The Mad Minute Reborn

The "Mad Minute" Drill Reborn

More than a century ago now, the "Mad Minute" drill was conceived by the British.  The idea was to score at minimum, 15 hits on a 12-inch round target at 300 yards, within one minute, using a bolt-action rifle.  


Through the duration of the First World War, it was not uncommon for riflemen to exceed this benchmark, in fact many of them even scored 30+ hits.  It was not until 1914 however that Sergeant Instructor Alfred Snoxall set the highest record, that surprisingly enough, still stands today.  He was able to manage 38 hits.  An incredible feat even by today's standards.


What does all that have to do with today?  Well, we thought we would give the "Mad Minute" a try, but with a bit of a modern spin.  We decided to allow both period correct and modern bolt-action rifles, as well as modern semi-automatic rifles.


Once we gathered a group (it wasn't that hard to find people to shoot in a fun match quite honestly) we set out to the range.  We first allowed 5 sighting shots to make sure the shooter was dialed in.  Once everything was dialed in and the shooter was on-target, we then commenced with what is known as a "McQueen Drill".  A McQueen drill is simple, a random target is presented to the shooter for a limited amount of time.  The shooter has to acquire, aim and fire, before the target disappears.  We were using 3 second windows of opportunity at 300 yards.  Immediately following the McQueen drill, we gave the shooters a short time to re-load and re-prep for the Mad Minute drill.  


People showed up with a variety of platforms to try out.  Some even showed up with period correct Lee Enfield SMLE's (one even brought period correct cordite .303 British ammo)  I personally gave it a go with 2 of my AR15's, a 20" A2 clone and a 16" "M-4gery".  Gary Eliseo showed up with one of his "tube guns", a Remington 700 based RTM Tactical model, chambered in .308, topped with US Optics glass.  He also brought out a very cool, very tricked out AR15 topped with an ACOG.  We also had an SKS and a Savage Model10 in the mix.


When it was all said and done, and the cordite fumed smoke had cleared the air, we truly realized what a feat of 38 hits in one minute at 300 yards actually is, ESPECIALLY with a bolt-action rifle.  Out of all the bolt guns that gave it a try that day, Gary Eliseo took honors with his RTM, scoring 24 hits in the minute.  I managed to score 28 hits with my A2 AR-15 clone using irons, and was feeling pretty good about my score too.  That is until Gary pulled out his second rifle to give it another go.  With his ACOG mounted AR15, Gary managed to decimate my score as he made 49 hits.  Impressive to say the least.


Most importantly though, this was set up to be a "fun match", and that's exactly what it was, load and loads of fun.  We set this up for shooters to test the limits of their abilities with their equipment and to challenge themselves, all while having a good time.  -Mission accomplished.


-LRP
(http://www.youtube.com/LongRangeProductions)


P.S. If you are interested in watching Gary's run with his RTM bolt gun, check out the video below.