FIREARMS chapter 3
Weapon Status (discretionary Shooting skills)
Follow all safety rules when handling a weapon. Show awareness of the weapon's status, and respond to weapon malfunctions.
Phase 2 clearance: Immediate Action Drill (semiautomatic rigle/carbine)
If Phase 1 clearance does not clear the malfunction or if the malfunction is a double feed, use phase 2 clearance. (1) Lock the bolt to the rear to release pressure on the magazine. (2) Depress the magazine release; forcibly strip the magazine from the magazine well. (3) Remain in your stance with your weapon still pointed at the target. (4) With your support hand, work the charging handle back and forth until you clear the rounds or obstructions from the barrel and chamber. (5) Place a new magazine in the magazine well, and use a sharp upward motion to seat the magazine. (6) Reach up to the charging handle with your support hand, pull it to the rear, and release( slingshot). This chambers a round. (7) Ready--Asses the situation. Re-engage the subject if he or she remains a threat, or issue verbal commands. (8) Fire if necessary.
Scrape
Indentation in the case that may weaken the case wall; Makes a layer of the case wall metal look as if it has been scratched or torn away.
The Isosceles Stance
Most closely represents the instinctive response to a threat. This stance minimizes the exposed areas of the body not covered by armor. 1. Stand with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet. 2. Bend your knees slightly to allow for movement. 3. Stand with your head and shoulders square to the target, body weight forward. 4. Lock your arms straight out in front, and bring the handgun to eye level.
Frangible
Normally made of brass or copper dust held together with a resin material that disintegrates upon impact with steel or concrete; it can penetrate hollow core doors, drywall, or thin wood material.
Law Enforcement most often uses these caliber and gauges types:
REVOLVER: .38 Special, the .357 Magnum Note: you can safely use .38 caliber ammunition in a .357 revolver. However, you cannot use .357 ammunition in a .38 caliber revolver. A .357 cartridge casing is longer than a .38 and does not fit into the chamber a .38 revolver. SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOL: .40 caliber, .45 caliber, 9 mm, 10 mm. SHOTGUN: 12 gauge. RIFLE/CARBINE: 223 Remington, 9 mm, and 10 mm.
Option 2 ( Hip Shooting Stance) (less preferable than option 1)
Shoot your handgun from the two-handed hip stance: (1) Assume the interview stance. (2) Draw the weapon and keep your weapon-side elbow at a 90 degree angle (in an L shape). Keep your elbow against the body, slightly above the holster. a) Keep your forearm and wrist and barrel of your handgun parallel to the ground and pointed at the subject. b) Grip the handgun a little more tightly than normal. This helps you keep your wrist straight and makes it more difficult for a subject to take your weapon. (3) Bring your support and shooting hands together in a normal two-handed grip. a) Hold your weapon at waist level and both elbows tightly against your body above your gun belt. b) Keep your forearm, hand, and weapon horizontal to the ground. (4) With both eyes open and looking at the subject, eye and hand coordination normally adjust the weapon to the proper aim.
Respiratory pause
The extended pause between breaths is the best time to fire the shot(s)
00 buckshot (double-aught buckshot) (Shotgun Ammunition)
The standard 2 3/4-inch shell contains nine .33 caliber lead pellets. The three-inch magnum shell contains twelve .32 caliber pellets. The spread pattern from a 20-inch barrel is approximately one-inch spread per yard. For example, at 20 yards, the spread pattern equals 2o inches. Because of the spread pattern, officers must use extreme caution when shooting 00 buckshot in populated areas. They must be aware of what is around and behind the targeted area. Accurate maximum distance for law enforcement purposes is 40 yards. The pellets penetrate solid wood doors, drywall, and wood walls at close range. The pellets can ricochet when they hit hard surfaces.
"syringe" grip
This grip is used with a small (4-6 inch) flashlight with a rear switch and a ring around the grip to give the index and middle fingers a hold. The flashlight is held in the support hand between the index and middle fingers. The switch is pulled back against the base of the hand or the knuckles of the shooting hand, depending on the technique used.
