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Created by firearms instructor Mark Schneider, the Schneider Drill is a no-nonsense test of your ability to draw from the holster, reload under pressure, and maintain combat-effective accuracy—all within a demanding 12-second time limit. This drill is designed to simulate real-world stress and decision-making in a compressed, measurable format.

It’s ideal for concealed carry holders, armed professionals, and anyone serious about personal defense training.

📏 Target Setup and Distance Options

This drill can be run two ways depending on your available range space:

Target Type	Target Size	Distance
Full-size FBI Q Target	23” x 35” (approx.)	21 feet (7 yards)
Scaled Q Target (supplied)	8.5” x 11” paper	7 feet (2.1 yards)

Both versions maintain the same visual sight picture and scoring zones. Use the 8.5×11 version at 7 feet to simulate the full-size Q target at 21 feet.

🔫 Drill Overview

Stage	Action	Rounds	Distance	Time Guide
Stage 1	Draw and fire	4	7 ft or 21 ft	~2.00 sec
Stage 2	Reload, fire	4	7 ft or 21 ft	~3.00 sec
Stage 3	Reload, fire	4	7 ft or 21 ft	~3.00 sec
TOTAL	—	12	—	≤ 12.00 sec

🧰 Gear Needed

Semi-auto handgun
3 magazines (4 rounds each)
Holster (OWB or concealed)
Magazine pouch with at least 2 spare mags
Shot timer or timer app
Scaled Q target (if using 8.5×11 version)

🛠 How to Run the Drill

Load 3 mags with 4 rounds each.
Insert 1 mag, chamber a round, and holster your firearm.
Place the other 2 mags in your belt mag pouch.
On the timer beep:
- Draw and fire 4 rounds
- Reload, fire 4 more
- Reload again, fire final 4 rounds
Stop the timer after your last shot.

🎯 Scoring Rules

You must fire all 12 rounds within the silhouette of the FBI Q target.
Drill must be completed in under 14.00 seconds to be ranked.
Time starts on the first beep and ends on the final shot.

🏆 Performance Tiers

Tier	Time	Hits Required
Expert	≤ 10.99 seconds	12/12 hits
Advanced	11.00 – 13.99 seconds	12/12 hits
Beginner	≥ 14.00 seconds	12/12 hits
Fail	Any miss OR over 14.00 sec	N/A

These tiers give you clear milestones as your skills improve. Hitting 12 rounds inside the Q zone under 11 seconds is a serious achievement.

🧠 Why This Drill Works

The Schneider Drill tests what matters in a defensive scenario:

Drawing efficiently from concealment
Managing reloads under stress
Making fast, accurate hits under time pressure

Unlike casual range practice, this is measurable, repeatable, and humbling. You’ll know exactly where you stand—and what to work on.

🔒 Prepare Legally, Not Just Tactically

Training for real-world defense means thinking beyond the range. After a use-of-force incident, you’ll need legal protection too.

✅ Compare self-defense insurance plans
🎯 Sign up for a Colorado concealed carry class

🖨 Printable PDF Version

schneider-shooting-drill-target-free-online Download

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

People v. Saavedra-Rodriguez: Colorado Self-Defense Case Breakdown

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 Mark Schneider

Self-defense law in Colorado continues to evolve through case law that helps clarify the boundaries of justified force. One such critical case is People v. Saavedra-Rodriguez, 2012 COA 79, which examines when the use of deadly force is legally defensible in a confrontation.

In this article, we break down the case, what it means for concealed carry permit holders, and how it ties into Colorado’s broader self-defense statutes under C.R.S. § 18-1-704 and § 18-1-705.

📜 Case Summary: People v. Saavedra-Rodriguez (2012)

Facts of the Case:
Luis Saavedra-Rodriguez shot and killed another man after a confrontation outside a bar in Pueblo, Colorado. The altercation began as a verbal dispute, escalated into a physical confrontation, and ended with Saavedra-Rodriguez firing his firearm.

He claimed self-defense, arguing the victim was the initial aggressor and that he reasonably feared for his life. The prosecution argued that Saavedra-Rodriguez escalated the situation and that the threat had passed by the time he used deadly force.

Legal Issue:
Was the use of deadly force justified under Colorado’s self-defense laws?

Ruling:
The Colorado Court of Appeals found that jury instructions on self-defense were improperly limited. Specifically, the trial court failed to fully instruct the jury on Saavedra-Rodriguez’s right to use deadly force if he reasonably believed he was in imminent danger—even if he may have provoked the confrontation.

The ruling emphasized that a person who provokes a confrontation may still act in self-defense if they withdraw in good faith and clearly communicate that intent, and the other person continues to use or threaten unlawful force.

