2012 - 2013 revolver backup biennial training

NMDPS Advanced Training Bureau 2012 – 2013 Revolver Backup Training NMDPS Accreditation Number: NM12151F ______________________________________________________________________________

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2012 - 2013 REVOLVER Backup Biennial Training

Instructor Guide


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Safety Briefing: Weapons Handling and Safety Considerations

No mechanical device has a will of its own, and firearms never “go off” unless somebody causes them to do so. Firearms are safe; it is people and their actions or oversights combined with a firearm that is dangerous.

In the interest of controlling this human factor and its associated risk, the following safety guidelines must be followed. Four Safety Rules

1. ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED. Don’t pretend this is true, be deadly serious about it!

For practical police purposes we must maintain our weapons in a loaded condition and must believe any weapon we encounter in the field is loaded. There is no reason to “assume” any weapon is not loaded. Strict adherence to this principle will eliminate that pathetic excuse, “But I didn’t know it was loaded.”

2. NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY. A

simple common sense principle that unfortunately is conspicuously and continuously violated.

3. KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNLESS YOUR SIGNS ARE ON TARGET –

AND YOU’VE MADE THE DECISION TO FIRE. There is no need to have your finger on the trigger if you are not firing, while the potential for a negligent discharge is very high, especially under stress. The process of pointing a gun at an intended target takes much more time than it takes to move the trigger finger from the position along the frame/trigger guard to the trigger.

4. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET. Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it.

You are responsible for any round you send down range. Do not fire at anything you have positively identified and intend to shoot.

Society has an expectation of us as Police Officers to be competent and professional with our weapons. This is a reasonable expectation. We have an obligation to each other to take these four simple rules as serious as our oath of office. This is an obligation that we must honor.


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COURSE TITLE: 2012 – 2013 NMDPS Revolver Backup Biennial Training GOAL: The purpose of this instruction is to familiarize commissioned personnel with a revolver as a backup weapons system should the Officer’s primary weapon fail. Safe handling, manipulating, carrying, deploying, and maintaining the revolver and Galco ankle holster will be covered. Personnel should also qualify with the revolver on a day and night backup course. The revolver may be the best option for a back up or second gun to the officer’s issued pistol. It is not intended to fill the role of an off-duty weapon. INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this block of instruction the participant will

be able to: 1) Recite the four general firearms safety rules 2) Articulate and demonstrate revolver nomenclature and

maintenance. 3) Demonstrate the ability to properly utilize cover (barricade or

vehicle) and fire from cover (both from braced or on cover & with distance from cover) in standing, kneeling, seated & prone positions from the Officer’s “strong” and “off” sides in all positions

4) Demonstrate, articulate, identify and resolve the 4 primary weapons system malfunctions; failure to fire, failure to eject, failure to extract and out of battery.

5) Demonstrate proficiency in performing a tactical or speed re-load, including discussing when each would be performed

6) Demonstrate the ability to operate and maintain operation of their weapon system with strong and weak/off hand only.

7) Demonstrate weapons retention shooting and articulate when or where this technique would be used, while maintaining shot placement accuracy & accountability

8) Demonstrate the ability to perform all of these same techniques in a stress course during both day and low light conditions while utilizing a flashlight (if a weapons mounted lighting system is used, the student must also perform these techniques while using a flashlight).

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: Lecture, class discussion, demonstration, student practice With inert training rounds in the sub-skills, then live fire training.

HANDOUTS: Students Guide


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COURSE DURATION: 4 Hours SAFETY CONSIDERATION: Safety Briefing EQUIPMENT, PERSONNEL, AND SUPPLIES NEEDED: Duty handgun and duty leather gear, backup revolver with loading source, hearing & eye protection, bill cap, ballistic vest, Public Address System, First Aid kit, handout material, inert training rounds, live ammunition. TARGET AUDIENCE: NMDPS/LEA Certified Police Officer’s COURSE PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of a Basic firearms course INSTRUCTOR CERT.: NMDPS Firearms Instructor INSTRUCTOR RATIO: 1:3 EVALUATION STRATEGY: Agency specific standards will be adopted by each Law

Enforcement Agency utilizing this NMDPS Lesson plan. Those standards will be documented in this area prior to teaching each class.

