Shooting Challenge & Target Designed by Lanny "Oakley" Barnes, 3x Olympian, World Champion Shooter.
By: Lanny Oakley
Designed for rifle, pistol and shotgun shooters across all disciplines, this challenge focuses on developing the fundamentals of a high-quality shot — while introducing controlled physical and mental fatigue.
You’ll build the stabilizer muscles required to hold your firearm, learn to recognize and manage your wobble zone, reduce unnecessary movement and anticipation and most importantly — develop the discipline to break a clean shot under fatigue and pressure.
This challenge is simple in structure — but demanding in execution.
How the Challenge Works
- Hold your firearm on target continuously.
- At specific time intervals, you will be required to take one precise shot.
- If you hit, you continue.
- If you miss, the challenge is over.
Score = Total consecutive hits
General Challenge Rules
- Always follow the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and all range rules.
- Firearm must remain mounted/on-target throughout the drill.
- You may not lower the firearm during the challenge unless you are ending the drill.
- Focus on: breathing control, wobble zone awareness, trigger discipline, anticipation, shot timing and mental thought control.
Download & Shoot
The Ascent April 2026 Challenge
Directions
Handgun Challenge
Equipment Needed
Firearm: Any handgun with any sighting system (for single-shots, follow the steps below).
Ammo: Minimum: 1 round; Maximum: Shoot until you miss or reach max fatigue.
Target: See printable target above or draw a 4” circle on a piece of paper.
A spotter and a timer are recommended.
Press the tab, noting your skill level to view challenge steps
Beginner
Target Distance – 5 Yards
Challenge Steps
- Start on signal, firearm up and on target
- At 30 seconds → 3 seconds to fire 1 shot
- If hit → continue holding
- Every 10 seconds, repeat
- Continue until miss
Detailed Explanation
Set up the target at 5 yards (see below for target specifications) and observe the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and any additional rules at your range.
Load and make-ready your handgun. Always keep the handgun pointed in a safe direction and finger off the trigger until engaging a target. Position will be Freestyle, but unsupported or one-hand loose grip, depending on your shooting discipline.
On the start signal, hold the firearm as steady as possible on the target. Don’t forget to breathe and observe your wiggle pattern and the size of your wobble zone. You are not allowed to bring the handgun down at any point during this exercise. If you can’t hold it up any longer, not the time, rest, then try again to build up that strength in holding up the handgun.
After 30 seconds has expired, you have 3 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. If you get a hit, you continue holding the handgun up for another 10 seconds. At 40 seconds, you have 3 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. You continue this every 10 seconds until you get a miss. If you miss the target, the exercise is over.
Rest and try this again. The goal is to see how many hits you can get in a row without missing and learn how to shoot when mentally and physically fatigued, etc.
*For single-shot firearms or limited-round-count firearms. When you have to reload, do so safely and with efficiency to get back up and onto the target as quickly as possible. Don’t forget, this is to improve your skills, so don’t cheat yourself. Challenge yourself here and see what you are capable of!
Intermediate
Target Distance – 10 Yards
Challenge Steps
- At 30 seconds → fire 1 shot (3-sec window)
- At 1:00 → fire 1 shot
- Then every 10 seconds → fire 1 shot
- Continue until miss
(Note: If you cannot reach 1:00 with a hit, return to Beginner.)
Detailed Explanation
Set up target at 10 yards (see below for target specifications) and observe the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and any additional rules at your range.
Load and make-ready your handgun. Always keep the handgun pointed in a safe direction and finger off the trigger until engaging a target. Position will be Freestyle, but unsupported or one-hand loose grip, depending on your shooting discipline.
On the start signal, hold the firearm as steady as possible on the target. Don’t forget to breathe and observe your wiggle pattern and the size of your wobble zone. You are not allowed to bring the handgun down at any point during this exercise. If you can’t hold it up any longer, not the time, rest, then try again to build up that strength in holding up the handgun.
After 30 seconds has expired, you have 3 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. If you get a hit, you continue holding the handgun up for another 30 seconds. At 1:00, you have 3 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. If you get a hit, then you continue to hold another 10 seconds, and at 1:10, you have 3 seconds to make a hit. You continue this every 10 seconds until you get a miss. If you miss the target, the exercise is over.
Rest and try this again. The goal is to see how many hits you can get in a row without missing and learn how to shoot when mentally and physically fatigued, etc. If you can’t hold the firearm steady for 1:00 and get a hit, then drop to Beginner and continue this drill until you build up to a minute. Once this Intermediate drill becomes too easy, then jump to Advanced and see how far you can go!