Reaction Time (discretionary Shooting skills)
This is the amount of time you take to distinguish a deadly threat from a non deadly threat and then take appropriate action.
Harries technique (flashlight shooting)
To perform the Harries Technique, hold the flashlight in your support hand and the handgun in your shooting hand. Then, put the backs of your hands together. With your hands braced together, you have more control over the handgun.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The key to the Harries method is properly using the law enforcement or tactical grip. This method illuminates the sights fairly well.
Hollowpoint
___ is a lead or copper-jacketed lead with a hollow cavity in the bullet's nose; as the bullet expands upon impact, it expends its kinetic energy. Since a hollowpoint expands quickly, it does not penetrate as deeply as a round-nose bullet. This design reduces ricochet. Usually of high velocity, it delivers maximum shock upon striking a surface of soft tissue.
Gauge
is a measurement of shotgun bores derived from the number of bore-sized balls of lead per pound. for example, 12 balls that fit the bore of a 12-gauge shotgun weigh one pound.
Negligence
is the most common cause of firearms incidents.
A Failure to Extract Round (double feed)
occurs when a spent casing remains in the chamber, blocking a new round from feeding into the chamber.
A Failure to Eject, often called a stovepipe,
often called a stovepipe, Occurs when a fired cartridge case does not completely eject. The most common causes are a weak powder charge (bad ammunition), a dry weapon( not enough lubrication)=, and, if while firing, the shooter does not provide enough resistance for the slide to operate( limp wrist). use the phase 1 clearance method- tap, rack, and ready--to correct this malfunction.
Double/single pistol
the first round fires double action. ( the trigger being pulled to the rear manually cocks the hammer and releases it) The second and subsequent rounds fire single action as the hammer remains cocked each time the slide cycle s. After firing is complete, the hammer remains cocked. Before holstering the weapon, it must be de-cocked using the de-cocking lever.
Blank Round
A ___ is a round designed for training or noise; the casing's cardboard material becomes a projectile when fired; the projectile cannot penetrate drywall or hollow core doors. However, it can penetrate soft body tissue. When fired at close range, it can cause serious injury or death. Do not discharge in the direction of others. Use extreme caution.
A Stacked Feed
A ___ occurs when a round is in the chamber and the action is closed. The shell latch fails to keep a round in the magazine tube. Instead, it moves the round onto the carrier. The weapon still operates but you cannot load rounds until you remove the one in the chamber. You can correct this in two ways: (1) Fire the chambered round and cycle the slide. (2)nit you cannot fire the round, engage the safety and remove your finger from the trigger guard. Depress the slide release and apply sufficient force to pull the fore-end/slide to the rear.
Handling Ammunition Safely
Avoid using solvents and lubricants when handling ammunition. To prevent solvents on your hands from seeping into the primers, wash your hands before handling ammunition. Solvents and lubricants may cause a failure-to-fire malfunction.
The following conditions cause a Failure to Fire:
(*) The safety is engage and you cannot pull the trigger. Disengage the safety. (*) Failure to chamber a round. Correct this malfunction with the phase 1 clearance method---Tap, Rack, Ready. (*) The primer fails to ignite after the firing ping strikes it. The result is a misfire and a dead round. Correct this malfunction with the phase 1 clearance method- tap, rack, ready.
Storing Firearms Safely (section 790.174 F.S. , addresses requirements for storing firearms safely)
(1) A person who stores or leaves, on a premises under his or her control, a loaded firearm, as defined in s. 790.001 F.S. and who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without the lawful permission of the minor's paren or the person having charge of the minor, or without the supervision required by law, shall keep the firearm in a securely locked box or container or in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure or shall secure it with a trigger lock, except when the person is carrying the firearm on his or her body or within such close proximity thereto that he or she can retrieve and use it as easily and quickly as if he or she carried it on his or her body.
