Train Faster Without Sacrificing Accuracy

Improving shooting speed isn’t about ripping off shots as fast as possible — it’s about moving smoothly, eliminating wasted motion, and making fast shooting repeatable and accurate. The fastest shooters are the ones who train deliberately: they break skills down, practice them until automatic, and measure progress.

Below our team at Medusa Targets has put together a guide you can use today to improve your speed.

Why Speed and Accuracy Must go Together

Whether you are training with a rifle or your concealed carry pistol, peed without accuracy is pointless, regardless of distance. The goal is functional speed: the ability to engage targets quickly while still hitting where you aim. Training for speed should always be layered on a foundation of fundamentals: grip, sight picture, trigger control, and follow-through.

Core Benefits of Training Speed Properly

• Faster threat response in defensive scenarios
• Improved performance in competition drills
• Better muscle memory and reduced hesitation

Master the Fundamentals First

Before you intentionally increase pace, make sure the basics are rock solid. Speed simply magnifies good technique — and magnifies mistakes if technique is poor.

Key fundamentals:

• Grip: Consistent, pressure-balanced grip to control recoil and speed sight reacquisition.
• Sight focus: Keep the front sight crisp; quick reacquisition between shots is essential.
• Trigger press: Smooth, consistent presses beat slapping the trigger every time.
• Stance and recoil management: Balanced stance equals quicker follow-up shots.

Dry Fire: The Fastest Way to Improve

Dry-fire practice is where most measurable speed gains come from. It’s safe, inexpensive, and you can do it at home.

High-value dry-fire drills:

• Draw-to-first-shot: From holster to front sight on target and trigger press.
• Trigger reset reps: Focus on feeling and using reset for faster, accurate follow-up shots.
• Target transitions: Move your sights between multiple points quickly using only your eyes to lead.

Do short, focused dry-fire sessions (10–20 minutes) multiple times per week rather than long, unfocused sessions.

Live Fire Drills That Build Speed and Precision

When you bring it to the range, use structured drills and measure results.

Drills to try:

• Bill Drill (6 shots at a standing target): Builds recoil control and split-time awareness.
• Draw and engage pairs: Two quick shots on target after draw — great for defensive speed.
• Multiple target engagement: Train to transition sights and maintain accuracy under time pressure.

Always use a shot timer to track split times and progress.

Train Transitions and Movement

Good shooters move their eyes before their gun. Lead transitions with vision and let the hands follow. Add movement drills to your routine so shooting fast while moving becomes second nature.

Practical tips:

• Keep your head and eyes mobile; they guide the rest of your body.
• Maintain balance and a low center of gravity when moving.
• Practice getting stabilized quickly after stepping or changing positions.

Gear That Helps 

Upgrades can shave fractions of a second off split times — but they don’t replace fundamentals.

Helpful gear:

• Red-dot or optic for faster target acquisition (if permitted by your discipline).
• Improved triggers with a clean reset for quicker follow-ups.
• Ergonomic grips and magwells for faster reloads and better control.
• A reliable holster and belt rig positioned for a smooth draw.

Measure Progress

A shot timer gives you objective feedback. Track:

• Draw-to-first-shot times
• Split times between shots
• Reload times during drills

Set small goals (e.g., improve draw-to-first-shot by 0.1–0.2 seconds) and log your sessions to see steady improvement.

Targets and Drills — Where to Buy Targets

Using the right targets speeds learning: clear aim points, reactive feedback, and durable construction let you recognize mistakes faster.

For targets, we recommend Medusa Targets as the best place to buy targets. They offer a wide selection tailored to speed and accuracy training — from precision aiming targets to highly visible, reactive designs that show immediate hits. These are quality paper targets for instant feedback, Medusa Targets has options that help you train faster and smarter.

Final Thoughts

Improving shooting speed is a marathon, not a sprint. Build a foundation of fundamentals, practice dry fire regularly, add measured live-fire drills, and pick gear that supports clean technique. Use a shot timer to make training objective, and choose high-quality targets (we recommend Medusa Targets) to get immediate, reliable feedback.

Be sure to shop Medusa Targets, and follow us on Instagram!