law enforcement activities division the … nra semi auto manual.pdfthe fundamentals of handgun...

CONTENTS:

A. General Overview 2

B. The Fundamentals Of Marksmanship 3

C. Mental Discipline 21

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF HANDGUN MARKSMANSHIP

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES DIVISION

Edition 6.1 2

A. GENERAL OVERVIEW1. The Seven Fundamentals Are The Foundation Of All

Shooting

The fundamentals are critical to effective round placement andmust be taught thoroughly in the classroom and practiced on therange.

2. Teaching The Fundamentals

Instructor knowledge must go beyond an understanding of thefundamentals to having the skills to teach them.Constantly strive to learn more about the fundamentals, to betterapply them in your own practice, and find more effective,innovative ways to teach them.

3. The Marksmanship Class

This is not just another class on marksmanship, but one designedto make you a better Instructor by showing you how to teachmarksmanship fundamentals to law enforcement officers.Knowledge of adult learning methodologies is required toconvince students, in terms they can relate to, why they shouldbe learning the information and skills.One of the most powerful reasons you have at your disposal isyour officers’ personal safety; the ability to make fast, accuratehits will better prepare them to prevail during a lethal encounterand Go Home Safely.

4. Learned Correctly And Consistently Applied

The Fundamentals must be learned correctly, committed to thesub-conscious through repetition, and consistently applied toeffectively use firearms.

5. Distance And The Fundamentals

As distance increases, the Fundamentals becomemore important. At 2 or 3 yards it is difficult tomiss a man size target, but at 15, 25, or 50 yardsand beyond, the attention to Sight Alignment,Trigger Control and all other fundamentals mustincrease proportionately.

DISTANCE = TIME

TO APPLY THE

FUNDAMENTALS

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B. THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKSMANSHIP

GRIP

STANCE

SIGHT ALIGNMENT

SIGHT PICTURE

TRIGGER CONTROL

BREATHING

FOLLOW-THROUGH

1. Grip: There will be both right and left-handed students in your classes. When explaining the positions of the hands and arms, avoid the use of the words “left” and “right.” Strive to use terminology that will be applicable to everyone in your class, such as “support hand” and “shooting hand.”

a. Established in the Holster

1) Holster Grip = Shooting Grip: The correct shooting hand grip must start in the holster. If the holster does not allow a correct shooting hand grip, consider changing holsters.

2) Initial "V" Adjustment: For initial training, have students use the Support Hand to properly place the handgun in the Shooting Hand.

The backstrap should be placed into the “V” formed between the thumb and index finger. The barrel should ideally be in line with the forearm so the gun has a firm platform against which to recoil.

3) Adjust Hand for Better Trigger Finger / Trigger Contact: The Trigger Finger should be placed flat on the trigger so that the trigger can be properly pressed “straight to the rear.”

4) A Strong, Consistent Grip: The shooter must maintain a strong, consistent grip through manipulating, firing, cycling, follow-up shots, and reholstering.

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b. Hand High On Backstrap

1) Increases Control and Reduces Recoil: The closer the shooter’s hands are to the bore, the less felt recoil there will be.

2) Too High: If too high, could interfere with the hammer on revolvers, cause a cycling problem, or injure the shooter when using semi-autos.

3) Too Low: Causes decreased control during recoil. The handgun will act like a lever in the shooter’s hands and muzzle flip will increase.

c. Two-Handed Grip

1) Provides the Best Control

2) Use Two Hands Whenever Possible: If your support hand isn’t otherwise occupied, place it ON the handgun.

3) Correct Support Hand Grip: Press the meaty portion of the Support Hand’s thumb into the remaining open grip panel, wrap fingers around the front strap with the index finger pressed against the bottom of the trigger guard.

The support hand grips side–to–side. This tight “clamping” effect will help control the felt recoil and muzzle flip.

The index finger of the support hand does NOT wrap around the front of the trigger guard “Hollywood Style.” This reduces the available side-to-side grip pressure on the gun, resulting in less control during recoil.

If a “thumbs up” grip is used, be certain that the thumbs are NOT exerting any pressure on the slide – this could cause malfunctions by retarding the slide’s motion or pushing the slide catch up, inadvertently locking the slide open. With the wrists already “unlocked,” or “broken,” the shooter will have less control of the muzzle flip.

Thumbs Up Grip

Thumbs Forward Position

WRONG

CORRECT

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d. Thumbs: Shooters initially trained on revolvers will often use the crossed-thumbs revolver grip when transitioning to a semi-automatic pistol.

Ensure that the thumbs do not:

Exert pressure against the frame Press UP on the slide lock lever,

inadvertently locking gun open Press DOWN on the slide lock lever

which would prevent the slide from locking open when empty.

Unintentionally press the magazine release while firing

e. Strength of Grip

1) Shooting Hand: The shooting hand is as strong as a “firm handshake” and exerts pressure from the FRONTSTRAP to the BACKSTRAP. The goal is to hold the gun tightly, yet isolate the flexors of the trigger finger. If the shooting hand grip is too tight, the trigger finger will not be able to move independently. Over gripping can also cause the muscles of the shooting hand and arm to tremble.

2) Support Hand: The goal is to hold as tightly as possible without causing a tremor.

3) If “Readjusting”: If the shooter is "readjusting" the grip between shots, it is NOT tight enough.

Do not allow the thumbs to interfere with the slide lock lever –the shooter may inadvertently lock the slide open or prevent it from locking open when empty.

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Both thumbs forward will help reduce muzzle flip during firing.

Shooting hand is “handshake” tight.

Support hand is as tight as possible without causing a tremor.

The web of the shooting hand should be as high on the backstrap as possible; the support hand should be as close to the bore as possible.

Trigger finger is indexed along the frame.

Support hand fingers are firmly wrapped around strong hand. Ideally, the support hand fingers are placed in the grooves created by the fingers of the shooting hand.

Shooting hand is high on the backstrap.

Support hand index finger is touching the bottom of the trigger guard, not wrapped around the front of it.

When viewed from the top, the support hand thumb and the shooting hand index finger are approximately even.

The support hand grips with side-to-side pressure, using the fingers and the palm in a “C-Clamp” manner.

The shooting hand grips front to back, as firmly as possible, while still allowing independent movement of the trigger finger.

The side of the trigger finger must NOT come into contact with the frame while firing.

The Two-Handed Grip Training Aid

Revolvers can be fired with either a thumbs crossed or a thumbs forward grip.

Ensure that the thumbs do not interfere with the rotation of the cylinder.

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2. Shooting Stance: A law enforcement shooting stance needs to be a stable yet mobile platform from which to fire fast, accurate shots at possibly multiple, moving threats.

Previously in Law Enforcement, we have recognized two common stances in our firearms training, a “Weaver,” or “bladed” stance, and an “isosceles” stance. In the first stance, the shooter bladed his entire body approximately 30-40º and held one arm bent and one arm straight. In the second stance, the shooter stood with his feet parallel as though on a straight line, and his chest and two arms formed an isosceles triangle.

In keeping with modern training philosophies that we should “bring the street to the range,” firearm instructors should not limit their training to a rigid form of stance and consider the wide variety of positions from which their officers will have to fire when facing real threats in the line of duty.

a. Stance Considerations:

In teaching your students how to best position their bodies and hold their guns (handgun or long gun), the following elements should be given consideration:

1) Ability to Fire Accurately 2) Officer Safety (use of cover, including optimal use of body armor) 3) Stability & Balance 4) Mobility & Flexibility 5) Wide peripheral vision 6) Ability to maintain a solid position using whatever cover is available

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b. Given these considerations, the following Standing Shooting Position will best fit the needs for an officer to prevail in a gunfight:

1) Upper Body: The upper body should face the threat when possible. This position:

a) Helps maintain stability and good body armor coverage.

b) Allows the officer to see more of the immediate threat area and scan side and rear areas easily.

c) Allows the officer more flexibility to move in any direction. d) Aids in recoil management: with the shoulders evenly behind

the gun in the centerline of the body, the shooter is in a stronger position to manage recoil and reduce the muzzle flip.

2) Lower Body: The feet must be positioned to allow the officer to maintain his balance and move in any direction quickly. a) Feet are approximately shoulder-width apart

with the Shooting Hand side foot dropped back two to eight inches. This will provide both width and depth to the stance for greater balance.

b) The feet should be parallel with both toes pointing forward to allow the officer to move quickly in any direction.

c) Knees are slightly bent to aid in mobility. d) Weight is slightly forward over the balls of

the feet. This keeps the shooter from rocking to the rear during recoil and aids in his mobility.

e)

A shooter’s position must be adaptableto conform to any cover, and offer astable platform from which to fire.

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3) Aggressive & Balanced: Get aggressively behind the gun. The stance must be balanced front-to-rear and side-to-side with the knees slightly bent so the officer is ready to move instantly in any direction. This aggressive and balanced stance provides better control of the gun and the ability to move as required by a constantly changing situation.

4) Weight Forward: Lean aggressively forward into the stance at the waist. Both knees are slightly bent and the body weight is over the balls of the feet. A forward stance provides greater control over the gun, which will result in reduced muzzle rise and faster follow up shots.

c. One-Handed Shooting

1) Use normal firing stance: Whether the officer’s support hand is incapacitated or otherwise occupied, the officer does not change his stance simply because he is firing one-handed.

2) Officers used to be trained to blade their bodies and take an additional step forward with the firing-side leg and lean towards the threat.

a) The officer is no longer presenting the largest part of the body armor towards the threat and is now exposing the side panels.

b) The officer is slightly off-balance leaning towards the threat and is less mobile while putting more weight over one foot instead of being balanced.

c) The officer has now placed the firearm closer to the threat, who may now be in position to take the firearm away from the officer.

d) This extra step means the officer will take longer to fire his first shot.

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This officertransitions to his

left hand andmaintains his

same stance tolean around the

left side of cover.

Instructor Note: Physical characteristics, past injuries, equipment restrictions, and tactical considerations (type or shape of cover) will have an impact on the shooter’s position, whether moving or stationary. Impress upon your students that the most important elements of marksmanship in a lethal encounter are sight alignment and trigger control.

From the 2004 FBI Law Enforcement Officers Killed & Assaulted report:

49% of officers killed while wearing body armor were shot between the armor’s side panels or through the armhole/shoulder area of the vest. p. 32

During a traffic stop drill, this officer took a step to the rear while he drew and fired.

Officers may have to fire from prone positions, whether firing under a vehicle or from an awkward and possibly unplanned position.

This officer created distance and fired on the move rather than from a stationary stance.

BRING THE STREET TO THE RANGE

Train your officers to fire from more than a stationary stance.

Train them to shoot from a solid and flexible platform. Good sight picture and trigger control will give you an accurate hit from any position.

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3. SIGHT ALIGNMENT

DEFINITION: The relationship between the Front and Rear sights.

The Front Sight is centered in the Rear Sight Notch with Equal Space/Light on Either Side. The tops of the Front Sight and the Rear Sight are even.

4. SIGHT PICTURE

a. DEFINITION: The placement of the aligned sights on the target. The shooter’s Point of Focus is the Front Sight. The Rear Sight will be blurred, and the target will be even more blurred. The shooter has three things to align: the front sight, rear sight and target. The front sight must be kept in sharp focus. Shooters will have a tendency to look at the target.

NOTE: Finger Demo – Hold up your index finger and focus on

the top edge of your fingernail on a target and stay focused on your fingernail.

TARGET in focus REAR SIGHT in focus FRONT SIGHT in focus

CORRECT

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b. Point-of-Aim: Center Mass of the Target Offered or Selected

1) Biggest target area with the most room for error.

2) Location of Greatest concentration of vital organs.

a) When a full torso target is offered, a High Center Mass hold should be used.

b) Accurate CM Hits – A lethal encounter is two minds fighting. It is not over until your student beats the adversary’s mind. Just drawing the gun may cause your adversary to surrender, or it may take 1, 2, 3 or more rounds. Fast and accurate hits to the Center Mass will usually get the job done.

c. Master Eye

1) Determine the Master Eye

a) Trigger Finger Pointing: With both eyes open, hold the Trigger Finger out at arms length and point at an object, then alternately close and open each eye. One eye makes the finger jump from the object and one eye keeps it close to the object. The eye keeping it close is the Master Eye.

b) Finger / Thumb Circle: Form a circle with the thumb and forefinger and hold the circle at arms length. Place the circle on an object and, Keeping Both Eyes Open, bring the circle back all the way to your face. It will come back to the Master Eye.

c) Two-Handed Circle: A few students, with little difference between their eye’s strengths, are “side dominant” depending on which hand they use (right hand, right eye dominant and left hand, left eye dominant).

To check this, use a Two-Handed Circle and hold each hand’s fingers and thumb straight, then place one hand on the other so a hole is produced where the webs (thumb and index finger connection) of both hands meet. Then bring both hands back to your face.

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2) Master Eye: The master eye can change with age,

illness and corrective lenses. The master eye should be checked at least every six months, for confirmation, and more often if required.

3) Cross Dominance: Not a problem with the handgun as the gun is moved sideways to place it between the master eye and the target. It is a problem with a long gun in law enforcement because the shooter MUST use the eye on whichever side the gun is mounted.

If you are working with an experienced shooter, who is using his master eye and “offside shoulder” successfully, leave him alone.

The marksmanship results, in a law enforcement context, will probably be perfectly acceptable and the student does not have to learn to manipulate the gun with his or her support hand.

d. Both Eyes Open: Keep both eyes open unless you cannot

fire accurately in this manner.