Handling the Shotgun to Another Person
(1) Place the safety in the "on" or engaged, position. (2) Unload the shotgun. (3) Verify that no ammunition is in the magazine chamber and tube with physical and visual check. (4) Make sure the fore-end is to the rear and the ejection port is open. (5) Hand the shotgun to the person in the port arms stance.-----to assume the port arms stance: a)hold the stock with your shooting hand and the fore-end with your support hand. b) point the barrel in a safe direction. c) put the safety in the "on" position, the fore-end to the rear, and the ejection port open, facing the person receiving the weapon. --------the person receiving the firearm should physically and visually check the firearm to make sure it is unloaded.
While field stripping and cleaning your Semiautomatic Pistol, remember these important steps:
(1) Safety check the weapon. (2) Remove live ammunition form the cleaning area. (3) Remove the magazine by pressing the magazine release and letting the magazine slide out of the magazine well, or by stripping the magazine with your support hand. Place the magazine away from the weapon. (4) to lock the slide to the rear, pull on it and engage the slide stop or catch . (5) Visually and physically inspect the chamber, magazine well, and barrel. Look for ammunition casings and obstructions. (6) remove the ammunition fro the magazine. (7) Place the ammunition in a secure area away fro the weapon.
To control the Trigger Properly
(1) The preferred method is to contact the trigger with your index finger. Be careful not to touch the firearm elsewhere with your trigger finger. After you place your trigger finger on the trigger, keep it there until you fire. (2) When controlling the trigger, make sure to move your trigger finger straight back. This will release the hammer and discharge the handgun. (3) Control the trigger reset after the weapon discharges. Release pressure on the trigger until the trigger reengages. Dry drills help you improve your ability to reset the trigger without disturbing sight alignment or your muzzle.
Storing Firearms Safely (section 790.174 F.S. , addresses requirements for storing firearms safely)....
(2) It is a Misdemeanor of the 2ND DEGREE, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, F.S. or s. 775.083, F.S., if a person violates subsection (1) by failing to store or leave a firearm in the required manner and as a result thereof a minor gain access to the firearm, without the lawful permission of the minor's parent or the person having charge of the minor, and possesses or exhibits it, without the supervision required by law. a. In a public place; or b. In a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner in violation of s. 790.10, F.S. ---------------------this subsection does not apply if the minor ( a person under the age of 16 ) obtains the firearm as a result of an unlawful entry by any person.
Option 1 (Hip Shooting Stance)
--Shoot your handgun from the one-handed hip stance: (1) Assume the interview stance: a) Stand with head, hips and feet aligned. b) Stand with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart with knees slightly bent. c) Angle your body to the subject with the weapon side away. d) Keep your hands above your waist. (2) Draw your firearm. (3) Place the elbow of your weapon arm against the side of your body above the holster. (4) Keep your forearm, hand, and firearm against the side of your body above the holster. (5) Put your support hand in a defensive position in front of your body. Keep it close to your chest to guard against attack, should you not draw your firearm quickly enough.
Cycle of Operation of a REVOLVER
.LOADING: placing live rounds into the open cylinder and closing the cylinder into the frame. .LOCKING: locking the cylinder into the frame. .UNLOCKING/FEEDING/LOCKING: releasing the locked cylinder by squeezing the trigger so the cylinder can rotate and place a live round in front of the barrel in line with the firing pin; the cylinder then locks, allowing the firing pin to strike the live round that has been locked in place. The cylinder repeats this process with each pull of the trigger until all cartridges have been fired. .FIRING: ignition of the primer and firing the cartridge. .EXTRACTION/EJECTING: pushing or pulling the cylinder release latch; this rotates the cylinder out of the frame. Pushing the extractor rod ejects all cartridges.
