Hackathorn 3-Second Head-Shot Test
Nine rounds across three targets at five yards. Each three-shot string has a three-second limit and a different target order; the published minimum is seven hits.
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Full video transcript 0:43
- 0:00
The three-second head-shot test is used to practice small, fast hits up close.
- 0:04
Three targets at five yards, one head shot on each, in three seconds.
- 0:09
That's string one, left to right. String two goes right to left.
- 0:14
And string three starts in the middle.
- 0:18
To pass, you need seven head hits out of nine. A late shot counts as a miss.
- 0:23
On the timer, the draw takes about half of your three seconds, so your transitions have to be quick.
- 0:28
You can start from the holster, from the ready, or concealed. Just write down which one you used.
- 0:33
I like changing the order every string. It shows you which direction gives you trouble.
- Distance
- 5 yards
- Rounds
- 9
- Strings
- Three; 3 seconds each
- Published minimum
- 7 hits
Three target orders
Nebraska Shooters specifies three IDPA or IPSC targets at five yards, at least two feet apart shoulder to shoulder. Each string assigns one head-area hit per target: left-to-right, right-to-left, then center-first. [1]
The three strings total nine rounds, with three seconds allowed for each string. [1]
Our video uses the permitted IPSC target. Hits in either the upper A or B zone count toward the head-hit requirement. [1]
Seven hits to pass
The account attributes a minimum of seven hits to Hackathorn. Late shots count as misses, as do shots outside the specified head area. [1]
The publication discusses ready, holstered and concealed starts. Include the chosen start when recording a result. [1]
Comparing the target orders
The targets and time limits stay fixed while the order changes. Separate string results show whether one order produced more misses or late shots. [1]
Other Hackathorn tests
Nebraska Shooters credits this course to Ken Hackathorn. It is separate from the sixty-round Hackathorn Standards and the ten-ten-ten exercise called The Test. [1] [2] [3]
Sources and further reading
- Nebraska Shooters — Hackathorn 3-Second Head Shotnebraskashooters.com
- Nebraska Shooters — Hackathorn Standardsnebraskashooters.com
- Ken Hackathorn in RECOIL — The Testrecoilweb.com
Sources reviewed September 29, 2026. Next review by March 29, 2027. Send a correction with a supporting source.