Shooting Challenge & Target Designed by Lanny "Oakley" Barnes, 3x Olympian, World Champion Shooter.
By: Lanny Oakley
This month’s Ascent Challenge, “Foundation Under Fire,” combines proven shooting drills into one challenging 50-round course designed to test and develop the skills that matter most: accuracy, transitions, target acquisition, recoil management, movement and consistency.
Whether you’re a competitive shooter, concealed carry holder, hunter or someone focused on personal improvement, this challenge is about building a stronger foundation that holds up when the pressure is on.
Remember: Speed comes from efficiency. Confidence comes from preparation. Success comes from mastering the basics.
Are you ready to put your fundamentals to the test?
How the Challenge Works
- Start from low ready (or holstered/slung for advanced levels)
- Engage designated target areas through structured drill sequences
- Incorporates standard drills including Dot Torture, Mozambique, Bill Drill, El Presidente, reload work and precision shooting
- Emphasizes target transitions, gun handling and efficiency
- Prioritizes quality hits over speed
General Challenge Rules
- Always follow the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and all range rules.
- Properly make safe and reset the firearm between strings
- Beginners should set the target distance at 3 Yards
- Intermediate and Advanced shooters should set the target distance at 5 Yards
- Only paper targets can be used, not steel
Equipment Needed
Firearm: Any rifle or handgun.
Ammo: 50 rounds
Safety: Eye and Ear Protection
Target: See printable target below featuring Five 2.5-inch targets: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow and Black
A Shot Timer is needed.
Drill Directions
Stage 1 - Dot Control (11 Rounds)
- Dot 1: 3 shots
- Dot 1: 2 shots > Dot 3: 2 shots
- Dot 2: Strong hand 2 shots
- Dot 2: Support hand 2 shots
- Dot 1: 2 shots > Dot 3: 2 shots
Penalty: +2 sec per miss
Stage 2 - Mozambique (6 Rounds)
- Body [center-middle square A]: 2 shots > Head [center-top square A]: 1 shot
- Body [center-middle square A]: 2 shots > Head [center-top square A]: 1 shot
Penalty: +3 sec per head miss
Stage 3 - Bill Drill (6 Rounds)
- A Zone: 6 shots
Penalty: +1 sec per miss
Stage 4 - 1-Reload-1 (10 Rounds)
- 1 shot > Reload > 1 shot
- 1 shot > Reload > 1 shot
- 1 shot > Reload > 1 shot
- 1 shot > Reload > 1 shot
- 1 shot > Reload > 1 shot
Penalty: +2 sec fumble
Stage 5 - El Presidente (12 Rounds)
*Start position facing uprange, turn and either pick up your firearm up from off a table or draw and shoot.
- Lower Left Target: 2 shots > Lower Center Target: 2 shots > Lower Right Target: 2 shots > Reload > Lower Left Target: 2 shots > Lower Center Target: 2 shots > Lower Right Target: 2 shots
Penalty: +1 sec miss, +2 sec wrong order
Stage 6 - 5x5 (5 Rounds)
- 2" circle: 5 shots in 5 seconds
Penalty: +2 sec per miss (outside circle)
The Goal
Progress from controlled execution to time-constrained performance while developing the ability to think clearly, manage transitions and deliver precise, accountable shots under pressure.
Download the Target & Directions
A chance to win prizes
Post on Instagram sharing your experience with the June challenge and tag @lanny_oakley or message @lanny_oakley directly and share your thoughts for a chance to win cool prizes.
May's winner will be receiving a package of @trijicon Swag in the mail!
Follow Lanny’s The Ascent for More Challenges
The Ascent is Lanny’s three-year commitment to world record attempts, world championship pursuits and performance at the highest level in sports. Now, The Ascent is not meant to be watched from the sidelines. Lanny invites you to join her as she sends out progressive monthly challenges designed to help you improve both physically and in your shooting, no matter your starting point.
Each month features a shooting challenge and a separate physical challenge, with beginner, intermediate and advanced levels so you can train at your own pace. The challenges build on one another, starting with foundational skills and gradually adding difficulty, movement and pressure over time. Whether you shoot rifle, pistol or shotgun, you’re an extreme athlete or you're starting out on your physical fitness journey, The Ascent is about showing up, putting in the work and pushing yourself and others to improve. One month, one challenge, one shot and one rep at a time.
Join in on Lanny’s ascent — and let’s raise the standard together.
See previous challenges from Lanny
Improve Your Shooting Accuracy Under Pressure | Color React Drill
Shooting Fundamentals Under Fatigue | Hold Settle Hit Challenge
