Aimpoint ACRO being shot during the Shifting Gears Drill

In the high-stakes arena of tactical firearms training, the Shifting Gears Drill (also known as Changing Gears) is a foundational exercise for cultivating adaptive pistol marksmanship. At War HOGG Tactical, led by 29-year US Army Special Operations veteran Rick Hogg, we integrate drills like this into our curriculum to equip shooters—law enforcement, military, competitive athletes, and civilians—with the ability to modulate speed and accuracy dynamically. Inspired by proven training methodologies featured in Make Ready TV series and discussed in On The Range Podcast episodes on pistol fundamentals and stress performance, the Shifting Gears Drill teaches you to "throttle up" for close, large targets and "throttle down" for distant, small ones. This comprehensive guide, optimized for pistol training drills and adaptive shooting techniques, provides detailed setup, execution, variations, diagnostics, and integration strategies. Whether honing self-defense skills or duty readiness, mastering the Shifting Gears Drill will enhance your recoil control, trigger discipline, and decision-making—helping you get 1% better every session.


The Critical Role of the Shifting Gears Drill in Pistol Marksmanship

Real engagements rarely allow a single shooting cadence. Close threats demand rapid, acceptable hits to gain initiative, while precision is non-negotiable for smaller or farther targets. The Shifting Gears Drill directly addresses this by forcing conscious speed adjustments, preventing the common "one-gear" mindset that falters under pressure.


Rooted in classic pistol drills, it aligns with War HOGG Tactical's combat-proven approach emphasized in Make Ready TV firearms fundamentals instructional videos. Podcast discussions on building resilient habits underscore its value: It simulates multi-threat scenarios, improves sight tracking during recoil, refines target transitions, and ingrains "see what you need to see", minimal visual input for easy shots, full confirmation for hard ones.Key benefits for firearms training:

  • Develops intuitive gear shifting for varying distances/sizes

  • Enhances grip stability and follow-through

  • Boosts efficiency in transitions and threat prioritization

  • Prepares for realistic self-defense or duty applications, like body-to-head shifts

Run this pistol training drill consistently to build adaptability, essential for concealed carry practitioners facing unpredictable ranges or officers in fluid encounters.


Simple Setup for the Shifting Gears Drill: Minimal Gear, Maximum Impact

The beauty of the Shifting Gears Drill lies in its accessibility—no fancy equipment required.Recommended setup:

  • Targets: One large (8-10" steel plate or IPSC A-zone torso) and one small (3x5" card or head zone). Use paper for scoring or steel for instant feedback.

  • Distances: Close/large at 5-7 yards; far/small at 15-25 yards. Limited space? Stack vertically on one stand (high/low zones).

  • Start Position: Holstered (don't forget about your CCW holster) or ready position for fundamentals focus.

  • Rounds: 10-20 per string; defensive ammo for live fire if available.

  • Essential Tools: Shot timer for par times (begin at 4-5 seconds), The Firearms Training Notebook for logging times, hits, and observations.

Scale for skill level: Beginners shorten distances and exaggerate size differences; advanced extend ranges or tighten pars. Always prioritize safety, eye/ear protection, clear backstops, and administrative checks before starting. This setup maximizes focus on adaptive shooting techniques without unnecessary complexity.


Detailed Execution: How to Perform the Shifting Gears Drill

Precise execution builds the muscle memory for seamless gear shifts.Core sequences:

  1. Start and Presentation: On buzzer, draw smoothly and acquire sights on the first target.

  2. Close-to-Far String:

    • Engage close/large target: 2 rounds fast (0.2-0.3 second splits)—drive aggressively, accept controlled groups.

    • Shift eyes first to far/small target, transition muzzle efficiently.

    • Throttle down: 2 deliberate rounds (0.5-1 second splits)—confirm full sight alignment for precision hits.

  3. Far-to-Close String (Reverse):

    • Begin on far/small: Slow, accurate 2 rounds—prioritize trigger press and follow-through.