1) Reduce Tunnel Vision: Tunnel Vision will not be as bad with both eyes open.

2) Greater Peripheral Vision: We should assume that there may be more than one adversary, and greater peripheral vision can help locate them.

3) Distance Shooting: If you must close one eye to focus on the sights to hit a distant threat and ensure accuracy, then do so.

Instructor Tip:

Have shooters turn their heads slightly to align the dominant eye with the rear sight, or have them move the firearm slightly in the direction of the dominant eye.

Do NOT allow students to dip their heads.

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e. Arc of Movement (Wobble Area)

1) Recognized: The sights will wobble. The gun is going to move around which is seen as the sights moving on the target. Do not try to make the gun fire when the sights are suddenly perfect. You will jerk the trigger and throw the shot off. Work to reduce the wobble area as much as possible throughout training.

2) Accepted: Just shoot through the small wobble area. The shooter must accept the wobble area, be convinced to focus on the front sight, maintain proper sight alignment, hold as still as he or she can and shoot through the wobble area.

5. TRIGGER CONTROL

a. Movement of the Trigger Until the Gun Fires Without Moving the Sights: This is really all there is to marksmanship. If your students can consistently accomplish this simple act, they can hit what they are shooting at EVERY time.

It really is a simple process, but it is not easy to do. Even world champion shooters will tell you they have to work hard at every single shot they fire, and always will.

NOTE: Said a Number of Ways – Trigger Press, Manipulation, Control, Stroke, a Surprise Break, etc. There is no “correct” way to say it except that way which “connects” with the student. A good instructor always makes use of different ways to say things in order to connect with as many students as possible.

b. A Mental Process: The Conscious Mind can only do one thing at a

time, while the Subconscious Mind can do many things at the same time. In the act of firing a shot, two things have to be accomplished simultaneously (sight alignment and trigger control), while the mind can only consciously do one thing at a time.

Sight alignment and sight picture, being visual, tend to remain a conscious act. Trigger control, a tactile action, quickly becomes a subconscious act. Some shooters consciously think about lining up the sights, then forget about the sights and consciously think about pulling the trigger.

Of course, the sights will have wandered away from the intended point-of-aim by the time the gun fires. The instructor must understand that most students with a trigger jerk are probably not

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conscious of it or doing it on purpose. The trigger jerk is a subconscious reaction to the sights being lined up and a desire for the gun to fire.

In some cases, these bad habits have been trained into the subconscious at an early stage in firearms training. Given that retraining takes longer and is much harder than initial training, more attention needs to be paid to teaching correct trigger manipulation in the law enforcement academy.

NOTE: Traditional One-Shot Drills Are a Problem – One-shot drills are a logical starting place in academy firearm training. Students are initially told to fire and then immediately take their trigger fingers out of the trigger guard for one-shot drills. This forms incorrect trigger manipulation habits that are hard to break. When initially doing one-shot drills, law enforcement students must be taught to pause after the shot breaks (setup for the next shot and evaluate) and only then take their Trigger Finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard.

c. Finger Contact Between Tip And First Joint: Contact with the

trigger should be somewhere between the tip and the first joint. There is NO additional leverage gained by moving the trigger finger beyond the first joint. Correct finger placement on the trigger facilitates moving the trigger without moving the sights.

1) Trigger Press Must be Straight to the Rear: The trigger finger must press the trigger straight to the rear so as not to move the sights and gun sideways.

2) Too Much or Too LittleTrigger Finger: Depending upon the type of trigger and the size of the shooter’s trigger finger, having too much or too little trigger finger may push or pull the sights and gun off target during the trigger press.

Revolver shooters may have toplace slightly more trigger fingeron the trigger because of theincreased trigger pull.

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d. Trigger Finger Placement: This is an individual issue that will depend on a number of factors, including the size and strength of the student’s hand and trigger finger.

The length and weight of trigger pull varies considerably between the “single action” pull of a “1911” style pistol and the heavier and longer pull of a “double action only” pistol or revolver.

Students with smaller hands may have to sacrifice a perfect grip in order to accomplish a smooth trigger pull straight to the rear that results in an accurately placed shot.

Once established, the trigger finger placement Must Be Consistent each time on a given gun.

e. Generally Less is Better: Ideal trigger finger placement can be described as the least amount of finger on the trigger necessary to move the trigger until the gun fires without moving the sights.

Instructors will find that the vast majority of their students, who do not have ideal finger placement on the trigger, have too much finger in the trigger guard. There seems to be a generally held misconception that “more is better” when in fact the reverse is more often true.

f. No Frame Contact: The trigger finger must not be in contact with the frame when pulling the trigger. Any contact between the frame and the trigger finger will PUSH the gun and the sights to the left when shooting right-handed and to the right when shooting left-handed.

g. Increase and Decrease of Pressure: Good trigger manipulation is an increase and decrease in pressure on the trigger, NOT the commonly used pull, let go and pull again. This is a much smoother and gentler way of manipulating the trigger, resulting in much less “gun bounce” and sight disturbance. The Trigger Finger increases the pressure until the gun fires, then decreases the pressure until it resets, and the gun is ready to fire again, without the trigger finger being lifted from the trigger.

NOTES: Set-Up the Next Shot: Law enforcement officers must be taught to

ALWAYS set up the next shot by resetting the sear.

Trigger Release: The trigger must travel far enough forward to reset. Failure to do so will result in “short stroking” the trigger and the gun WILL NOT fire on the next increase of pressure.

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h. Maintain Trigger Contact Between Shots: Once the trigger finger has been placed on the trigger to fire, it should never lose contact with the trigger until the required number of shots have been fired, this includes setting up for one more possible shot at the end.

This is NOT the way many law enforcement officers have been trained. Many release the trigger, with the trigger finger contacting the front of the trigger guard between shots. Some actually take their trigger fingers outside their trigger guards. The vast majority of those releasing the trigger are unaware of this subconscious action. Retraining, using the correct trigger manipulation, is required.

i. Ideal Trigger Control is Letting the Gun Fire, Not Making It Fire: While the student has made the conscious decision to fire, he should NOT anticipate the exact instant the gun will fire. Instead, he should concentrate on a smooth, consistent press to the rear, rather than on when the shot will break. Let it fire, Do Not make it fire.

NOTE: Anticipating and Flinching are a shooter’s natural

reaction to the anticipated noise and recoil. These are overcome with repetitive practice and proper trigger press.

1) Showing Trigger Control

a) Hand Slapping vs. Pushing: To show a student “slapping the trigger,” slap the back of your hand with your Trigger Finger, then remove the finger from your hand and slap it again.

Now, place the Trigger Finger on the back of your hand and increase and decrease pressure while the finger stays on the hand (simulates having your Trigger Finger not leave the trigger) to show proper trigger finger control.

b) Rubber Band: Place both hands on a table with the shooting hand perpendicular to the chest and formed as though holding a pistol. Place the support hand forward of the shooting hand and lightly stretch a rubber band between the thumb of the support hand and the first pad of the index finger of the shooting hand. The shooting hand trigger finger should form a right angle, in the same manner as when firing a pistol. Move the trigger finger back and forward, simulating trigger finger movement; the trigger finger should move only from the second joint toward the tip.

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c) Click Top Pen: Hold it like you would a gun, using the clicker as the trigger while increasing and decreasing pressure.

d) Turkey Baster: Increase pressure to release just one drop, then decrease pressure. Each drop must hit the same place on the floor. Start slowly – speed up.

e) Use Instructor’s Trigger Finger to Fire Shots: The first shots can be fired by the instructor placing his Trigger Finger over top of the student’s trigger finger while the student is holding the gun in place. The instructor manipulates the trigger with increasing and decreasing pressure to give the student the feel. Sometimes the instructor must squeeze the trigger alone while the student aims the gun, to prove that the student does not have to know the exact instant the gun will fire. Note: Can also be used when helping to train-in Sight Alignment.

f) Coin or Empty Brass on Top of Gun: Take the sights out of the equation. Keep the coin or brass still while manipulating the trigger. As training progresses, make it more difficult by moving the coin or brass toward the muzzle.

h) Students Should NOT Work Alone: DO NOT send a student to practice trigger control (dry firing) alone. Have someone work with them to make sure they’re manipulating the trigger correctly. “Practice Does Not Make Perfect. Perfect Practice Makes Perfect.”

NOTE: Trigger Control is the Most Difficult Fundamental to

Teach: Traditionally, trigger control has been taught without training aids and without any attempt to use the words, “Let Me Show You.” An in-depth understanding of Adult Education techniques will enable the firearm instructor to do a much better job of teaching trigger control than has been done in the past.

The Most Important Fundamentals: Of all the fundamentals of marksmanship, sight alignment and trigger control are undoubtedly the two most important. It is possible to shoot accurately employing just these two fundamentals, with an incorrect grip, standing on one leg, incapacitated in one arm and breathing

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furiously. However, perfect grip, stance, breath control and follow through will not help, if your student cannot align the sights and manipulate the trigger without disturbing the sights. In fact, sight alignment and trigger control can be thought of as the fundamentals and the remainder as aids to these two.

Sight Alignment and Trigger Control Must be Applied Simultaneously: or “together,” or “at the same time,” or “concurrently” and the major issue is the conscious mind’s ability to do only one thing at a time. Correct trigger manipulation MUST be trained into the subconscious. As retraining is so much harder than initial training, initial academy training is the ideal time for this to take place.

6. BREATHING

a. Physical: Deep breaths increase oxygen in the bloodstream, which will:

1) Strengthen Muscles

2) Clear Vision

3) Aid Concentration and Consistency in Marksmanship

b. Use of Breath Control:

1) In Close Quarters Not Important: At these close distances, it is not important to control breathing.

2) Aids Shot Placement at Longer Distances: Also when taking more precise shots.

3) Natural Respiratory Pause: This is the ideal time to accomplish trigger press. It is the time when the body is most at rest. It is also the most easily repeated position. Depending on stress levels and physical exertion, the Natural Respiratory Pause can last as long as five seconds.

Do NOT let your students take a breath and let half of it out. This position is not easily repeatable and holding in half a lung full of air induces muscular tension into the position.

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7. FOLLOW THROUGH

a. Marksmanship Fundamentals Maintained: Continue to apply all the fundamentals until the bullet has left the barrel.

1) Maintain Sight Picture and Position: Maintain an intense focus on the front sight throughout the cycling of the slide.

2) Reset Trigger: Decrease trigger finger pressure without losing contact with the trigger. Do not release the trigger more than is necessary to reset the sear. This wastes time and encourages the shooter to slap the trigger.

b. Combat Elements of Follow Through: 1) Calling the Shot: “DID I HIT?” Know where the shot will go

based on the sight picture at the instant the gun fired. The shooter will retain an image of the sight picture the instant the shot breaks. Having students call their shots forces them to work harder at the fundamentals, knowing they will be asked to predict where every shot hit. These predictions are a valuable tool for both the student and the instructor when teaching marksmanship and analyzing targets. The ability to call flyers also allows the center of the group to be more precisely determined when making sight adjustments to zero the gun.

2) Reacquire Target: “DO I NEED MORE HITS?” Find the target and evaluate.

3) Shoot and Move: Unless behind cover, move out of the direct line of attack when possible. Do not remain in the same position from which you last fired. Move by taking a simple lateral step (big step/half step).

4) Scan: “ARE THERE OTHER THREATS?” With the gun lowered to a ready position and the finger OFF the trigger, conduct a 360° scan for other threats.

c. Calling the Shot: Knowing where the shot went based on the sight picture at the instant the gun fired. The shooter will retain an image of the sight picture at the instant the shot breaks. (This assumes the student had at least one eye open when the gun fired.)

Having students call shots forces them to work harder at the fundamentals, knowing they will be asked to predict where every shot has hit. These predictions are a valuable tool for both the student and the instructor when teaching marksmanship and analyzing targets.

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C. MENTAL DISCIPLINE & THE FUNDAMENTALS

1. Clear the Mind: For the tasks at hand. All other thoughts are thrown out of your mind. Get down to the business at hand - NOW!

2. Concentrate: This is essential to winning a lethal encounter. You must concentrate on the fundamentals and the constantly changing situation. The two most important fundamentals are Sight Alignment and Trigger control.

3. Confidence, Positive Thinking, Self-Control: Firearm Instructors must teach their students the skills they need and provide the training necessary to master them. Instill self-confidence by setting attainable goals in small stages, encourage them with positive feedback, and never let them fail in training.

4. Know You Can Win: If your students enter the lethal encounter with confidence in their ability to WIN, they will probably win. If your students enter with doubts, they are preprogrammed to lose. We can make a difference.

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Semi-Automatic and Revolver Nomenclature

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Browning Hi-Power

Beretta 92 DAO Beretta 92FS VORTEC

FNH 49

Glock 17 HK USP

Handgun Models Representing Various Action Types

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S&W 40G S&W 6906

SIG P226 SIG DAO

Springfield 1911A1

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* End of Chapter *

Colt Army Special

S&W Model 19

Ruger SP101

CONTENTS: A. General Overview 2

B. The Draw 3

C. Holstering 6

D. The Ready Position 8

E. Loading & Unloading Procedures For Semi-Automatic Pistols 10

F. Loading & Unloading The Revolver 21

G. Malfunction Procedures For Semi-Automatic Pistol 27

H. Malfunction Procedures For Revolvers 30

I. One-Handed Incapacitation Training 31



HANDGUN HANDLING TECHNIQUES

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A. GENERAL OVERVIEW

1. Gun Handling Techniques:

We present a strong base of handgun handling techniques that include loading, reloading, drawing, holstering, clearing stoppages, and incapacitation techniques.

