There are NEW things being added and changes being made to update this manual to help improve the security force in CT. This course in an older, out dated course and will be updated but not posted due to security reasons. SORRY
PRESENTATION
TELL
THEM.
1.
STATE LAW PERTAINING TO THE USE OF PHYSICAL / DEADLY FORCE.
2.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIABILITY.
3.
HOW CAN WE LIMIT OUR LIABILITY.
4.
HOW WE MUST THINK ABOUT EVERY ACTION AND ITS CONSEQUENCE.
5.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY'S POLICY ON THE USE OF PHYSICAL OR DEADLY
FORCE ?
A.
ABILITY B.
6.
Public act 08-73
SUMMARY
TELL
THEM WHAT YOU TOLD THEM.
STATE LAWS,
LIABILITY TYPES, HOW TO
LIMIT OUR LIABILITY,
THINK ABOUT OUR ACTIONS,
POLICY.
OBJECTIVES
AT
THE END OF THIS PRESENTATION, THE CLASS
WILL
BE ABLE TO...
1.
KNOW WHEN THE USE OF PHYSICAL FORCE IN DEFENSE OF PERSON, PREMISES AND PROPERTY CAN BE APPLIED.
2.
KNOW WHEN THE USE OF DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE MAY
BE APPLIED.
3.
KNOW THE THREE TYPES OF LIABILITY.
1. DIRECT, 2.
VICARIOUS, 3.
FORESEEABLE.
4.
KNOW WHY A STEADY TRAINING REGIMENT IS SO IMPORTANT.
5.
KNOW THE STATE PENAL CODES ON, USES OF PHYSICAL FORCE,
DEADLY FORCE, UNLAWFUL
DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS,
CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT STORAGE OF A FIREARM AND THE USES OF
PHYSICAL FORCE IN MAKING AN ARREST OR PREVENTING ESCAPE. THE DEFINITIONS
OF PHYSICAL INJURY, SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY, DEADLY PHYSICAL INJURY, SHOTGUN,
PISTOL OR REVOLVER AND FIREARM. THE
LIMITATION THAT THE LAW HOLDS US TO.
6. LIABILITY FOR THEIR EVERY ACTION.
INTRODUCTION
TELL
THEM WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO TELL THEM.
(
MOTIVATION )
GO OVER THE STATE PENAL CODES PERTAINING TO ABOVE
APPLICATION,
INSTRUCT WHY HOLSTER SELECTION FOR RETENTION IS SO IMPORTANT,
USE ONLY YOUR DUTY ISSUED AMMO / FIREARM AND EQUIPMENT, MAINTAIN A
TRAINING REGIMENT AND RECORDS PERSONAL AND DUTY.
WHY WE MUST MAINTAIN FIREARM PROFICIENT WITH BOTH
WEAK / STRONG HAND, AS WILL AS WEAK / STRONG EYE,
WHY WE AIM FOR CENTER OF MASS, THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CENTER OF MASS CHOSEN OR OFFERED,
THE STORAGE OF THEIR FIREARM, THE
TYPES OF FIREARMS, CALIBER VS.
VELOCITY, AUTOMATIC VS. REVOLVER,
THE RIGHTS OF A SECURITY OFFICER, THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IN-HOUSE / CONTRACT, KNOWING YOUR TARGET AND BEYOND,
WARNING SHOTS YES OR NO AND
ABOUT RICOCHET.
QUESTIONS
RANGE
SAFETY
1.
ON THE COMMAND "CEASE
FIRE" WHAT SHOULD YOU DO ?
2.
WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO CALL A "CEASE
FIRE" ?
3. HOW SHOULD A FIREARM BE CARRIED ONTO THE RANGE,
WHERE AND HOW SHOULD IT BE KEPT
WHEN NOT IN USE ?
4.
SHOULD WE PICK UP ANYTHING THAT HAS FALLEN IN FRONT OF
THE FIRING LINE ?
5.
SHOULD WE DRAW OUR FIREARM BEFORE WE GO TO THE KNEELING FIRING POSITION ?
6.
IF YOUR FIREARM IS NOT IN ITS HOLSTER, WHERE SHOULD THE
MUZZLE BE POINTED ?
7.
WHEN CARRYING YOUR SHOTGUN TO THE RANGE,
HOW SHOULD
IT BE CARRIED ?
8. WHEN YOU'RE CARRYING, AIMING OR HOLDING ANY
FIREARM, WHEN SHOULD YOU PLACE YOUR
9.
KNOWING YOUR TARGET AND beyond AT ALL TIMES.
10.
AT WHAT TIME SHOULD YOU LOAD AND FIRE YOUR FIREARM,
CAN YOU DRAW, LOAD AND UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM IN THE DARK?
CLOSING
STATEMENT
RANGE SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY.
ALWAYS HAVE SAFETY FIRST IN YOUR MIND.
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO HANDLE YOUR FIREARM UNDER THE WORST POSSIBLE
CONDITIONS. YOU MUST BE SURE OF YOUR
TARGET AND BEYOND AT ALL TIMES.
RANGE RULES AND FIREARM SAFETY
HANDGUNS
AND SHOTGUNS
1.
EACH TIME A FIREARM IS PICKED UP FOR ANY PURPOSE, OPEN THE ACTION AND
MAKE AN INSPECTION TO ENSURE THAT IT IS
UNLOADED. NEVER TRUST YOUR
MEMORY AND CONSIDER EVERY FIREARM AS LOADED UNTIL YOU HAVE PROVEN OTHERWISE.
2.
DO NOT LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM UNATTENDED.
UNHOLSTERED FIREARMS WILL HAVE CYLINDERS OR ACTIONS OPEN AT ALL TIMES
WHEN NOT BEING FIRED.
3.
DO NOT PLACE YOUR FINGERS WITHIN THE TRIGGER GUARD UNTIL YOU ARE POINTING
THE FIREARM AT THE TARGET.
4.
DRY FIRING IS ALLOWED ONLY AT THE FIRING LINE AND UNDER THE SUPERVISION
OF AN INSTRUCTOR / COACH.
5.
DO NOT LOAD UNTIL THE COMMAND "LOAD" IS GIVEN AND NEVER
ANTICIPATE A COMMAND. ALL RANGE
COMMANDS WILL BE DIRECTED FROM THE CONTROL
CENTER OVER A PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM OR BY THE INSTRUCTOR BEHIND
THE FIRING LINE.
6.
ANY PERSON AND OR STUDENT MAY CALL A CEASE FIRE IF THEY SEE A SAFETY
HAZARD OR FEEL IT NECESSARY.
7.
THE MUZZLE OF ALL FIREARMS WILL BE POINTED DOWN RANGE AT ALL TIMES WHEN
NOT HOLSTERED.
8.
DO NOT HANDLE A FIREARM ON THE FIRING LINE WHILE THERE IS SOMEONE
9.
NO CONVERSATIONS ARE ALLOWED BETWEEN STUDENTS WHILE ON THE FIRING LINE.
10.
THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND/OR NARCOTIC DRUGS ARE PROHIBITED.
11.
IF YOU DROP A FIREARM ACCIDENTALLY, REPORT THIS FACT TO AN INSTRUCTOR
IMMEDIATELY, WHO WILL INSPECT THE FIREARM TO ENSURE THAT IT CAN BE LOADED AND
FIRED SAFELY. IF THE FIREARM IS LOADED DO NOT PICK IT UP. LET IT LIE AND NOTIFY
AN INSTRUCTOR. FIREARMS THAT COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE GROUND DURING THE COURSE
OF FIRE WILL BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY AND AN INSPECTION WILL BE CONDUCTED BY AN
INSTRUCTOR.
12.
HOLSTERED FIREARMS WILL HAVE THE KEEPER SNAPPED OR FASTENED AT ALL TIMES.
13.
DO NOT SMOKE ON THE FIRING LINE.
14.
THE ACTIONS ON ALL FIREARMS WILL BE OPEN WHEN BEING
CARRIED TO AND FROM RANGE UNLESS HOLSTERED.
REVOLVERS WILL BE CARRIED BY THE TOP OF THE FRAME WITH FINGERS THROUGH
THE CYLINDER OPENING AND MUZZLE POINTED FORWARD. SELF LOADING PISTOL WILL HAVE
THE ACTION OPEN AND MAGAZINES REMOVED.
15.
DO NOT BEND OVER TO RETRIEVE DROPPED ITEMS DURING LOADING PROCEDURES.
YOU WILL BE PERMITTED TO DO SO AFTER THE FIRING LINE HAS BEEN DECLARED
RED SAFE.
16.
DO NOT FIRE AT A TARGET THAT HAS TURNED TO THE EDGED POSITION.
ONLY FIRE AT A PROPER TARGET.
17.
ANYTIME YOU OBSERVE AN UNSAFE ACT WHICH ENDANGERS
SOMEONE, YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO SHOUT "CEASE FIRE".
18.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS WEAR EAR PROTECTION WHILE ENGAGED IN LIVE FIRING ON
19.
ANY INJURY SUSTAINED DURING FIREARMS TRAINING, REGARDLESS OF HOW MINOR IT
MAY SEEM, WILL BE REPORTED TO AN INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
20.
WHEN A CARTRIDGE FAILS TO FIRE, CONTINUE THE STATE OF
21.
SAFE UNCOCKING PROCEDURES.
A.
KEEP THE FIREARM POINTED DOWNRANGE.
B. PLACE THE THUMB
OF THE FREE HAND BETWEEN THE
HAMMER AND THE FRAME, KEEPING THE FINGERS CLENCHED
AND BEHIND THE FORE-END OF THE CYLINDER.
C. PLACE THE THUMB
OF THE GRIPPING HAND OVER THE SPUR OF THE
HAMMER AND MOVE THE TRIGGER SLOWLY TO THE REAR. AS SOON AS THE HAMMER IS RELEASED, REMOVE THE
FINGER FROM THE TRIGGER GUARD AND ALLOW THE HAMMER TO MOVE FORWARD AS THE THUMB
OF THE FREE HAND IS SLIPPED OUT FROM BETWEEN THE HAMMER AND FRAME.
D. OPEN
THE CYLINDER AND UNLOAD.
22.
THE PARTICIPANTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE AN EQUIPMENT TRAY OR BOX TO THE
FIRING LINE. ALL EQUIPMENT AND
AMMUNITION IS TO BE CARRIED ON THE SHOOTING PERSON.
23.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR ASSIGNED FIRING POSITION OR MOVE FORWARD OF THE FIRING
LINE UNLESS DIRECTED TO DO SO.
24.
EACH TIME A SHOTGUN IS PICKED UP FOR ANY PURPOSE, KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED DOWNRANGE, OPEN THE ACTION AND
MAKE AN INSPECTION TO ENSURE THAT IT IS UNLOADED.
SHOTGUNS WILL BE CARRIED WITH BOTH
HANDS ON THE GUN AND THE MUZZLE HELD ABOVE HEAD LEVEL AND FINGER
OFF THE TRIGGER.
25.
BE SURE YOUR SHOTGUN AND AMMUNITION ARE COMPATIBLE.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
REVIEW
A.
NEVER POINT A FIREARM AT A PERSON UNLESS YOU ARE
PREPARED TO SHOOT.
B.
NEVER HAND A FIREARM TO ANYONE WITHOUT, 1. KNOWING IF
THE PERSON IS QUALIFIED. 2.
MAKING SURE THE FIREARM IS
UNLOADED. 3. THE ACTION IS OPEN.
C.
NEVER ASK IF A FIREARM IS UNLOADED; CHECK IT YOURSELF.
D.
DO NOT PUT YOUR FINGER ON THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE
READY TO SHOOT.
E.
NEVER CARRY A FIREARM WITH THE HAMMER COCKED.
F.
NEVER REMOVE YOUR FIREARM FROM THE HOLSTER UNLESS
NEEDED IN SELF-DEFENSE.
G.
NEVER USE A FIREARM AS A THREAT.
H.
NEVER LEAVE A FIREARM UNATTENDED.
I.
BE SURE A FIREARM, WHEN NOT BEING CARRIED, IS SECURELY
LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO
CHILDREN/MINORS AND UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.
TRANSPORTING YOUR FIREARM
BECAUSE STATE LAWS ARE DIFFERENT, YOU MUST RESEARCH THE
LAWS CONCERNING POSSESSION AND
TRANSPORTATION OF FIREARMS.
WHEN TRANSPORTING A FIREARM, IN SOME
STATES, A FIREARM IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OR UNDER THE SEAT IS CONSIDERED
CONCEALED. TO BE CONSIDERED
UNLOADED, NOT ONLY MUST THE CHAMBERS BE EMPTY BUT THE AMMUNITION MUST BE SECURED
OUT OF ARMS REACH. IN OTHER WORDS,
IF THE FIREARM IS LAYING IN THE SEAT WITH THE AMMUNITION BESIDE IT, IT WOULD BE
CONSIDERED A LOADED FIREARM.
RANGE PROCEDURE AND COMMANDS
WHEN YOU REPORT TO THE RANGE, YOU MUST ARRIVE ON OR BEFORE THE DESIGNATED
TIME, CHECK IN WITH THE INSTRUCTOR, SHOW A STATE ISSUED ID.
IF YOU ARE LATE, YOU WILL HOLD UP THE PROCEDURE OR THE COURSE WILL START
WITHOUT YOU. YOU MUST BRING A
SERVICEABLE FIREARM/PISTOL AND 12.GA. SHOTGUN WITH A BARREL LENGTH OF NOT LESS
THAN 18 INCHES AND NOT MORE THAN 20 INCHES.
THERE WILL BE NO FIREARMS IN THE CLASSROOM.
ALL FIREARMS MUST BE UNLOADED AND HOLSTERED OR CASED WHEN GOING TO THE
RANGE AREA. YOU WILL NOT LOAD,
UN-HOLSTER OR UN-CASE YOUR FIREARM UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD.
YOU MUST HAVE A HOLSTER TO CARRY YOUR FIREARM.
THE HOLSTER MUST HANG ON YOUR SIDE, EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT DEPENDING ON
YOUR STRONG FIRING HAND. NO CROSS
DRAW HOLSTERS WILL BE ALLOWED. YOU
MUST ALSO BRING SAFETY GLASSES, EAR PROTECTION, 3 SPEED LOADERS IF YOU ARE USING
A REVOLVER OR 3 MAGAZINES IF YOU ARE USING A SEMI-AUTOMATIC.
YOU'LL NEED TO BRING 150 ROUNDS OF FACTORY LOADED OR FACTORY RELOADED
SERVICE AMMUNITION AND 25 ROUNDS OF 12.GA RIFLE SLUGS.
RANGE QUALIFICATION:
THE
FIRING PROCEDURE:
ALL ACTIVITY AT THE RANGE IS AND WILL BE CONTROLLED BY THE INSTRUCTOR.