General Rules of Firearms Safety
1. Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded and ready to fire, wether you think it is or not. 2. Every time you pick up, put down, or hand a firearm to another person, pull back the slide to the locked position or open the cylinder or bolt to physically and visually check that the firearm is not loaded. This is called a safety check. safety note: do not rely on your memory to determine if a gun is loaded. It is your responsibility to check the firearm and make sure it is safe to handle. 3. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. This is very important when loading, unloading, and cleaning a firearm. If a weapon is pointed in a safe direction fires, it causes no personal injury and minor, if any, property damage. The environment dictates what direction is safe. In a building, for instance, people may be above or below you. safety note: a safe direction is generally muzzle pointed down at 45-degree angle away from your body with your finger outside the trigger guard. Be aware of your surroundings, and remember that there are people moving around you at all times while you are on the range. 4. Never point a firearm at anyone or anything that you do not intend to shoot, wether loaded or not. 5. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard when drawing the firearm or returning it to your holster. 6. Never leave a loaded firearm unattended. 7. Clean a firearm each time it is fired, and fully inspect it once a week. Safety check a firearm each time you use it. safety note: before cleaning or handling a firearm, make sure that it is unloaded and is pointed in a safe direction. never clean a loaded firearm.
The magazine consist of 5 main parts:
1. Follower 2. Spring (magazine spring) 3. Magazine insert. 4. Floor plate. 5. Magazine tube.
Holstering a Handgun
1. Maintain a proper grip and keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard. 2. In the reverse order from drawing, smoothly return the handgun to your holster until you seat it properly. 3. Align the retention device components, and secure them together until locked. Note:it is recommended for the semiautomatic pistol to use the thumb of your shooting hand on the rear of the slide to prevent the slide from moving to the rear while holstering.
Weaver Stance
1. Stand at a 45-degree angle to the target, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your weapon-side foot is to the rear. 2. Bend your knees slightly so your weight is on the balls of your feet. Keep your shoulders at a 45-degree angle to the target. 3. The weapon arm should be almost fully extended while your support arm is bent at the elbow. The elbows should be fairly close together not allowing them to flare out. 4. Push forward with your shooting hand and pull back with your support hand to create isometric tension. Where tension of the muscles changes, not the length. 5. Bring your weapon to eye level and keep your head erect.
Full Metal Jacket
A round-nose lead bullet completely covered with a copper jacket; sometimes called ball ammunition, it is normally of medium to high velocity. Used extensively by the military, it has low expansion and high penetration capabilities. The chance for ricochet is high.
Nomenclature of the Shotgun
ACTION SLIDE RELEASE: mechanical device that, when activated, releases the slide. BARREL: long cylinder-shaped tube through which the projectile travels from the chamber. BOLT: cylindrical steel part containing the firing pin and extractor, which closes the breech end of the barrel for firing. BOLT BARRIER: flat steel part that fits onto the action bars and on which the bolts sits. EJECTION PORT: opening on the side or bottom of the receiver; spent casings are ejected from it and live rounds are loaded into the port. EJECTOR: piece of spring steel mounted on the inside left of the receiver; when the action pulls a shell to the rear, it compresses and then releases the ejector as the bolt goes past it. A small extension stops the shell from going further and assists in ejecting the shell from the receiver. EXTRACTOR: metal hook-shaped part mounted on the bolt; the hook engages the rim of the cartridge so that when the action is brought to the rear, the extractor removes the shell from the chamber. FORE-END/SLIDE: wooden or polymer grip near the magazine. FRONT BEAD/SIGHT OR POST: bead or raised post on the front of the barrel used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy. LOADING PORT: bottom opening on the receiver that live rounds are fed into or removed from the magazine tube. MAGAZINE CAP: located on the magazine tube's end and keeps the barrel in place. MAGAZINE TUBE: located under the barrel and holds rounds. MUZZLE: barrel's front end. REAR SIGHT: secondary aligning device located on the receiver or barrel that aligns with the front sight bead or post to bring the shot gun into alignment for accuracy. RECEIVER: holds the trigger group and bolt assembly. SAFETY: mechanical device that prevents a shooter from pulling the trigger and discharging the shotgun. SHELL CARRIER: slightly rounded steel part that blocks the loading port; catches rounds released from the magazine and raises them into alignment with the chamber. SHELL LATCHES (stops): two pieces of steel mounted on each side of the inside of the receiver at the magazine's rear; they help hold the cartridges in the magazine and release them once at a time when the action operates. They are also used to manually unload the shotgun. STOCK: part of the weapon attached to the receiver; a shooter places places the stock on his or her shoulder when firing. Nomenclature of the stock includes the following. BUTT: rear area of the stock that the shooter mounts against the shoulder for firing; normally covered with a metal or plastic butt plate or a recoil pad. COMB: stock's top edge where the shooter's cheeks rests. GRIP: "small of the stock," just behind the receiver; the shooter uses the grip and his or her shooting hand for control when firing it or carrying it. HEEL: top corner of the butt. RECOIL PAD: a butt plate, usually rubber, that reduces the effect of a shotgun's recoil or "kick" TOE: the bottom part of the butt. TRIGGER: when pulled, this releases the sear( a part that holds the hammer in the cocked position) and activates the firing pin. TRIGGER GUARD: part of the frame that protects the trigger.