AUTHOR & ORIGINATION DATE: Kevin McPherson July 21, 2006 ADOPTED & REVISED: Brian Coss January 25, 2010 Mark R. Shea April 11, 2012 (Reaccredited)


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ADDITIONAL STUDENT NOTES

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COURSE CONTENT: BACK UP REVOLVER It is the recommendation (not a requirement) of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety that a revolver matching the description listed below be the minimum standard for backup revolver. Caliber: .38 Special (rated for +P ammunition) Action Type: Double Action Only Revolver- concealed (enclosed) hammer Weight: 15 ounces Capacity: 5 rounds Sights: fixed Construction: Stainless steel and Aluminum alloy Revolver Specific Nomenclature

1. thumb piece (cylinder release) 2. extractor rod 3. cylinder 4. yoke

5. yoke screw 6. sideplate 7. charge holes 8. internal lock 9. extractor


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Yoke Screw

Side Plate

The internal lock is a relatively new feature to Smith and Wesson revolvers. This feature enables the user to lock up the action on the revolver for safe storage. When activated, this completely disables the revolver and it will not fire until deactivated with the key. Officers who use this feature must be cognizant of the condition of the lock prior to use or storage.

Charge Holes

Internal Lock

Extractor

A revolver with a double action only, concealed hammer design is best as a backup. This lends to its reliability as there are less avenues for filth to enter the internals. The lack of an exposed hammer also contributes to effective concealed carry and presentation as there is no sharp, angular hammer to catch on clothing. This also allows the revolver to be fired from a pocket without malfunctioning in an emergency situation. Ammunition The duty round reccomendation is the CCI/Speer 135 grain +P GDHP. This round was designed to maximize performance out of short barreled revolvers. It generates over 860 fps/222 ft lbs from a two inch barrel; the bullet has demonstrated reliable expansion at these velocities.


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The practice round recommendation is the Federal 130 grain FMJ load. This round gets fairly close to the ballistics of the duty round without generating +P pressures. It is rated at 810 fps/189 ft lbs from a four inch barrel. Maintenance Field-stripping the revolver is a simple process.

1. Confirm that revolver is unloaded. 2. Using a properly fitting screwdriver, remove yoke screw from sideplate.

3. Open cylinder with thumbpiece and pull yoke and cylinder forward away from frame. 4. Yoke and cylinder/extractor rod may now be separated.

5. Grips may be removed with properly fitting screwdriver as needed.


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Further disassembly is not required for maintenance and cleaning and will be permitted only by personnel trained as revolver armorers.

Completed Field-Stripping

Yoke Screw

YokeRemoved

Reassembling the revolver consists of reversing the steps for field stripping. Hint: Set the cylinder above the cylinder window of the frame and align the yoke with the extractor rod. Ease the yoke onto the extractor rod and then into the frame. Make sure the yoke is fully engaged into the frame and then gently close the cylinder. Replace yoke screw. Upon reassembly, check extractor rod, thumbpiece screw, and sideplate screws to ensure that they are tight.


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Cleaning/Lubrication A cleaning rod, .35/.38 caliber bore brushes, a nylon toothbrush, cleaning patches, cotton swabs and a quality copper solvent will suffice. Unless a bore snake is used, the bore will be cleaned from the muzzle end. A cloth should be inserted into the cylinder window to shield the hammer nose bushing from impact and solvent entry. Caution should be used to avoid damaging the rifling crown while pushing rod through the bore. A plastic or aluminum cleaning rod is recommended. The charge holes of the cylinder need to be brushed and swabbed in addition to the bore. Other areas of concern are the recoil plate that faces the back of the cylinder (clear residue from hammer nose bushing hole and bolt pivot hole), area surrounding the forcing cone of the barrel, cylinder window, yoke, and front of cylinder. Ensure that the area underneath the extractor and the cylinder stop notches are free of fouling. Clean inside the yoke barrel as well as removing all carbon fouling from the exterior of the yoke.

No Oil Under Extractor

If lead bullets are not used; nylon brushes, patches and swabs, and a good solvent should remove fouling. Excessive fouling may require a wire toothbrush with bronze or brass bristles. DO NOT use stainless steel wire brush on alloy portions of the revolver. After cleaning, a lightly

A small drop of oil should be applied to the yoke button and the front and rear bearing surfaces of the yoke barrel. Avoid any oil underneath the extractor. The stainless steel and alloy construction of this revolver is very rust resistant. The exterior surfaces may be wiped with a lightly oiled cloth or silicon rag and then wiped dry.

oiled patch followed by a dry patch should be run down the barrel and each charge hole.