WHILE ON THE RANGE THE ONLY COMMAND THE STUDENTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE
IS CEASE FIRE. THE
INSTRUCTOR WILL BE SCANNING THE FIRING LINE AND THE STUDENTS FROM BEHIND.
CEASE FIRE:
THIS MEANS STOP FIRING, PLACE YOUR FIREARM IN ITS HOLSTER AND REST YOUR
HANDS AT YOUR SIDES. DO NOT TOUCH
YOUR FIREARM.
IF A MALFUNCTION OCCURS OR ANY UNUSUAL
SITUATION ARISES, CALL THE INSTRUCTOR. RAISE
YOUR HAND TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. DO
NOT LEAVE THE LINE OR TURN AWAY FROM YOUR TARGET.
KEEP YOUR FIREARM POINTED DOWN RANGE.
IF YOU SEE A SITUATION ARISE THAT MAY RESULT IN INJURY CALL A CEASE
FIRE.
WHEN THE INSTRUCTOR FEELS IT SAFE, HE WILL
GIVE THE FOLLOWING COMMANDS:
TAKE THE FIRING LINE:
THIS MEANS THAT THE SHOOTERS SHOULD STEP UP TO THE FIRING LINE WITH THEIR
FIREARM UNLOADED AND HOLSTERED. YOU
WILL NOT LOAD UNTIL THE INSTRUCTOR GIVES THE COMMAND.
READY IN THE FIRING LINE:
THIS MEANS, AT THIS POINT, THE SHOOTERS AIM THEIR FIREARMS AT THE TARGETS
AND WAIT FOR THE NEXT COMMAND. THE
INSTRUCTOR WILL LOOK AT THE LINE BEFORE HE GIVES THE NEXT COMMAND COMMENCE
FIRING. IF A SHOOTER IS NOT
READY HE/SHE SHOULD SAY NOT READY ON POINT #. AT
THIS POINT THE INSTRUCTOR WILL GIVE THE COMMAND, AS YOU WERE.
THIS MEANS RE-HOLSTER YOUR FIREARM.
DRY FIRE: THIS
MEANS ON THE COMMAND, THE SHOOTER WILL DRAW THEIR UNLOADED FIREARM, DRY
FIRE SIX UNLOADED CHARGE HOLES AT THE
IF A MALFUNCTION OCCURS OR ANY UNUSUAL
SITUATION ARISES, CALL THE INSTRUCTOR. RAISE
YOUR HAND TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. DO
NOT LEAVE THE LINE OR TURN AWAY FROM YOUR TARGET.
KEEP YOUR FIREARM POINTED DOWN RANGE.
IF YOU SEE A SITUATION ARISE THAT MAY RESULT IN INJURY CALL A CEASE
FIRE.
NOTE:
THE INSTRUCTOR WILL BE LOOKING TO SEE IF THE SHOOTERS ARE ACHIEVING A
PROPER GRIP AND THAT THEIR FINGER IS NOT ON THE TRIGGER UNTIL THEY HAVE THEIR
TARGET IN THEIR SIGHTS AND THEY'RE READY TO SHOOT.
LOAD: THIS
MEANS TO LOAD YOUR FIREARM, KEEPING YOUR MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION,
FINGER OFF TRIGGER, THE HAMMER DECOCKED, SAFETY ON, IF YOUR FIREARM HAS ONE, AND
HOLSTERED.
UNLOAD:
THIS
MEANS UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM, KEEPING YOUR MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION,
FINGER OFF TRIGGER AND RE-HOLSTER.
THE LOAD, UNLOAD EXERCISES WILL BE
REPEATED UNTIL THE INSTRUCTOR FEELS THE SHOOTERS HAVE ACHIEVED A SAFE STANDARD
OF LOADING AND UNLOADING THEIR FIREARM.
AT THIS POINT, THE SHOOTERS SHOULD BE
FAMILIAR WITH THE DRAW, GRIP, LOADING AND UNLOADING OF THE FIREARM, AS WELL AS
THE ABOVE COMMANDS. IF THE SHOOTERS
HAVE NOT SATISFIED THE INSTRUCTOR AND SHOWN SAFE HANDLING OF THEIR FIREARM, THEY
WILL NOT CONTINUE.
HANDGUN PROFICIENCY TEST
108 ROUNDS, DOUBLE & SINGLE-ACTION.
(SEMI-AUTO PISTOLS MAY BE USED).
NO ALIBIS ALLOWED DURING THE FIRING OF THE
COURSE. IF THERE IS NOT 88 HITS IN
THE LISTED BELOW, REGARDLESS OF REASON YOU WILL NOT PASS.
NRA TQ-19 (OR NRA TQ-20 TARGET DEPENDING
UPON THE DISTANCES AVAILABLE ON THE RANGE), WILL BE USED IN HANDGUN AND SHOTGUN
86 HITS IN THE INNER GRAY AREA REQUIRED TO
SCORE 90%, PASS AND DEMONSTRATE PROFICIENCY.
IF THE STUDENT FAILS TO PASS, HE/SHE WILL BE GIVEN ONE MORE CHANCE TO
PASS THE FOLLOWING COURSE OF FIRE. THERE
WILL BE NO EXCEPTION
COURSE
OF FIRE
DISTANCE
ROUNDS
POSITIONS
TIME LIMIT
3
YARDS
12 RDS. STANDING
30 SECONDS
(6
RDS, STRONG HAND ONLY)
(6
RDS, WEAK HAND ONLY)
3 YARDS
12 RDS
TWO HAND STANDING
20 SECONDS
7
YARDS
12 RDS. STANDING
20 SECONDS
7
YARDS
12 RDS. 6R 6L KNEELING
30 SECONDS
7 YARDS
12 RDS
BOTH
KNEELING
20 SECONDS
CHANGE
TARGETS
15
YARDS
12 RDS. STANDING
25 SECONDS
15
YARDS
12 RDS. 6R 6L KNEELING
40 SECONDS
25
YARDS
4 RDS. KNEELING
15 SECONDS
(6
RDS, KNEELING, STRONG SIDE BARRICADE)
(6
RDS, KNEELING, WEAK SIDE BARRICADE)
CHANGE TARGETS
While
stepping in the shape of a triangle you will be firing 1 shot with each step,
and switching hand at point. (will
show)
15
YARDS 12 RDS
Stepping 45 SCONDS
SHOTGUN PROFICIENCY TEST
NOT NEEDED FOR BLUE CARD
15 ROUNDS RIFLED SLUGS - 12 GAUGE.
TARGETS SAME TYPE AS HANDGUN COURSE.
12 HITS IN THE INNER GRAY AREA REQUIRED TO
SCORE 90% PASS AND DEMONSTRATE PROFICIENCY.
COURSE
OF FIRE
DISTANCE
ROUNDS
POSITIONS
TIME LIMIT
15
YARDS
3 RDS.
STANDING
60 SECOUNDS
15
YARDS
3 ROUNDS WEAK SIDE
60 SECOUNDS
CHANGE
TARGETS
25
YARDS
3 RDS.
STANDING
60 SECOUNDS
TO KNEELING
25 YARDS
3 RD.
STANDING
NONE
25 YARDS
3 RD.
KNEELING
NONE
BE SURE TO BRING FOUL WEATHER GEAR.
WE MAY OR MAY NOT USE AN INDOOR RANGE.
THE ABOVE TEST WILL GO ON REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
THE WEATHER WILL NOT BE AN EXCUSE FOR FAILING,
YOU MUST HAVE 90% OF YOUR HITS IN THE INNER GRAY AREA REGARDLESS.
WHAT CAUSES FIREARM ACCIDENTS ?
MOST FIREARM ACCIDENTS ARE CAUSED BY IGNORANCE AND/OR CARELESSNESS.
IGNORANCE IS A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE- A PERSON WHO HANDLES A FIREARM WITHOUT
KNOWING THE FIREARM SAFETY RULES AND/OR HOW TO OPERATE A FIREARM.
EQUALLY DANGEROUS IS THE PERSON WHO, ALTHOUGH KNOWING THE FIREARM SAFETY
RULES AND HOW TO PROPERLY OPERATE A FIREARM, BECOMES CARELESS IN PROPERLY
APPLYING THIS KNOWLEDGE. IN BOTH OF
THESE CASES, ACCIDENTS CAN EASILY HAPPEN. THIS
IS WHY WE MUST LEARN AND PRACTICE FIREARM SAFETY.
REMEMBER: 1.
ALWAYS KEEP FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
2. ALWAYS KEEP FINGER OFF TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT.
3. ALWAYS KEEP FIREARM UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE.
OTHER SAFETY RULES:
1. BE SURE THE FIREARM IS SAFE TO OPERATE.
2. KNOW HOW TO USE THE FIREARM SAFELY.
3. USE ONLY THE CORRECT AMMUNITION FOR THE FIREARM.
4. KNOW YOUR TARGET AND BEYOND AT ALL TIMES.
5. WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION. 6.
NEVER USE ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BEFORE OR WHILE SHOOTING OR CARRYING A FIREARM.
7. STORE FIREARMS SO THEY ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE TO UNAUTHORIZED PERSON.
8. BE AWARE THAT CERTAIN TYPES OF FIREARMS THAT REQUIRE ADDITIONAL SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS. 9. BE A KNOWLEDGEABLE
FIREARM HANDLER AND USER. 10. BEFORE
STARTING TO CLEAN THE FIREARM, BE CERTAIN THAT IT IS NOT LOADED AND THERE ARE NO
PERSONS OR AMMO IN THE AREA.
RANGE COMMANDS:
THIS IS A LIST OF SOME RANGE COMMANDS THAT WILL BE USED ON THE RANGE:
LOAD, COMMENCE FIRE,
CEASE FIRE, UNLOAD,
CYLINDERS OPEN, MAGAZINES
OPEN, SLIDES BACK AND MAKE FIREARM
SAFE.
HOLSTERS: THE HOLSTER IS A VERY IMPORTANT
SAFETY FACTOR.
IT IS ONE OF THE MUST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN CARRYING A FIREARM.
THE HOLSTER MUST FIT FIRMLY TO YOUR DUTY BELT AND THE FIREARM FIT FIRMLY
IN THE HOLSTER. LOCATION AND COMFORT
ARE ALSO IMPORTANT. YOUR FIREARM
MUST FIT FIRMLY IN YOUR HOLSTER, SO THAT IT WOULD BE NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE FOR
ANYONE OTHER THAN THE CARRIER TO REMOVE IT, YET BE READILY AVAILABLE WHEN
NEEDED. IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO
PRACTICE REMOVING AND RE-HOLSTERING YOUR FIREARM FROM THE HOLSTER.
NOTE: WHILE PRACTICING BE SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND YOU ARE AT A
RANGE.
BE
FAMILIAR WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT
FUNDAMENTALS
OF
SHOOTING
POSITION/STANDS,
GRIP, BREATH CONTROL,
SIGHT ALIGNMENT,
TRIGGER SQUEEZE,
FOLLOW-THROUGH:
REMEMBER
THAT WE MUST MAINTAIN ALL SAFETY RULES AT ALL TIMES.
WE MUST LISTEN TO, AND OBEY ALL RANGE COMMANDS.
1. POSITION:
PROPER BODY POSITION IS ESSENTIAL. YOU
MUST
PRACTICE A NUMBER OF POSITIONS IN ORDER TO
MAINTAIN GOOD SHOOTING SKILLS.
NO
STRAIN/TENSION, EVEN WEIGH DIST, HEAD ERECT, LOCKED WRIST
STANCE:
ISOSCELES, WEAVER, MODIFIED WEAVER, BARRICADE,
KNEELING, KNEELING BARRICADE.
TWO HANDS: STRONG
HAND, WEAK HAND.
USING STRONG EYE AND WEAK EYE.
ONE HAND:
STRONG HAND, WEAK HAND.
USING STRONG EYE, WEAK EYE.
THESE STANCES WILL BE PRACTICED WITH AN
UNLOADED FIREARM UNTIL THE STANCES ARE
ACCEPTABLE AND A FIRM GRIP HAS BEEN
ACCOMPLISHED.
2. GRIP:
TO ACHIEVE A PROPER GRIP IT IS IMPORTANT TO
PRACTICE. YOU WANT THE
FIREARM TO FIT INTO YOUR
HAND FIRMLY AND COMFORTABLY. IT
IS IMPORTANT THAT
THE GRIP BE THE SAME EACH AND EVERY TIME IN ORDER
TO MAINTAIN GOOD SHOOTING SKILLS.
NOTE:
THE FINGER SHOULD NOT BE ON THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU HAVE YOUR TARGET IN
YOUR SIGHTS AND YOU ARE READY TO FIRE/SHOOT
3. BREATH
CONTROL:
IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE BODY MOVEMENT, THE BREATH
MUST BE HELD WHILE FIRING. TAKE
A BREATH. THIS
WILL INCREASE OXYGEN TO THE BLOOD, THIS WILL
STRENGTHEN MUSCLES, CLEAR VISION. LET
IT OUT, DON'T HOLD BREATH MORE THAN 8-12 SECONDS, START OVER.
AT THE END OF THE EXHALE, YOUR SIGHTS SHOULD BE ON TARGET AND YOU SHOULD
BE READY TO FIRE.
4. SIGHT
ALIGNMENT:
IS THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE FRONT AND REAR SIGHTS.
PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE TWO SIGHTS MEANS THAT THE
TOP OF THE FRONT SIGHT IS EVEN WITH THE TOP OF THE
REAR SIGHT; THE FRONT SIGHT MUST ALSO BE CENTERED IN THE NOTCH OF THE
REAR SIGHT.
ALIGN THE SIGHTS, BRING THEM TO THE
5. TRIGGER
SQUEEZE:
A VARIETY OF TERMS HAVE EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS
TO DESCRIBE THE PROCESS. SOME
OF THE OTHER TERMS
COMMONLY USED ARE: TRIGGER
PULL, TRIGGER CONTROL,
TRIGGER PRESS, AND TRIGGER MOVEMENT.
WHILE ALL OF
THESE TERMS ARE CORRECT, THE TERM "TRIGGER
SQUEEZE" HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR USE IN THIS SECTION
BECAUSE IT ACCURATELY DESCRIBES THE SMOOTH
APPLICATION OF PRESSURE REQUIRED. WHEN
READY TO
BEGIN SQUEEZING THE TRIGGER, THE INDEX FINGER
SHOULD BE LOCATED ON THE TRIGGER SO THAT THE
TRIGGER IS ABOUT HALFWAY BETWEEN THE TIP OF THE
FINGER AND THE FIRST JOINT. THE
TRIGGER MUST BE
SQUEEZED STRAIGHT TO THE REAR IN A SMOOTH,
CONTINUOUS MANNER WITHOUT DISTURBING THE SIGHT
ALIGNMENT. ONCE TRIGGER
SQUEEZE HAS BEGUN, IT
SHOULD BE APPLIED SMOOTHLY AND CONTINUOUSLY--
DON'T SPEED UP OR SLOW DOWN THE PRESSURE OR APPLY
IT IN A START-AND-STOP MANNER. USE
A GRADUAL,
STEADY APPLICATION OF PRESSURE UNTIL THE SHOT IS
FIRED.
