PCC RUN & GUN (& FUN)
If you own a pistol caliber carbine (PCC), you know how much fun it is to send a large volume of rounds downrange. This platform offers a fun, low-recoil shooting experience and is chambered in affordable pistol calibers like 9mm, making it nearly impossible to let sit idly in a safe. So, for all the PCC owners out there – especially DD PCC owners – the question isn't just "I got the gun, now what?" but "how do I unlock the full potential of this premium platform?" Sure, you can punch paper while plinking at the range or bore yourself to tears just dialing it in on a bench rest, but to really experience the thrill of your investment, it's time to explore the world of dynamic shooting drills.
Why are Drills Essential for PCC Owners?
Beyond basic marksmanship, these drills are essential for building practical skills. They enhance your speed, accuracy, and weapon handling in dynamic scenarios, and your Daniel Defense PCC is built to excel in these environments. Plus, let's be honest, running drills can be the most fun you have while shooting. So, let’s run through some of the most fun and most beneficial drills you can shoot as a PCC owner.
Ready? Set. GO!
The 1-5 Drill
This drill, common in action shooting sports, emphasizes quick transitions between targets at varying distances. When performing this drill with your Daniel Defense PCC, you’ll immediately notice the superior balance and maneuverability of the platform compared to other PCCs. Set up five targets, spaced from 1 yard to 5 yards away. Start with your DD PCC at a low ready. Start by engaging the first target with one shot, then transition to the second target and fire two shots. Next, transition to the third target and fire three shots. Now, reverse the sequence: transition back to the second target and fire four shots, then transition to the first target and fire five shots to complete the drill. This drill is excellent for improving target acquisition, transitions, and close-quarters accuracy. Try to keep your time under 5 seconds.
Pro Tip: Focus on maintaining a consistent stance and sight picture as you transition between targets. Practice smooth, controlled movements to minimize wobble. (Source: Ben Stoeger, Practical Shooting Training)
The El Presidente Drill
A classic drill tests your ability to draw (or, in this case, transition from a ready position), reload, and engage multiple targets. With the Daniel Defense PCC, the ambidextrous controls and optimized magazine well contribute to faster and more efficient reloads. Set up three targets, spaced about a yard apart, 10 yards away. On the signal, turn around and engage each target with two shots into the center circle. Perform a mandatory reload, then engage each target again with two more shots into the center circle. The El Presidente is fantastic for practicing reloads under pressure and engaging multiple threats efficiently. Complete the drill, sub 10 seconds.
Pro Tip: Visualize the entire drill before you begin. Dry-fire practice can dramatically improve your draw/transition speed and reload efficiency. Focus on minimizing wasted movement.
Box Drill
This drill emphasizes movement and shooting from different positions. The Daniel Defense PCC's lightweight design allows for quicker and more agile movement around the box compared to heavier PCC alternatives. Set up a square "box" using cones or markers. Start inside the box. On the signal, move to one corner, engage a target (or multiple targets), then move to the next corner, repeating the process. Vary the drill by adding reload points within the box or changing the number of shots per target. The box drill enhances situational awareness, movement skills, and shooting accuracy from unconventional positions.
Pro Tip: Maintain a consistent shooting stance at each corner, even when shooting from less-than-ideal positions. Practice transitioning between positions smoothly and efficiently.
Bill Drill
The Bill Drill is all about speed and accuracy. Thanks to the Daniel Defense PCC's crisp trigger and minimal recoil, you'll be able to put rounds on target faster and more accurately. Set up one target at 7 yards. On the signal, transition from the low-ready and fire six rounds into the target as quickly as possible. Focus on maintaining a tight group. The Bill Drill is excellent for building trigger control and recoil management. A good “par” time for this is 3.5 seconds.
Pro Tip: Focus on a smooth, consistent trigger pull. Don't "jerk" the trigger. Dry-fire practice can help you refine your trigger control. Analyze your shot patterns to identify areas for improvement.
Red Dot Sight Tracking Drill
This drill focuses on maintaining a stable red dot sight picture while transitioning between targets. Set up three targets at varying distances (e.g., 10 yards, 15 yards, 20 yards). Start with your Daniel Defense PCC at a low ready. On the signal, transition to the first target, fire one shot while focusing on a crisp trigger press and minimizing dot movement. Repeat for the remaining targets. This drill emphasizes dot control, recoil management, and accurate target transitions with a red dot sight.
Pro Tip: Focus on your grip and stance to create a stable shooting platform. Practice isolating your trigger finger movement to avoid disrupting your dot picture. Gradually increase your speed while maintaining consistent dot control.
Adapting Drills for PCCs
While many pistol drills can be adapted for PCCs, consider a few adjustments. You can increase the distances to take advantage of the PCC's greater accuracy potential. Focus on utilizing a sling for stability and smooth transitions. Practice reloading with magazines from different positions on your body to find the most efficient setup.
Your PCC, especially if it’s a DDPCC, is made for WORK, and these drills are just a starting point! The key is to get out to the range, experiment, and find what works best for you. Whether you're looking to dominate in competition or just have some fun, incorporating drills into your Daniel Defense PCC shooting routine is guaranteed to take your skills to the next level.
