How often do you practice shooting at long ranges with your handgun? Long range is an almost meaningless term when it comes to handguns, but if you want to make precise shots at 25 yards with your handgun, then you need to shoot the B-8 Bonanza.
The B-8 Bonanza comes from Tim Chandler at Justified Defensive Concepts, an outstanding group providing real-world training relevant to modern tactics, techniques, and gear. If you can’t attend one of their classes, do yourself a favor and follow them on social media.
Social media is where I learned about the B-8 Bonanza drill.
The Handgun Long-Range Skills Gap
Most defensive handgun engagements indeed occur at close range, which is anywhere from three to 10 yards. Most of us train at these ranges, but too many have decided this is the only range we need to train at.
While close-range skills should be sharp, there seems to be a skills gap that opens up when you get beyond 15 yards. We seem to have convinced ourselves that those skills aren’t necessary, and to be fair, beyond 15 yards can be out of a lot of people’s comfort zone. Comfort zones are where you die.
There have been more than a few examples of long-range engagements by both the average Joe and Law Enforcement officers. While these events are rare, we should still train for them. All defensive firearm uses are rare, but we are still prepared for them.
B-8 Bonanza focuses on building these long-range precision skills.
The B-8 Bonanza: The Gear
For this drill, we don’t need much gear. We need a handgun, 30 rounds of ammo, a B-8 target, and a shot timer. You could even replace the shot timer with a phone timer app.
That’s it, that’s all you need. This drill doesn’t require a draw or rapid reload. You can shoot it at any indoor range, for the most part, without violating any rules. It’s a little heavy on ammo, which can make it a real challenge to shoot multiple times, but you’re packing a lot of practice into those 30 rounds.
I used a Ruger RXM with a Vortex Defender ST red dot.
Scoring the B-8 Bonanza
Tim Chandler describes the scoring as zero or hero scoring. You subtract 10 from your score if you land any shot outside the 8 ring. You’ll score the target simply based on the score of the ring.
You’re shooting 30 rounds, so your score is potentially up to 300. A passing or Ace score is 270. While the drill might be simple, it’s not easy. That means you can’t land thirty in the 8 ring and pass. You must mix in some 10s and 9s to get a passing skill.
Shooting the B8 Bonanza
This is a very simple drill. There is no pistol Judo involved. You’ll need to be at the 25-yard line.
The drill involves three strings, each requiring you to fire 10 rounds. Plan your magazines as necessary, or reload one magazine repeatedly. You’ll start in the ready position.
- String One: Fire 10 rounds in 30 seconds.
- String Two: Fire 10 rounds in 20 seconds.
- String Three: 10 rounds in 10 seconds.
See, it’s simple, but simple doesn’t mean it’s easy. Each string of fire is a little pig, and I’m the wolf coming to huff and puff. The first one falls easily, the second one is a bit tougher, but by the third one, I’m huffing and puffing to get it done.
My Thoughts
My goal is to always pass the drill on the first cold try. That’s performance on demand, and it’s the standard I want to reach. That said, I did not pass the B-8 Bonanza on the first cold run. Getting better at the drill takes a few range trips and runs.
Eventually, I could score 272 and pass the drill, and I’ve been getting better and better with every run. I’m aiming at a tiny target and doing it 25 yards. This sharpens my skills to hit a larger target quickly and easily.
As the times get shorter, you must master your grip and recoil control. Any slight reduction in skill will cause you to lag behind the timer or land shots outside the 8 ring.
I also learned to take my time when I have the time to take. I use all 30, 20, and 10-second par times to make my shots.
I’ve seen notable improvements in my long-range skills after shooting the B-8 Bonanza a few times weekly. It’s, without a doubt, a very valuable drill to address a common skill gap many of us have. Give the B-8 Bonanza a try and see if you’re a Little Joe or a Hoss.