TRIGGER
SQUEEZE AND SIGHT ALIGNMENT MUST BE DONE SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE MAINTAINING A
MINIMUM ARC OF MOVEMENT. DON'T
ANTICIPATE THE SHOT, IT SHOULD BE A SURPRISE.
6. FOLLOW-THROUGH:
FOLLOW-THROUGH MEANS CONTINUING TO APPLY ALL THE
SHOOTING FUNDAMENTALS THROUGHOUT THE DELIVERY OF
THE SHOT. THIS MEANS
CONTINUING TO DO
EVERYTHING THAT WAS BEING DONE AT THE TIME THE
SHOT WAS FIRED. THE IDEA OF
FOLLOW-THROUGH IS TO
PREVENT ANY UNNECESSARY MOVEMENT BEFORE THE BULLET
LEAVES THE BARREL.
SUMMARY:
THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT FUNDAMENTALS IN PISTOL SHOOTING ARE SIGHT
ALIGNMENT AND TRIGGER SQUEEZE. THE
OTHER FOUR FUNDAMENTALS ALL COMBINE TO ASSIST IN ACHIEVING PROPER SIGHT
ALIGNMENT AND TRIGGER SQUEEZE. REMEMBER,
ALL OF THE FUNDAMENTALS MUST BE PROPERLY PERFORMED EVERY TIME IN ORDER TO SHOOT
A PISTOL ACCURATELY.
TYPES OF PISTOLS
SEMI-AUTOMATIC/REVOLVER
THE TWO MOST COMMON TYPES OF PISTOLS IN USE TODAY ARE THE REVOLVER AND
THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC.
A PISTOL CONSISTS OF THREE MAJOR COMPONENTS:
THE FRAME, THE BARREL, AND THE ACTION.
ALTHOUGH BOTH REVOLVERS AND SEMI-AUTOMATICS HAVE THESE THREE COMPONENTS,
SOME OF THE PARTS WITHIN THESE COMPONENTS AND THE WAYS IN WHICH THEY FUNCTION
ARE DIFFERENT. THESE DIFFERENCES
WILL BE EXPLAINED IN THIS REVIEW.
REVOLVERS BASIC OPERATION:
A REVOLVER IS A PISTOL THAT HAS A ROTATING CYLINDER, DESIGNED TO CONTAIN
CARTRIDGES. THE ACTION OF THE
TRIGGER AND/OR HAMMER WILL ROTATE THE CYLINDER ALIGNING A CHARGE HOLE/CHAMBER
WITH THE REAR OF BARREL AND FRONT OF THE FIRING PIN.
A CYLINDER CAN HAVE 5, 6 OR 9 CHARGE HOLES / CHAMBERS.
THIS DEPENDS UPON THE MANUFACTURER AND CALIBER.
FRAME:
THE FRAME OF THE REVOLVER IS THE BACKBONE TO WHICH ALL PARTS ARE
ATTACHED.
SUCH AS: ACTION, BARREL,
CYLINDER, GRIP PANELS, REAR SIGHT, TRIGGER GUARD.
BARREL:
THE BARREL IS A METAL TUBE THROUGH WHICH A BULLET PASSES ON ITS
WAY TO A TARGET. THE FRONT END OF
THE BARREL WHERE THE BULLET EXITS IS CALLED THE MUZZLE.
THE INSIDE OF THE BARREL IS CALLED THE BORE.
THE BORE HAS SPIRAL GROOVES CUT INTO IT.
THE RIDGES OF METAL BETWEEN THESE GROOVES ARE CALLED LANDS.
TOGETHER THE GROOVES AND LANDS MAKE UP WHAT IS KNOWN AS RIFLING.
A
SAFETY RULE: ALWAYS KEEP
PISTOL/MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
RIFLING:
RIFLING MAKES THE BULLET SPIN AS IT LEAVES THE BARREL SO THAT IT
WILL BE MORE STABLE IN FLIGHT AND THEREFORE TRAVEL MORE ACCURATELY.
THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE LANDS DETERMINES THE CALIBER OF
THE PISTOL.
ACTION:
THE ACTION IS A GROUP OF MOVING PARTS USED TO LOAD, FIRE AND
UNLOAD THE CHAMBER OF THE PISTOL.
SINGLE-ACTION REVOLVERS:
THE TRIGGER PERFORMS ONLY ONE ACTION, IT RELEASES THE HAMMER AFTER IT HAS
BEEN MANUALLY PULLED BACK, CAUSING THE FIRING PIN TO STRIKE THE
CARTRIDGE/PRIMER. HENCE FORCING THE
BULLET TO EXIT THE BARREL, CAUSING THE PISTOL TO FIRE.
DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVERS:
THE TRIGGER PERFORMS TWO TASKS. WHEN
IT IS PULLED, IT WILL COCK AND RELEASE THE HAMMER CAUSING THE PISTOL TO FIRE.
EACH TIME THE TRIGGER IS PULLED THE CYLINDER WILL ROTATE, PLACING ANOTHER
LIVE ROUND IN FRONT OF THE FIRING PIN, SO THAT WHEN THE HAMMER IS RELEASED THE
FIRING PIN WILL STRIKE THE PRIMER CAUSING THE PISTOL TO FIRE.
A DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER CAN ALSO BE USED AS A SINGLE-ACTION.
SEMI-AUTOMATICS:
A SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL DIFFERS SIGNIFICANTLY FROM A REVOLVER IN ITS
BASIC OPERATION. AFTER A CARTRIDGE
IS FIRED BY PULLING THE TRIGGER, THE EMPTY CASE IS AUTOMATICALLY EXTRACTED AND
EJECTED, AND A NEW CARTRIDGE IS INSERTED INTO THE CHAMBER.
ALTHOUGH THE BASIC OPERATION OF A SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL DIFFERS FROM THAT
OF A REVOLVER, A SEMI-AUTOMATIC HAS THE SAME THREE MAJOR COMPONENTS:
THE FRAME, THE BARREL, AND THE ACTION.
FRAME:
THE FRAME OF A SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL, LIKE THAT OF A REVOLVER, IS
THE BACKBONE TO WHICH ALL OTHER PARTS ARE ATTACHED.
A
SAFETY RULE: NEVER PUT FINGER ON
TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT/USE, AND YOU HAVE YOUR TARGET IN YOUR SIGHTS.
THE SAFETY:
THE SAFETY IS LOCATED ON THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC FRAME.
(REVOLVERS DO NOT USUALLY HAVE A SAFETY AS WE KNOW IT.)
THE SAFETY IS A MECHANICAL DEVICE DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF AN
ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE. SINCE
SAFETIES, LIKE ALL MECHANICAL DEVICES, CAN MALFUNCTION, THE PREVENTION OF AN
ACCIDENT IS ULTIMATELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL WHO IS HANDLING THE
PISTOL.
THE SLIDE STOP:
THE SLIDE STOP (ALSO KNOWN AS A SLIDE LOCK OR SLIDE RELEASE) IS DESIGNED
TO HOLD THE SLIDE OF THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL TO THE REAR.
GRIP PANELS:
GRIP PANELS ARE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER REAR PORTION OF THE FRAME.
THE BACKSTRAP:
THE BACKSTRAP IS THE REAR, VERTICAL PORTION OF THE FRAME THAT LIES
BETWEEN THE GRIP PANELS.
THE TRIGGER GUARD:
THE TRIGGER GUARD IS LOCATED ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FRAME AND IS
DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE TRIGGER IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF AN
UNINTENTIONAL FIRING.
BARREL:
THE BARREL ON A SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL IS BASICALLY THE SAME AS THE BARREL
ON A REVOLVER WITH ONE MAJOR EXCEPTION: AT
THE REAR OF THE BARREL ON A SEMI-AUTOMATIC IS A SINGLE CHAMBER WHICH WILL
CONTAIN THE CARTRIDGE AT THE INSTANT OF FIRING.
A
SAFETY RULE: KNOW YOUR TARGET AND
BEYOND AT ALL TIMES.
ACTION:
BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MECHANICAL DESIGNS FOR
SEMI-AUTOMATICS, THE ACTIONS CAN VARY GREATLY.
SOME SEMI-AUTOMATICS HAVE A HAMMER THAT STRIKES A FIRING PIN.
MODELS WHICH DO NOT HAVE A VISIBLE HAMMER ARE COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS HAMMERLESS,
EVEN THOUGH A HAMMER MAY ACTUALLY BE PART OF AN INTERNAL FIRING MECHANISM.
BECAUSE OF THESE
VARIATIONS, THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR THE
PISTOL MUST BE CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTOOD BEFORE USING THE PISTOL.
ALL SEMI-AUTOMATICS HAVE A SLIDE. ON
SOME MODELS, THE SLIDE FITS AROUND THE BARREL, WHILE ON OTHER MODELS IT IS
LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BARREL. IN
ALL SEMI-AUTOMATICS, THE FIRST CARTRIDGE MUST ALWAYS BE MANUALLY CYCLED INTO THE
FIRING CHAMBER BY RETRACTING THE SLIDE AND THEN RELEASING IT.
AS THE SLIDE RETURNS TO THE CLOSED
POSITION, IT REMOVES A CARTRIDGE FROM THE TOP OF THE MAGAZINE AND INSERTS IT
INTO THE CHAMBER. THE FRONT SIGHT
AND REAR SIGHT ARE USUALLY LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE SLIDE.
THE MAGAZINE IS A STORAGE DEVICE DESIGNED TO HOLD CARTRIDGES READY FOR
INSERTION INTO THE CHAMBER. THE
TRIGGER IS LOCATED ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FRAME.
WHEN THE TRIGGER IS PULLED, IT ACTIVATES THE HAMMER (OR THE INTERNAL
FIRING MECHANISM) WHICH, WHEN RELEASED, CAUSES THE FIRING PIN TO STRIKE AND FIRE
THE CARTRIDGE. WHEN A SEMI-AUTOMATIC
IS FIRED, THE SLIDE MOVES TO THE REAR, EJECTING THE EMPTY CARTRIDGE CASE AND
USUALLY COCKING THE PISTOL IN THE PROCESS. THE
CARTRIDGES LOCATED IN THE MAGAZINE ARE FORCED UPWARD BY THE MAGAZINE SPRING INTO
THE PATH OF THE SLIDE. THE SLIDE
(UNDER PRESSURE FROM A RECOIL SPRING OR SLIDE SPRING TO RETURN TO A CLOSED
POSITION) MOVES FORWARD, IT PICKS UP AND PUSHES THE TOP CARTRIDGE INTO THE
CHAMBER. THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT
TYPES OF SEMI-AUTOMATIC ACTIONS: SINGLE-ACTION,
DOUBLE-ACTION, AND DOUBLE-ACTION-ONLY. AS
WITH THE REVOLVER, THESE ACTIONS DESCRIBE THE FUNCTION OF THE TRIGGER IN
RELATION TO THE OPERATION OF THE PISTOL. IN
A SINGLE-ACTION SEMI-AUTOMATIC, THE TRIGGER PERFORMS A SINGLE TASK, RELEASING
THE HAMMER OR THE INTERNAL FIRING MECHANISM SO THAT THE FIRING PIN HITS THE
CARTRIDGE. IN A DOUBLE-ACTION
SEMI-AUTOMATIC, THE TRIGGER PERFORMS TWO TASKS.
IT COCKS THE HAMMER OR INTERNAL FIRING MECHANISM FOR THE FIRST SHOT, AND
ALSO RELEASES THE HAMMER OR THE INTERNAL FIRING MECHANISM.
AFTER THE FIRST SHOT IS FIRED, THE MOVEMENT OF THE SLIDE WILL COCK THE
HAMMER OR INTERNAL FIRING MECHANISM FOR ALL SUCCESSIVE SHOTS, AND THE TRIGGER
WILL BE USED ONLY TO RELEASE THE HAMMER OR INTERNAL FIRING MECHANISM.
IN DOUBLE-ACTION-ONLY SEMI-AUTOMATIC, THE TRIGGER WILL COCK AND RELEASE
THE HAMMER OR INTERNAL FIRING MECHANISM ON THE FIRST SHOT AND ALL SUCCESSIVE
SHOTS. THE SLIDE WILL CHAMBER A NEW
CARTRIDGE AFTER EACH SHOT, AS IT DOES FOR THE OTHER TYPES OF SEMI-AUTOMATIC
ACTIONS, BUT IT WILL NOT COCK THE HAMMER OR INTERNAL FIRING MECHANISM.
THE COCK-AND-RELEASE ACTION IS ACCOMPLISHED BY PULLING THE TRIGGER FOR
EACH SHOT. IN THIS WAY, THE ACTION
OF THE TRIGGER IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF A DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER.
HOWEVER, IN MOST DOUBLE-ACTION-ONLY SEMI-AUTOMATICS, THE HAMMER CAN
BE MANUALLY COCKED TO A SINGLE-ACTION POSITION AS IT CAN IN A DOUBLE-ACTION
REVOLVER. ALWAYS BE SURE TO
CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR A PISTOL.
IF QUESTIONS STILL EXIST, BE SURE TO CONSULT A KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON.
AMMUNITION
CARTRIDGE PARTS:
A PISTOL CARTRIDGE IS MADE UP OF FOUR BASIC COMPONENTS:
THE CASE, THE PRIMER, THE POWDER, AND THE
BULLET. THE CASE IS A METAL CYLINDER
(USUALLY MADE OF BRASS) THAT IS CLOSED AT ONE END AND CONTAINS THE OTHER THREE
COMPONENTS. THE PRIMER IS AN
IMPACT-SENSITIVE CHEMICAL COMPOUND USED FOR IGNITION.
IN A RIM-FIRE CARTRIDGE, IT IS CONTAINED IN THE INSIDE RIM OF THE CASE'S
BASE. IN A CENTER-FIRE CARTRIDGE,
THE PRIMER IS CONTAINED IN A SMALL METAL CUP, AND IS LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF
THE CASE'S BASE. THE POWDER CHARGE IS A FAST-BURNING CHEMICAL COMPOUND USED AS A
PROPELLANT, AND IS CONTAINED INSIDE THE BODY OF THE CASE.