All your training must suit the needs of your students. Techniques that suit one officer may not be ideal for another. A test of a good instructor is: “How many ways do you know to DO and SAY something?”

We are going to present a number of different techniques and ways of presenting those techniques. Your job is to choose the techniques and methods of presentation that will work best for YOUR officers.

2. Student Requirements:

Students must be able to safely and effectively handle their handguns in the many situations they may face and build reflexive sets of handling skills for the Safe, Effective and Timely Use of Firearms.

3. Firearm Instructor Requirements:

The Firearm Instructor is the key to training and must be able to effectively demonstrate these gun-handling techniques to both right-handed and left-handed students. You must “train-in” the techniques as precisely as possible and practice your firearm handling skills until they become automatic. When you say “Let me show you,” students will watch everything you do and copy how the techniques are demonstrated.

4. Teach Officers How to Survive a Lethal Encounter:

This is the ultimate test of your students’ ability. It is your responsibility to give them the skills and techniques that will allow them to survive a lethal encounter and go home safely. Always remember that this is the goal of training.

5. As They Practice - They Will Perform:

The way officers practice on the range is how they will perform on the street. Repetitive actions practiced on the range will show up on the street. This can be a good thing, such as always using an aggressive shooting stance, or a bad thing, such as feet always “nailed” to the ground. Watch students carefully with a critical eye toward the way they perform and constantly ask yourself, “Will what they are doing, and how they are doing it, serve them well in a lethal encounter?”

Handgun Handling Techniques

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B. THE DRAW

1. The Four-Step Draw

Step 1: GRIP

The shooting hand establishes a shooting grip as the retention device is released. The Trigger Finger is placed straight on the outside of the holster. The Support Hand lies on the ribcage just above the belt line in preparation for the two handed grip. The wrist of the support hand is approximately at the center line of the body.

Step 2: DRAW

The Shooting Hand DRAWS the handgun just high enough for the muzzle to clear the holster. As the elbow drops, the handgun is rotated towards the threat and the wrist locks straight, above the holster and slightly in front of it, with the muzzle parallel to the ground.

If a threat is at contact distance, the handgun can be fired one handed at this step since the muzzle is parallel to the ground and forward of the body. This technique eliminates teaching an additional method of close quarter shooting, such as speed rock or high tuck, which simplifies training and saves time.

On firearms that have a manual safety, the shooter performs a Safety Sweep during this step. This should be done even if the handgun is carried with the safety off, just in case the safety was inadvertently pushed on.

Step 3: TWO-HANDS

The Shooting Hand pushes the handgun forward and when the muzzle is well in front of the body, the Support Hand moves over to assume a TWO-HANDED grip.

By assuming a two-handed grip close to the body, there is more time to adjust or secure it as the handgun is being locked out.


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Step 4: LOCKED

The Handgun is LOCKED into a Ready Position or Firing Position depending on the situation. The trigger finger is outside of the trigger guard and held straight along the frame.

2. Other Drawing Considerations

New officers sometimes have difficulty clearing the holster in Step 1 of the draw and catch the handgun on the holster as they drop the elbow, sometimes dropping the handgun. Dividing Step 1 into a two-part step can help these shooters:

The Shooting Hand breaks the handgun free and CLEARS the holster with the wrist still bent, and then,

The Shooting Hand rocks the handgun forward toward the threat and LOCKS the wrist straight.

Once students understand the components of the draw, they should move on to a smooth continuous draw without the appearance of “steps.”

a. Common Drawing Mistakes:

1) Muzzle Covering Body: Shooters sometimes allow the handgun to swing to the inside or outside of their body or cross their Support Hand, which allows the muzzle to be directed at themselves or others. The muzzle must never cover any part of the shooter's body or point at another person. A good illustration to use with students about how dangerous it is to point the muzzle of a firearm at someone is to tell them to think of the barrel as a high-powered laser. As with a high-powered laser, which will destroy anything in its line of sight, pointing a muzzle at someone is extremely dangerous and may be lethal.

2) Bowling: This occurs when the shooter dips the handgun below the holster after drawing and then up. From the shooter’s side it looks as though the shooter were swinging a bowling ball prior to release.

3) Anti-Aircraft or Fly Fishing: This is when the shooter draws the pistol and raises his hand and arm up and above his shoulder and then brings it down to his line of sight. From the shooter’s side it looks as though he is casting a fishing rod or has his weapon pointed up in the air as if using it as an anti-aircraft gun.


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4) Excessive Body Movement: Eliminate excessive moving of either the upper or lower body during the draw such as squatting, posturing, head dropping, or bowing. Economy of motion should be kept in mind when drawing.

5) Equipment Placement: Officers and instructors must ensure that other equipment on the duty belt does not interfere with the release of holster retention devices and the draw.

b. Drawing Speed

1) Build a Safe, Correct and Smooth Draw First: You must train how to draw correctly by repetition. Keep in mind that students must be closely observed to ensure they are performing their draws correctly.

a) The Trigger Finger must be kept outside the trigger guard and held straight on the frame to build a safe draw.

b) Students should practice their draws correctly in a slow and deliberate fashion and build the draw into a smooth and fast reflexive motion.

c) Students should not be looking at their holsters or handguns. Students should be looking downrange for threats.

2) Draw at Full Speed Every Time: After initial training, students must draw at full speed every time.

3) Continued Practice: Students must practice continually to refine and maintain their "reflexive set" of skills.

A keeper is placed between the baton and the holster to prevent the baton from interfering with the draw.

Baton placed too close to the holster may prevent the officer from drawing.

January 10, 2005

Officer Molly Bowden, Columbia, MO PD, made a traffic stop. The driver handed over his license and then fired a shot at Bowden, missing her. Bowden moved to the rear of the vehicle for cover.

It was reported that Bowden was unable to draw her firearm due to the fact that her baton had moved forward on her belt and was wedged between her belt and the rear snap of her triple retention holster. Suspect got out of the vehicle and shot Bowden, killing her.


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C. HOLSTERING

1. Always Done Reluctantly

a. Once Out -- Keep It Out: Once the handgun is out, keep it out until you are absolutely sure that no threat remains.

b. No Speed Requirement: There is no speed requirement to holster; it must be deliberate and controlled. Shooters must be able to holster their handgun without looking at their holster and should be able to holster with one hand. Holsters that require two hands to holster should be avoided.

2. Down & Scan: If the officer had to fire, he should track the threat after firing and stay sighted on target until he answers the following questions:

“Did I Hit?” “Do I need more hits?” “Are there any other threats?”

It is a good idea to train officers to do a silent three count prior to bringing the handgun off the target.

a. Down: Once the handgun is brought off target, the trigger finger is immediately removed from the trigger and placed along the slide or frame and the handgun is brought to the ready position. Depending upon the weapon system, the following also occurs: 1) If handgun has a decocking lever, it is activated as soon

as the handgun is lowered off the target. If the decocking lever also serves as a manual safety, the safety is taken back off in case the officer has to engage another threat. Once ready to holster, the manual safety is placed on or off based on agency policy.

2) If the handgun is single action, the manual safety is activated as the handgun is lowered off of target and the primary hand thumb moved back into position to sweep it off if necessary to fire again. The shooting hand should perform manipulation of the decocking levers and safeties.

This officer scans from the kneeling position after firing, and will scan again once he rises.

There may be threats he can’t see from the kneeling position that will become visible when he stands.


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b. Scan: With the handgun in the ready position, the officer scans left and right several target frames, scans again fully to the left and right 180 degrees and then scans a full 360 degrees. In many cases there is more than one adversary and officers must be in the mindset of looking for the next threat methodically and deliberately. The Scanning Process also helps break “tunnel vision” and “auditory exclusion” that frequently occur during a shooting incident.

The handgun is dropped to the Ready Position and pointed in the direction of the original threat, (in case he becomes a threat again) and the head and eyes move independently of the weapon. If a new threat is identified, the weapon is directed to the new threat.

3. Think: Officers must be thinking during the entire process. Is there a need to reload? Have I had a malfunction? Each officer should take a quick glance at his handgun to confirm it is in a ready condition. He should also visually check that the pistol is in the correct carry condition, such as decocked, single-action manual safety on, hammer down, etc.

4. Holster:

1) From the Ready Position: The handgun is brought back as the two hands separate at the place they initially came together, with the Support Hand going back to lie on the ribcage while the Shooting Hand holsters the handgun. The Shooter’s eyes remain looking at the threat area.

2) Maintain the Two Safety Checks: The Trigger Finger is always out of the trigger guard and along the frame and the muzzle is always in the safest direction while holstering.

3) Holster With One-Hand: This includes activating the holster's retention devices.

a) Rock in from the Rear: This technique insures the holster retention strap will not be pressed down in to the holster.

The handgun is brought to the rear of the holster and the muzzle is inserted into the holster. As the muzzle enters, the slide will push away the retention strap.


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b) If Two Hands are Required: If two-hands are absolutely required to holster, the Support Hand comes across the body only after the muzzle of the handgun is inside the holster. If two-hands are required, consider buying another type of holster.

4) For semi-automatic handguns, place thumb on the back of the slide as the handgun is pushed into the holster to prevent the slide from going out of battery while holstering.

D. THE READY POSITION

The Ready Position is used when the officer has determined he may need to use his handgun, but there is no immediate discernible threat.

The Ready Position is also used after an immediate threat is over or you’re relatively sure it is over.

1. Assumed After the Draw or After Firing: The Ready Position is used to keep the handgun ready to instantly lock out or fire.

The arms can be anywhere from slightly down, off the target, to an angle that points the muzzle directly down at the ground in front of the shooter. As a general rule, a 45-degree angle is the basic position. The hands are in a solid two-hand grip as when first assuming Step 3 of the draw. From the Ready Position the Shooter can instantly lock the handgun back on target and fire.

Note: The Ready Position may also be used one handed. This may be necessary while an officer is using a police radio, checking on a downed officer, opening a door, moving a blocking object, maneuvering a flashlight, etc.

2. Two Safety Checks in Place: The Trigger Finger is out of the

trigger guard and maintained straight along the frame. The muzzle is pointed in the safest direction.

3. Creates a Strong Proactive Response Position: The handgun is already out and you are prepared to instantly respond to a threat.


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4. With the Muzzle Lowered, Target View Increases: Since the muzzle is lowered out of the line-of-sight, the shooter has a full view of the original threat, can see the area around the original threat, and can scan more effectively.

5. Challenge Position: The handgun is held in the ready position (muzzle lowered) when challenging suspects or giving other instructions. This allows full view of the suspect(s), their hands and the immediate area around them. Scientific studies have shown that it takes no longer to fire a round by snapping up on target from a lowered muzzle position than if the handgun is kept on target.

6. Safety During Movement: The Ready Position is also used during movement to ensure that safe muzzle direction is maintained. It is also frequently used when officers are grouped together, such as when an entry team is preparing for entry or moving down a hallway. In these cases the muzzle may also be pointed slightly off center and down so that the officer in front of the shooter is not “lasered” by the shooter’s muzzle.

Two methods of using a “safety circle” ready position. Front and side views.


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E. LOADING & UNLOADING PROCEDURES FOR SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOLS

1. Standard Recommendations

a. Non-Stress Techniques: Initial loading and unloading are non-stress techniques done smoothly to make sure the pistol is loaded and in correct condition 100% of the time.

b. Build Reloading Habits: Perform all loading and reloading functions in the same manner, even though there is no time pressure.

c. Dry Practice Every 3 Days: Practice loading and unloading with dummy rounds every three days. Follow all dry firing practice safety recommendations, the most important of which is to keep ALL live ammunition out of the area where you practice and use commercially produced dummy rounds.

d. Reemphasize All Safety Rules: Safety must be the First Consideration.

1) Two Safety Checks: Always handle any firearm in a professional manner and use the Two Safety Checks -Trigger Finger and Muzzle Discipline.

2) The Firearm Instructor’s Example is Critical: Show and do all demonstrations safely, even with Dummy Handguns and Ammunition, making sure that the Two Safety Checks are always practiced.

2. Semi-Automatic Loading

Loading always begins with an unloaded handgun. Make sure your students verify, both Visually and Physically, that the chamber and magazine well are empty. Check it - Look Away - Check it Again.

Step 1: Apply the Two Safety Checks & Engage Safeties. Grip the pistol properly, use the Two Safety Checks, Trigger Finger and Muzzle Discipline, and activate any decocking devices and safeties if required.

Step 2: Insert the Magazine. Insert a FULLY loaded magazine into the magazine well and tap it in place.

Step 3: Chamber a Cartridge. Pull the slide completely to the rear and fully release it to chamber the first cartridge from the magazine. Do not ride the slide forward.

Apply safety or depress the decocking lever to safely lower the hammer (if required by the pistol’s particular action type).

Step 4 : Holster the Pistol. Use one-hand to holster and secure the holster’s security devices.


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3. Semi-Automatic Unloading

Step 1: Apply the Two Safety Checks & Engage Safeties. Grip the pistol properly, use the Two Safety Checks, Trigger Finger and Muzzle Discipline, and activate any decocking devices and safeties if required.