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Small Drop of Oil

Small Drop of Oil

Small Drop of Oil

Manipulation Carried in the capacity of a back up weapon, the potential for extended manipulation is limited. The main objective is to effectively present the revolver from the ankle holster and fire it quickly and accurately from short distances.

Make Ready/Loading

Right-Handed Shooters

• Low Ready Position. • Open the cylinder by pushing the thumb piece forward with the strong hand thumb and pressing

against the side of the cylinder with the middle two fingers of the support hand. • As the cylinder opens, the revolver is transferred to the support hand by grasping the cylinder with

the middle two fingers of the support hand. This grip will trap the cylinder open. • With the strong hand, grasp one or two cartridges from the strong side, preferably from a pouch or

loop. Keep the muzzle pointed down. • Load the cartridges into the charge holes at ten and twelve o’clock and rotate the cylinder clockwise

with support thumb and fingers. This rotation will place cartridges in position to fire if immediate action is called for. (S&W cylinders rotate counter-clockwise.)

• When all charge holes are full, transfer the revolver back to the strong hand and close the cylinder with the support hand.


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Optional: Speed Loader

Left-Handed Shooters

• Open the cylinder by pushing the thumb piece forward with the thumb of the strong hand and pressing against the side of the cylinder with the thumb of the support hand.

• As the cylinder opens, the revolver is transferred to the support hand by grasping the cylinder with the thumb and index finger of the support hand.

• Trap the cylinder with the middle two fingers of the support hand. • With the strong hand, grasp cartridge(s) from the strong side, keeping the muzzle pointed down.


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• Load the cartridges into the charge holes at ten and twelve o’clock and rotate the cylinder clockwise with support thumb and fingers. This rotation will place cartridges in position to fire if immediate action is called for.

• When all charge holes are full, transfer the revolver back to the strong hand and close the cylinder

with the support hand.

Make Safe/Unloading The unloading technique is central to many of the other manipulation techniques required of the revolver, such as loading, clearing malfunctions, etc. Therefore, the shooter should be very familiar and practiced with revolver unloading techniques. When unloading, avoid catching either live rounds or brass in the hand. This is a bad habit that could get you killed. (Remember when under stress, you will perform as you train). To unload the revolver:

Right-Handed Shooters

• Open the cylinder by pushing the thumb piece forward with the strong hand thumb and pressing against the side of the cylinder with the middle two fingers of the support hand.

• As the cylinder opens, the revolver is transferred to the support hand by grasping the cylinder with the middle two fingers of the weak hand.

• Point the muzzle straight up and press the extractor rod fully to eject the rounds from the cylinder. There are two ways to accomplish this:

o One method is to strike the extractor rod with the palm of the strong hand. This method ensures that the rounds are ejected, but there is a possibility of bending the extractor rod or injuring the hand. (Preferred method)

o The other method is to depress the extractor rod with the support thumb. This method is easier on the weapon and the hand, but there is the possibility of inducing a malfunction due to empty cases not being completely ejected.


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Left-Handed Shooters

• Open the cylinder by pushing the thumb piece forward with the thumb of the strong hand and pressing against the side of the cylinder with the thumb of the support hand.

• As the cylinder opens, the revolver is transferred to the support hand by grasping the cylinder with the thumb and index finger of the support hand.

• Point the muzzle straight up and press the extractor rod fully to eject the rounds from the cylinder. There are two ways to accomplish this:

o One method is to strike the extractor rod. This method ensures that the rounds are ejected, but there is a possibility of bending the extractor rod or injuring the hand. (Preferred Method)

o The other method is to depress the extractor rod with the index finger. This method is easier on the gun and the hand, but there is the possibility of inducing a malfunction.

Reloading There are two types of techniques used for reloading the revolver: the tactical and speed loads. Each type has a specific use. Speed Reload Reloading commences when either the weapon has become empty, or after firing several rounds it becomes tactically advantageous to reload. For right handed shooters, the left hand moves to a position under the weapon with the second and third fingers against the right side of the cylinder. Simultaneously the right thumb engages the thumb piece. The second and third fingers of the left hand push the cylinder out of the frame. The weapon is then held with the muzzle pointed straight up in the left hand, with the second and third fingers and the thumb grasping the cylinder. The right hand then strikes the extractor rod firmly, and then obtains a speed loader. As the speed loader is moved to the weapon and indexed by holding one finger over the leading edge of one round, the weapon is moved to a barrel down position and the speed loader positioned into the