THE BULLET IS A PROJECTILE, USUALLY MADE OF LEAD AND SOMETIMES COVERED
WITH A LAYER OF COPPER OR OTHER METALS, AND IS LOCATED AT THE MOUTH OF THE CASE.
A CARTRIDGE IS ALSO COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS A ROUND.
A LIVE ROUND IS A CARTRIDGE THAT CONTAINS A PRIMER, A POWDER CHARGE, AND
A BULLET.
TYPE OF CARTRIDGES:
THE TWO TYPES OF MODERN PISTOL CARTRIDGES ARE, RIM -FIRE AND CENTER-FIRE.
THE NAMES FOR BOTH TYPES OF CARTRIDGES ARE DERIVED FROM THE LOCATION OF
THE PRIMER.
CARTRIDGE FIRING SEQUENCE:
PULLING THE TRIGGER OF A PISTOL WILL CAUSE THE FIRING PIN TO HIT AND
IGNITE THE PRIMER IN THE CARTRIDGE. THE
POWDER BURNS VERY RAPIDLY AND PRODUCES A HIGH VOLUME OF GAS.
THESE EXPANDING GASES PUSH THE BULLET OUT OF THE CARTRIDGE CASE AND
PROPELS IT OUT OF THE PISTOL BARREL AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED.
MISFIRE:
A FAILURE OF THE CARTRIDGE TO FIRE AFTER THE PRIMER HAS BEEN
STRUCK BY THE FIRING PIN.
HANGFIRE:
A PERCEPTIBLE DELAY IN THE IGNITION OF A CARTRIDGE AFTER THE
PRIMER HAS BEEN STRUCK BY THE FIRING PIN.
SQUIB-FIRE:
DEVELOPMENT OF LESS THEN
NOTE: WHEN
A CARTRIDGE FAILS TO FIRE IMMEDIATELY, IT WILL NOT BE KNOWN AT FIRST WHETHER THE
PROBLEM IS A MISFIRE OR HANGFIRE.
IF A CARTRIDGE FAILS TO FIRE IMMEDIATELY, YOU MUST KEEP PISTOL/MUZZLE
POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION FOR AT LEAST 30 SEC.
HOWEVER IF YOU ARE IN A LIFE THREATENING
SITUATION, AND YOU MADE THE DECISION TO USE DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE,
YOU WILL NOT HAVE 30 SEC. YOU
MUST CLEAR THE ROUND/CARTRIDGE IMMEDIATELY, KEEPING YOUR TARGET IN SIGHT, AND BE
READY TO PULL THE TRIGGER. (NOTE: BE READY TO EMERGENCY LOAD).
CARE AND STORAGE OF AMMUNITION:
ALWAYS KEEP AMMUNITION IN THE FACTORY BOX OR CARTON.
THE LABELING ON THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER WILL HELP TO IDENTIFY THE
CARTRIDGES SO THAT THEY CAN BE USED IN THE PISTOL FOR WHICH THEY ARE INTENDED.
A COOL, DRY AREA IS BEST FOR STORAGE PURPOSES.
FOR SAFETY REASONS, AMMUNITION SHOULD BE STORED SEPARATELY FROM GUNS.
ALSO BE CERTAIN TO STORE AMMUNITION SO THAT IT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO
UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS. ALWAYS WIPE
FINGERPRINTS FROM AMMUNITION. ACIDS,
SALTS, AND OTHER CHEMICALS CONTAINED IN FINGERPRINTS CAN CAUSE CORROSION.
USING THE PROPER CARTRIDGE:
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO ALWAYS USE THE PROPER CARTRIDGE IN A PISTOL/FIREARM.
ONLY A CARTRIDGE THAT HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR A PARTICULAR GUN CAN BE FIRED
SAFELY IN THAT GUN. IT IS DANGEROUS
TO FIRE THE WRONG CARTRIDGE IN A PISTOL/FIREARM.
EVENTHOUGH A CARTRIDGE MAY APPEAR TO FIT IN A CHAMBER OR MAGAZINE, IT MAY
NOT ACTUALLY BE THE CORRECT CARTRIDGE FOR THAT PISTOL/FIREARM.
AS A BASIC SAFETY MEASURE, PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF CARTRIDGES IS
MANDATORY. TO ENSURE THE USE OF THE
CORRECT CARTRIDGE, THE PISTOL/FIREARM MUST FIRST BE EXAMINED TO DETERMINE THE
CARTRIDGE THAT IT IS DESIGNED TO FIRE. THIS
CARTRIDGE DESIGNATION WILL BE MARKED ON THE BARREL, FRAME OR SLIDE.
NEXT, EXAMINE AND IDENTIFY THE CARTRIDGE.
MOST CENTER-FIRE CARTRIDGES HAVE THE CARTRIDGE DESIGNATION STAMPED ON THE
BASE OF THE CARTRIDGE CASE AROUND THE PRIMER.
THIS MARKING IS KNOWN AS THE HEAD STAMP.
CARTRIDGE DESIGNATIONS ARE ALSO MARKED ON THE FACTORY BOX OR CARTON
CONTAINING THE CARTRIDGE. SOME
CARTRIDGES WILL HAVE A +P (PLUS-P) OR +P+ (PLUS-P-PLUS) DESIGNATION.
THESE CARTRIDGES ARE LOADED TO HIGHER PRESSURES THAN STANDARD AMMUNITION.
THESE HIGHER PRESSURE CARTRIDGES SHOULD ONLY BE FIRED IN GUNS THAT ARE DESIGNED
FOR SUCH USE. BE SURE TO CHECK THE
PISTOL/FIREARM'S INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR GUIDELINES CONCERNING PROPER CARTRIDGE
USE. FINALLY, COMPARE THE CARTRIDGE
DESIGNATION WITH THE CARTRIDGE INFORMATION MARKED ON THE PISTOL/FIREARM.
BE SURE ALL THE VARIOUS DESIGNATIONS ARE THE SAME.
A
SAFETY RULE: ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN
UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE.
NOTE: POLICY
FOR SECURING FIREARMS AT A CRIME SCENE: IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO CLEAR A FIREARM,
LEAVE IT ALONE.
NOTE: DO
NOT CARRY ANY FIREARMS INTO COURT, ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS, MEDICAL FACILITIES,
AIRPLANES OR
COMMON
SENSE IS YOUR KEY:
SAFE
USE, TAKE PRECAUTIONS.
CHILDREN:
EDUCATE THEM, IF THEY SEE A FIREARM
DO
NOT TOUCH, TELL AN ADULT.
NOTE: THE
MORE ACCESSIBLE YOUR FIREARM IS, THE MORE LIABLE YOU ARE IF IT IS MISUSED, NO
MATTER WHO MISUSED IT!
THE MORE SECURED IT IS , THE LONGER YOUR
REACTION TIME IS. DO YOU WANT YOUR
FIREARM TO BE ACCESSIBLE, HIDDEN, LOCKED AWAY, LOADED OR UNLOADED.
NOTE: IF
YOU ARE USING YOUR FIREARM FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION, AND YOU KEEP IT LOADED IN
YOUR HOME, YOU MUST TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE THAT NO CHILDREN
AND OR UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS CAN ACCIDENTALLY GET THE FIREARM.
IF THE FIREARM IS LOADED OR NOT, IT MUST BE KEPT
REMEMBER YOU AND ONLY YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE
FOR YOUR FIREARMS.
CHAPTER
952
PENAL
CODE: OFFENSES
PART
XXI
53A-217A.
CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT STORAGE OF A FIREARM:
CLASS D FELONY
(A) A PERSON IS GUILTY OF
CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT STORAGE OF A FIREARM WHEN HE VIOLATES THE PROVISIONS OF
SECTION 29-37C AND A MINOR OBTAINS THE FIREARM AND CAUSES THE INJURY OR DEATH OF
HIMSELF OR ANY OTHER PERSON. FOR THE
PURPOSES OF SECTION, "MINOR" MEANS ANY PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF SIXTEEN
YEARS.
NOTE: SEE MORE ON STATUTES PAGES I - XII
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The
use of DEADLY FORCE. The use of
deadly force is a serious decision for anyone to make, once used there's no
taking it back and a life or lives have been lost.
This is why you must think of the out come before using deadly force.
This is why must only use deadly force if and only if your life or the
life of a third party is in jeopardy and the actor has displayed all of the
following.
A. The ABILITY and MEANS to cause serious bodily harm that
may result the death or the means to use deadly force.
B. The OPPORTUNITY to use deadly force against your life or
the life of a third party, This usually takes place within 21 feet?
C. Shows INTENT to do so.
REMEMBER you will have to defend your
action. If at all possible retreat,
the lost of material things can be replace, life can not.
SHOTGUN
LAW-ENFORCEMENT SHOTGUN TYPICAL:
12.GA. PUMP OR SEMI-AUTOMATIC, 18 OR 20 INCH BARREL
00 BUCK:
9 PELLETS APPOX. .33 CAL. PER. PELLET
3-5 FEET NO SPREAD
THEREAFTER SPREAD APPOX. 1" PER. YARD
MAX. 20-25 YARDS EFFECTIVE RANGE.
MAX. 15-20 YARDS
RIFLE SLUG:
1 SLUG APPOX. .72 CAL. 1 OZ. LOAD
MAX. 100 YARDS
SHOTGUN AMMO:
1.
GAUGE, 2. TYPE, 3. CHAMBER LENGTH, 4. PHYSICAL CONDITION.
POINT OF AIM:
SIGHTS:
REAR: THE SAME WAY; FRONT: THE
A BEAD: SET BEAD ON PLANE.
LIKE ANY OTHER SKILL INVOLVING THE USE OF
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT, YOUR SHOTGUN SHOOTING MUST BEGIN WITH A KNOWLEDGE OF THE
EQUIPMENT INVOLVED. REMEMBER SAFETY
COMES FIRST, KNOW YOUR SAFETY RULES BEFORE HANDLING ANY FIREARM.
KNOWING YOUR SHOTGUN IS THE NEXT STEP.
NOTE: ON
YOUR PUMP ACTION, TO LOAD YOUR SHOTGUN YOU MUST;
1. KEEP IT POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AT ALL TIMES.
2. MOVE/PUSH THE FOREARM FORWARD.
3. TURN THE SHOTGUN OVER PUTTING THE TOE UNDER YOUR
RIGHT ARM, STILL
KEEPING SHOTGUN POINTED IN SAFE
DIRECTION.
4. WITH LEFT HAND HOLDING THE BARREL, FOREARM BEING
HELD FORWARD WITH
LEFT THUMB, USE RIGHT HAND TO LOAD
5. ONCE SHOTGUN IS LOADED, TURN IT OVER SO THAT THE
HEEL IN UNDER
RIGHT ARM. REMEMBER KEEP POINTED IN
SAFE DIRECTION AT
ALL TIMES.
NOW THAT YOUR SHOTGUN IS LOADED AND THE
HEEL IS UNDER YOUR RIGHT ARM, KEEPING YOUR FINGER OFF TRIGGER BRING THE BUTT UP
TO YOUR SHOULDER, PLACING IT FIRMLY IN THE JOINT BETWEEN THE SHOULDER AND PECK
MUSCLE, KEEPING IT POINTED IN SAFE DIRECTION AND FINGER OFF TRIGGER.
NOW WITH YOUR LEFT HAND, AGGRESSIVELY SLIDE THE FOREARM BACK AND THEN
FORWARD. THIS WILL PUT A SHOTSHELL
INTO THE CHAMBER/CHARGE HOLE. NOW
YOU ARE READY TO FIRE.
NOTE:
YOU MUST SLIDE THE FOREARM BACK AND THEN FORWARD EACH TIME TO CHAMBER A
SHOTSHELL. IF THE FOREARM DOES NOT
MOVE BACK, THIS MEANS THAT THERE MAY BE A SHOTSHELL IN THE CHAMBER, AND THAT IT
IS READY TO FIRE.
SAFETY
RULE: IF YOU ARE NOT AT A RANGE, WITH THE SHOTGUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION,
DO NOT PULL THE TRIGGER. TURN
THE SHOTGUN OVER SO THAT THE TOE IS UNDER YOUR RIGHT ARM AND DO A VISUAL AND
MANUAL CHECK.
DO
NOT LOOK DOWN THE FRONT OF THE BARREL OR PULL THE TRIGGER, KEEP POINTED IN SAFE
DIRECTION AT ALL TIMES
INSTRUCTOR WILL DEMONSTRATE
BALLISTICS
THE
SCIENCE OF THE MOVEMENT OF THE PROJECTILE.
THREE
DISCIPLINES
1.
INTERNAL -
WHILE IN BARREL
2.
EXTERNAL -
TRAVEL
3.
TERMINAL -
CONTACT
INTERNAL:
WHAT IS INVOLVED
PRIMER IGNITION, PROPELLANT, INTERNAL PRESSURE, OBTURATION, ENERGY
RELEASE, BULLET ACCELERATION,
FIREARM RECOIL.
EXTERNAL:
MOMENT IT LEAVES THE BARREL, ITS SPEED AND MARK OF PROJECTORY.
TERMINAL:
TARGET:
IMPACT/PENETRATION
LIVING
HUMAN
INANIMATE
OBJECTS
WOUNDING:
TARGET:
EFFECTS TISSUE DAMAGE STRIKING VELOCITY VS. ENERGY
WOUND CANAL/CAVITY
PROJECTILE STABILITY
TEMP/PERMANENT CAVITY PROJECTILE DEFORMATION
IMPACT WITH BONE
PROJECTILE FRAGMENTATION
PENETRATION
THE
SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN PENETRATION IS CALIBER
INCAPACITATION
RELIABILITY
CENTRAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS)
PHYSIOLOGICAL
FACTORS
WOUND
TO
1.
BRAIN
2.
SPINAL COLUMN
UPPER/LOWER
3.
SIGNIFICANT BODILY DISRUPTION
MAJOR
ORGANS/ARTERIES
PSYCHOLOGICAL
FACTORS
1.
KNOWLEDGE OF INJURY
2.
REACTION TO PAIN
3.
INTIMIDATION AND FEAR
4.
NARCOTICS
THERE ARE NO SO CALLED SUPER BULLETS, THE
MOST IMPORTANT ARE PLACEMENT AND PENETRATION.
KNOW YOUR TARGET AND BEYOND AT ALL
TIMES, YOUR PROJECTILE CAN PASS
THROUGH YOUR TARGET AND HIT A BYSTANDER
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The
use of DEADLY FORCE. The use of
deadly force is a serious decision for anyone to make, once used there's no
taking it back and a life or lives have been lost.
This is why you must think of the out come before using deadly force.
This is why must only use deadly force if and only if your life or the
life of a third party is in jeopardy and the actor has displayed all of the
following.
A. The ABILITY and MEANS to cause serious bodily harm that
may result the death or the means to use deadly force.
