NY SAFE INC. · BEGINNER DRILLS
The Transition Ladder: Beginner Target Transitions
By Peter Ticali · NY Safe Inc.
The Transition Ladder is an untimed exercise for beginners, moving between a larger target area and a smaller precision zone.
The Equipment & Setup
- Target: A standard target or B8 repair center featuring a large center-mass area (such as an 8-inch circle) and a smaller precision zone (like a 3x5 index card or 3-inch sticker) placed above or beside it.
- Distance: Start at 5 yards.
- Ammunition: Quality 124-grain brass-cased training ammunition (such as CCI Blazer Brass or Magtech).
How to Run the Drill
- Phase 1 (The Large Zone / Recoil Control): Assume a stable two-handed grip from a low ready. Focus on a smooth, consistent cadence and fire 4 rounds into the large center-mass area. Because the target is forgiving, focus entirely on tracking your sights lifting and settling back down after each shot.
- Phase 2 (The Transition): Pause briefly, reset your grip if necessary, and shift your visual focus upward.
- Phase 3 (The Precision Zone / Fine Motor Control): Fire 2 rounds into the small precision zone (the 3x5 card or sticker). Here, your cadence must slow down entirely. You are trading raw speed for absolute visual patience, ensuring your front sight or dot is pinned precisely where it needs to be before pressing the trigger.
Further reading
Continue your education
For readers who need New York concealed-carry licensing education, these are upcoming NY CCW classes. These listings are for licensing education, rather than a dedicated class on this exercise.
Next Available Classes
Upcoming New York 16+2 CCW Class Dates
Limited to 15 students per class. Seats fill quickly.
NY SAFE - East Meadow
Small-Group New York 16+2 Training NY CCW 18-Hour Concealed Carry Class November 7-8, 2026 · East Meadow, NY Complete New York’s 16 hours of classroom instruction and 2 hours of live-fire training in a calm,…
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