Step 2: Remove the Magazine. Remove the magazine and secure it in a pocket. Do not place it in your magazine carrier until you can ensure it is fully loaded.

Step 3: Lock the Slide Open & Remove the Chambered Round. Holding the pistol in a canted position, with the ejection port towards the ground, the Support Hand grasps the serrations at the rear of the slide and pulls the slide fully to the rear. This should cause the chambered round to extract and eject. Rack the slide several times and then lock the slide open.

Step 4: Verify Unloaded Status. Visually and Physically check the Chamber and Magazine Well and ensure that no rounds are present.

Check it – Look Away – Check it Again

Step 5: Secure & Store. Secure the unloaded pistol in your holster or store it in a proper device or location. DO NOT lay it down somewhere, or otherwise leave it unattended.

DO NOT attempt to catch the ejected round! Doing so has caused numerous injuries. When attempting to catch ejected ammunition, shooters have had the cartridge ignite with the gun out of battery. Because the shooter is attempting to grip the gun, rack the slide, AND catch the ammo, the slide slips and the ejector strikes the primer while the gun is out of battery. One officer reported standing next to a shooter attempting to catch his ejected round: the ejector struck the primer and the bullet ricocheted down the magazine well, and struck him in the thigh.

This shooter had his hand over the ejection port while clearing a malfunction – the ejector hit theprimer and the round fired with the gun out of battery.


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4. Tactical Reloading

a. When to Reload: The goal is to Reload when you want to and not when you have to. A Tactical Reload is an option when there is a lull in the action, the officer is preferably behind cover, and there is no immediate threat (incoming rounds).

b. Tactical Reloading Provides Options: A fully loaded handgun gives the officer options to continue the encounter, defend from cover, or exit the area. An empty handgun greatly reduces the options.

c. The Tactical Reload: This reload is done prior to expending all ammunition from the weapon’s magazine and allows the officer to reload while having a round in the chamber. Unless the handgun is equipped with a magazine disconnect safety, the officer can fire the handgun even in the middle of the Tactical Reload.

It is important that shooters practice Tactical Reloading often. It should be done as one fluid movement.

Step 1: Pistol Lowered

The Two Safety Checks are applied, Trigger Finger and Muzzle Discipline.

The pistol is lowered slightly out of the line-of-sight, brought closer into the body, and canted so the magazine well is pointed toward the source of ammunition on the belt, as the Support Hand simultaneously moves to the magazine carrier and draws a new magazine.

Step 2: Instant Magazine Exchange

With the new magazine in hand, the Support Hand is positioned below the magazine well.

The shooter then presses the magazine release with the Shooting Hand thumb (right-handed) or Trigger Finger (left-handed); the Support Hand catches the released magazine (for some pistols the magazine may have to be pulled from the magazine well), the Support Hand is then rotated to insert the new magazine into the pistol and lock it in place.


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Note: The magazine exchange is done instantly in order to have

the shortest down time possible.

If the removed magazine is dropped, leave it on the ground. If the shooter drops the new magazine, another magazine should be removed from the magazine carrier.

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Step 3: Partially Depleted Magazine Secured

The magazine removed from the pistol is secured in a support side pocket, inside the waistband or other secure and accessible location. If necessary, it can also be held with the Support Hand in a hasty two-handed firing grip.

Step 4: Reassume a Tactical Position. As soon as the reload is completed move back into the Ready Position or into the Locked firing position.

Note:

When reloading, the pistol is lowered slightly out of the line-of-sight, canted to the outside of the body and the arms are bent at the elbows. This increases the shooter’s field of view while at the same time brings the arms into a stronger position from which to control the reloading function.

Shooters should never reload the pistol at belt level, as this causes the officer to drop his head and lose sight of the threat.

d. Retention Reload: Some officers cannot manipulate two magazines simultaneously with one hand, and many instructors will argue that no one should attempt to do so under stress. A retention reload involves the following:

1) Removing the depleted magazine and storing it. 2) Placing a fresh magazine in the gun.

The advantage is that an officer does not have to possibly fumble two magazines. The disadvantage is that the gun is a one-shot gun a little longer than if the magazines were exchanged at the gun (in cases of pistols with a magazine disconnect, it is a no-shot gun).


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Tactical Reload: Side-by-Side Method

Prior to pressing the magazine release, draw a full magazine and bring it to position beneath the magazine well.

The index finger slides down the thumb-side of the magazine.

Press the magazine release and drop the magazine into the “V” created by the thumb and index finger.

If necessary, the thumb and index finger can pull the magazine out.

Shift the support hand to align the full magazine underneath the magazine well.

Insert the full magazine. Ensure that the magazine is fully seated by pressing firmly with the palm of the support hand.

Based on the situation, return to a firing or ready stance.

If necessary, a round could have been fired at any point during the tactical reload (except for handguns with a magazine disconnect).


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Tactical Reload: “L” Method

Press the magazine release, allowing the magazine to fall.

Rotate the wrist to turn the magazine parallel to the barrel.

Release the partially depleted magazine into the palm of the support hand.

Rotate the wrist to align the new magazine with the magazine well.

Ensure that the magazine is fully seated by pressing firmly with the support hand.

Prior to pressing the magazine release, draw a full magazine and bring it to position beneath the magazine well.


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5. Speed Reloading an Empty Pistol

In this situation, either the shooter was forced to fire until the pistol was completely empty, or allowed it go empty. The shooter must perform a Speed Reload as fast as possible. Shooters should seek a covered position if not already there.

STEP 1: Pistol Lowered -- New Magazine Drawn -- Empty Magazine Released

The pistol is lowered out of the line-of-sight and brought in closer to the body where it is ergonomically comfortable (elbows will be bent at an approximately 90 degree angle) while the shooting hand thumb (right-handed) or trigger finger (left-handed) presses the magazine release.

Simultaneously, the support hand draws the fresh magazine.

If the empty magazine did not fall free, the Support Hand, while holding the new magazine, pulls the old magazine free.

STEP 2: Insert the New Magazine

With the pistol’s magazine well canted toward the incoming magazine, the Support Hand inserts the new magazine and locks it in place.

STEP 3: Release the Slide

The Support Hand then grips the slide and pulls it to the rear and releases it to chamber the first round. The manual slide lock or catch should not be used.

There are two ways to rack or release the slide. Whichever you use, make sure that the Support Hand is always to the rear of the ejection port. The slide is gripped, briskly pulled to the rear, and instantly released.

In the Overhand method, the Support Hand’s four fingers wrap over the top of the slide with the ejection port facing away from the body. This method has three advantages:

1. It provides maximum hand surface to slide surface using gross motor skills, rather than fine motor skills, which are diminished under stress.


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2. It points the ejection port away from the face and the body of the officer, preventing injury if a round were to be fired out of battery. (Ejectors have been known to impact primers during cycling and cause an out of battery discharge.)

3. It allows gravity to assist in clearing malfunctions because the ejection port is pointed down, and not up.

In the Sling-Shot method the Support Hand’s thumb and curled index finger grip the slide. The slide is then pulled back and released.

No matter what method is used to rack or release the slide, shooters must be sure that if their handgun has a manual or automatic manual safety mounted on the slide that the safety is in the off position after the slide goes forward. The sling-shot method is generally the best slide release method for these types of handguns, as the thumb can be placed underneath the safety lever to prevent it from being swept on accidentally.

STEP 4: Reassume a Tactical Position. Obtain a shooting grip and THEN move the pistol back into a firing or ready position.

Note: Kneeling During Reloads or Malfunctions: Some officers believe that they are a “smaller” target by dropping to a kneeling position; however, they are in fact only a “lower” one. Most agencies have found that by the time the officer kneels, he has already reloaded or cleared the malfunction.

Dropping to a knee makes the officer a stationary target and reduces his ability to move quickly, reduces his ability to see the threat area, takes valuable time away from what the officer needs to be doing, and may drop the officer out of view of fellow officers. Unfortunately, officers have been shot by other officers as they stood back up from kneeling after finishing a reload or malfunction clearance.


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Speed Reload – Right Handed

A speed reload is performed when the slide locks to the rear, indicating the gun is empty.

Simultaneously: Drop the gun slightly out of your line of sight.

Press the magazine release button.

Cant the magazine well towards the source of ammunition on your belt.

Draw the new magazine and align it with the magazine well.

Place the index finger of the support hand on the leading edge of the magazine to “point” the magazine into the magazine well.

Fully seat the magazine.


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Releasing the Slide

The “overhand” method uses gross motor skills (most desirable) and places the most hand surface on the slide for better contact.

DO NOT cover the ejection port with the support hand while pulling the slide to the rear.

When used with pistols with slide mounted safeties, the safety can be inadvertently placed “on.”

The “slingshot” method uses the thumb and index finger to pinch the rear of the slide and release it.

The slide catch or slide lock may also be depressed to release the slide.

This method involves the use of fine motor skills and is not recommended.

Based on the situation, return to a firing or ready stance.


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Left Hand Techniques

Line right thumb with locking notch on slide

Pull slide to rear & use right thumb to lift slide lock

Use the index finger, or alternatively, the middle finger, to depress the magazine release.

The trigger finger may also be used to lock the slide open.

MAGAZINE RELEASE

LOCKING THE SLIDE OPEN


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F. LOADING & UNLOADING PROCEDURES FOR REVOLVERS

1. Standard Recommendations

a. Non-Stress Techniques: Initial loading and unloading are non-stress techniques done smoothly to make sure the revolver is loaded and in correct condition 100% of the time.

b. Helps Build Reloading Habits: Perform all the loading and reloading functions in the same manner, even though there is no time pressure.

c. The Hands Have Specific Jobs: Each hand has a specific job when handling a revolver. The Shooting Hand releases the cylinder catch and maintains "initial" control of the revolver until it is switched to the Support Hand. During loading or unloading the Shooting Hand handles the ammunition, speed loaders, speed strips or other reloading devices. The Support Hand helps open the cylinder and then holds the revolver when the Shooting Hand is loading or unloading it.

d. Dry Practice Every 3 Days: Practice loading and unloading with Dummy Rounds every three days. Follow all dry firing practice safety recommendations, the most important of which is to keep ALL live ammunition out of the area where you practice and use commercially produced dummy rounds.

e. Reemphasize All Safety Rules: Safety must be the First Consideration.

1) Two Safety Checks: Always handle any firearm in a professional manner and use the Two Safety Checks (Trigger Finger and Muzzle Discipline).

2. The Firearm Instructor’s Example is Critical: Show and do all demonstrations safely, even with Dummy Handguns and Ammunition, making sure that the Two Safety Checks are always practiced.


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2. Revolver Loading - Right Handed Shooters

Loading always begins with an unloaded revolver. Ensure your students verify, both Visually and Physically, that the revolver cylinder chambers are empty. Check it twice.

Step 1: Two Safety Checks. The Right Hand grips the revolver using the Two Safety Checks, Trigger Finger and Muzzle Discipline. The revolver is held at waist level, close to the body (for greater control), in front of the body and slightly to the Shooting Hand Side.

Step 2: Open and Switch. The Right Hand thumb pushes (or pulls,

depending on the firearm) the cylinder release as the Left Hand’s middle and ring fingers push the cylinder open and continue through, while the index finger and little finger curl over the frame’s top and the thumb helps control the cylinder, the revolver is then transferred to the Left Hand. The muzzle is angled down with the cylinder's chamber openings facing up for gravity to facilitate loading.

Step 3: Draw Speedloader (or other loading device). As soon as the left hand has the revolver, the right hand draws a speed loader from its pouch with the thumb, index and middle fingers securing the speed loader’s body. NOTE: The speed loader pouch should be located just forward of the holster on the shooting hand side of the body.


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Step 4: Load. Line up and insert two bullet noses with two chambers and the rest will follow. Insert fully, actuate the cartridge release, and LET GO of the speed loader.

Step 5: Close, Switch, and Look. The Right Hand re-grips the revolver’s grip as the Left Hand closes the cylinder, giving it a small turn to lock it in place. A final visual inspection is made to verify the revolver's loaded condition.

Step 6: Holster the Revolver. Use one-hand to holster and secure the

holster’s security devices.

5-shot Speedstrip


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3. Revolver Loading – Left-Handed Shooters

Step 1: Two Safety Checks. The Left Hand grips the revolver, using the Two Safety Checks (Trigger Finger and Muzzle Discipline). The revolver is held at waist level in front of your body and slightly to the Shooting Hand Side.

Step 2: Open and Switch. The Left Hand's grip loosens as the index finger pushes (or pulls) the cylinder release while the Right Hand is positioned at the cylinder. The Right Hand's thumb pushes out the cylinder and continues through, the other fingers curl under the frame to hold the revolver, while the thumb controls the cylinder. The revolver's muzzle is angled down with the cylinder's chamber openings facing up for gravity to facilitate loading.

Step 3: Draw Speedloader - The Left Hand draws a speed loader from its pouch with the thumb, index and second fingers securing the speedloader’s body.

Step 4: Load. Line up and insert two bullet noses with two chambers and the rest will follow. Insert fully, actuate the cartridge release (pressing it in or turning a knob) and LET GO of the speedloader.

Step 5: Close, Switch and Look. The Left Hand re-grips the revolver as the Right Hand closes the cylinder, giving it a small turn to lock it in place. A final visual inspection is made to verify the revolver's loaded condition.

Step 6: Holster the Pistol. Use one-hand to holster and secure the holster’s security devices.

