Sometimes getting creative with your training is exactly what you need to highlight the edges of your skillset. The table pick-up drill is one of those drills that reveals a lot. It takes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to engage with the gun in a way that isn’t routine or scripted. Most shooters, even newer ones, quickly get accustomed to the “square range” rhythm: draw, fire, reload, reholster. But life rarely presents itself that neatly.
Running the Table Pick-Up Drill
This drill keeps the round count low but maximizes the reps on what really matters. Specifically, quickly getting your gun into action from an awkward start point.
Working from a table mimics a situation where your handgun is nearby but not holstered — like on a nightstand, a workbench, or even a table. The challenge here isn’t just about speed. It’s about building comfort and efficiency in handling your handgun in an unconventional but entirely plausible scenario.
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Here’s how it works:
You’ll set up with a pistol, one loaded magazine, one empty magazine, and a flat surface. Chamber a round, engage the safety if your gun has one, and remove the magazine. Place the gun, empty mag, and loaded mag on the table.
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When you’re ready to start (or at the beep of a shot timer), reach for the gun and the empty mag first. Insert the empty mag, fire the chambered round, then drop the mag and set the gun down. Reset. This time, grab the loaded magazine, insert it, chamber a fresh round, fire again, and repeat the process.
This drill builds skill with magazine handling, chamber checks, and transitioning efficiently between different conditions. These are skills that matter when everything isn’t going perfectly. It’s not about being fast right away; it’s about consistency and control.
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As always, start slow and run the drill dry a few times before you load live rounds. Keep your trigger finger on the frame until your bore is level with the ground, and stay mindful of your muzzle orientation.
Dialing In Your Gear
One of the overlooked benefits of this drill is how it exposes inefficiencies in your gear setup and workflow. As you reach for the magazines and manipulate the pistol, you’ll start to notice what feels natural and what doesn’t. Whether it’s where your mags are placed, how your hand approaches them, or how smoothly you get the gun into action.
The table pick-up drill gives you a low-stress way to experiment and adjust. If something slows you down or causes fumbles, this is where you find and fix it. That kind of refinement pays dividends later, especially in situations where your gun isn’t conveniently holstered but must be quickly put into service.
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The table pick-up drill teaches you that marksmanship isn’t always about a perfect stance or clean draw. Sometimes, it’s about problem-solving and about getting that gun into the fight, no matter where it starts.
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