B. The OPPORTUNITY to use deadly force against your life or
the life of a third party, This usually takes place within 21 feet?
C. Shows INTENT to do so.
REMEMBER you will have to defend your
action. If at all possible retreat,
the lost of material things can be replace, life can not.
WOUNDS
PERMANENT
AND TEMPORARY
AS THE BULLET TRAVELS THROUGH THE BARREL,
IT BEGINS TO SPIN DUE TO THE LANDS AND GROOVES (RIFLING) IN THE BARREL.
THE SPIN HELPS IN ACCURACY, SO THAT THE BULLET CAN HIT ITS MARK (TARGET).
AS THE BULLET TRAVELS THROUGH THE AIR IT BEGINS TO TUMBLE.
THE TUMBLING, AS IT HITS THE TARGET, TEARS TISSUE LEAVING A CORK-SCREW
TYPE PATH. THIS PATH IS A PERMANENT
WOUND, HOWEVER, IT MAY HEAL LEAVING SCAR TISSUE.
AS THE BULLET ENTERS THE TARGET
LEAVING A PERMANENT WOUND, IT ALSO
CREATES A TEMPORARY WOUND.
THE TEMPORARY WOUND CAUSES TRAUMA AND PAIN
HELPING TO TAKE DOWN THE TARGET.
TYPE OF LIABILITY:
1. CIVIL:
A. SUITS BY INJURED BYSTANDERS
B. SUITS BY INJURED SUSPECTS/CRIMINALS
C. SUITS BY OWN OFFICIAL
D. STATE AND FEDERAL COURT JURISDICTION
CIVIL RIGHTS ACT TITLE
42
2. CRIMINAL
3. ADMINISTRATIVE / REGULATORY
4. OTHER SPIN-OFFS (EFFECTS)
A. INSURANCE PREMIUMS
B. LOSS OF BUSINESS
C. LOSS OF REPUTATION
D. PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
QUESTIONS:
THESE ARE SOME QUESTION THAT WILL BE ASKED IN COURT.
1. WHAT PRE-SERVICE INSTRUCTION DID THE OFFICER
RECEIVE ?
2. WHAT PRE-SERVICE PROFICIENCY WAS REQUIRED ?
3. WHAT REGULATIONS WERE ISSUED PERTAINING TO LAWFUL
USE OF DEADLY
FORCE AND SAFE HANDLING OF A FIREARM ?
4. WHAT WERE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE INSTRUCTOR ?
5. WHAT RECORDS EXIST DOCUMENTING TRAINING AND
PROFICIENCY ?
6. WHAT IN-SERVICE TRAINING HAS BEEN CONDUCTED ?
7. WHAT IN-SERVICE PROFICIENCY REQUIRED ?
VICARIOUS LIABILITY:
THE LIABILITY WHICH CAN ATTACH TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY TO
DIRECT THE ACTION TO ANOTHER.
AN ADMINISTRATOR CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE
ACTS OF HIS SUBORDINATES IF:
A.
THE PLAINTIFF WAS INJURED.
B. THE PLAINTIFFS INJURY WAS PROXIMATELY CAUSED BY THE
ADMINISTRATOR'S
NEGLIGENCE IN APPOINTING, RETRAINING, FAILING TO PROPERLY TRAIN OR FAILING TO PROPERLY
SUPERVISE SUBORDINATES.
C. FAILING TO PROPERLY EQUIP.
FIREARM MAINTENANCE
WHETHER A DEPARTMENT, AGENCY OR PRIVATE
FIREARM IS BEING CARED FOR, A PROPER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE IS A MUST.
A PROPER MAINTENANCE REGIMEN WILL:
A. EXTEND SERVICEABILITY
B. MAXIMIZE RELIABILITY
C. MAXIMIZE ACCURACY
D. REDUCE LIABILITY POTENTIAL
THE LIFE OF A GUN IS ONLY AS LONG AS ITS
MAINTENANCE.
SAFETY IS THE FIRST CONCERN OF FIREARMS.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE MUST INCLUDE:
A. FREQUENT
INSPECTION OR CLEANING AS REQUIRED BY THE USER
B. FORMALLY
SCHEDULED INSPECTION AS REQUIRED BY FACTORY
TRAINED AUTHORIZED ARMORY.
CLEANING EQUIPMENT
CLEANING ROD
CLOTTED TIP
BORE BRUSH
SOLVENT BRUSH
DRY BRUSH
PATCHES
CLEANING CLOTH
CLEANING SOLVENT
LUBRICANT
LEAD SOLVENT
LEAD REMOVAL TOOL
COMPRESSED AIR
KNIFE
BEFORE CLEANING YOUR FIREARM BE SURE THAT
IT'S UNLOADED. PERSONS OR AMMO
SHOULD NOT BE PRESENT WHEN CLEANING YOUR FIREARM.
AMMO MUST BE DRY FROM OILS AND SOLVENTS AND ALL OTHER CHEMICALS.
ONCE A SOLVENT COMES IN CONTACT WITH AMMO THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF THE AMMO
IS 30 DAYS.
USED REVOLVER INSPECTION
1.
UNLOAD AND REMOVE AMMO
2.
CHECK SERIAL NUMBER
3.
PERFORM A FUNCTION CHECK
4.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
5.
BARREL, CROWN, BORE, FORCING CONE
6.
CYLINDER ROTATES FREELY
7.
CYLINDER ASSEMBLY FIT TO FRAME
8.
LOOSE EJECTION ROD
9.
EXTRACTOR FREE MOVEMENT
10. THUMB
PIECE ASSEMBLY
11. HAMMER
PUSHOFF
12. HAMMER
NOSE
13. LOOSE
SCREWS
14. STRAIN
SCREWS
15. GRIP
16. SIGHTS
17. DRY
FIRE DA/SA
THE ABOVE LIST PLUS THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE
CHECKED ON SEMI-AUTOMATICS.
1. FIELD
STRIP AS MANUFACTURERS RECOMMEND
2. FIX
OF TAKE-DOWN PINS/LATCHES
3. SLIDE,
FIRING PIN EXTRACTOR
4. SLIDE
RAILS
5. RECOIL
SPRING
THE ABOVE LISTS PLUS THE FOLLOWING SHOULD
BE CHECKED ON SHOTGUNS.
1. RETAINING
NUT
2. BOLT,
FIRING PIN EXTRACTOR
3. RECEIVER
EJECTOR
4. ACTION
BARS AND RELEASE
5. RECOIL
SPRING
6. MAGAZINE
TUBE AND FOLLOWER
7. STOCK
CONDITION
NOTE: THE
ABOVE CHECK LIST SHOULD ALSO BE DONE AFTER EACH CLEANING OR YOUR FIREARM.
NOTE: KEEP
LOGS AND DOCUMENTS ON ALL FIREARMS AND TRAINING INSTRUCTIONS.
SECURITY OFFICERS
ARMED OR UNARMED, SECURITY OFFICERS ARE NOT
POLICE OFFICERS. GENERALLY, SECURITY
OFFICERS POSSESS NO MORE AUTHORITY THAN AN ORDINARY CITIZEN.
SECURITY OFFICERS ARE EMPLOYED OR HIRED BY A BUSINESS OR INDIVIDUAL TO
PATROL THEIR PRIVATE PROPERTY. THE
OFFICER IS STATIONED TO OBSERVE, DETECT, REPORT AND TAKE ACTION WHEN NECESSARY
IN THE INTEREST OF PRIVATE EMPLOYERS. BY
THEIR VISIBLE PRESENCE, THEY PREVENT LOSS AND DAMAGE TO THE CLIENT'S PROPERTY.
THE SECURITY IS NOT PART OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
HE HAS A DIRECT RESPONSIBILITY TO HIS EMPLOYER AND CLIENT.
THE SECURITY OFFICER ONLY HAS THE ARREST POWERS OF A CITIZEN.
CRIMINAL
AND CIVIL LIABILITY
THE LAW IN GENERAL:
THE LAW HOLDS THAT ADULT PERSONS HAVING THE CAPACITY TO UNDERSTAND THE
NATURE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTS WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THOSE ACTS.
GENERALLY, SECURITY OFFICERS HAVING ONLY THE AUTHORITY OF A CIVILIAN, MAY
BE HELD CRIMINALLY AND CIVILLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACT OR OMISSION WHICH CAUSES
OR THREATENS PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY.
CRIMINAL LIABILITY:
AN OFFICER, HAVING BEEN LICENSED TO CARRY A FIREARM, BEARS A HEAVY
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ACT OR OMISSION CAUSED BY THE USE OF THAT FIREARM WHETHER
THE OFFICER IS WORKING OR NOT WORKING AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.
DEPENDING ON THE CRIMINAL LAW OF THE STATE WHEREIN THE ACT TAKES PLACE,
AN OFFICER WHO UNLAWFULLY OR WRONGFULLY DRAWS HIS REVOLVER OR POINTS HIS
REVOLVER AT ANOTHER PERSON, OR WHO FIRES HIS WEAPON IN A WRONGFUL MANNER, CAN BE
CHARGED WITH A VARIETY OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES.
BEAR IN MIND THAT HE IS FURTHER RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFEGUARDING HIS FIREARM
WHEN OFF-DUTY AND FAILURE TO DO SO MAY ALSO RESULT IN A CRIMINAL ACT EVEN THOUGH
AT THE TIME OF THE ACT, HE MAY NOT BE IN PHYSICAL POSSESSION OF THE WEAPON.
THE FOLLOWING ACTUAL CASES WILL HELP TO
ILLUSTRATE THE KINDS OF CRIMES THAT CAN RESULT FROM AN OFFICER'S FAILURE TO
FOLLOW THE FIREARMS POLICY.
APPLICATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LIABILITY
CASE NO. 1:
A
THREE-YEAR-OLD CHILD TOOK A LOADED WEAPON FROM A HOUSE THAT HE AND HIS MOTHER
WERE VISITING. THE GUN WAS THE
PROPERTY OF A SECURITY OFFICER WHO HAD LEFT THE GUN IN AN ACCESSIBLE LOCATION IN
A CLOSET.
THE LITTLE BOY LATER POINTED THE GUN AT A SIX-YEAR OLD OUTSIDE ON THE
LAWN AND FIRED. THE SIX-YEAR-OLD
LOOKED IN TERRIFIED ASTONISHMENT AT THE GAPING HOLE IN HIS CHEST BEFORE HE FELL
DEAD ON THE GROUND.
DEPENDING ON STATE LAW, THE OFFICER COULD BE CHARGED WITH A VARIETY OF
CRIMINAL LAW VIOLATIONS, INCLUDING:
A. CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT
HOMICIDE
B. MANSLAUGHTER
C. ENDANGERING THE HEALTH AND
WELFARE OF A MINOR
D. RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT
IN ADDITION TO THE CRIMINAL CHARGES, HE CAN BE CIVILLY SUED FOR THE
RESULT OF HIS CARELESSNESS. IF YOU FOLLOW GUIDELINES ON SAFEGUARDING YOUR
FIREARM, THESE KINDS OF EVENTS WILL NOT OCCUR.
CASE NO. 2:
AN ARMED SECURITY OFFICER ON DUTY AT THE GATE OF AN INDUSTRIAL PLANT IS
APPROACHED FROM THE STREET BY A STRANGE MAN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.
THE STRANGER SUDDENLY APPEARS OUT OF THE DARKNESS, SEEMINGLY OMINOUS IN
HIS APPROACH AND DOES NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND WHEN CHALLENGED BY THE SECURITY
OFFICER. AS THE STRANGER IS ALMOST
UPON THE OFFICER, HE REACHES IN HIS COAT POCKET FOR WHAT THE OFFICER SUPPOSES TO
BE A WEAPON. THE OFFICER DRAWS HIS
GUN AND FIRES, SERIOUSLY WOUNDING THE STRANGER.
THE INVESTIGATION DEVELOPS THE STRANGER WAS LOST AND WAS REACHING INTO
HIS POCKET FOR A PIECE OF PAPER WITH AN ADDRESS TO SHOW THE OFFICER IN ASKING
FOR ASSISTANCE. THE OFFICER IS
ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH ASSAULT. A
HEARING IS HELD, AND THE CHARGE IS DISMISSED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO INTENT.
THAT ACTION TERMINATED THE CRIMINAL MATTER.
THE VICTIM THEN SUED THE OFFICER AND THE SECURITY COMPANY FOR DAMAGES.
THIS IS A CIVIL OR TORT ACTION. IT
IS QUITE PROBABLE DAMAGES WILL BE AWARDED IN MOST CASES, THE JUDGMENT WILL BE
PAID BY THE SECURITY COMPANY. THE
EMPLOYER WHO ARMS
THE EMPLOYEE IS LIABLE FOR PRACTICALLY ALL
*TORT ACTS, WHETHER WILLFUL OR ACCIDENTAL. THE
OFFICER IS LIABLE FOR HIS OWN CRIMINAL ACTS.
*Tort:
Any wrongful act, damage, or injury done willfully, negligently, or in
circumstances involving strict liability, but not involving breach of contract,
for which a civil suit can be brought. (American Heritage Dictionary)
CASE NO. 3:
A SECURITY OFFICER ON DUTY IN A BANK LOBBY WITNESSES AN ARMED HOLD-UP OF
A TELLER. THE OFFICER IS ARMED, BUT
REALIZES IF HE STARTS A GUN
THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF CRIMINAL ACTION AND A LAWSUIT WILL SURELY
FOLLOW. THE GUN WAS NOT FIRED IN
ANYONE'S DEFENSE, SO IT IS PROBABLE THAT THERE WILL BE A JUDGMENT AGAINST THE
OFFICER AND THE EMPLOYER.
COURT
CASES
CASE NO. P-1:
THOMAS CASE
THOMAS WAS APPOINTED A POLICE OFFICER BY THE CITY OF
THE BULLET WENT THROUGH A WALL 6 1/2" THICK AND STRUCK A SMALL CHILD
WHO WAS IN A BATHTUB IN AN ADJOINING APARTMENT.
THE INJURY PROVED TO BE VERY SERIOUS AND PERMANENT.
WHEN THE CASE WAS TRIED BEFORE A JURY, AN AWARD OF $180,000 WAS RETURNED
ON BEHALF OF THE CHILD, AND ADDITIONALLY $45,000 IN FAVOR OF THE PARENTS.
THE VERDICTS WERE AGAINST
AN APPEAL WAS TAKEN BY
THE BASIS OF THE CLAIM OF ACTIVE WRONGDOING AGAINST THE CITY WAS THAT ITS
TRAINING PROGRAM WAS INADEQUATE IN THAT IT HAD NOT TRAINED OR INSTRUCTED THOMAS
SUFFICIENTLY IN THE SAFE USE OF THE .38 CAL. POLICE SERVICE REVOLVER.