Note: There are some Left Handed Shooters who prefer to

use Right Handed Loading procedures. There is nothing wrong with this as long as the shooter demonstrates proficiency and has his ammunition carriers positioned appropriately on his belt (on the right side of the body).


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4. Revolver Unloading:

Step 1: Two Safety Checks. The Shooting Hand grips the revolver using the Two Safety Checks (Trigger Finger and Muzzle Discipline). The revolver is held at waist level in front of the body and slightly to the Shooting Hand Side.

Step 2: Open & Switch. Open the cylinder and switch the revolver from the Shooting Hand to the Support Hand (see previous methods).

Step 3: Dump & Look. Rotate the muzzle up and dump the cartridges into the Shooting Hand (the cartridges should fall free; if not, use the Support Hand's thumb to push the ejector rod). Rotate the muzzle down to look for cartridges left in a chamber, count the cartridges, and secure them.

Step 5: Secure & Store. Secure the unloaded revolver in your holster or store it in a proper device or location. Do not lay it down somewhere, or otherwise leave it unattended.

5. Speed Reloading the Revolver

Step 1: Open & Switch. The revolver is brought in close to the body, the cylinder is opened, and the revolver is transferred to the Support Hand.

Step 2: Muzzle Up & Strike. The barrel is turned muzzle UP as the support hand thumb (right handed shooter) or support hand index finger (left handed shooter) strikes the end of the ejector rod smartly to eject the empty brass. You can also use the Shooting hand to push the ejector rod and eject the empty brass.

Step 3: Muzzle Down & Draw Speedloader. The revolver is instantly inverted muzzle DOWN as the Shooting Hand draws a Speedloader, or other loading device, from its pouch and brings it to the cylinder's chamber openings.

Step 4: Load. Line up and insert two cartridges with two chambers and the rest will follow. Insert fully, actuate the cartridge release and let go of the speedloader.

Left-Handed Shooter Ejection

Right-Handed Shooter Ejection


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Step 5: Close, Switch & Lock-Out. The Shooting Hand re-grips the revolver as the Support Hand closes the cylinder, giving it a small turn to lock in place, assume a two-handed grip and the revolver is locked out into a Ready or Firing Position.

6. Tactical Reloading of the Revolver - Either Handed Shooter

Step 1: Open & Switch. The revolver is brought in close to the body with the muzzle DOWN, the cylinder is open and the revolver is transferred to the Support Hand.

Step 2: Push Up, Release & Pick Out. With the muzzle DOWN the Support Hand's thumb (right-handed) or index finger (left-handed) pushes up halfway on the ejector rod and releases it. Because of the expanded mouth of the empty brass, spent cases will stay up as the unfired cartridges fall back into the cylinder's chambers. The Shooting Hand picks out the empty cases. If instant firing is required, the cylinder is closed and the partially loaded revolver brought up for firing. The officer must ensure that he closes the cylinder so that a pull of the trigger will rotate the live ammunition the correct way. (See note below on cylinder rotation.)

Step 3: Load. Single cartridges are loaded into the cylinder's empty chambers. Cartridge loops or loose rounds must be used.

Step 4: Close, Switch & Lock-Out. The Shooting Hand re-grips the revolver as the Support Hand closes the cylinder. A two-handed grip is obtained and the revolver is locked-out into a Ready or Firing Position, depending on the situation.

Note: The Shooter’s reloading goal should be a two to three-second reload.

Shooters must know in which direction the cylinder of their revolver will rotate when the trigger is pressed. Smith & Wesson and Ruger revolvers rotate counter clockwise. Colt revolvers rotate clockwise.


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G. MALFUNCTION PROCEDURES FOR SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOLS

1. Malfunction Overview

a. Stoppage Types: Failures to fire, feed, extract, eject, and go into battery. Double feeds can be caused by one of two conditions: failure to extract and the true double feed from the magazine. The most common stoppage is an empty chamber.

b. Pistol Positioning & Two Safety Checks: Whenever any Immediate Action or Feedway Clearance Procedure is performed, a shooting grip is maintained and the Two Safety Checks (Trigger Finger and Muzzle Discipline) are in place.

c. Be Careful of Terminology: Use Tap, Rack, "Ready," or “Assess,” or "Go," but NOT "Bang." DO NOT train officers to shoot immediately after clearing a stoppage.

d. Canting the Slide Ejection Port Down: Allows spent brass and cartridges to fall freely with the help of gravity from the ejection port. This also protects the shooter’s face from problems in the ejection port. Cartridges have been known to fire with the ejection port open during unloading and malfunction clearing drills (ejectors impact the primer when the slide is pulled to the rear).

.

e. Reloading as a Clearance Procedure: Some consider that "reloading" should be the only clearance procedure, as it is a trained reflexive set of skills that could also clear stoppages by removing the magazine, inserting a new magazine and chambering the first cartridge. Others consider this too simplistic, as working the slide to clear the chamber area is sometimes required. Performing the basic Immediate Action Procedure can be accomplished very quickly, and will usually clear most stoppages faster than a reload.

2. Immediate Action for Semi-Automatic Pistols

Step 1: TAP the Magazine. Use the palm of the Support Hand to tap the bottom of the magazine firmly to ensure that the magazine is fully seated.

Step 2: RACK the Slide. To extract and eject anything in the

chamber and load a new cartridge from the magazine. This also solves the empty chamber problem.


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Step 3: READY to Fire if Necessary.

Notes:

TAP - RACK - READY must be performed instantly and without thought by the shooter should a malfunction occur.

The most common reason for a failure to fire is that the shooter failed to load a round in the chamber or left a manual safety ON.

If the Immediate Action Procedure fails, find cover, if not already there, switch to another handgun, alert another officer, communicate for assistance, exit area and perform the Feedway Clearance procedure.

If in close quarters and under immediate threat, your only course of action may be to go on the offensive and attack the threat with everything you have available.

3. Feedway Clearance Procedure for Semi-

Automatic Pistols

If “Immediate Action” fails to clear the weapon, additional steps are necessary.

The photo at right shows an example malfunction from a “double feed.” Step 1: LOCK Open the Canted Slide. Pull

the slide to the rear and push up on the slide catch to LOCK it open. This releases spring tension on the incoming round.

Step 2: RIP Out the Magazine. Push in the magazine release and

RIP the magazine from the pistol.


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Step 3: WORK the Canted Slide and Look. WORK the slide vigorously three or four times to clear anything from the chamber or magazine well. As you work the slide, LOOK into the ejection port to check the chamber and magazine well for obstructions.

Step 4: TAP in a New Magazine. Insert a fresh magazine and TAP the base of the magazine to make sure it is fully seated.

Step 5: RACK the Canted Slide. RACK the slide to chamber a round by pulling it to the rear and releasing it to chamber the first cartridge from the magazine.

Step 6: READY to Fire if Necessary. Bring the pistol back on target, READY to fire if necessary.

NOTES:

Feedway clearance is more extensive and time consuming than the Tap – Rack – Ready procedure since it completely unloads and clears the pistol and then reloads it with a fresh magazine.

When teaching the Clearance Procedure, break the process into two steps, Clearing and Reloading. Students will usually understand and remember the process easier.

Clear –“ LOCK, RIP, WORK and LOOK” clears the pistol and prepares it for reloading.

Reload - TAP, RACK and READY reloads the pistol.

Some Firearm Instructors believe that Step 1, Locking the Slide to the rear or Looking at the condition of the pistol may not be necessary depending on the type of pistol used and that racking the slide 3 or 4 times will clear almost any malfunction and that looking at the condition of the pistol wastes time. Other Instructors say it must be a complete procedure to make sure everything is covered and adds minimum time while helping to ensure clearance.


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H. MALFUNCTION PROCEDURES FOR REVOLVERS

1. Revolver Malfunction Types:

a. Failure to Fire: Empty cylinder or defective ammunition.

b. High Primer: Difficult or impossible to rotate cylinder. Officers should always closely inspect their ammunition prior to loading. Look for high primers, improperly seated bullets, corrosion, and bullet deformities.

c. Dirt & Debris Under the Extractor Star: Difficult or impossible to rotate cylinder.

d. Loose Ejector Rod: Difficult or impossible to open cylinder.

e. Empty Case Under the Extractor Star: An empty case has lodged under the extractor star.

f. Broken Firing Pin: Check the firing pin (usually attached to the hammer). This is a very infrequent occurrence.

2. Immediate Action:

a. Pull the Trigger Again: When the revolver fails to fire, pull the trigger again. This brings a new round in line with the barrel. If there was no round in the aligned chamber this will bring a loaded chamber into alignment. If the failure to fire was due to a bad round of ammunition, this will solve the problem (unless the entire batch of ammunition is bad).

b. Still Fails to Fire: If the weapons fail to fire after two pulls of the trigger, speed reload with new ammunition immediately.


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I. ONE-HANDED INCAPACITATION TRAINING:

1. Drawing One-Handed:

This officer places his handgun behind his

knee to reload a fresh magazine.

Officers must practice drawing with their support hand in case their primary hand or arm is incapacitated. This officer reaches around his waist, releases the retention device, and draws the handgun. Care must be taken not to place any of the fingers inside the trigger guard to prevent inadvertent firing.

Another alternative is for officers to reach behind their back to draw. The officer can give his gun belt a strong tug to pull the holster towards his support side (either to draw in the front or from the rear).

This revolver shooter, places the revolver

between his legs, using one knee to keep the cylinder locked open

during his reload.

– SAFETY FIRST –

ONLY dummy rounds should be used when training officers these incapacitation techniques.

All live ammunition must be removed from the training area, including magazines, pockets, including live ammo carried by instructors, etc.

2. Reloading: There are several places to safely place the firearm in order to reload it using only one hand.


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3. Malfunction Clearances One-Handed:

Semi-automatic pistols can be placed under the arm, between the knees, behind the knee, or back in the holster with the magazine well pointing forward to enable reloading.

a. Immediate Action: Officers should use the same formula for clearing a malfunction with one hand as two:

Tap Rack Ready

The “Tap” can be on the officer’s belt, knee, holster, or other hard object.

The “Rack” can be accomplished by hooking the rear sight on the belt, the holster, the pants, or another hard object. Officers must ensure they do not muzzle themselves or others.

This instructor sets up a malfunction using dummy rounds for the student to practice one-hand malfunction clearing.


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b. Feedway Clearances One-Handed: 1) Method One:

a) Officer locks the slide open with one hand using the belt or other part of the equipment or body

b) Officer presses on the magazine release button and strips the magazine out of the gun by using some part of his clothing or equipment

c) Officer racks the gun d) Officer reloads

2) Method Two: a) Officer grips the handgun

tightly and depresses the magazine release button

b) Officer strikes his wrist forcefully over his knee

c) Officer racks the slide to clear obstructions from the chamber

d) Officer reloads This hard strike with the magazine release depressed will release the magazine, and in most cases close the slide, which eliminates the more difficult step of locking the slide open one-handed and ripping the magazine from the gun.

REMEMBER:

You Must Do Something: Make the gun work. Do not become paralyzed by fear -- fight to WIN.

If all Else Fails, Exit the Area Immediately: If clearing the Feedway fails to return the pistol to working order, your options are greatly reduced, and you should exit the area immediately if possible.

* End of Chapter *

Edition 6.1

CONTENTS: A. General Overview 2 B. Coach & Partner Benefits 2 C. Training & Equipment Considerations 5

D. Coach Position & On-Line Techniques 6 E. Target Analysis 11

COACHING TECHNIQUES

Copyright ©2006 by NRA



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A. GENERAL OVERVIEW

1. The Coach

The main function is to work with the shooter on improving his/her performance. The Coach must watch the shooter for everything he is doing, both right and wrong, and then work through the problems one at a time. For the shooting moment, no matter how brief, they are a team working closely together to improve the student's skills.

2. Two Students Working as a Coach / Shooter Team:

This is a powerful learning technique as the students take turns coaching each other. It taps what they have both learned and provides consistent training as each sees what the other is doing wrong and helps correct it. The team concept, the pairing of Coach and Shooter, is used throughout NRA schools and you will partner with several shooters during the week. This system provides more freedom for the NRA instructors to work with the whole class and identify where special attention needs to be directed

3. Bad Habits are Corrected

By providing student teams, bad habits are noticed, corrected and not allowed to continue. This is an ideal hands-on situation, working with another student in an instructional environment.

B. COACH & PARTNER BENEFITS

1. Training is Not Testing:

Many times when students are shooting by themselves in a straight line, they are testing what they have learned up to this point or are being tested. But, when students are working together on the firing line, using the coach/shooter technique, they are constantly training to improve their performance.

“A coach is someone who tells you what you don't want to hear, who has you see what you don't want to see, so you can be who you havealways known you could be."

Tom Landry

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2. Safety:

Between a Coach and Shooter exists a one to one ratio. Two people are watching each gun, reinforcing safety and working on correcting the shooter’s problems.

3. Bad Habits:

Each shooter is watched and helped 100% of the time. Shooters working by themselves can be counter productive, as the shooter may do it right some of the time and slip back into bad habits the rest of the time. The Coach/Shooter technique works toward consistency in training.

4. Challenge & Encouragement:

Shooters work in friendly competition with each other and each one has someone standing next to him to provide help and encouragement.

5. Everyone Involved:

The whole class is involved all of the time, including on the firing line. Remember, if half the class is behind a wall or well behind the line, you are wasting valuable training time.

