First time shooting a 1911 government model when I was 17….
Never knew it was called “Bills drill”. He just called it “combat shooting” where the gun never comes up higher than mid chest. Might be slightly different than what you’re referring to.
Three silhouette targets, 7 yards out, spaced about 2-21/2 feet part. Drill was “draw from the holster and put 2 rounds in the center target, then the two rounds in the left, then 2 rounds in the right targets. (My choice to shoot ‘C-L-R’ or ‘C-R-L’)
The Sgt. I was buying it from taught me the basics; then had me practice for 2 weeks before allowing me to have live ammo in the gun. When it was time he had me load 6 rounds into a mag, rack a round into the chamber, engage the safety and holster the gun. On command I started the drill. When done I dropped the mag, held the gun up high, and yelled “Clear !”
He immediately questioned me asking “sure you fired all 6?”. I showed him the slide was indeed back and locked and the empty mag was in my other hand. After checking the targets he commented “Damn! Those first two rounds sounded like only one!” All told it only took me 2.5 - 3 seconds to put 2 rounds in the center black on all three targets.
Not bragging. I was just following my training. Went on to win more than a few trophies/medals.
Best advice I got when shooting (not aiming with the sights) was to “concentrate on the target (POI) and point with your thumb”.
Just a small addition…..
I was 17 then. I’m 71 now. If you asked me to do that today the best advice I could give you is “stand behind that bullet proof glass wall over there”. With my arthritis, trigger finger (look it up), and failing eyesight it would be the safest place….