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cylinder. The speed loader is then released and the rounds should fall into the cylinder, which is then closed, and the weapon brought back into a firing position. Left handed shooters reload by engaging the thumb piece with either the left thumb or index finger, whichever is most comfortable for the shooter. The right hand moves to a position under the weapon with the right thumb against the right side of the cylinder. The cylinder is then pushed out of the frame and the weapon is held in the right hand by the thumb and second and third finger grasping the cylinder, and holding the muzzle straight up. The extractor rod is then struck firmly with the left hand. A speed loader is secured with the left hand (indexed) and inserted into the cylinder with the muzzle of the weapon pointed straight down. The speed loader is then released and the rounds should fall into the cylinder, which is then closed, and the weapon brought back into a firing position. Tactical Reload On occasion it is advantageous for the officer to tactically reload the revolver; considering the limited ammunition sources the officer will likely be carrying. This gives the officer a fully loaded weapon without throwing away live ammunition. Tactical reloads should only be performed when the situation permits it to be done without compromising the officer’s safety. If the fight is on going, shoot what you have in it before you take it out of service by opening the cylinder.

Tactically reloading a revolver can only be accomplished effectively if you have shell loops, a 2X2 pouch, or speed strips. It is not as quick as with a semi-auto and it puts your weapon out of commission for a brief period, but saves ammunition. The cylinder is opened in the same manner as a speed load, but the gun is not inverted. The weak thumb pushes the extractor rod half way up and then releases it. This causes the spent casings to remain up, but allows live rounds, which have not swollen from firing, to fall back down. The strong hand then pulls the spent shells out and replaces them with rounds from the speed strip or loops. With practice, two rounds at a time can be removed and reloaded. Press Check A press check is used to verify the condition of the cylinder. The shooter looks or feels to confirm loaded or unloaded status of the charge holes. To perform a press check on the revolver, do the following:

• Open the cylinder as directed in the unloading technique, but keep the muzzle down. • Visually or manually inspect the charge holes. • Close the cylinder.


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Revolver Malfunctions There are few revolver malfunctions that the officer cannot clear in the field. Seldom will a revolver break or jam to the point that the services of an armorer are required. Class I: Failure to fire

Cause: bad round or an empty charge hole.

Pull the trigger again to advance a fresh charge hole in line with firing pin/barrel.

Class II: Failure to Eject

Cause: spent shell casing being caught on the grip of the revolver.

The shooter must re-invert the weapon and strike the extractor rod again. This can be done with the loading device still in the strong hand.

Class III: Failure to Extract

Cause: spent casing falls underneath the extractor. This is a serious, time consuming malfunction to clear for revolvers. If this happens with your back up gun, transitioning to your Nike’s is the recommended course of action. The shooter must hold the extractor rod back fully, and try to fish out the spent casing. Keys, a pen or a knife can be used to pry out the shell. Inserting a pen from the cylinder face into the empty case may allow the shooter to line the case up with the extractor. Class IV: Out of Battery Malfunctions sometimes occur because of a dirty weapon. A revolver may have dirt or unburned powder underneath the extractor, or the extractor rod may have come loose. If the cylinder is closed, it will be difficult to open.

If the extractor rod comes loose while the cylinder is closed, it will most likely require tools to tighten it. (Again, consider the Nike’s at this point.) If the cylinder is or can be opened, it can be tightened with finger pressure to restore proper function. (Left handed threads, turn it counter clockwise to tighten)

If the cylinder will not close it could be caused by a loose extractor rod, in which case the officer can tighten as above. If the extractor rod is tight, the shooter should assume there is something


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under the extractor. If a second reloading source is available, unload the cylinder in the speed load manner. Hold the extractor rod back, wipe the underside of the extractor and the inside of the cylinder; perform another speed load. If the ammunition in the cylinder is all you have, it must be dumped and secured in a pocket until the malfunction is cleared. A revolver may be dry fired with no ill effects to the gun. Dummy rounds or snap caps are strongly recommended in lieu of live ammunition for manipulation practice. Galco “Ankle Glove” or equivalent Ankle Holster The reccomended ankle holster is a padded, neoprene cuff system with a Velcro closure. It is well designed for comfort, security, and concealment. The tension screw retention system adequately secures a revolver even when running. The light weight of an aluminum revolver contributes to the effectiveness of this system where an all steel revolver may not. Galco sells an extender for use with heavier boots such as the Danner Fort Lewis. They offer a calf strapping system as an additional option. Recommended location for back up carry is inside the weak or support leg. This makes presentation with either hand easiest. This location will also shield the revolver from unnecessary impact that will occur if worn on the outside of the leg. Place the holster around the leg below the calf and preferably above the top of the boot; muzzle down. It is easier to get the holster snug without the revolver in the holster. Over the calf socks will prevent the grips from rubbing a “hot spot” on the skin of the leg. The top of lace up boots aids in keeping the holster from slipping down. The calf strapping system may benefit officers who wear western style slip-on boots or low quarter shoes. The standard cut of class “A” pants lend itself to excellent concealment of the system. Tailored uniform pants or civilian trousers will cause the system to “print” and make drawing more difficult. Looser is better for ankle rig purposes. Bloused BDU trousers eliminate the ankle rig as a concealment option.