6. Shared Knowledge:

Two officers are sharing their knowledge while working on reducing bad habits. They must be able to talk on the line if they are going to communicate and share knowledge.

7. Doing & Saying:

This is one of the most effective learning techniques. Shooters are reducing bad habits while practicing good habits and coaches are practicing their teaching and shooter analysis techniques. By periodically changing roles both officers gain equally in all areas.

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8. Quality Training:

The Coach/Shooter technique gives the most value for the training time allowed. It also gives a good balance of student participation, quality trigger time, learning time, most individualized instruction time and a full chance for refining and reinforcing of positive shooting techniques.

9. To be an Effective Firearm Instructor:

The Firearm Instructor must apply his skills and training in a number of areas to develop his coaching ability. In order to be effective, the following attributes are important.

a. Knowledge & Ability: Must be thoroughly familiar with the fundamentals of marksmanship, the different shooting techniques and be able to perform well above the standard.

b. Self-Control & Patience: The Firearm Instructor (Coach) must never lose his temper, but curtail emotions and foster an open-exchange of ideas and maintain a positive learning environment.

c. Communication Skills: Must be able to effectively communicate in two capacities: as an instructor providing information, and as an active listener to his students to ensure understanding and effectively answer questions.

d. Ability to Inspire Confidence: The Firearm Instructor must have confidence to successfully inspire student confidence, while always showing a positive attitude toward his students and the subject matter.

e. Positive Attitude & Enthusiasm: Must be intensely positive about the job and the difference Firearm Instructors can make, while eagerly imparting knowledge to the students.

f. Perception: You must be aware of and understand the shooter’s individual situation. Be a good observer and be able to correct the problems.

g. An Open Mind: The Firearm Instructor needs to recognize that all individuals are not the same and have different training needs.

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NOTES: Retraining: If a student is handling the firearm with the Trigger Finger on the trigger, he must be told about it each and every time. If nobody is standing beside the student he will continue the bad habit, which will become subconscious. Then, we will need to retrain his subconscious mind, which is much harder.

More Time: Coach/Shooter Technique will take a little more time and you will not shoot as much.

Number of Rounds: Q: "Are your students better off firing 100 rounds where many are jerking their triggers or firing 20 rounds and learning?"

Training vs. Qualification: Only have to test on Qualification. The rest of the time is spent training.

Keep Them Paired: Always have your students paired and change the pairs throughout the class.

Look to Your Performance: "Are you doing the very best job for your students." You might not have a lot of subject matter expertise, but are you doing the best you can for your students?

C. TRAINING & EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS

1. Train Before Shooting:

Before shooting, make sure the students have a good basis in safety and handling or it is counter productive.

2. Inspect Before Shooting:

Before shooting, make sure the equipment is working properly so the students can concentrate on shooting techniques.

3. Firearms & Ammunition:

Make sure that the student’s gun and ammunition combination is accurately placing rounds on target. If not, adjust the sights or replace the equipment if required.

Keep in mind that effective shooting is composed of 95% mental skills and only 5% in Equipment.

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Do not ridicule or degrade the equipment your students are using, or debate which equipment is best. This may instill a poor mindset and reduce confidence in their equipment. Unless in an unsafe condition, whatever equipment is used can effectively perform the tasks. Remember these concept questions and answers.

"What is the best gun? = "The one in your hands."

"What is the best bullet? = "The one in your gun." D. COACH POSITION & ON-LINE TECHNIQUES:

Remember the Coach’s job is to watch the shooter and provide training, observations and help. Coaches should not be constantly watching the shooter’s target, other shooters, or working on their own equipment.

1. Coaching on the Firing Line:

a. Beside the Shooter: The coach is positioned at the student's shooting-hand side. From this point the Coach can see hand positioning, stance/position, trigger finger placement, operation of the bolt, and whether the shooter’s index finger is outside of the trigger guard when not shooting.

Coaches should occasionally move to the Support Hand side of the student so that trigger finger placement, trigger control, and support hand position can be observed.

b. Facing the Shooter: As necessary, Coaches can face the student from the side. This allows the Coach to observe the student's reaction to noise and recoil, see if he is closing his eyes, observe trigger control, and see his facial expressions.

c. Close Enough to Take Immediate Action: Coaches must be close to their students. If more than approximately two feet away, a coach cannot take immediate action should an unsafe act occur. This is especially true when instructing new shooters or a course where shooters use a lot of movement, as part of the course such as in Tactical Courses.

COACH

During a tactical exercise, the coach shadows his student to insure safety.

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For instance, the Coach may be forced to physically take control of a student’s firearm should he turn and point it at other students on the line. If the Coach is 3, 4 or more feet away from the student, he will not be able to react in time.

By being close, Coaches can also talk with the shooter without interfering with other shooters as well as communicate with the shooter by placing a hand in front of the shooter's face or to the side as a signal to stop shooting. The coach’s hand should, of course, be well back from the muzzle.

d. Concentrate on the Shooter: Trigger

manipulation takes 1 to 3 seconds. The target will still be there when the shooting is done, but the shooter's bad habits will not.

2. What Coaches Should Look For: Watch everything a student is doing (safety, handling techniques, fundamentals and consistency) and then constructively critique. Find the most important problems and begin on them, correcting one at a time.

a. Safety: Always watch for safety.

b. Position & Grip: The stance/position allow firing from the shooter’s natural point of aim

c. Eyes & Face: The shooter may close one or both eyes when firing. The coach should watch for flinching and remind the shooter to keep at least one eye open throughout the firing process. The Coach may also see changes in facial expression when anticipating recoil and jerking the trigger.

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d. Trigger Press: Look for correct Trigger Finger placement on the trigger. Ensure that the shooter is properly re-setting the trigger between shots.

Ensure there is a gap between the trigger finger and the stock/receiver so that no sideways pressure is exerted on the firearm while the trigger is pulled to the rear.

Make sure the Trigger Finger is out of the trigger guard and held straight along the stock/receiver when it should be.

e. Breathing: At close distances, when the shooter must fire quickly, he may not have time to consciously control his breathing. Tell your students to breathe normally, or practice combat breathing if they are conscious of their breathing. The student should control his breathing using the Natural Respiratory Pause for long ranges.

f. Consistency: Watch the whole process as the student obtains a sight picture and pulls the trigger smoothly, straight to the rear, with the proper grip and position/stance, until the gun fires, and follow-through finishes the shot. It must be one consistent action, repeated the same way each time.

g. Handling Proficiency: Observe procedures and techniques in handling and manipulating the firearm and equipment.

h. Constructively Critique: Once the Coach has observed the shooter, it is time to constructively critique and work with the shooter on correcting any problems observed.

3. Detection and Correction of Errors Errors are not always obvious to the shooter and coaches are invaluable in detecting and correcting them.

a. Sight Alignment: It is somewhat difficult to see what the student sees through his sights. If you believe this is a problem, you may need to ask the student to draw a picture of what he sees. The student must be convinced that a correct sight picture must be present when the projectile leaves the barrel.

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b. Concentration: When coaching a shooter, draw his concentration to the required fundamentals. The shooter must be taught to maintain his concentration throughout the whole process, even when the coach is gone.

c. Vision Problems: If the student is having vision problems, prescription glasses may be required. You may have to tactfully suggest that the shooter have his vision checked. This can often be a problem for shooters who wear prescription eyewear and have not had their vision checked for an extended period of time. You may also want to check the shooter’s eye dominance using the index finger or circular finger methods to ensure he is using the correct eye for sighting.

d. Aim/Hold /Press: Locking the firearm into position with correct sight alignment while pressing the trigger until the bullet is gone. It is sometimes difficult to explain this as one complete action.

e. Mechanical Problems: After initial equipment check, mechanical problems may arise while shooting. Determine whether problems are mechanical or operator error.

As a Firearm Instructor you may have to personally check a student’s equipment, such as firing several rounds to ensure the gun\ is properly zeroed. When doing this to demonstrate to the student that the equipment is properly functioning, keep in mind you must do this tactfully and not embarrass or ridicule the student when you demonstrate that he does not have an equipment problem.

4. Keep it Short & Simple: The watchwords for analyzing a student’s performance and offering suggestions for improvement. The Coach must carefully watch the student, identify problems and:

a. Use Simple Understandable Language: Communicate effectively with very clear language. Do not try to impress students with your knowledge of technical terms.

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b. Correct One Mistake at a Time: Do not try to correct too many mistakes at one time. Analyze the situation, establish the priorities, and be sure your student really understands what is wrong and what he needs to do to correct it.

c. Do Not Over Coach: If improvement is proceeding reasonably well, do not interfere by verbalizing just for the sake of making a comment.

d. Use Positive Reinforcement: Encourage the student as he progresses and use positive reinforcement along the way to help the student to continue improving his performance.

5. Useful Coaching Techniques:

a. Ball & Dummy Exercises: The instructor loads the student’s magazine, alternating dummy rounds with live rounds. This drill is very effective in revealing flinching and trigger jerking. This drill also provides the student with malfunction clearing practice.

b. Dry Firing & Student Called Shots: Dry firing will ensure the student learns the basics. Having the student “call the shot” will help the student pay attention and understand the importance of exactly what he was doing when the round was fired. By verbalizing where he thinks the shot hit and why he thinks it hit there, he can better relate to the techniques being taught.

c. Firearm Instructor Control of Trigger: Sometimes an effective technique is for the Firearm Instructor to place his trigger finger over top of the student's trigger finger and manipulate the trigger. This gives the student the "feel" for the correct trigger press. The instructor should obviously be safety conscious when using this technique.

d. Trigger Resetting Exercise for Semi-Automatics: A useful technique for students who are having a problem with resetting the trigger on a semi-automatic is to use an empty gun and dry fire the trigger resetting process.

With an empty weapon and facing downrange, the student assumes a proper stance and grip and presses the trigger until the firing pin falls and holds the trigger to the rear.

The Firearm Instructor, standing on the Support Hand side of the student, will pull the slide or charging handle to the rear and release. During the process the student keeps the trigger fully depressed to the rear.

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The student can then slowly release the trigger until he feels and hears the trigger reset. This process can be repeated as necessary until the student fully understands the trigger re-setting process and is proficient.

E. TARGET ANALYSIS

1. The Target Tells What Happened: The target is a record of the result of what the shooter did while firing. The Coach may use the target as a tool to validate what he has already seen the shooter do.

2. Target Analysis/Not Shot Analysis:

a. More Than One Reason: There may be more than one reason for a particular problem. Always ask students if they know what went wrong, as sometimes they already know.

b. Experience: The Coach must develop the experience to perceive what is occurring and why.

3. Target Analysis/The Group

a. Shooter Needs to Fire a Group: A group is required to tell the whole story and several groups may need to be fired over the correction period.

b. How Many Shots ? Begin with 2 or 3 shots at close range or at a small aiming point for the Coach to start analyzing problems and working on corrections. You cannot use target analysis after a student fires a complete course of fire or when a shooter fires from several different shooting positions or ranges. The student may have a multitude of different problems at each of the different stages or distances that make it impossible to properly analyze a specific problem.

When initial problems are corrected, fire a group of 5 or 6 shots to verify the corrections, watching for improvement and other problems.

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c. What Size is an Acceptable Shot Group? Group size will vary depending on distance, shooting speed, task at hand, shooter’s skills and equipment used. Generally, the distance and shooting speed sets the stage for the group size. The group sizes will be different depending on whether the goal is to place as tight a group as possible at a precise distant target with no time limit, or to realistically fire at center mass from close quarters rapidly. Take all the variables into account and judge what group sizes will be acceptable for the various drills fired.

d. Target Analysis: A bad shot is seldom caused by only one error and there is no “magic” target analysis chart which will immediately identify a shooter’s problem(s). However, some general indicators may be used: an up and down string on the target may be a sign of a breathing pattern showing on the target; a horizontal string may be a failure to use natural point of aim; a flier may indicate lack of concentration; if the whole group is off it may be wind, lack of natural point of aim, improper mount, or incorrect sight picture.

A good coach will develop an ability to diagnose a shooter’s problems by watching the shooter, and may use clues from the target to aid in his diagnosis.

* End of Chapter *

Firearm Safety and Range Organization

Edition 6.1

2

A. GENERAL OVERVIEW 1. Safety is the Primary Concern:

Safety is a combination of the safety rules, how they are communicated, and the attitudes and actions of both the Firearm Instructor and students.

2. Reemphasize & Reinforce Safety: Make sure the safety points of the gun handling techniques are completely covered, reinforced on the firing line and trained-in (practiced and applied) through repetition.

B. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS 1. Safety Considerations:

a. Safety Reflex: The Safety Rules form a “safety reflex” that must be in place and working all the time. They should be ingrained to the point that you cannot make yourself violate any of these rules. Safety Rules must be developed around your students’ needs. Depending upon your agency, location or other circumstances, additional safety rules may be required. Use common sense and follow ALL the safety rules required.

b. Workable Set of Safety Rules: When developing a set of safety rules we suggest dividing the rules into two sets: a brief set of the most important Core Safety Rules that officers can focus on, practice, and apply everywhere, and a set of administrative range safety rules for the particular requirements occurring during range training.

2. Firearm Instructor Responsibilities:

a. Two Primary Safety Responsibilities:

1) Overall Safety & Organized Operation of the Range

2) Teaching the Correct Safety Habits & Techniques: Teach how to be safe on the range AND on the street and remind them throughout training.

b. Cannot Assume Responsibility for Safety of Each Individual: The Firearm Instructor cannot react quickly enough to assume physical responsibility for each individual. For example, if a student puts his trigger finger on the trigger while slinging a long gun or holstering a handgun, you cannot respond fast enough to take physical control of that person. However, you do assume the overall responsibility for how safety is presented, explained, and demonstrated.