IN SUPPORT OF THIS POSITION, TWO EXPERTS, DONALD MACNAMARA AND PAUL
WESTON, TESTIFIED FOR THE PLAINTIFFS. THE
COURT FOUND THAT EACH OF THESE EXPERTS HAD VARIED AND VAST EXPERIENCE IN THE
FIELD OF FIREARMS, FIREARMS SAFETY, AND POLICE TRAINING.
MACNAMARA TESTIFIED THAT IN HIS OPINION, THOMAS' TRAINING WAS INADEQUATE
AS TO (1) SAFETY DURING OFF-DUTY HOURS; (2) THE TYPE OF HOLSTER TO BE USED
DURING SUCH PERIODS; AND (3) THE MANNER OF HANDLING THE GUN. THOMAS HAD NOT
FIRED HIS GUN SINCE HIS APPOINTMENT, A PERIOD OF 6 1/2 MONTHS; THIS LACK OF
RETRAINING WAS ALSO CRITICIZED BY MACNAMARA.
THE COURT WENT ON TO DISCUSS THE ACTUAL DISCHARGE OF THE GUN, AND SAID:
"THE ACTUAL CAUSE OF THE DISCHARGE OF THE REVOLVER ON THE EVENING OF
THE INCIDENT INVOLVED HEREIN WAS NEVER ACTUALLY DISCLOSED.
THOMAS, IN HIS DEPOSITIONS (BEFORE TRIAL), STATED THAT HE COULD NOT SAY
WHAT CAUSED IT TO DISCHARGE; HE DID NOT KNOW WHETHER HE COCKED IT OR PULLED THE
TRIGGER BEFORE IT WENT OFF, BUT THAT HE DID NOT DROP IT.
AS A WITNESS, HE TESTIFIED THAT HE POSITIVELY DID NOT PULL THE TRIGGER;
HE DID NOT DROP IT OR HIT IT AGAINST ANYTHING, AND AS HE WITHDREW THE GUN FROM
THE HOLSTER WITH HIS RIGHT HAND, HE HAD HIS FINGER ON THE GRIP THEREOF AND NOT
ON THE TRIGGER, BUT NEVERTHELESS IT WENT OFF.
ONE JACK WELLER, AN EXPERT IN FIREARMS, TESTIFIED FOR PLAINTIFFS THAT HE
EXAMINED AND TESTED THOMAS' REVOLVER SHORTLY THEREAFTER IN THE PRESENCE OF LT.
SPIESSBACK; THAT THE GUN WAS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER AND SAFE, AND THE ONLY WAY
IT COULD HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED WAS BY PHYSICALLY PULLING THE TRIGGER.
IN DEPOSITIONS OFFERED IN EVIDENCE BY PLAINTIFFS, SPIESSBACK, CONCURRED
THEREWITH. THOMAS FURTHER, IN HIS
DEPOSITIONS, STATED HE WAS NOT "TOO FAMILIAR" WITH THE WORKINGS OF HIS
SERVICE FIREARM; HE DID NOT REMEMBER ANY OF THE INSTRUCTIONS HE HAD RECEIVED
RELEVANT TO ITS MECHANICAL WORKINGS. HE
EVEN ADMITTED HE WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE BASIC PARTS OF THE WEAPON.
THE COURT CONCLUDED THAT THE ISSUES DESCRIBED WERE ISSUES TO BE DECIDED
BY THE JURY; THAT IN THE TRIAL COURT
THEY HAD BEEN
CORRECTLY SUBMITTED TO THE JURY UNDER PROPER INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE TRIAL
JUDGE, AND THAT THE VERDICTS AGAINST THE CITY OF
CASE NO. P-2 MULARCHUK CASE
MULARCHUK WAS A RESERVE PATROLMAN, APPOINTED BY THE BOROUGH OF
WHILE ON THE WITNESS STAND, HE STATED HE
WAS TOLD HIS GUN COULD BE USED IF HIS LIFE WAS THREATENED, OR IN A HOLD-UP, AND
THAT HE WOULD USE FORCE WHEN AN ARREST WAS RESISTED.
ON A NIGHT IN MAY, 1956 THIS OFFICER, IN UNIFORM HAD BEEN EMPLOYED AT A
NIGHT CLUB TO KEEP ORDER AND SEE THAT THE LAW WAS ENFORCED.
MCANDREW, THE 17-YEAR-OLD PLAINTIFF IN THE CASE, ALONG WITH A COMPANION,
HAD EMPLOYED A TOW TRUCK TO HAUL HIS CAR BACK ON THE ROAD AFTER IT STUCK IN THE
MUD. ABOUT THE TIME MULARCHUK LEFT
THE CLUB TO GO HOME, A HEATED ARGUMENT WITH THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WAS IN PROGRESS
OVER WHAT MCANDREW CONSIDERED AN EXORBITANT CHARGE.
DURING AN ATTEMPTED ARREST, MCANDREW WAS SHOT AND WOUNDED BY MULARCHUK,
AND THEREAFTER BROUGHT SUIT AGAINST THE BOROUGH OF KEANSBURG FOR DAMAGES.
IN A SERIES OF CONFLICTING DECISIONS, THE CASE WENT TO THE SUPREME COURT.
MCANDREW AND OFFICER MULARCHUK HAD TOLD CONFLICTING STORIES, THE
PLAINTIFF CLAIMING HE WAS FRIGHTENED AND TRIED TO GET AWAY, THE OFFICER
CONTENDING HE SHOT IN SELF-DEFENSE, BUT THAT HE FIRED AT THE SIDEWALK WHICH
RESULTED IN THE PLAINTIFF BEING STRUCK BY A RICOCHETING BULLET.
THE SUPREME COURT COMMENTED: "IF
MULARCHUK REASONABLY BELIEVED THAT HE WAS IN DANGER OF BODILY HARM AND
REASONABLY BELIEVED THAT IT WAS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO AVERT THAT HARM TO FIRE A
WARNING SHOT (AS DISTINGUISHED FROM A SHOT TO INJURE) IN THE DIRECTION OF
MCANDREW AND DID NOT INTEND THAT THE BULLET SHOULD STRIKE HIM, BUT IT DID STRIKE
HIM BECAUSE OF MULARCHUK'S LACK OF SKILL OR TRAINING IN HANDLING THE GUN, A JURY
WOULD BE JUSTIFIED IN FINDING LIABILITY ON THE PART OF KEANSBURG.
IT FOLLOWS ALSO THAT IF THE JURY DOES NOT ACCEPT AS CREDIBLE THE
ALLEGATION OF THREATS BY
MCANDREW, OR AS REASONABLE THAT THERE WAS
ANY NEED TO FIRE A SHOT, THE FIRING OF THE GUN AT THE SIDEWALK IN THE DIRECTION
OF MCANDREW AS HE APPROACHED OR AS HE WAS RUNNING AWAY, EVEN TO EFFECTUATE AN
ARREST (THIS WAS ONLY FOR A MISDEMEANOR) WOULD CONSTITUTE NEGLIGENCE RENDERING
THE BOROUGH OF KEANSBURG RESPONSIBLE IF THE WOUNDING STEMMED FROM LACK OF
REASONABLE SKILL AND TRAINING IN HANDLING THE WEAPON.
CASE NO. P-3:
IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, IN DECEMBER, 1949, A POLICE OFFICE WITH NINE
YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE DEPARTMENT, SAW TWO MEN ENTER A STORE, WALK TO THE BACK,
AND DISAPPEAR BEHIND A PARTITION. HIS
SUSPICIONS AROUSED, THE OFFICER FOLLOWED THEM.
UPON ENTERING THE REAR ROOM OF THE STORE, HE FOUND A HOLD-UP IN PROGRESS.
ONE OF THE ROBBERS HAD HIS RIGHT HAND IN HIS POCKET, WHICH SEEMED TO SHOW
THE OUTLINE OF A GUN, AND WAS PUSHING FIVE OR SIX MEN UP AGAINST A WALL.
THE OTHER MAN WAS 'FRISKING' ONE OF THE VICTIMS.
THE OFFICER ANNOUNCED, "I'M A COPY.
DROP YOUR GUNS." INSTANTLY,
THE MAN WHO WAS WORKING ON THE VICTIM STARTED SHOOTING AT THE POLICE OFFICER,
WHO RETURNED THE FIRE. THE LATTER
FIRED ONE SHOT AT THE OTHER HOLD-UP MAN, WHO WAS FOUR OR FIVE FEET FROM HIM AND
TO HIS LEFT. THIS ROBBER DID NOT
FIRE ANY SHOTS, BUT RAN FROM THE STORE. HOWEVER,
HIS COMPANION FIRED SEVERAL SHOTS FROM A DISTANCE OF ABOUT EIGHT FEET.
THE OFFICER TRIED TO AIM HIS REMAINING FIVE SHOTS AT THE ROBBER, BUT FOUR
OF THEM STRUCK THE VICTIM WHO WAS BEING 'FRISKED.' AS A RESULT, HE DIED.
AN ACTION FOR WRONGFUL DEATH WAS BROUGHT AGAINST THE CITY OF NEW YORK BY
THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DECEDENT'S ESTATE, IN WHICH IT WAS ALLEGED, AS ONE OF
THE THEORIES UPON WHICH NEW YORK CITY WAS LIABLE, THAT IT HAD KNOWINGLY RETAINED
IN ITS EMPLOY A POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS INADEQUATELY TRAINED AND WHO WAS
INEXPERIENCED IN THE USE OF SMALL FIREARMS AT CLOSE RANGE.
IT APPEARED AT THE TRIAL THAT THE PATROLMAN HAD MET THE REQUIREMENTS OF
PROFICIENCY IN THE USE OF A HANDGUN AS PRESCRIBED BY THE RULES OF THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT. AT THAT TIME, A
PROFICIENCY SCORE OF 50 OUT OF A POSSIBLE SCORE OF 100, FIRING SLOWLY AT A
DISTANCE OF 60 FEET AT A PAPER TARGET WAS THE ONLY REQUIREMENT.
NO COMBAT-TYPE TESTS WERE EMPLOYED IN THE FIREARMS INSTRUCTION.
A PATROLMAN WAS REQUIRED TO APPEAR FOR THIS TEST EVERY FOUR MONTHS, EACH
TIME FIRING 10 ROUNDS.
DURING THE PERIOD OF JANUARY, 1946 TO OCTOBER, 1949, THE OFFICER HAD
APPEARED NINE TIMES FOR SUCH SHOOTING--RECORDING A HIGH SCORE OF 84, LOW SCORE
OF 57 AND AVERAGING A LITTLE OVER 70. NOTHING
WAS SHOWN IN THE CASE TO INDICATE
THAT ANY CHARGES WERE EVER PREFERRED
AGAINST THIS PATROLMAN FOR INCOMPETENCY TO PERFORM HIS DUTY, NOR THAT THE METHOD
OF INSTRUCTION WAS DIFFERENT FROM THAT USED BY OTHER POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN THIS
COUNTRY.
AT THE CLOSE OF THE PLAINTIFF'S CASE, THE TRIAL JUDGE DISMISSED THE CASE
ON THE MERITS, BUT AN APPEAL WAS TAKEN TO THE APPELLATE DIVISION OF THE SUPREME
COURT.
Note: A
security officer is not a police officer and is under no lawful obligation to
take action (unless by direction of a police office)!
USE
OF THE GUN
1.
THE SECURITY OFFICER'S MAIN RESPONSIBILITY IS TO THE
CLIENT.
2.
HE SHOULD NOT USE PHYSICAL FORCE WHERE IT CAN BE
AVOIDED.
3.
IT IS MORALLY WRONG TO USE A GUN EXCEPT WHEN LIFE IS
THREATENED.
4.
GREAT RESPONSIBILITY IS ATTACHED TO CARRYING A GUN.
5.
CARELESSNESS OR NEGLIGENT USE OF A WEAPON WILL NOT BE
TOLERATED.
6.
A GUN IS NOT A TOY.
7.
THE WEAPON SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A THREAT.
IF THE
OFFICER IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN USING THE WEAPON, IT SHOULD
NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF THE HOLSTER.
GENERAL
RULES
THE DECISION:
CARRYING A FIREARM IS A DEADLY SERIOUS MATTER.
THE GUN IS CAPABLE OF BRINGING INSTANT DEATH OR PERMANENT INJURY.
ONCE YOU ARE ARMED, YOU WILL INEVITABLY BE FACED WITH THE DECISION TO
DRAW THE FIREARM AND USE IT, OR TO LEAVE IT IN THE HOLSTER AND FIND ANOTHER WAY.
AS LONG AS THE FIREARM IS AVAILABLE, YOU WILL HAVE TO WEIGH THE FACT AND
MAKE THE DECISION. YOU MUST ALSO
FACE THE FACT THAT AS THE SITUATION ARISES WHERE THE USE OF THE FIREARM IS
NECESSARY, YOU SHOULD DO SO WITHOUT HESITATION.
USE YOUR HEAD:
YOUR BIGGEST ASSET IN CARRYING OUT YOUR JOB IS YOUR INTELLIGENCE AND
TRAINING, NOT YOUR FIREARM. IN ANY
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CALL FOR HELP.
IF A FELON IS ESCAPING, DON'T SHOOT:
OBSERVE AND REPORT. WHEN
MAKING AN ARREST, IF THE SUSPECT RESISTS, YOU MAY USE PHYSICAL FORCE.
IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO SUBDUE HIM/HER WITH PHYSICAL FORCE, LET HIM/HER
GO, BUT BE SURE TO OBSERVE AND REPORT.
WHEN TO USE:
NEVER DRAW YOUR FIREARM IF THERE IS SOME WAY TO AVOID IT.
IF YOU CAN RETREAT SAFELY, DO IT. IF
YOU CAN HANDLE THE PERSON PHYSICALLY WITHOUT ENDANGERING YOUR LIFE, DO IT.
IF YOU CAN TALK THE PERSON OUT OF IT SAFELY, DO IT.
DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO PROTECT LIVES AND AVOID DRAWING YOUR GUN.
IN ALMOST ALL CASES, A SECURITY OFFICER CAN CARRY OUT THEIR
RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT PEOPLE AND PROPERTY BY SIMPLE ACTS OF PREVENTION,
OBSERVATION AND REPORTING, AND AVOIDING THE USE OF DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE.
SHOOTING DISTANCE:
AFTER DECIDING THAT A LIFE IS ENDANGERED, YOU MUST DECIDE IF YOU CAN
SAFELY HIT YOUR TARGET. IF A PERSON
IS MORE THAN THIRTY FEET AWAY, YOU MAY MISS AND HIT A BYSTANDER.
THIS IS WHY TRAINING IS SO IMPORTANT.