Puncture
Actual tear, detachment, or rip that looks like an opening in the case body.
nomenclature of Semiautomatic Rifle/Carbine (AR-15-style, gas operated system)
BARREL: provides a path for the fired bullet; its chamber holds the cartridge. BOLT (internal part): contains the firing pin , spring, and extractor. BOLT LOCK LEVER: holds the bolt to the rear when the charging handle is pulled to the rear and the lower portion is depressed; releases the bolt when the upper portion is depressed. BUFFER/BUFFER SPRING (internal part) : enable the bolt to return after firing. BUTT: the end of the stock. CHAMBER (internal part) : supports the cartridge at rest and during firing. CHARGING HANDLE: enables manipulation of the bolt to chamber a round. EJECTION PORT (internal part): opening that permits the shell to exit the weapon. EJECTOR (internal part of the bolt): expels the shell from the ejection port. EXTRACTOR: grips and pulls the shell from the chamber. FORESTOCK/HAND GUARD: used to support the rifle with the support hand; acts as a heat shield from the barrel. FORWARD ASSIST: a button assuring that the bolt is locked. LOWER RECEIVER GROUP: contains the magazine release, magazine well, trigger housing, and trigger components. MAGAZINE: contains ammunition ready to be chambered. MAGAZINE RELEASE: permits removal of the magazine from the firearm. MAGAZINE WELL: housing for the magazine(internal part). MUZZLE FLASH SUPPRESSOR: attachment on the barrel's forward end that reduces the flash as burning powder escapes when the bullet exits the barrel. SAFETY: blocks the hammer from striking the firing pin; prevents firing (located on the left side of the weapon). SIGHTS (front and rear): used to align the firearm to the bullet's point of impact. SLING SWIVELS: metal loops affixed to the riffle/carbine to which a carrying strap attaches. STOCK: part that enables shoulder support during firing. TAKE DOWN PINS: enables separation of the upper receiver from the lower receiver and allows for field stripping and cleaning. TRIGGER: enables the firearm to fire when pulled. TRIGGER GROUP: section consisting of the trigger, trigger springs, safety, and firing mechanism parts. TRIGGER GUARD: part of the frame that protects the trigger. UPPER RECEIVER GROUP: houses the bolt assembly group.
Cartridge Parts and Types
CASE/CASINGS: the metal or plastic container that holds all parts of a round of ammunition: primer, powder charge, and bullet. RIM: the edge on the base of a cartridge case that stops the progress of the case into the chamber. HEADSTAMP: markings found on the head of ammunition that indicate caliber or gauge and identify manufacturer. PRIMER: mixture used to ignite the propellant or powder charge. POWDER: propellant used in most firearms; produces a large volume of gas when ignited. BULLET: portion of the cartridge that becomes a projectile when in flight. ROUND: complete ammunition cartridge that contains all parts of ammunition; a military term meaning one single cartridge.
Cartridge Parts and Types ( shotgun parts)
CRIMP (shotgun only): the part of the case mouth that bends inward to grip the bullet ; with shotgun shells, the term applies to the closure at the case mouth. SHOT (shotgun): spherical pellets of various sizes, usually made of lead. WAD(shotgun): the only part not found in any other centerfire cartridge; this is used to seal/confine gases; can be made of plastic or compressed cardboard.