*For single-shot firearms or limited-round-count firearms. When you have to reload, do so safely and with efficiency to get back up and onto the target as quickly as possible. Don’t forget, this is to improve your skills, so don’t cheat yourself. Challenge yourself here and see what you are capable of!
Advanced
Target Distance – 15 Yards
Challenge Steps
- At 30 seconds → fire 1 shot (1.5-sec window)
- At 1:00 → fire 1 shot
- Then every 30 seconds → fire 1 shot
- Continue until miss or failure to hold
Detailed Explanation
Set up the target at 15 yards and observe the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and any additional rules at your range.
Load and make-ready your handgun. Always keep the handgun pointed in a safe direction and finger off the trigger until engaging a target. Position will be Freestyle, but unsupported or one-hand loose grip, depending on your shooting discipline.
On the start signal, hold the firearm as steady as possible on the target. Don’t forget to breathe and observe your wiggle pattern and the size of your wobble zone. You are not allowed to bring the handgun down at any point during this exercise. If you can’t hold the firearm up any longer, rest, then try again to build up that strength in holding up the handgun.
After 30 seconds has expired, you have 1.5 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. If you get a hit, you continue holding the handgun up for another 30 seconds. At 1:00, you have 1.5 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. If you get a hit, then you continue to hold another 30 seconds; you continue this every 30 seconds until you get a miss or can’t hold the firearm up any longer. If you miss the target, the exercise is over.
Rest and try this again. The goal is to see how many hits you can get in a row without missing and learn how to shoot when mentally and physically fatigued, etc. If you can’t hold the firearm steady for 1:30 minute and get three hits then drop to Intermediate and continue this drill until you build up to a 1:30. Once the Intermediate drill becomes too easy, then jump to Advanced and see how far you can go!
*For single-shot firearms or limited-round-count firearms. When you have to reload, do so safely and with efficiency to get back up and onto the target as quickly as possible. Don’t forget, this is to improve your skills, so don’t cheat yourself. Challenge yourself here and see what you are capable of!
Directions
Rifle Challenge
Equipment Needed
Firearm: Any Rifle with any sighting system (for single shots and limited round count, follow the steps below).
Ammo: Minimum: 1 round; Maximum: Shoot until you miss or reach max fatigue.
Target: See printable target above or draw a 4” circle on a piece of paper
A spotter and timer are recommended but not required. If you don’t have a spotter and timer, or can’t see your hits, try a progression of the drill below:
Start out with whatever category you feel you are in. Start with 30 seconds and see if you can get a hit. Then do the next criteria (either 10 seconds or another 30 seconds). Continue this until you reach your limit!
Press the tab, noting your skill level to view challenge steps
Beginner
Target Distance – 15 Yards
Challenge Steps
- At 30 seconds → fire 1 shot (3-sec window)
- Then every 10 seconds → fire 1 shot
- Continue until miss
Detailed Explanation
Set up target at 15 yards (4" circle target) and observe the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and any additional rules at your range.
Load and make-ready your rifle. Position will be standing or offhand, and it will depend on your discipline. Supported Standing Position (Formal/Position) or Free-Arm Standing Position (Action/Hunting).
On the start signal, hold the firearm as steady as possible on the target. Don’t forget to breathe and observe your wiggle pattern and the size of your wobble zone. You are not allowed to bring the rifle down at any point during this exercise. If you can’t hold it up any longer, not the time, rest, then try again to build up that strength in holding up the rifle.
After 30 seconds has expired, you have 3 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. If you get a hit, you continue holding the rifle up for another 10 seconds. At 40 seconds, you have 3 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. You continue this every 10 seconds until you get a miss. If you miss the target, the exercise is over.
Rest and try this again. The goal is to see how many hits you can get in a row without missing and learn how to shoot when mentally and physically fatigued, etc.
*For single-shot firearms or limited-round-count firearms. When you have to reload, do so safely and with efficiency to get back up and onto the target as quickly as possible. Don’t forget, this is to improve your skills, so don’t cheat yourself. Challenge yourself with this and see what you are capable of!
Intermediate
Target Distance – 25 Yards
Challenge Steps
- At 30 seconds → fire 1 shot
- At 1:00 → fire 1 shot
- Then every 10 seconds → fire 1 shot
- Continue until miss
Detailed Explanation
Set up the target at 25 yards (4" circle target) and observe the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and any additional rules at your range.
Load and make-ready your rifle. Position will be standing or offhand, and it will depend on your discipline. Supported Standing Position (Formal/Position) or Free-Arm Standing Position (Action/Hunting).
