El Presidente
Twelve rounds on three targets, with a reload between two passes. Jeff Cooper’s exercise includes a facing-away start; published scoring methods differ.
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Full video transcript 0:48
- 0:00
El Presidente starts facing away.
- 0:02
Turn around, then two on each, reload, and two more on each.
- 0:14
Here's the whole setup. Three targets at ten yards, about a yard apart. You start facing away, then turn on the beep.
- 0:20
Some people skip the turn and start facing the targets.
- 0:23
On the timer, track your first shot, your splits on each target, and your transitions between targets.
- 0:29
It's credited to Jeff Cooper, and it usually gets dated to the 1970s.
- 0:33
I like this one because you get to practice transitions, all while keeping your hits where they belong.
- 0:38
Have a favorite gun shop? Search for it on USA Arms, and tell us if it's missing.
- Rounds
- 12
- Targets
- Three
- Common distance
- 10 yards
- Creator credit
- Jeff Cooper
Targets, sequence and start
The course assigns two shots to each of three targets, then a reload and another two per target. The historical start faces away from the targets. [1] [2]
Ten yards is a common target distance. Lucky Gunner describes one metre between targets; accounts using one yard describe slightly different spacing. [2]
Gunsite and USPSA scoring
A 2018 report hosted by Gunsite describes a ten-second reference and a five-point-per-second adjustment. The historical USPSA CM 99-11 sheet instead specifies Virginia Count scoring. [3] [1]
Target and equipment allowances also differ between accounts. Those conditions belong with the chosen scoring method. [3] [2]
Transitions and the second pass
The exercise combines the opening start, target changes and a reload. Comparing the two passes shows whether hit placement or transition times changed after the reload. [2] [4]
Jeff Cooper and CM 99-11
The historical USPSA classifier sheet credits Jeff Cooper. Retrospective accounts place the exercise in the 1970s; it later appeared as classifier CM 99-11. [1] [2]
Sources and further reading
- USPSA CM 99-11 — El Presidentepracticalpistol.net
- Lucky Gunner — El Presidenteyoutube.com
- Gunsite — 2018 Front Sight reportgunsite.com
- Outdoor Life — El Presidenteyoutube.com
Sources reviewed September 29, 2026. Next review by March 29, 2027. Send a correction with a supporting source.