    • Eyes lead to close/large, ramp up for 2 quick rounds.

  4. Completion: Scan for additional threats, holster after verification.

Repeat 5-10 strings, alternating directions. Emphasize "two positive hits"—quality over quantity. Use eye-lead transitions (eyes arrive first) and peripheral vision for efficiency. For red dot users, allow natural dot appearance; irons demand sharper focus on precision shots. This pistol marksmanship drill reinforces conscious modulation for superior performance.


Progressive Variations to Challenge and Advance Your Skills

Prevent stagnation with these targeted variations:

  • X-Pattern Expansion: Fire in crossing sequences (e.g., low-left to high-right) on multi-zone targets for complex transitions.

  • Multi-Target Addition: Introduce a third intermediate target—force dynamic prioritization and indexing.

  • Stress Integration: Pre-string physical exertion (sprints, burpees) or add reloads/malfunctions for fatigue simulation.

  • One-Handed Mode: Strong or support hand only—builds injury-resilient versatility.

  • Movement or Low-Light: Incorporate lateral steps, barricades, or weapon lights for tactical depth.

These adaptations keep the Shifting Gears Drill engaging while progressing adaptive shooting techniques across scenarios.


Diagnostics and Fixes: Leveraging the Drill for Self-Improvement

This drill's feedback is immediate and revealing—use it to pinpoint flaws.Common issues and corrections:

  • Hesitant Fast Shots on Close Targets: Build aggression via dry fire presentations.

  • Misses on Precision Targets: Refine trigger control and sight tracking—focus dry fire on smooth presses.

  • Sluggish Transitions: Practice eye-lead indexing separately.

  • Uniform Cadence: Verbalize "upshift/downshift" cues during runs.


Log everything in The Firearms Training Notebook: Par times, hit percentages, notes on shifts. Weekly tracking—target sub-3-second clean strings—accelerates gains. Pair with War HOGG Self-Eval for comprehensive diagnostics in pistol training drills.


Tactical Applications and Long-Term IntegrationIn combat or defense, the Shifting Gears Drill mirrors evolving threats—rapid suppression on near assailants, precise stoppage on distant ones. For civilians, it ensures CCW effectiveness across ranges; for professionals, it supports qualification standards.Incorporate weekly: Dedicate sessions to pure Shifting Gears, then blend with V-Drill or red dot work. Dry fire at home (snap caps) for affordability. War HOGG Tactical classes feature similar progressions—check schedules for hands-on application.


Conclusion: Shift Gears to Unlock Elite Pistol Performance

The Shifting Gears Drill fosters the adaptability needed for real-world dominance. Drawing from timeless training principles in Make Ready TV and On The Range Podcast insights, it demands deliberate reps for mastery. Start simple, log progress, and train relentlessly. At War HOGG Tactical, we're dedicated to your evolution—explore resources, join newsletters, and attack life with precision. Train hard, stay adaptive—get 1% better today.



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Rick Hogg is the owner of War HOGG Tactical, and is a 29 year US Army Special Operation Combat Veteran, as well as an SOF K9 handler, that has taken his 13 combat deployment, both Iraq and Afghanistan, and teaching experience as a Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC) instructor and harnessed them into a combat proven techniques training company, War HOGG Tactical, Inc.


Veteran owned, War HOGG Tactical, Inc. a North Carolina firearms training company that travels the country teaching firearms training, tactical training and K9 training to civilians, military and law enforcement agencies teaching through combat proven techniques and experience to improve students marksmanship proficiency. War HOGG also conducts product development and product field testing along with a variety of consulting services in the defense, firearms and entertainment / film industry.


War HOGG Tactical also offers free law enforcement firearms training via Project Officer Survival with support from our industry partners. If you are interested in hosting a free law enforcement training course send us an email for more info.


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Master the Shifting Gears Drill with War HOGG Tactical – a key pistol training exercise for varying speed and precision based on target size and distance. Step-by-step guide to setup, execution, variations, and diagnostics for elite firearms skills.


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