On the start signal, hold the firearm as steady as possible on the target. Don’t forget to breathe and observe your wiggle pattern and the size of your wobble zone. You are not allowed to bring the rifle down at any point during this exercise. If you can’t hold it up any longer, not the time, rest then try again to build up that strength in holding up the rifle.
After 30 seconds has expired, you have 3 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. If you get a hit, you continue holding the rifle up for another 30 seconds. At 1 minute, you have 3 seconds to shoot an accurate shot at the target and get a hit. If you get a hit, then you continue to hold another 10 seconds, and at 1:10, you have 3 seconds to make a hit. You continue this every 10 seconds until you get a miss. If you miss the target, the exercise is over.
Rest and try this again. The goal is to see how many hits you can get in a row without missing and learn how to shoot when mentally and physically fatigued, etc. If you can’t hold the firearm steady for 1 minute and get a hit then drop to Beginner and continue this drill until you build up to a minute. Once this Intermediate drill becomes too easy, then jump to Advanced and see how far you can go!
*For single-shot firearms or limited-round-count firearms. When you have to reload, do so safely and with efficiency to get back up and onto the target as quickly as possible. Don’t forget, this is to improve your skills, so don’t cheat yourself. Challenge yourself with this and see what you are capable of!
Advanced
Target Distance – 50 Yards
Challenge Steps
- At 30 seconds → fire 1 shot (1.5-sec window)
- At 1:00 → fire 1 shot
- Then every 30 seconds → fire 1 shot
- Continue until miss or failure to hold
Detailed Explanation
Set up the target at 50 yards (4" circle target) and observe the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and any additional rules at your range.
Load and make ready your handgun. Always keep the handgun pointed in a safe direction and finger off the trigger until engaging a target.
On the start signal, hold the firearm as steady as possible on the target. Don’t forget to breathe and observe your wiggle pattern and the size of your wobble zone. You are not allowed to bring the rifle down at any point during this exercise. If you can’t hold the firearm up any longer, rest, then try again to build up that strength in holding up the rifle.
After 30 seconds has expired, you have 1.5 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. If you get a hit, you continue holding the rifle up for another 30 seconds. At 1:00, you have 1.5 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. If you get a hit, you continue to hold for another 30 seconds; repeat this every 30 seconds until you get a miss or can’t hold the firearm up any longer. If you miss the target, the exercise is over.
Rest and try this again. The goal is to see how many hits you can get in a row without missing and learn how to shoot when mentally and physically fatigued, etc. If you can’t hold the firearm steady for 1:30 minute and get three hits, then drop to Intermediate and continue this drill until you build up to a 1:30. Once this Intermediate drill becomes too easy, then jump to Advanced and see how far you can go!
*For single-shot firearms or limited-round-count firearms. When you have to reload, do so safely and with efficiency to get back up and onto the target as quickly as possible. Don’t forget, this is to improve your skills, so don’t cheat yourself. Challenge yourself with this and see what you are capable of!
Directions
Shotgun Challenge
Equipment Needed
Firearm: Any shotgun with any sighting system (for single shots, over- and-unders and limited round count shotguns, follow the steps below).
Ammo: Minimum: 1 round; Maximum: Shoot until you miss or reach max fatigue.
Target: Straightaway or trap target with a standard 108mm clay pigeon set at 16 yards. Or similar. The goal is for you to have a consistent target to shoot at.
A trapper or a puller and timer are recommended but not required. If you don’t have a trapper or a puller, or can’t see your hits, try a progression of the drill below:
Start out with whatever category you feel you are in. Start with 30 seconds and see if you can get a hit. Then do the next criteria (either 10 seconds or another 30 seconds). Continue this until you reach your limit!
Press the tab, noting your skill level to view challenge steps
Beginner
Thrower Distance – 16 Yards
Challenge Steps
- Hold mounted position
- At 30 seconds → call and shoot (3-sec window)
- Then every 10 seconds → repeat
- Continue until miss
Detailed Explanation
Set up the thrower at 16 yards and observe the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and any additional rules at your range.
Load and make-ready your shotgun. Position will depend on your discipline.
On the start signal, mount the shotgun and hold as steady as possible at a spot in the distance where you think the bird will be engaged. Don’t forget to breathe and observe your wiggle pattern and the size of your wobble zone. You are not allowed to bring the shotgun down at any point during this exercise. If you can’t hold it up any longer, rest, then try again to build up that strength in holding up the shotgun.