⚖️ Legal Takeaways for Gun Owners and CCW Holders

1. Right to Self-Defense is Not Absolute:
Even when carrying legally, your right to use deadly force hinges on whether the threat is imminent and your actions are reasonable.

2. Provocation Limits Protection:
If you instigate a confrontation, your legal shield under self-defense law becomes murkier. You must clearly withdraw and attempt to de-escalate before using deadly force.

3. Clear Communication Matters:
Verbal or physical attempts to disengage may help restore your legal claim to self-defense—even if you were the initial aggressor.

4. Jury Instructions Can Make or Break a Defense:
This case shows how crucial proper jury instructions are. Misleading or incomplete directions on the law can lead to reversible error.

🔫 What This Means for Concealed Carry in Colorado

If you carry a concealed firearm in Colorado, understanding the People v. Saavedra-Rodriguez decision is critical. It reinforces that carrying comes with not just the right to defend yourself, but the responsibility to avoid escalating situations.

Avoid confrontation whenever possible. If you do end up in one, attempt to withdraw if the situation allows. This not only enhances your safety but strengthens your legal footing if force must be used.

✅ Learn the Law Before You’re Forced to Use It

Knowing how to shoot isn’t enough. You also need to understand when you’re legally allowed to use your firearm. Our Colorado concealed carry classes cover not only safe firearm handling but also real Colorado case law—like Saavedra-Rodriguez—to prepare you for the legal aftermath of a defensive shooting.

Don’t guess your way through a courtroom. Train with us and carry with confidence.

👉 Reserve your seat in our next CCW certification class today.

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance on self-defense or firearm use, consult a licensed Colorado attorney. Always verify laws with official sources or legal counsel before acting.

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

People v. Idrogo (1991): Colorado’s “No Duty to Retreat” Doctrine Explained

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025 Mark Schneider

When is it lawful to stand your ground in Colorado? The Colorado Supreme Court tackled that question in People v. Idrogo, 818 P.2d 752 (Colo. 1991), a landmark case that affirmed a citizen’s right to self-defense without the obligation to retreat—if certain conditions are met.

As more concealed carry permit holders and security professionals navigate the legal realities of defensive force, this case remains critical to understanding Colorado’s approach to self-defense law.

Background of the Case

Anthony Idrogo found himself in a confrontation he never wanted. On the night of September 6, 1985, Idrogo was walking home near a liquor store in Colorado Springs when a man named William Archuleta—highly intoxicated and demanding marijuana—began following him. Idrogo declined the request, tried to walk away, and told Archuleta to stop.

But Archuleta kept following, reportedly aggressive and confrontational. Eventually, a physical struggle broke out, and Idrogo drew a handgun and fired, fatally shooting Archuleta.

He was charged and convicted of reckless manslaughter and a crime of violence, later found to be a habitual criminal. At trial, Idrogo asked the judge to instruct the jury that he had no legal duty to retreat before using force in self-defense.

The court refused.

What the Supreme Court Ruled

The Colorado Supreme Court overturned the conviction—not because Idrogo’s use of force was definitely lawful, but because the jury was never properly instructed on Colorado’s self-defense laws, specifically the “no duty to retreat” provision.

Colorado law allows individuals to use deadly force if:

They are not the initial aggressor
They reasonably believe deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm

Importantly, they are not legally required to retreat, even if retreat might have been possible.

The Supreme Court held that the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury on this essential principle. While the specific instruction Idrogo proposed had technical issues, he was still entitled to a correct version explaining that he did not have to run away if he reasonably believed he was in danger.

Why This Case Matters Today

People v. Idrogo reinforces the legal right to stand your ground in Colorado, as long as you’re acting lawfully and not provoking the incident. This is especially important for:

Concealed handgun permit (CHP) holders
Security guards and professionals
Homeowners and private citizens defending themselves in public spaces

It also serves as a reminder that jury instructions can make or break a trial, particularly when self-defense is on the line. If a jury doesn’t understand the law, they can’t fairly evaluate a self-defense claim.

Key Takeaways

Colorado does not impose a duty to retreat before using lawful self-defense
If you’re not the aggressor and you reasonably believe you’re in danger, you can act—even if you could technically escape
Proper legal instructions in court are essential in self-defense cases

Final Thoughts

People v. Idrogo should be required reading for anyone who carries a firearm or works in private security. It’s a powerful case that upholds the legal protections given to defenders who act lawfully under pressure—and serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when juries are misinformed about the law.

Want to make sure you understand when and how to legally use force in Colorado?

👉 Sign up for one of our concealed carry or use-of-force training courses today

Legal Disclaimer:
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you are facing criminal charges or have questions about the lawful use of force, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. Self-defense laws can vary and are subject to change. Always seek professional legal guidance when interpreting or applying the law.

Tag: gun

The Schneider Drill: A 12-Second Test of Draw Speed, Reloads & Combat Accuracy