Wilson 5×5 Skill Test

The Wilson 5×5 Skill Test, also known as the IDPA 5×5 Classifier, was developed by Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat, a founding member of the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). Officially added as an IDPA classifier in January 2018, this test provides a straightforward and efficient evaluation of a shooter’s skill with a service pistol suitable for concealed carry.

Course Setup:

• Range: 10 yards.

• Target: Standard IDPA target.

• Start Position: Hands at your sides, facing the target. No concealment garment required.

• Rounds Fired: 25 rounds total.

• Equipment: Service pistol of 9mm caliber or larger, concealed carry suitable holster, and ammunition with a power factor of 125,000 or more (bullet weight x velocity).

• Scoring: Standard Vickers scoring with a 0.5-second penalty per point down.

Strings of Fire:

1. String One: Draw and fire 5 shots freestyle.

2. String Two: Draw and fire 5 shots strong hand only (SHO).

3. String Three: Draw and fire 5 shots freestyle, reload from slidelock, and fire 5 more shots freestyle.

4. String Four: Draw and fire 4 shots to the body and 1 shot to the head freestyle.

Suggested Scoring Benchmarks by Bill Wilson:

• Grand Master: 15 seconds or less

• Master: 20 seconds or less

• Expert: 25 seconds or less

• Sharpshooter: 32 seconds or less

• Marksman: 41 seconds or less

• Novice: 50 seconds or less

• Not Proficient Enough to Carry a Handgun: Over 50 seconds

The Wilson 5×5 Skill Test is a practical and accessible assessment designed to gauge a shooter’s proficiency across multiple fundamental skills, including accuracy, speed, one-handed shooting, and reloading under time constraints.