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c. Everyone is Responsible for Overall Safety as Well as His Own: Students must realize that everyone is responsible for safety, NOT just the instructor(s).

C. SAFETY RULES

We present a set of safety rules that are broken into two parts: the Core Safety Rules and Other Range Safety Rules for the particular requirements occurring during range training. The following NRA Safety Rules are used at our Firearm Instructor Development Schools.

The Core Safety Rules 1. Treat All Firearms as Loaded at All Times 2. Muzzle Discipline: Always keep your muzzle pointed in the

safest direction and never intentionally cross anything you are not prepared to shoot. a. A Safe Direction is one where NO injury and only minor

property damage could occur if an unintentional round is fired.

b. “Laser Rule” - Imagine your firearm has a laser beam extending from the muzzle and whatever it touches could be shot.

3. Trigger Finger: Always keep your trigger finger straight on the stock or receiver unless the muzzle is pointed at something you are prepared to shoot. The trigger finger is only placed into the trigger guard and on the trigger when coming on target just before firing. When not firing, place your trigger finger straight on the stock or receiver. If the trigger finger is held just outside the trigger guard, rather than on the stock or receiver, a Convulsive Hand Grip could cause the trigger finger to fire the gun.

4. Be Sure of your Target, the Surroundings, and Beyond: While targets on a square range are easily identifiable, threats on the street are often in close proximity or in front of innocent bystanders.

Note:

Your agency may require different rules and the Firearm Instructors must decide what rules will be used on their range.

Make sure everyone has read the safety rules and signs for a copy, and that additional copies are posted in several places.


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Other Range Safety Rules:

1. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep himself, and everyone else, safe. Safety must be a personal commitment by everyone at all times.

2. Cease Fire: This is a critical command and must be taken with the utmost seriousness. a. Upon hearing “Cease Fire,” immediately STOP whatever you are

doing, remain in position, loudly repeat the “Cease Fire” command at least twice and await further instructions.

b. Remember, anyone seeing a dangerous situation about to occur or occurring, and cannot correct it, yells “Cease Fire.”

c. Everyone must be highly aware and involved in the training program and always watching for any problems - just as officers must on the street.

3. The Prime Directive: Keep your handgun secured in the holster and long gun slung muzzle down or grounded with the action open at all times unless specifically directed otherwise. When going downrange, all rifles will be unloaded and grounded with the muzzles pointed downrange and the actions open.

4. Alcohol, Drugs, & Firearms Do Not Mix: Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to participate in any shooting exercises. Even non-prescription drugs can impair the shooter's ability to safely handle or shoot a firearm.

If you are taking any prescription or non-prescription drug or there is any physical condition or problem that should be noted, you must advise an NRA instructor in private BEFORE going to the range.

5. No Bending Over on the Range: It presents the top of your head to fire, cuts down on your field of vision, and is a poor tactic. If you need something on the ground, step into a kneeling position, and reach for the item(s) while keeping behind all muzzles. This reinforces street tactics on the range.

INCORRECT: Head down No muzzle discipline

Proper Techniques


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6. No Ammunition Allowed in the Cleaning Area: If a designated cleaning area is used, all firearms and magazines will be unloaded in the designated loading or unloading area. All firearms must be checked to make sure they are clear of any ammunition before entering the cleaning area and the muzzle will always be pointed in the safest direction.

7. Safe Actions: Various training actions (taking a step sideways, moving to range cover) that are conducted on the range are acceptable provided they are safe.

8. Leaving the Firing Line: Advise an NRA instructor if you are going to leave the line and the reason.

9. All Equipment on the Person: Come to the line with ALL the equipment you will need. Be as practical as you can be.

10. Report Injuries: Report any injuries, no matter how minor, to an NRA instructor and follow your agency requirements for reporting injuries at your earliest convenience.

11. Action Open on Unloaded Firearms Before Handing or Receiving: Unless directed otherwise by an NRA instructor, the unloaded firearm's action must be open before handing it to anyone or receiving it from anyone. If the firearm is magazine fed, the magazine must also be removed.

D. RANGE PROGRAM AWARENESS & ORGANIZATION

1. Overview Range training begins with an overview of certain standard procedures, commands, functions, etc., used when running the range. These begin with the safety brief and three basic ways of directing the line, and continues with an explanation of commands, target set-up, shooter positioning, both student and instructor equipment, ammunition management, student preparation, leaving the range, breaks, and range clean-up.

2. Teaching Model The range is used as an outdoor classroom to teach, reinforce, and explain the techniques and tactics on a holstered, slung, & secured line for many of the exercises. Each range day must be a teaching day, reinforcing those techniques covered in the classroom and teaching those techniques best covered on the range.


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a. High Awareness & Attention to the Program, Commands and Problems Helps Students to: 1) Be safe and help provide overall safety. 2) Understand what is occurring in the program right now and what is

expected of them. 3) Receive and understand vital range commands. 4) Catch any problems that could occur. 5) Accomplish the highest level of proficiency in the training provided.

3. Other Safety Issues a. Hearing Problems? : Ask if anyone has a hearing problem. If so,

they should be placed close to a speaker or the person giving the commands. Note the advantages of electronic ear protection for instructors and students.

b. Sponsoring or Visiting Agency Range Rules: Determine if there are any additional rules required by the sponsoring agency.

c. Cold & Hot Range Notes: 1) Cold Range: Student guns will be unloaded at all times, except

when directed on the firing line for a particular exercise and unloaded after each exercise. Generally used for initial recruit training (which should be stopped as soon as possible) or sometimes on the first range session with an unknown class.

2) Hot Range: Student guns will be loaded at all times and the student is responsible for ammunition management (keeping their guns, magazines and speedloaders loaded at all times).

3) On both Cold and Hot Ranges the Prime Directive is always followed: handguns stay in the holsters and long guns remain slung muzzle down or grounded until directed otherwise.

4) For more information about Cold & Hot range operations, please refer to the Developing & Conducting Practical Range Training chapter in this manual.

d. Ammunition Malfunctions – Squib Loads & Hang Fires: In a gunfight, officers should take immediate action (move, get the gun working, transition to another gun, etc.). While we don’t want to distinguish between the street and training environment, it may be wise on the range for an officer who has experienced an obviously different report to keep the muzzle pointed downrange and have the gun checked before firing again.


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e. Rifles Grounded: When going down range, rifles will be grounded pointed downrange, unloaded, with the actions open.

4. Range Control a. Basic Ways of Directing the Line: There are three basic ways of

directing the line depending on whether the Firearm Instructor directs or has Student Instructors direct, and whether all shooters are together training as individuals or the shooters are training together as Coach/Shooter Teams. Remember, this is an Instructor School. 1) Firearm Instructor Directs All Shooters: The Firearm Instructor

directs the line with all shooters working as INDIVIDUALS on the firing line.

2) Firearm Instructor Directs Coach / Shooter Teams: The Firearm Instructor directs the line with Coach/Shooter Teams working TOGETHER through the exercises.

3) Coach Directed: Either the Firearm Instructor briefs the Coaches and Shooters together as a group or calls the Coaches over and briefs them separately from the Shooters. The Coach then returns to the line and briefs his student and run s him through the exercise.

NOTES: Coach Briefing - The Firearm Instructor does not want the

Coaches to brief their Shooters in the same way the Coaches were just briefed, which will overload the Shooters with information. Only tell the Shooters the first thing you want them to do and work with them to complete the first task and then go to the next, and so on. When you return to your Shooters, the only thing they need to know is the first thing they are going to do. This should be done during both Dry and Live Drills. As Coaches Return to Shooters - As they walk back, ask the

shooters to role play the part of a basic student and do what their partner asks them to do - no more, no less - consistent with safety. Consider Everything When Selecting the Direction Method - There

are a number of standard methods of conducting the range and the Firearm Instructor must consider everything and be flexible in his approach to the way the exercises are conducted depending upon a number of factors. These factors will include, but are not limited to: instructor and class level, time limitations, range limitations, type of exercise, weather conditions, etc.


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b. Cluster: Clustering is when the Firearm Instructor calls all students to gather in a semi-circle around the instructor. This formation serves as a teaching platform so that the Firearm Instructor can present training, review the teaching points or to discuss Pre-Drill or End-of-Drill instructions and information.

c. Range Commands: 1) Before Shooting:

a) “Is the Downrange Area Clear?” b) Eye and Ear Protection is Required Everywhere on the Range.

c) Describe the next drill or exercise, and the role of the Coach and Shooter on each team.

2) Fire Command: What will it be? Verbal, audible signal, physical signal, etc. For verbal commands, it is suggested that you use FIRE or in some cases SHOOT. Do not use the word GUN, as this is used on the street to notify other officers that a gun has been seen and may be a potential threat; it does NOT tell officers to fire. When giving commands to fire at specific targets in multiple target drills, the Firearm Instructor may simply say: “Shoot Left, Shoot Right, Shoot Head, Shoot Groin,” etc. If using numbered circle targets, colored markers, or letter/number combinations, simply give the command “Shoot 2, Shoot Red,” etc. The command “Body Armor” or “Failure” can be used to command shooters to fire at the Head and / or Groin area of a target after engaging the high center mass of the target. During all phases of training, the “Challenge” command should also be used on a random basis. When issued, shooters should shout their agency’s challenge command twice in a loud and clear voice and not fire. The most common challenge is “Police, Don’t Move!”

3) Is the Line Holstered/Slung? : No one moves forward of the firing line until: a) All handguns are holstered and all long guns are slung muzzle

down or grounded. b) When the command to move forward has been given, everyone

is responsible for safety and all students and Firearm Instructors must be watching for any possible problems.


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4) Is the Target Area Clear? : When the question is asked, everyone should be looking down range to make sure that everyone is back and downrange is clear. During limited light exercises a Firearm Instructor should physically walk the downrange target area and be the last person to come back from downrange. Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility and everyone must be involved 100% of the time.

d. Target Set Up: Normally each student will have an “individual” target frame and there will be two spare targets, one on each end of the line. If there are 20 students, then there should be 22 targets. A target for each student will save time by reducing the number of times targets have to be changed when switching the Coach/Shooter Teams and gives more room on the line. If a target goes down, it is the Coach’s responsibility to move his shooter to a spare target and continue the exercise without stopping the line or repeating the exercise for a single pair of shooters.

e. Cover Down & Count Off: Students line up, or cover down, on the target directly in front of them and count off from left-to-right. This ensures you account for all shooters, such as when conducting Reduced Light Training, and permits calling Even or Odd Numbers for certain drills. 1) Designated Target: After counting off left-to-right, students count

the targets from the left and determine which is theirs. 2) New Partners Every Day: Coach/Shooter partners should change

every day. The easiest way to do this is to have students line up in the same places as the previous day, step the odd numbers backwards, and get them to move a certain number of students to the right or left, resulting in a new partner. This should be someone they have not worked with during the week, preferably a different agency and a different gun system. Having moved to a new position, they must identify their new target before shooting.

f. Student Equipment: 1) Protective Equipment: Wrap around, or side-paneled safety

glasses, hearing protection and headgear with a bill is mandatory. Knee pads and elbow pads are optional.


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2) Duty handgun, Long Gun, Magazines & Gear (depending upon the class): Mat, cleaning equipment, spotting scopes, sling, duty handgun, belt, rifle, handgun, and magazines.

3) Ammunition: Bring a minimum of 50 rounds in magazines or speedloaders or loose in pockets each time you come to the line. Remember to reload and top-off magazines between drills.

4) Small Notebook and Writing Equipment (or Data Book for Precision Rifle): Bring a pen or pencil, a marking pen, and data book. A small spiral notebook is also helpful.

5) Issued Dummy Rounds: Most dummy rounds will be orange plastic bullets in metal cases. Students are responsible for picking up all dummy rounds at the end of each exercise.

g. Instructor Equipment: 1) Protective Equipment: Must have wrap around or side paneled

safety glasses, hearing protection and a billed cap. 2) Handgun, Magazines & Gear: A duty handgun, magazines,

duty belt & holster, magazine pouches, and ammunition. 3) Other Equipment: Portable bullhorn or P.A. System, band-aids,

a range rod to clear dummy rounds and other stoppages, a stopwatch, at least one pen and one jumbo magic marker.

h. Ammunition Management: Each student is responsible for his or her own ammunition management during all range exercises.

i. Students Must be Prepared: Work with the students to have them “Make It Real Each Time” and not slacken into “Half-Training.” The students must work to train-in the correct techniques and learn as much as possible during the limited time available. Students must lock into their combat stances, work to produce the techniques correctly every time, scan properly, build the individual parts of the training into complete units, and manage their ammunition.


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j. Leaving the Range: When shooters are being released from the range

for lunch, dinner, or at the end of the day, have everyone face down range. 1) Rifles: Must be cleared and cased. 2) Handguns:

a) Everyone “Draw like you mean it” and come to a ready position. Listen to me carefully but do nothing else yet.

b) It is your responsibility to put your handgun in the condition that you need it to be in to leave the range.

c) If you are legally entitled to leave here with a loaded handgun and wish to do so, when directed, fully load your handgun.

d) Remember there are dummy rounds in some of your magazines or speedloaders and there may be a dummy round in your chamber.

e) If you choose to leave the range with an unloaded handgun, when directed to do so, unload and visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine well or cylinder to ensure your handgun is unloaded. Be absolutely sure it is unloaded.

f) You will then aim your unloaded gun on target and press the trigger one time.

g) When you have placed your handgun in the condition you want it to be in, scan and holster.

h) Let me remind you again, the condition of your gun is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, not mine. Please do now, whatever you have to do.”