Extractor (cleaning)
Clean the extractor thoroughly. It must be able to catch the rim of a fire cartridge as the weapon cycles. If not, the next round cannot feed properly and a malfunction results.
Use of Cover
Cover should be chosen for its bullet-stopping capabilities, not its size. Walls and doors made of materials that bullets can penetrate may serve as concealment. Do not consider them cover, however. The objective of cover is to save your life by stopping or deflecting bullets and to provide a safer environment while you evaluate a situation. ----------------when moving to cover, scan the area first. Your weapon should be in a ready position.
Dent
Dimple or depression in the case; the case looks like someone struck it with a hard object, crushing part of it inward.
Follow-through
Involves maintaining sight alignment before, during, and after firing a round. You must maintain proper grip, stance, and finger placement on the trigger. You must also acquire sight picture, establish it each time you fire the weapon. Do not try to force a handgun down at the time of discharge( anticipating recoil) but rather keep your body and weapon in a controlled position during discharge.
Concealment
Is any object or group of objects that creates a visual barrier between you and a threat but may not stop a projectile. Examples include bushes, trees, and cars. The purpose of concealment is to hide your exact location. Cover can be concealment, but concealment is not necessarily cover.
Cover
Is any object or obstacle that creates a bullet-resistant barrier between you and a threat. It includes, but is not limited to, such things as a solid concrete wall, a vehicle's engine block, or a concrete telephone pole.
Duty life
Is the recommended time (normally expressed in MONTHS) for which you can expect ammunition to be reliable when used on duty. Ammunition used on duty is exposed to environmental elements, such as heat and humidity, which cause it to deteriorate more quickly. Its duty life is shorter than its shelf life. Replace ammunition annually.
shelf life
Is the recommended time (normally expressed in YEARS) for which you can expect ammunition to be reliable from manufacturer time to issue time. Duty life is factored into shelf life, which also depends on care and protection of the ammunition. Therefore, it is important to write on the box the date you received and stored the ammunition. That helps determine how long it stays on the shelf.
Sight Picture
Is the relationship between the eye, front sight, rear sight, and target.----------follow these steps: (1) look through the notch of the rear sight. (2) align the top of the front sight with the top of the rear sight with equal space on each side. (3) place the sights on the target. (4) focus on the front sight. (the target will be blurry) (5) use your dominant eye to alight sights.
Corrosion
Layering of the case with oxidation or foreign material, such as mold, fungi layers, congealed oil, and lubricants
A double feed (shotgun)
Occurs when the shell stop fails to retain a shell in the magazine tube after one has been moved onto the carrier. The action will not close. To correct this malfunction, you should press down on the nose of the shell on the carrier to expose the base of the shell still partially in the magazine tube. With your finger, push that shell back into the magazine tube until it locks in place. You must do this through the ejection port.
Threat Recognition (discretionary Shooting skills)
The ability to distinguish a deadly threat from a non deadly threat. You must take some type of appropriate action to neutralize a deadly threat , for example firing a round at the target.
"watchman" grip
The flashlight is held in the support hand with the illuminating end projecting from the index finger side of the hand. The thumb controls the on/off switch with a side-mounted switch near the front of the flashlight; the little or ring finger controls it with a side-mounted switch near the back of the flashlight.
"law enfacement" or "tactical" grip
The flashlight is held in the support hand with the illuminating end projecting from the little finger the side of the hand. The thumb controls a rear-mounted switch; the index finger controls a side-mounted switch near the back of the flashlight; the little or ring finger controls a side-mounted switch near the back of the flashlight.
General Flashlight Principles
The flashlight's main function is illumination. This includes illumination for movement, navigation, and searching, as well as for identification and engagement of a threat. You may also use the flashlight to control someone if the light is bright enough. If you see an unknown person or a suspect approaching you, the light may disorient them.