After 30 seconds has expired, you have 3 seconds to pull and shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit while keeping the shotgun mounted. If you get a hit, you continue holding the shotgun mounted for another 10 seconds. At 40 seconds, you have 3 seconds to shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. You continue this every 10 seconds until you get a miss. If you miss the target, the exercise is over.
Rest and try this again. The goal is to see how many hits you can get in a row without missing and learn how to shoot when mentally and physically fatigued, etc.
*For single-shot firearms or limited-round-count firearms. When you have to reload, do so safely and with efficiency to get back up and onto the target as quickly as possible. Don’t forget, this is to improve YOUR skills, so don’t cheat yourself. Challenge yourself with this and see what you are capable of!
Intermediate
Thrower Distance – 16 Yards
Challenge Steps
- At 30 seconds → shoot
- At 1:00 → shoot
- Then every 10 seconds → shoot
- Continue until miss
Detailed Explanation
Set up clay thrower at 16 yards and observe the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and any additional rules at your range.
Load and make ready your shotgun. Position will depend on your discipline.
On the start signal, mount the shotgun and hold as steady as possible at a spot in the distance where you think the bird will be engaged. Don’t forget to breathe and observe your wiggle pattern and the size of your wobble zone. You are not allowed to bring the shotgun down at any point during this exercise. If you can’t hold it up any longer, rest then try again to build up that strength in holding up the shotgun.
After 30 seconds has expired, you have 3 seconds to pull and shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit while keeping the shotgun mounted. If you get a hit, you continue holding the shotgun mounted for another 30 seconds. At 1:00, you have 3 seconds to pull and get a hit. If you get a hit, then you continue to hold another 10 seconds, and at 1:10, you have 3 seconds to make a hit. You continue this every 10 seconds until you get a miss. If you miss the exercise is over.
Rest and try this again. The goal is to see how many hits you can get in a row without missing and learn how to shoot when mentally and physically fatigued, not anticipate the shot, etc. If you can’t hold the firearm steady for 1:00 and get a hit then drop to Beginner and continue this drill until you build up to a minute. Once this Intermediate drill becomes too easy, then jump to Advanced and see how far you can go!
*For single-shot firearms or limited-round-count firearms. When you have to reload, do so safely and with efficiency to get back up and onto the target as quickly as possible. Don’t forget, this is to improve YOUR skills, so don’t cheat yourself. Challenge yourself with this and see what you are capable of!
Advanced
Thrower Distance – 16 Yards
Challenge Steps
- At 30 seconds → shoot (1.5-sec window)
- At 1:00 → shoot
- Then every 30 seconds → shoot
- Continue until miss or failure to hold
Detailed Explanation
Set up thrower at 16 yards and observe the 4 Primary Rules of Firearm Safety and any additional rules at your range.
Load and make-ready your shotgun. Position will depend on your discipline.
On the start signal, mount the shotgun and hold as steady as possible at a spot in the distance where you think the bird will be engaged. Don’t forget to breathe and observe your wiggle pattern and the size of your wobble zone. You are not allowed to bring the shotgun down at any point during this exercise. If you can’t hold it up any longer, rest, then try again to build up that strength in holding up the shotgun.
After 30 seconds has expired, you have 1.5 seconds to pull and shoot an accurate shot on target and get a hit. If you get a hit, you continue holding the shotgun up for another 30 seconds. At 1:00, you have 1.5 seconds to pull and get a hit. If you get a hit, you continue to hold for another 30 seconds; repeat this every 30 seconds until you get a miss or can’t hold the firearm up any longer. If you miss the target, the exercise is over.
Rest and try this again. The goal is to see how many hits you can get in a row without missing and learn how to shoot when mentally and physically fatigued, etc. If you can’t hold the firearm steady for 1:30 minute and get three hits then drop to Intermediate and continue this drill until you build up to a 1:30. Once this Intermediate drill becomes too easy, then jump to Advanced and see how far you can go!
*For single-shot firearms or limited-round-count firearms. When you have to reload, do so safely and with efficiency to get back up and onto the target as quickly as possible. Don’t forget, this is to improve YOUR skills, so don’t cheat yourself. Challenge yourself with this and see what you are capable of!
The Goal
This isn’t about speed. It’s about discipline under fatigue and the ability to take a good shot.
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
• When to accept your sight picture
• When to break the shot
• When to trust your hold
Final Thought
The longer you hold … the louder your mind gets.
The shooters who improve are the ones who learn to quiet it — and still break a perfect shot.
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, shotgun, you’re an extreme athlete or 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.