Make sure everyone stands still until ALL the guns are holstered/slung muzzle down and secured.

k. Breaks: Students are given breaks as required during target and range set-up, or when students need to top-off magazines or speedloaders. Always change targets, if necessary, before students are released for a break. Prior to breaking ensure that all firearms are holstered / slung and secured or grounded.

l. Range Cleanup: Unless it becomes a hazard, brass is only picked up at the end of the day. It is the instructor’s responsibility to ensure that ALL students take part in picking up brass, trash, targets, and range gear.

* End of Chapter *



CONTENTS: A. GENERAL OVERVIEW

1. Recognizing / Using Cover & Concealment 2

2. Tactically Aware 2

3. Approaching & Using Cover is the Final Step 2

B. COVER & CONCEALMENT CONSIDERATIONS

1. Cover 2

2. Concealment 3

3. Aware, Positioned & Ready 3

C. PHYSICAL USE OF COVER

1. Approaching Cover 3

2. Moving to Cover or Changing Positions 4

3. Using Cover 4

4. Searching From Cover 5

5. Observation and Identification 6

6. Firing From Cover 7

7. Support Shooting 7

8. Position Options Behind cover 8

9. Changing to Support Hand 9

10. Cover May Not Always be Your First Thought 10

TACTICAL USE OF COVER & CONCEALMENT

Tactical Use of Cover & Concealment

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A. GENERAL OVERVIEW

1. Recognizing /Using Cover & Concealment: An officer must be able to first recognize and then use Cover & Concealment effectively as a matter of routine, especially during a lethal encounter. The main reason for using Cover is protection from incoming rounds, while the main reason for using Concealment is to visually conceal the officer from the threat(s), providing the time needed to use other options.

2. Tactically Aware: Every officer must develop the habit of being tactically aware of the Cover & Concealment options immediately available, and be ready to instantly select and use one.

3. Approaching & Using Cover: Officers must be taught methods of approaching, moving and shooting around various forms of cover.

B. COVER & CONCEALMENT CONSIDERATIONS

There are many variables that can affect whether or not an object is “cover” or “concealment,” including the type and caliber of firearm, ammunition being fired, and the distance from which it is fired.

1. Aware, Positioned & Ready: A constant awareness of Cover & Concealment is absolutely necessary. Develop the habit of seeking and selecting the closest available options 100% of the time. It is considered “close” if one can use it in 2 seconds. Condition your students to always look for cover and be prepared to use it.

a. You Must Be: Aware of it, Positioned close to it and tactically Ready to use it. Reduce the decision-making process by pre-selecting the best Cover & Concealment options.

b. Use Cover Proactively: Teach students to seek and use cover proactively so they DO NOT have to run to it later.


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2. Cover: Protection From Fire. Any object that will conceal part or all of the body and provide significant protection from incoming fire. Cover can deteriorate rapidly under fire and should be considered consumable; it may stop one or two rounds, but not multiple rounds.

a. Main Function: Protection from incoming rounds, which translates to being shot less or not at all. All other reasons are secondary.

b. Construction: Solid material.

c. Examples: Brick wall, some vehicles, utility poles, traffic control boxes, fire hydrants, mailboxes, 18" diameter trees, etc.

3. Concealment: Any object or effect that will hide part or all of the body but does NOT provide significant protection from incoming rounds.

a. Main Function: Conceal you visually from the threat and if the threat is shooting, he will hopefully stop when you disappear, providing time for you to move to a covered position or exit the immediate encounter zone. Concealment is ALWAYS a temporary protection that hides your movements.

b. Construction: Flimsy to medium strength material.

c. Examples: Interior doors, dry wall, car door, thick bushes, newspaper boxes, darkness, etc.

C. TACTICAL USE OF COVER

1. Approaching Cover: Cover must be used in a safe and effective manner while you identify the threat and respond to it.

a. Once you have identified cover, attempt to use concealment to hide you from view as you move to cover.

b. Have a plan to withdraw if necessary and remember cover and concealment along your way.

c. While moving with your weapon out, it must be in a ready position to speed a response to a threat if necessary.


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2. Moving to Cover or Changing Positions: If you select cover that

is some distance away, move laterally to get behind the cover before moving forward to it. Cover can be used effectively even from a distance (if it is tall enough).

3.

Using Cover

a. Keep your distance: Do not run up to cover and put your back against it. You can be thirty feet away and still use cover effectively. Some situations may require being closer than desirable, but the muzzle should not come in contact with the cover or extend beyond it.

b. Shooting Stance: Use your normal firing stance, with your firearm either in a ready position or locked-out, depending upon the situation.

To minimize exposure time, move to place the cover between you and the threat and THEN approach cover as necessary.

Yellow = Field of fire

Green = Exposure

Moving from Position A to B: The direct route from A to B exposes the shooter to the threat for a greater length of time.


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c. Totally Behind the Cover: Keep your body totally behind cover until you must look beyond it or move from it.

d. Trigger Finger: Trigger Finger is out of the trigger guard and held along the frame. If you accidentally fire into the cover, you’re firing into yourself. It is just as quick to put the Trigger Finger on the trigger as you acquire the target.

e. Manual Safeties: While Department policy may govern the use of the manual safeties, manual safeties are generally carried ON in the case of long guns, "OFF" on Double Action / Single Action and Double Action Only pistols, and "ON" with Single Action pistols. The Two Safety Checks are always in place.

f. Hidden Perspective Effect: Often, the officer and threat(s) have different perspectives that can lead to the officer being exposed without knowing it. For example, if the threat is in an elevated position, he may be able to see the officer even if he is behind cover. Be aware of this effect and work to make the maximum use of cover.

These officers avoided the trap of being “drawn into cover” and are working to conform to the cover as much as possible to reduce their exposure.

August 1st, 1966, University of Texas – Austin

From the 28th floor of the observation tower, Charles Whitman fired atthose below for 96 minutes, killing 17.

Whitman shot Officer Billy Speed through a six-inch space between two railings surrounding a statue he was hiding behind.

Paul Sonntag dove for cover behind a construction barricade. Whitmanshot him through his open mouth when he looked out from behind the barricade to see what was happening. He was killed instantly.

Roy Dell Schmidt parked his truck 500 yards south of the tower near agroup of reporters and spectators. Thinking he was out of range, Schmidt stood up and was shot in the stomach and was dead ten minutes later.


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4. Searching From Cover: Take advantage of cover to protect yourself while visually searching for threats. Searching from cover will require you to move as you attempt to locate and identify any hidden threats.

a. “Slicing the Pie” Technique: Used to minimize an officer’s exposure to a threat while searching and controlling an area with a firearm. This technique allows a hidden area to be cleared and controlled one “slice” at a time, accomplished by angling around the cover's edge - hence the term “Slicing the Pie.” It takes longer, but exposes only one small section of the officer at a time while he searches. It trades speed for an improved ability to establish and maintain control while reducing visual exposure of the officer.

1) Side Step to Clear & Control: Begin by leaning at the waist and scan around the cover as far as you can without losing your balance. After initial scanning:

a. Step into a firing position at the cover's edge, which can be thirty feet away from cover's physical edge.

b. Canted Position: Use your most stable firing stance or ready position and cant slightly in order to see around cover. Slightly bend the entire upper body at the waist, (20 to 30 degrees ) which reduces the upper body exposure. Most of the cant is accomplished by bending the waist; the wrists and arms can be slightly turned to make any fine adjustments

c. Step: Once this “slice” has been searched, take a small sideways step beyond cover’s edge with the leading leg, and then a “half-step” with the other leg. Clear this new area, and then step/half-step again. Do NOT expose knees or feet as you lean – this will provide additional targets to a threat and telegraph your position.

d. Stay balanced throughout this process and avoid a position with both feet close together.

By “slicing the pie,” this officer started from a full cover position and canted out just enough to identify the threat. Notice: He is well back from cover, his elbow is down and NOT exposed, and he firmly locked into position before canting out.


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5. Observation and Identification:

Decisions to be Made:

Who is he / What is he doing? Communicate with other officers? Challenge? Is immediate action

necessary? Should you move to another location? Are there other people / suspects?

6. Firing from Cover:

Keep your distance. Upper body locked into position & canted. Fire until the threat is over. Maintain your position and “down & scan” for

other adversaries. Maintain visual contact with the threat and

resist the urge to rush to the threat. Check your condition and your weapon: Is it

fully loaded? Has it malfunctioned? Communicate to 1) Suspect, 2) Other suspects,

3) Other officers, 4) Dispatch, 5) Bystanders.

7. Support Shooting: Used to help "support" the firearm when firing and can be very effective when used in conjunction with cover. Support is appropriate for long distances or in cases where accuracy is critical.

a. Critical Situations: In situations that require an accurate, well-aimed precision shot, some shooters may need extra support for a steady hold. The support that you choose may define the manner in which it is used. No part of the firearm should touch cover when it is used for support firing.

Handguns: In a two-handed shooting grip, four parts of the hands can be used to rest against the support: the back of the Shooting Hand, the back of the Support Hand, the knuckles of the Support Hand, or the bottom.

Long Guns: The support hand can rest on top or against the side of cover; the palm of the support hand can be pressed against cover and the firearm placed into the “V” formed by opening the thumb and keeping the fingers together; the forearm can be pressed against the cover to stabilize the arm.


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b. Problems Associated with Support Shooting: The following problems can occur if a firearm touches cover during firing: Recoil can be accentuated, there may be a change in the point-of-impact, there may be hand injuries, the firearm may malfunction, and the cover may be unstable.

c. At Close Ranges: Support shooting is not necessarily tactically advantageous at close distances.

8. Position Options Behind Cover

a. Prone:

1) Prone: Used when lying with head towards the cover. Crawl or quarter roll out to fire.

2) Supine: Used when lying with feet towards the cover, or when knocked to the ground and fighting your way back up.

During a training course this right-handed officer changed to his support side shoulder with his rifle to minimize exposure of his body while using a plastic barrel that simulated low cover.

The officer also decided to use it for support by pressing the rifle barrel against the side of the plastic barrel. After firing one round, his weapon malfunctioned because he had pulled his right hand back, covering the ejection port. This caused the fired case to fall back into the chamber while a live round was being fed into the chamber.

Officers live firing various unusual shooting positions using railroad ties as cover.


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b. Sitting and Kneeling: The body must conform to available cover: Get behind whatever cover is available, whatever it takes and find a stable shooting platform.

c. Around or Over Cover?

Around: Exposes less of your body while limiting your view.

Over: Exposes more of your body while increasing your view.

9. Changing to Support Hand? Many officers keep the handgun or long gun in the Shooting Hand and cant the position when going to the right or left side of cover. This will cause the officer to be more exposed, but because of less training on support side shooting, most officers are more proficient and accurate when using their normal Shooting Hand around the support side of cover.

Long Guns on the support side shoulder can be problematic for some shooters, because they won’t be able to get their dominant eye behind the gun to see the sights.

The officers above found it best to shoot over cover while conducting “downed officer rescue” exercises.


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Officers should be taught how to fire their handguns and long guns using their Support Hand and practice with both their normal Shooting Hand as well as changing to their Support Hand. This will ensure they are proficient should they have to switch to the Support Hand for a particular reason, such as when cover is too tight, their position is restricted, or their strong hand/arm is disabled.

10. Cover May Not Always be Your First Thought: Officers do not have the advantage of deciding when and where the lethal encounter begins. There will be times when an officer is out in the open with no cover nearby, and he will have to defend himself first, and then seek cover.

Note:

Sight Off-Set: Firearm sights are off-set from the bore axis. When the firearm is canted, thesights may clear cover and allow the shooter to obtain a proper sight picture, but the bore may not. With the bore not clear, any rounds fired will strike the cover. Besides the fact that the threat will not be hit, the officer may be injured by the bullet after it hits the cover or from fragments from the cover itself. The amount of sight off-set varies from gun to gun and in some cases can be significant, as with M16 / AR-15 type systems which have a 2.5 inch sight off-set.

This right-handed officer chose to switch his rifle to his support shoulder in order to see around the left side of cover as he approached it. As he approached, he identified a threat target, engaged it using his rifle and dropped to the Shoulder Ready Position after conducting a scan for other threats.


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a. If Caught in the Open With No Cover: Consider closing the distance aggressively. If not behind cover and the threat instantly attacks, in all probability you will have to get on target and hit until the threat is down. Then immediately seek cover and stay covered while checking all areas around you. You may also decide to withdraw to cover while firing. Diving for cover and then instantly returning fire can work if the threat is far enough away and/or in a covered position.

b. Approaching the Threat: We will have to get close to the threat at some point, hopefully with back-up and other options covered.

c. An Open Area: You may have to cross an open area during a search or encounter where you DO NOT know where the threat is. If possible, stand-by for back-up.

* End of Chapter *

During a range training exercise this officer dove to the prone position and engaged the threat targets immediately since he was “under immediate fire” when he exited his cruiser and was in the open. If he had run to the opposite side of the vehicle he would have been exposed to the threat while moving without being able to fire.

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