Qualifying for carry

[DaBurna]

I've always wondered what criteria are used for police officers as they train with their weapons? How do they score hits on a target, and what is the number neede to "qualify" to carry the caliber they are shooting at the time?

[deadday]

50 round test, ranges from 3-50ft, both hands. Standing, kneeling, laying. Then the same thing done in low light, though that part is not required for TCLEOSE certification.





drew

[MTS532]

Qualification courses vary by jurisdiction, but this is ours to the best of my memory!

This is our 50 round qualification course of fire on our range. All shooting from the holster will be while holster is 'locked.'

1. From the 3 yard line: 2 rounds in 2 seconds. (3 drills of each) for a total of 6 rounds.

2. From the 5 yard line. 2 rounds in 5 seconds from the 'low ready' position. (one drill must be of two rounds into the head (4" circle in the face--day only)). (3 drills for total of 6 rounds).

3. From the 7 yard line. From a 'low-ready' position, advance to the target and fire 3 rounds into target. Rounds must be fired while walking. Stop at 3 yard line. From the same 'low-ready,' walk backwards and fire 3 rounds into target. Stop at 7 yard line. (Total: 6 rounds)

4. From the 7 yard line, fire 6 rounds standing, 6 rounds kneeling from the 'weak' hand in a total of 20 seconds. Must include a magazine change between stages. (Total: 12 rounds)

5. From the 15 yard line, fire 6 rounds standing, magazine change; then 6 rounds kneeling. Time of 30 seconds. (Total: 12 rounds)

6. From the 25 yard line, fire 4 shots in prone position, magazine change, then stand and fire 4 shots in standing position. Time: 60 seconds. (Total: 8 rounds.)

All holes on the target are counted and scored. 5 points each to shots to the vital areas of the chest and head, 4 points each to shots outside this area, and 3 points to peripheral areas. Of course, 0 points to shots off the body of the target area. A minimum of 80% is required to pass.

After the Day Qualification, we did quite a few speed drills and using cover (barricade right, left). We did shooting with one hand, both weak and strong. We shot on the move, forwards and backwards. We shot while holding a flashlight. We shot pre-fragmented rounds on steel targets. It was a lot of fun!

At night, the qualification is much same, except no head shots at the 7 yard line and no shots at the 25 yard line. You must use a flashlight while shooting at the 7 yard line, but it is optional at the 15 yard line. All other times and values are the same.

The issue .40 S&W SigPro 2340 did well. Our issue ammo is the excellent Speer Gold Dot 180 gr. hollowpoint. The ammo is great, but the SigPro is not my favorite because of the high bore axis and the unnecessary, but obligatory decocking lever, but it did work well. I'd take my G22 anyday of the week, but I don't think they will let me take that out there to the range.

[Agent6-3/8]

I can't give you exact numbers, but the course of fire I saw the local SO shoot is similar to the IDPA Classifier. However, from what I whitnessed its not as extensive and there were no timed drills.


Qualification courses do vary by jurisdiction and agency.

[roymail]

As stated above, 50 rds. for TCLEOSE (Texas)

[deadday]

As stated above, 50 rds. for TCLEOSE (Texas)

And forgot to mention, they are timed drills, but they give you a ridiculous (IMO)amount of time for each section....It doesn't sound like much as it's read to you, but when you stop and think it out, there's more than enough time accurately make the shots..






drew

[fredj338]

Just about every dept. has variations. Burbank PD for one, uses IDPA type scenarios that each officer mustpass in a certain time w/ hits. One of the best I have seen. Most are 50-60rds of close (3-7yds) "speed"drills to more distant 25yd slow fire drills. Pretty easy for an average shooter to "pass" those quals.