ALSO KNOWING YOUR TARGET AND BEYOND, AND BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
WARNING SHOTS:
EVEN THOUGH YOU SEE IT IN THE MOVIES, DO NOT SHOOT A WARNING SHOT OVER
THE SUSPECT'S HEAD OR INTO THE GROUND. DO
NOT SHOOT A WARNING SHOT HOPING TO STOP A PERSON WHO IS ESCAPING.
REMEMBER THAT YOUR FIREARM IS NOT TO BE USED EXCEPT TO PROTECT A LIFE.
VERBAL WARNING:
NEVER DRAW YOUR FIREARM UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO USE IT.
HOWEVER, BEFORE PULLING THE TRIGGER, YOU SHOULD GIVE A VERBAL WARNING
SUCH AS, "STOP, OR I'LL SHOOT!" OR "DROP THE KNIFE OR I'LL
SHOOT!" IF A MAN IS LEAPING AT
YOU AS YOU ARE DRAWING, THERE WILL BE NO TIME FOR A WARNING.
USUALLY, THERE IS TIME TO GIVE A WARNING.
IF SUSPECT HEARS YOUR WARNING AND TURNS AND RUNS, DON'T SHOOT.
LET HIM GO. YOUR LIFE IS
NEVER ENDANGERED BY A RETREATING SUSPECT.
APPROACH/RETREAT:
YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF IN A SITUATION WHERE YOUR LIFE IS ENDANGERED, BUT
THE SITUATION SUDDENLY CHANGES. FOR
INSTANCE, A MAN TAKES A SHOT AT YOU (YOUR LIFE IS ENDANGERED.)
HE THEN TURNS AND RUNS AWAY. SHOOTING
A SUSPECT WHO IS RUNNING AWAY CAN HARDLY BE CALLED SELF-DEFENSE, EVEN IF HE SHOT
AT YOU EARLIER. LET'S LOOK AT
ANOTHER EXAMPLE: LET'S SAY THAT YOU
SURPRISE TWO MALES LOADING A CAR WITH STOLEN GOODS.
YOU ARE ON FOOT IN THE STREET. THEY
START THE CAR SUDDENLY AND SPEED TOWARD YOU.
YOU JUMP OUT OF THE WAY AND THE CAR GOES ROARING DOWN THE STREET.
YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SHOOT IF YOU CAN AVOID DOING SO BY JUMPING OUT OF
THE WAY NOR CAN YOU SHOOT AFTER THE CAR PASSES, SINCE YOU ARE NO LONGER
ENDANGERED. BEAR IN MIND, THAT IF
YOU DID SHOOT AT A MOVING VEHICLE AND HIT THE DRIVER, YOU NOW HAVE A FEW TONS OF
STEEL MOVING OUT OF CONTROL, POSSIBLY PLACING INNOCENT PEOPLE ON THE STREET OR
HIGHWAY IN GREAT DANGER. YOU WILL BE
HELD LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RESULTS OF YOUR DECISION.
THREATENING GESTURES:
MANY PEOPLE ARE FRIGHTENED BY THE SIGHT OF A FIREARM.
THEIR FRIGHT IS REFLECTED IN
THE SAME IS TRUE FOR UNHOOKING THE SAFETY STRAP ON YOUR HOLSTER OR
COCKING YOUR HAMMER. NEVER USE THESE
THREATENING GESTURES AS A SCARE TACTIC. THEY
CAN GET YOU INTO A GREAT DEAL OF TROUBLE THAT OTHERWISE WOULD NOT OCCUR.
THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU CANNOT UNHOOK YOUR
SAFETY RULES
1. ALWAYS TREAT A
FIREARM AS IF IT WERE LOADED.
2. NEVER POINT A
FIREARM AT ANYONE UNLESS YOU EXPECT
TO SHOOT THAT PERSON.
3. WHILE ON DUTY, NEVER
DRAW YOUR FIREARM UNLESS YOU
INTEND TO USE IT.
4. NEVER DRAW OR PLACE YOUR FIREARM IN THE HOLSTER
WITH YOUR FINGER ON THE TRIGGER.
5. NEVER PASS YOUR
FIREARM OVER TO SOMEONE WITHOUT,
A. CHECKING AND UNLOADING IT.
B. THE ACTION OPEN.
6. NEVER ACCEPT A
FIREARM FROM ANOTHER PERSON WITHOUT
CHECKING TO SEE IF IT'S UNLOADED.
7. DO NOT CARRY A
FIREARM WITH THE HAMMER COCKED.
8. WHEN IN DOUBT,
DON'T SHOOT.
9. AT HOME STORE
YOUR
OF REACH AND SIGHT FROM CHILDREN AND OR
UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.
10. NEVER SHOW-OFF YOUR FIREARM.
WARNING
SHOTS
PENAL
CODE:
CRIMINAL
LIABILITY
53A-19.
4. WARNING SHOTS: FIRING OF A "WARNING SHOT" INTO THE
GROUND IN THE VICINITY OF TWO ASSAILANTS WHO HAD BEEN BEATING A THIRD MAN COULD
NOT BE JUSTIFIED, AS A DEFENSE TO PROTECTION FOR RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT, ON
GROUNDS OF PROTECTING THIRD PERSON FROM ASSAILANTS' USING OR ABOUT TO USE DEADLY
PHYSICAL FORCE OR INFLICTING OR ABOUT TO INFLICT GREAT BODILY HARM, WHERE AT
TIME SHOT WAS FIRED THE ATTACK ON THE VICTIM HAD STOPPED AND THE ASSAILANTS WERE
WALKING AWAY FROM THE SCENE.
STATE
V. GHILONI (1978) 398 A.2D 1204, 35 CONN.SUP. 570
STATE
OF
V.
DINO
GHILONI
NO.472.
SUPERIOR
COURT OF
APPELLATE
SESSION
ARGUED
DECIDED
MARCH 31. 1978.
DEFENDANT WAS CONVICTED IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, SEVENTH
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, PHILLIPS, J., OF RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT IN THE SECOND DEGREE.
WARNING SHOTS ARE DANGEROUS, THE BULLET
FIRED IN THE AIR CAN CAUSE DEATH OR INJURY WHEN IT LANDS.
A BULLET FIRED AT THE GROUND OR HARD SURFACE CAN RICOCHET AND GO ASTRAY,
CAUSING DEATH OR INJURY.
RICOCHETS
CAN BE USED IN DEFENSE AT TIMES BUT NOT RECOMMENDED.
CHAPTER
943
OFFENSES
AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND SAFETY
53-203 UNLAWFUL DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS:
ANY PERSON WHO INTENTIONALLY, NEGLIGENTLY OR CARELESSLY DISCHARGES ANY
FIREARM IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO BE LIKELY TO CAUSE BODILY INJURY OR DEATH TO
PERSON OR DOMESTIC ANIMAL, OR THE WANTON DESTRUCTION OR PROPERTY SHALL BE FINED
NOT MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS OR IMPRISONED NOT MORE THAN THREE MONTHS
OR BOTH.
CHAPTER
950
PENAL
CODE: GENERAL PROVISIONS
53A-3. DEFINITIONS
17. "SHOTGUN" MEANS A WEAPON DESIGNED OR REDESIGNED,
MADE OR REMADE, AND INTENDED TO BE FIRED FROM THE SHOULDER AND DESIGNED OR
REDESIGNED AND MADE OR REMADE TO USE THE ENERGY OF THE EXPLOSIVE IN A FIXED
SHOTGUN SHELL TO FIRE THROUGH A SMOOTH BORE EITHER A NUMBER OF BALL SHOT OR A
SINGLE PROJECTILE FOR EACH SINGLE PULL OF THE TRIGGER;
18. "PISTOL" OR "REVOLVER" MEANS ANY
FIREARM HAVING A BARREL LESS THAN TWELVE INCHES;
19. "FIREARM" MEANS ANY SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN, MACHINE GUN,
RIFLE, SHOTGUN, PISTOL, REVOLVER OR WEAPON, WHETHER LOADED OR UNLOADED FROM
WHICH A SHOT MAY BE DISCHARGED;
CHAPTER
952
PART
XXI
MISCELLANEOUS
OFFENSES
53A-221. POSSESSION OF A SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN
OR SILENCER:
CLASS D FELONY
(A) A PERSON IS GUILTY OF
POSSESSION OF A SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN OR SILENCER WHEN HE OWNS, CONTROLS OR
POSSESSES ANY SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN THAT HAS A BARREL OF LESS THAN EIGHTEEN INCHES
OR AN OVERALL LENGTH OF LESS THAN TWENTY-SIX INCHES OR WHEN HE OWNS, CONTROLS OR
POSSESSES ANY SILENCER DESIGNED TO MUFFLE THE NOISE OF A FIREARM DURING
DISCHARGE.
CHAPTER 950
PENAL
CODE: GENERAL PROVISIONS
53A-3. DEFINITIONS
3. "PHYSICAL INJURY" MEANS IMPAIRMENT OF PHYSICAL
CONDITION OR PAIN;
4. "SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY" MEANS PHYSICAL INJURY WHICH
CREATES A SUBSTANTIAL RISK OF DEATH, OR WHICH CAUSES SERIOUS DISFIGUREMENT,
SERIOUS IMPAIRMENT OF HEALTH OR SERIOUS LOSS OR IMPAIRMENT OF THE FUNCTION OF
ANY BODILY ORGAN;
5. "DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE" MEANS PHYSICAL FORCE WHICH
CAN BE REASONABLY EXPECTED TO CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY;
CHAPTER
951
PENAL
CODE: STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION;
PRINCIPLES
OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY
53A-19. USE OF PHYSICAL FORCE IN DEFENSE OF
PERSON:
A. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN (B) AND (C) A PERSON IS JUSTIFIED IN USING
REASONABLE PHYSICAL FORCE UPON ANOTHER PERSON TO DEFEND HIMSELF OR A THIRD
PERSON FROM WHAT HE REASONABLY BELIEVES TO BE THE USE OR IMMINENT USE OF
PHYSICAL FORCE, AND HE MAY USE SUCH DEGREE OF FORCE WHICH HE REASONABLY BELIEVES
TO BE NECESSARY FOR SUCH PURPOSE; EXCEPT THAT DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE MAY NOT BE
USED UNLESS THE ACTOR REASONABLY BELIEVES THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON IS (1) USING OR
ABOUT TO USE DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE, OR (2) INFLICTING OR ABOUT TO INFLICT GREAT
BODILY HARM.
B. NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (A), A PERSON IS NOT
JUSTIFIED IN USING DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE UPON ANOTHER PERSON IF HE KNOWS THAT HE
CAN AVOID THE NECESSITY OF USING SUCH FORCE WITH COMPLETE SAFETY (1) BY
RETREATING, EXCEPT THAT THE ACTOR SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO RETREAT IF HE IS IN
HIS DWELLING, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 53A-100, OR PLACE OF WORK AND WAS NOT THE
INITIAL AGGRESSOR, OR IF HE IS A PEACE OFFICER OR A PRIVATE PERSON ASSISTING
SUCH PEACE OFFICER AT HIS DIRECTION, AND ACTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 53A-22, OR
(2) BY SURRENDERING POSSESSION OF PROPERTY TO A PERSON ASSERTING A CLAIM OF
RIGHT THERETO, OR (3) BY COMPLYING WITH A DEMAND THAT HE ABSTAIN FROM PERFORMING
AN ACT WHICH HE IS NOT OBLIGED TO PERFORM.
C. NOTWITHSTANDING
THE PROVISION OF SUBSECTION (A), A PERSON IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN USING PHYSICAL
FORCE WHEN (1) WITH INTENT TO CAUSE PHYSICAL INJURY OR DEATH TO ANOTHER PERSON,
OR (2) HE IS THE INITIAL AGGRESSOR, EXCEPT THAT HIS USE OF PHYSICAL FORCE UPON
ANOTHER PERSON UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES IS JUSTIFIABLE IF HE WITHDRAWS FROM THE
ENCOUNTER AND EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATES TO SUCH OTHER PERSON HIS INTENT TO DO SO,
BUT SUCH OTHER PERSON NOTWITHSTANDING CONTINUES OR THREATENS TO USE THE USE OF
PHYSICAL FORCE, OR (3) THE PHYSICAL FORCE INVOLVED WAS THE PRODUCT OF A COMBAT
BY AGREEMENT NOT SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY LAW.
53A-20.
USE OF PHYSICAL FORCE IN DEFENSE OF PREMISES:
A PERSON IN POSSESSION OR CONTROL OF PREMISES, OR A PERSON WHO IS
LICENSED OR PRIVILEGED TO BE IN OR UPON SUCH PREMISES, IS JUSTIFIED IN USING
REASONABLE PHYSICAL FORCE UPON ANOTHER PERSON WHEN AND TO THE EXTENT THAT HE
REASONABLY BELIEVES IT IS NECESSARY TO PREVENT OR TERMINATE THE COMMISSION OR
ATTEMPTED COMMISSION OF A CRIMINAL TRESPASS BY SUCH OTHER PERSON IN OR UPON SUCH
PREMISES; BUT HE MAY USE DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES ONLY (1)
IN DEFENSE OF A PERSON AS PRESCRIBED IN SECTION 53A-19, OR (2) WHEN HE
REASONABLY BELIEVES IT IS NECESSARY TO PREVENT AN ATTEMPT BY THE TRESPASSER TO
COMMIT ARSON OR ANY CRIME OF VIOLENCE, OR (3) TO THE EXTENT THAT HE REASONABLY
BELIEVES IT NECESSARY TO PREVENT OR TERMINATE AN UNLAWFUL ENTRY BY FORCE INTO
HIS DWELLING AS DEFINED IN SECTION 53A-100, OR PLACE OF WORK, AND FOR THE SOLE
PURPOSE OF SUCH PREVENTION OR TERMINATION.
53A-21.
USE OF PHYSICAL FORCE IN DEFENSE OF PROPERTY;
LARCENY;
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
A PERSON IS JUSTIFIED IN USING REASONABLE PHYSICAL FORCE UPON ANOTHER
PERSON WHEN AND TO THE EXTENT THAT HE REASONABLY BELIEVES IT NECESSARY TO
PREVENT AN ATTEMPT BY SUCH OTHER PERSON TO COMMIT LARCENY OR CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
INVOLVING PROPERTY, OR WHEN AND TO THE EXTENT HE REASONABLY BELIEVES IT
NECESSARY TO REGAIN PROPERTY WHICH HE REASONABLY BELIEVES TO HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED
BY LARCENY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME PRIOR TO THE USE OF SUCH FORCE; BUT HE MAY
USE DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES ONLY IN DEFENSE OF PERSONS AS
PRESCRIBED IN SECTION 53A-19.
