Jeff Cooper created the El Presidente drill in the 1970s as a benchmark for a shooter’s skill. A combat-oriented drill that is designed to test a shooter’s basic skills, the drill comes from an era of revolvers, 1911s, and leather holsters. But is it still relevant today, in a world of Glocks, SIGs, modern polymer holsters, and red dots?
Today, we are kicking it old school with the El Pres to see if it still holds value in modern shooting.
The History of the El Presidente
Jeff Cooper created the Modern Technique, and to this day, most modern shooting is built on the building blocks of the Modern Technique. While many of the original tactics used in the Modern Technique are outdated, the framework remains relevant. We don’t use the Weaver Technique, but we still use two hands. We use a target focus these days instead of a sight focus, but we still aim from eye level.
Cooper developed the El Presidente while training a security detail for a South American president. It combines speed, accuracy, and the Modern Technique. The drill was first published in a 1979 issue of American Handgunner.
It’s worth noting that the El Presidente Drill was not intended to be a tactical exercise but merely a drill to judge and build several basic skills at once. Ever since the drill’s introduction, it’s been a part of firearm culture.
What You’ll Need For the El Presidente
First, you’ll need three targets, preferably man-sized or at least torso-sized. I used FBI Q targets because there were too many of them in my office. Those targets need to be placed one meter apart — nothing too tough there.
Next, you need a handgun that holds at least six rounds and 12 rounds per run. It can be either a revolver or a semi-auto. You’ll need a spare magazine or speed loader for your gun of choice and a pouch to carry it. Oh, and we need a holster for your handgun, of course. I’ll be using my 578 GLS.
You’ll also need a shot timer and eye and ear protection, and once you’ve got those items, that’s all you need. It’s pretty low-key without requiring a ton of gear to get you running and gunning.
Running the Drill
Once your targets are set up and ready, walk back to the 10-yard line and stand in line with the middle target. Now, turn around and raise your hands into a surrender position. This is where you’ll start. It’s a false surrender.
At the beep, you’ll turn, draw, and begin engaging. You’ll fire two shots onto each target. Once the gun runs dry, conduct a reload and fire two more rounds into each target. That’s it. That is all there is to it.
Traditionally, you have 10 seconds to finish the drill. You gain 10 seconds for each miss. However, many ranges do not allow you to turn and shoot, and some variants, namely the Vice Presidente Drill, have eliminated that requirement. If that’s the case, I’d adjust the time to 8 seconds without the turn.
It’s also critical to remember that you do not draw until you entirely turn and face the threat. You might be able to grab the gun as you turn, but it shouldn’t depart the holster until it’s safe to do so.
Is the El Presidente Still Relevant?
The El Presidente Drill tests your mettle in multiple ways. Like every good drill, it tests your accuracy and ability to hit the target. You have to land 12 shots center mass into three targets. Along with accuracy, you’re practicing your ability to transition between targets and reload.
You’re doing this as quickly as possible, and a shot timer will introduce stress to your training. You’ll see noticeable skill improvements if you keep chasing the time and getting faster and faster. We are also working on the ability to draw quickly and efficiently.
Every skill in the drill is still valuable to modern shooting skills, but that doesn’t mean that the drill isn’t fairly easy. Scoring 12 hits on three fairly large targets in 10 seconds isn’t tough. If you’re scoring solid hits and times, it might be wise to make the drill a little more difficult. I went in cold and was landing seven-second runs, and by the time I warmed up, I was getting nearly six seconds, and six seconds flat wasn’t out of reach.
As always, we’re chasing faster and faster times, but we can also chase better overall accuracy. We can move away from just center mass hits and use smaller targets, like a 5 x 5-inch box, which is a bit trickier to hit quickly and efficiently. You can increase the distance, shoot it with one hand, switch hands, add an additional reload, and on and on.
Your ability to alter and modify it as you see fit keeps the El Presidente relevant. You can increase or even decrease the difficulty. Plus, it’s a lot of fun. Once I start shooting the drill, it’s hard to stop — it’s a blast, and when something is enjoyable, people are more likely to keep practicing it.
Going Fast
The El Presidente drill is a fair bit of fun. Because it’s so old and popular, you can find plenty of pro-level shooters ripping through it. If you want to feel inspired, watch Rob Leatham blast through an El Pres in four seconds. Despite its age, I think the El Presidente is still a very valuable drill for shooters, and everyone should try it at least once or twice.