Nomenclature of the Semiautomatic Pistol
The following terms are associated with the use and function of a semiautomatic pistol. ACCESSORY RAIL: provide space for lighting and sighting devices. BACKSTRAP: portion of the grip that is placed in the palm of the shooting hand. FRAME/RECEIVER: holds the internal parts, as well as the slide assembly, and provides a way to grip the pistol. FRONT SIGHT: located on the slide's front; used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy. FRONT STRAP: portion of the grip that allows the fingers of the shooting hand to rest. GRIP PANEL: made of polymer, designed to allow the shooter to easily grip and control the weapon. MAGAZINE CATCH: releases the magazine from the frame( magazine well) MAGAZINE FLOOR PLATE: base of the magazine. MUZZLE/BARREL: provides a path for the fired bullet and is chambered to hold the cartridge. REAR SIGHT: located on the rear of the slide that aligns with the front sight to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy. SLIDE: houses the firing pin, safety, drop safety, sights, and extractor. SLIDE COVER PLATE: allows access of the firing pin assembly. SLIDE LOCK: device that allows quick and simple filed stripping of the pistol. SLIDE STOP LEVER: device that locks the slide in the open position. THUMB REST: place for the thumb to rest while gripping the pistol. TRIGGER: activates the pistol's operation. TRIGGER GUARD: part of the frame that protects the trigger. TRIGGER SAFETY: allows the trigger to move when pressed.
Sight alignment
The relationship of the front sight and rear sight with the shooter's eye(s). It occurs when the top of the front sight is level with the rear sight's top edge and centered in the rear sight aperture or notch. Keep your eye(s) centered behind the rear and front sights. This is the most important aspect of aiming.--------------for proper sight alignment, 1)look along the top of the weapon's sight plane. 2)center the top of the front sight on a line along the top of the rear sight. 3)center the top of the front sight horizontally and vertically in the rear aperture or notch.
Handling the Revolver to Another Person
To hand a revolver to another person, follow these steps: (1) With the barrel pointed in a safe direction, open the cylinder. (2) Visually and physically inspect the cylinder to make sure it is not loaded. If it is loaded, unload the revolver and ensure that all rounds have been removed. (3) With 2 two or three fingers through the top strap, hand the revolver to the other person, grip first.-----------The person receiving the firearm should physically and visually check to make sure that the firearm is unloaded.
Handling the Semiautomatic Pistol to Another Person.
To hand a semiautomatic pistol to another person, do the following: (1) Locate the manual safety on the semiautomatic pistol (if applicable). Put the safety in the "on" position. (2) Press the magazine release button and remove the magazine from the magazine well. (3) secure the magazine. (4) Point the weapon in a safe direction, and pull the slide to the rear to extract and eject the live round from the chamber. (5) Lock the slide to the rear using the slide stop on the weapon's frame. (6) Visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine well to make sure they are empty. (7) With the slide locked to the rear and the magazine well empty, hand the semiautomatic pistol to the other person, grip first. ------------------The person receiving the firearm should physically and visually check to make sure the firearm is unloaded.
Phase 1 Clearance: Immediate Action Drill (semiautomatic Rifle/carbine)
Use phase 1 to fix failure to feed, failure to fire, stovepipe, and failure to extract malfunctions. The easiest way to remember this method is to remember the phrase tap, rack, ready, fire if necessary. In an actual armed confrontation, you should transition to a secondary weapon and clear the malfunction when safe to do so. -----------------------When malfunctions occur perform the following steps: (1) Use your support hand to tap (Tap) the bottom of the magazine into the magazine well. If the magazine is not fully seated, tapping will seated it. (2) Remain in your stance with your weapon still pointed at the target. (3) Reach up to the charging handle with your support hand, pull it to the rear, and release(slingshot). This is the same action you se when loading the weapon (Rack) It extracts and ejects a bad round (if necessary) and/or chambers a new round. (4) Ready-- In an actual armed confrontation, you must assess the situation. You should either re-engage the threat or issue commands if the suspect surrenders during the clearance drill. (5) Fire if necessary.