Presentation from the Ankle Rig Drawing the weapon from the ankle rig is similar to a standard belt holster presentation in that it is best accomplished by minimizing unnecessary motion to get the sights on target.


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Grasp trouser fabric of support leg with support hand.

Pull trouser leg up and take big step forward with support foot.

Grasp revolver in shooting grip. It may be necessary to hook cuff of pants with shooting thumb and push cuff away from revolver as grip is attained.


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Pull revolver up enough to clear front of holster and punch out at target. Time permitting, weak hand comes underneath to acquire two handed grip.

The shooters stance will be almost a crouch to get to the gun. There is no need to stand back up to fight. The shooter can and probably should engage from the crouch or go to a kneeling if immediate movement is not anticipated.

Eyes should be “downrange”. Care should be taken not to cover shooter’s own feet when holstering. Trigger finger straight!!! Marksmanship: Revolver Live Fire On a double action only revolver, the trigger pull is long and fairly heavy by comparison. Shooters can expect a brief learning curve until they are familiar with the concept of trigger control with this system.


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Several factors are in play that makes the revolver hard to shoot as well as the issue semi-automatic handgun. It is not intended to be a target gun. Keeping this in mind, the revolver will serve without peer as a back up gun. The trigger pull and the lack of overall mass, combined with a short sight radius make the revolver difficult to shoot well at longer ranges. The silver and white sights are not as easy to pick up in most light as black sights. Small errors in sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control will drastically affect point of impact. Shooters must be cognizant of the barrel/cylinder gap and the stream of hot pressurized gas that escapes this gap upon firing. Make sure that all parts of the support hand are behind this gap in two handed fire. Shooters may also have to adjust their weapon retention position to prevent potential injury. Inert Training rounds then Live Fire Familiarization Drills Two Handed Shooting: 5, 7, 10, 15, 25 yards. Failure Drills and Head Shots: 3, 5, 7, 10 yards Strong/Weak Hand Only Shooting. 3, 5, 7 yards Weapon Retention Position Shooting Presentations from Ankle Rig: standing/squatting, kneeling, sitting, prone/supine. 50 Yard Shooting-Steel Targets

Revolver “Stress Course”:

After all sub-skills training objectives have been met in day & low light conditions, this is an example of a “stress course” to combine all of the performance objectives and apply them in a live fire setting. This course should be completed during day and low light conditions. Make ready with revolver loaded with 5 rounds and holstered in an ankle (or other) holster. The shooter will need an additional five rounds for the revolver. Then make ready with primary semi-auto handgun with 4 rounds. On the command engage from cover the targets from the positions described below: Legend: #1 = Standing position, 2 rounds into T – 1 #2 = Kneeling position, 2 rounds into T – 1 (action locks to rear on semi-auto) Holster semi-auto, transition to backup, move to position 3.


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#3 = Strong side kneeling position, 1 round revolver T – 2, move to seated position at #4. #4 = Seated position, 1 round revolver T – 2 (tac load 2 rounds) Move to position #5. #5 = Barricade/Barrel at the 7 yard line, 1 round revolver, T - 2, 1 round revolver T – 3 using cover. Move to position #6. #6 = Barricade/Barrel at the 5 yard line, 1 round revolver strong hand only T - 2, 1 round support hand only T - 2. Moving then shooting = leaving cover, at the 3 yard line 1 round revolver headshot T - 2 Have the shooter make empty, and holster. *A shooter should be able to reasonably complete this course in less than 2 minutes. T – 1 through T – 3 = Paper Targets on the 10 yard line (3)

#1 #2 #3 #4

10 yard Shooting Positions

7 yard line#5

5 yard line#6

T-1 T-2 T-3

3 yard line

Reload

Moving then shooting

2012 - 2013 revolver backup biennial training

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