Verbal Commands (discretionary Shooting skills)
Used to identify yourself and direct a subject. Give loud, clear, and concise commands, saying for example, " Police! Don't move!"
How The Revolver Works
When the trigger is squeezed, the cylinder unlocks and rotates, placing a live cartridge in line with the firing pin. When the hammer falls, the hammer nose or firing pin strikes the primer and ignites the powder charge. The burning powder creates a gas, which builds up pressure. This pressure sends the projectile (bullet) down and out of the barrel. The trigger releases forward, resetting the mechanism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------the direction of the cylinder rotation depends upon the manufacturer. A Smith and Wesson revolver rotates COUNTERCLOCKWISE and the cylinder release latch pushes forward to release the cylinder. Ruger's revolver rotates CounterClockwise; the cylinder release latch is depressed into the frame. A Colt revolver rotates Clockwise. The cylinder release latch is pulled rearward to release the cylinder.
Hip Shooting Stance
When you are within arm's reach (three to four feet away) of a subject, use the hip shooting stance. If you extend your arms to prepare to shoot your firearm, the subject would be close enough to grab your firearm or knock your hand and firearm to the side. One handed or Two handed.
Double action only
every round fires double action with the hammer at rest against the rear of the slide. Every time the trigger is pulled to the rear, it manually cocks and releases the hammer to fire the pistol. As the slide cycles and goes forward, the hammer safety follows, coming to rest against the rear of the slide. The hammer never stays cocked. The weapon's trigger pull is the same each time.
Caliber
is a measurement used to identify different cartridge (projectile) sizes. It is determined by measuring the diameter of the bore of the firearm .
A Rifle Slug (Shotgun Ammunition)
is a single, hollow lead bullet that weights from 7/8 to 1 1/8 ounce. It is .72 caliber with an effective range of approximately 100 yards. The round penetrates most materials but not solid steel.
A Shotgun
is a smooth bore gun with a smooth interior surface, designed for firing at short distances. -------------------------------------------------------This weapon's specifications are as follows: gauge-12 gauge (ga) most common; chamber 2 3/4 or 3 inches. length, overall 38 inches with an 18 inch barrel. sights-rifle or bead.
Birdshot (Shotgun Ammunition)
is normally used for bird hunting or practice; this shell has a load of small diameter lead or steel shot pellets. When fired at close range, theses pellets can be dangerous and cause injury. Law enforcement uses birdshot for training purposes only.
The Glock Action
is sometimes referred to as a "striker fire action." The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) clarifies the Glock as a double action pistol. As the Glock trigger is pulled, the firing pin is pulled to the rear(first action) until released by the trigger bar(second action), which allows the firing pin to move forward and strike the primer. ------------------------Glock refers to their firearm as a "safe action pistol"
The Action
is the mechanism of a firearm involved with presenting the round or cartridge for firing, and in removing the spent casing and introducing a fresh round or cartridge. This is also known as " cycling the gun."
Safety
is the most important element of firearms training.
single action
mechanism performs the single action of releasing the hammer or striker. Once the first round is fired, the automatic movement of the slide resets the mechanism for each subsequent shot.
Squib load
occurs when the cartridge develops less than normal pressure or velocity after ignition of the cartridge. Squib loads can cause a bullet to fail to exit the muzzle and become lodged in the bore. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. A distinctive sound is associated with a squib load. It is not as loud or forceful as the sound of a regular round firing. You hear a pop instead of a bang and feel much less recoil. ----------------If this happens during training, (1) stop firing (2) keep your weapon pointed downrange. (3) Raise your support hand. (4) Wait for an instructor to take the weapon. Instructors are responsible for clearing this malfunction. ---------------------this description of a squib load and the procedure for handling it is the same for the semiautomatic pistol and rifle/carbine.
Trigger control
results when the trigger finger pulls the trigger straight back with increasing yet constant and steady pressure until the firearm discharges. Trigger control, the most difficult handgun fundamental to master, often determines a shot's success.