53A-22. USE OF PHYSICAL FORCE IN MAKING
ARREST OR
PREVENTING
ESCAPE:
(F) A PRIVATE PERSON ACTING ON HIS OWN
ACCOUNT IS JUSTIFIED IN USING REASONABLE PHYSICAL FORCE UPON ANOTHER PERSON WHEN
AND TO THE EXTENT THAT HE REASONABLY BELIEVES IT IS NECESSARY TO EFFECT AN
ARREST OR TO PREVENT THE ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY OF AN ARRESTED PERSON WHOM HE
REASONABLY BELIEVES TO HAVE COMMITTED AN OFFENSE AND WHO IN FACT HAS COMMITTED
SUCH OFFENSE; BUT HE IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN USING DEADLY PHYSICAL FORCE IN SUCH
CIRCUMSTANCES, EXCEPT IN DEFENSE OF PERSON AS PRESCRIBED IN SECTION 53A19.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The
use of DEADLY FORCE. The use of
deadly force is a serious decision for anyone to make, once used there's no
taking it back and a life or lives have been lost.
This is why you must think of the out come before using deadly force.
This is why must only use deadly force if and only if your life or the
life of a third party is in jeopardy and the actor has displayed all of the
following.
A. The ABILITY and MEANS to cause serious bodily harm that
may result the death or the means to use deadly force.
B. The OPPORTUNITY to use deadly force against your life or
the life of a third party, This usually takes place within 21 feet?
C. Shows INTENT to do so.
REMEMBER
you will have to defend your action. If
at all possible retreat, the lost of material things can be replace, life can
not.
SHOOT / DON'T SHOOT
SITUATION
THE FOLLOWING ARE ACTUAL CASES FROM THE FIREARM INCIDENT REPORTS FILED
WITH A STATE REGULATORY AGENCY. WE
WILL REVIEW THESE CASES TO BRING UP POINTS FOR DISCUSSION, UNDERSTANDING AND
GUIDANCE.
THERE
SHOULD BE NO DOUBT IN THE STUDENTS' MIND AS TO THE CORRECT COURSE OF ACTION TO
BE TAKEN.
FOLLOWING ARE A NUMBER OF QUESTION THAT WE
WILL DISCUSS ON THE FOLLOWING CASES.
1.
WAS THERE SOME OTHER WAY THE INCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN
HANDLED ?
2.
DID THE SECURITY OFFICER USE THE CORRECT APPROACH ?
3.
WAS THE SECURITY OFFICER RIGHT IN DRAWING HIS FIREARM ?
4.
WAS THE SECURITY OFFICER RIGHT IN FIRING A WARNING SHOT
5.
WERE
THERE ANY RULES OR LAWS VIOLATED ?
CASE NO.1
IT IS
THE OFFICER SWINGS AROUND THE STATION AND DRIVES TO THE REAR, CATCHING
THE TWO YOUNG MEN IN HIS HEADLIGHTS. HE
STOPS THE CAR, GETS OUT AND SAYS, "ALL RIGHT, WHAT ARE YOU GUYS
DOING". THE TWO SUSPECTS TURN
AND RUN DOWN THE ALLEY.
CASE NO.2
SECURITY OFFICER JACK MANNING IS ON DUTY AT A LUMBER YARD.
AT
THE POLICE ARRIVE AND CHECK THE LUMBER YARD THOROUGHLY; FINDING NOTHING,
THEY LEAVE. MR. MANNING CONTINUES TO
HEAR STRANGE NOISES AND DOES NOT MAKE HIS REGULAR ROUNDS.
AT
CASE NO.3
SECURITY OFFICER HARRY RUSSELL WAS ON NIGHT DUTY AT A DRIVE-IN
RESTAURANT. AT
RUSSELL WALKED UP TO THE DRIVER OF THE CAR AND SAID, "MOVE YOUR CAR;
YOU ARE BLOCKING THE DRIVEWAY." THE
DRIVER REPLIED "I
WITH THAT, THE OFFICER OPENS THE DOOR AND REACHED FOR THE DRIVER.
THE DRIVER GETS OUT OF THE CAR AND PUSHES RUSSELL, KNOCKING HIM TO THE
GROUND AND STARTS YELLING AT THE OFFICER USING CONSIDERABLE PROFANITY AND
ATTRACTING THE ATTENTION OF EVERYONE AT THE DRIVE-IN.
THE DRIVER THEN APPROACHED THE OFFICER, WHO IS STANDING UP BY NOW, AND
SAYS, "I'LL TEACH YOU A LESSON." RUSSELL
DRAWS HIS FIREARM AND SAYS, "YOU TAKE ANOTHER STEP AND I'LL BLOW YOUR HEAD
OFF." THE DRIVER CONTINUES
WALKING TOWARDS THE OFFICER. WHEN HE
GETS TO WITHIN SIX FEET OF HIM, RUSSELL FIRES, WOUNDING THE SUSPECT IN THE LEG.
CASE NO.4
SECURITY OFFICER HAYS WAS ON DUTY ON PLANT GROUNDS WHEN HE OBSERVED A
MALE WALKING A DOG WITHIN THE PLANT PERIMETER (THIS AREA IS NOT FENCED).
OFFICER HAYS INSTRUCTED THE MAN TO LEAVE.
HE REFUSED AND MADE A REMARK TO HAYS.
OFFICER HAYS THEN DREW HIS FIREARM, FIRED A SHOT IN THE AIR.
THE INTRUDER MADE ANOTHER REMARK AND HAYS FIRED ANOTHER SHOT IN THE AIR.
THE INTRUDER LEFT.
CASE NO.5
DURING A ROUTINE CHECK AT A CONVENIENCE STORE, SECURITY OFFICER BILL
BRADY WAS DEMONSTRATING TO THE NIGHT CLERK HOW HE WOULD CHECK A POSSIBLE
BURGLARY IN A BUILDING WITH A FLASHLIGHT AND FIREARM DRAWN.
THE FIREARM ACCIDENTALLY DISCHARGED, PENETRATING THE FRONT PLATE GLASS
WINDOW.
CASE NO.6
SECURITY OFFICER, HOWARD LAST, WAS CHECKING THE EMPTY BUSES AT THE
GREYHOUND BUS TERMINAL. OFFICER LAST
OBSERVED AN ADULT MALE IN ONE OF THE BUSES.
WHEN HE APPROACHED HIM AND TOLD HIM TO LEAVE, THE INTRUDER BEGAN TO
ASSAULT OFFICER LAST WITH A STRAIGHT EDGED RAZOR, CUTTING HIM ON THE ARM.
BOTH PARTIES ENDED UP OUTSIDE THE BUS WHERE THE ASSAILANT CUT OFFICER
LAST TWICE MORE, THEN TURNED AND RAN. OFFICER
LAST DREW HIS FIREARM, ORDERED THE MAN TO HALT AND FIRED, HITTING THE ASSAILANT
IN THE SHOULDER. THE ASSAILANT KEPT
RUNNING AND DISAPPEARED DOWN THE ALLEY. HE
COULD NOT BE FOUND.
CASE NO. 7
PATROLMAN JERRY LUNT, WHILE ON ROUTINE PATROL, FOUND A TRANSIENT ASLEEP
IN A LAUNDROMAT. WHEN HE WOKE UP THE
TRANSIENT, HE BECAME VIOLENT AND ATTACKED LUNT.
THEN THE SUSPECT RAN OUT OF THE LAUNDROMAT AND RAN DOWN THE STREET.
LUNT PURSUED HIM IN HIS CAR.
WHEN HE STOPPED HIS CAR AND GOT OUT, HE DREW HIS FIREARM AND THE FIREARM
DISCHARGED INTO THE GROUND. HE
EITHER GRIPPED THE TRIGGER TOO TIGHTLY OR BUMPED HIS ELBOW AS HE WAS GETTING OUT
OF THE CAR.
CASE NO.8
THE STOP AND GO CONVENIENCE MARKET HAD EXPERIENCED AN INCREASE IN
SHOPLIFTING, BELIEVED TO BE THE WORK OF A TEENAGE GANG.
A WEEK BEFORE, A GANG OF ABOUT TWENTY YOUNG ADULTS HAD CREATED A MAJOR
DISTURBANCE IN WHICH A STORE CLERK AND A CUSTOMER WERE HOSPITALIZED.
THE STORE SUSTAINED ABOUT $3,000 IN DAMAGES.
ON THIS EVENING, SEVERAL YOUTHS CAME INTO THE STORE.
THREE WERE SEEN SHOPLIFTING, AND RAN WHEN CHALLENGED.
OFFICER FERN RAN AFTER THE SUSPECTS AND FIRED ONE ROUND INTO THE GROUND.
NO ONE WAS HIT AND THE YOUTHS GOT AWAY.
CASE NO.9
SECURITY OFFICER ALEX JAMES, WAS ASSIGNED TO A USED CAR
JAMES CALLED TO THE PERSON TO "HOLD IT," BUT HE TURNED AND RAN.
JAMES PURSUED BUT SOON REALIZED HE COULD NOT CATCH HIM AS HE LEFT THE
CASE NO.10
SECURITY OFFICER GERALD ELROY WAS ON DUTY AT A NIGHTCLUB AND BAR.
IN THE COURSE OF CARRYING OUT HIS DUTIES, A PATRON ATTACKED OFFICER ELROY
WITH A SWITCHBLADE KNIFE. THE PATRON
TRIED THREE TIMES TO STAB ELROY. AS
HE MADE THE THIRD ATTEMPT, ELROY DREW HIS FIREARM AND FIRED.
THE BULLET HIT THE ATTACKER IN THE SHOULDER.
NO POLICE ACTION AGAINST ELROY. THE
PATRON WAS ARRESTED.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The
use of DEADLY FORCE. The use of
deadly force is a serious decision for anyone to make, once used there's no
taking it back and a life or lives have been lost.
This is why you must think of the out come before using deadly force.
This is why must only use deadly force if and only if your life or the
life of a third party is in jeopardy and the actor has displayed all of the
following.
A. The ABILITY and MEANS to
cause serious bodily harm that may result the death or the means to use deadly
force.
B. The OPPORTUNITY to use
deadly force against your life or the life of a third party, This usually takes
place within 21 feet?
C. Shows INTENT to do so.
REMEMBER you will have to defend your
action. If at all possible retreat,
the lost of material things can be replace, life can not.
FIREARM SAFETY
CARE
AND HANDLING
GENERAL
SAFETY RULES
1.
NEVER POINT A FIREARM AT A PERSON UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO SHOOT.
2.
NEVER HAND A FIREARM TO ANYONE WITHOUT FIRST UNLOADING
IT WITH THE CYLINDER / SLIDE OPEN.
3.
NEVER ASK IF A FIREARM IS UNLOADED; CHECK IT YOURSELF.
4.
DO NOT PRACTICE SHOOTING ANYWHERE EXCEPT
PROVIDED FOR PRACTICE.
5.
DO NOT PUT YOUR FINGER ON THE TRIGGER UNLESS YOU ARE
READY TO SHOOT.
6.
NEVER CARRY A FIREARM WITH THE HAMMER COCKED.
7.
NEVER REMOVE A FIREARM FROM THE HOLSTER UNLESS NEEDED
FOR SELF-DEFENSE.
8.
NEVER USE A FIREARM AS A THREAT.
9.
NEVER LEAVE A FIREARM UNATTENDED.
10.
BE SURE A FIREARM, WHEN NOT BEING CARRIED, IS SECURELY
LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN
(CHAPTER 952 PENAL CODE: PART XXI
53A-217. CRIMINALLY
NEGLIGENT STORAGE OF A FIREARM: CLASS D FELONY)
11.
ON REMOVING A FIREARM FROM STORAGE, CLEAN IT, LOAD IT,
AND IMMEDIATELY HOLSTER IT.
12.
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
(WATCH THAT MUZZLE)
13.
KNOW YOUR TARGET AND BEYOND AT ALL TIMES.
14.
AVOID THE USE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS.
COVER AND CONCEALMENT
COVER: COVER IS GETTING BEHIND SOMETHING THAT
COULD STOP AND/OR REFLECT A BULLET. COVER
IS TO BE USED IN YOUR DEFENSE; IT CAN GIVE YOU TIME TO EVALUATE, RELOAD AND
REGROUP. SPEND AS LITTLE TIME
POSSIBLE BEHIND ONE COVER. THIS
DOESN'T MEAN RUNNING FROM ONE TO ANOTHER. THIS
MEANS THE MORE YOU STAY BEHIND ONE COVER THE OTHER PERSON HAS MORE TIME TO BREAK
YOUR COVER. YOUR COVER CAN WORK FOR
YOU OR AGAINST YOU. BY STAYING
BEHIND ONE COVER TOO LONG YOU MAY BECOME DEPENDENT UPON IT, THINKING OF IT AS
YOUR SAFETY AND IF YOU STAY THERE YOU WONT GET HURT OR THE PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY.
COVER:
MORE TIME FOR
MOVE TO COVER: BODY MUST CONFORM TO THE
COVER, MOVE ONLY WHEN READY TO MOVE, AVOID OPEN SPACE / AREAS WHENEVER POSSIBLE,
TRY TO MOVE FORWARD TO COVER RATHER THEN BACKWARDS, OBVIOUS POSITION OF COVER
MAY BE BOOBY-TRAPPED, IF GIVEN A CHOICE, NEVER USE THE SAME PLACE / COVER
ANOTHER PERSON HAS RECENTLY USED AND DO NOT MOVE TO A POSITION IN FRONT OF FIRE.
RESTING ANY PART OF BODY ON COVER:
ACCENTUATE / ENHANCE
RECOIL, ONLY BE AS STEADY AS THE COVER, NOT
POSSIBLE ALL THE TIME.
REST FIREARM ON COVER: ACCENTUATE / ENHANCE
RECOIL, CHANGE THE POINT OF IMPACT OF SHOTS, MAY REQUIRE AN UNFAMILIAR STANCE.
WHEN BEHIND COVER / CONCEALMENT, (AROUND)EXPOSES
LESS BODY, (OVER) MAY GIVE A BETTER FIELD OF VIEW.
STANDING / KNEELING:
ROLL OUT AND BACK FROM THE HIPS
PRONE:
CRAWL OR ROLL.
HAVING MOVED BEHIND COVER TRY TO: RE-APPEAR
IN A DIFFERENT POSITION, FIRE ONLY 2-3 SHOTS FROM ANY POSITION, PRESENT THE
LEAST AMOUNT OF BODY IN LEAST TIME, AND BEFORE YOU LEAVE COVER MAKE SURE ITS
OVER.
COVER: BEFORE
MOVING TO ANOTHER, DECIDE ON NEW POSITION, AMMO CHECK, MALFUNCTION CHECK, SEARCH
CURRENT POSITION FOR PERSONAL EQUIPMENT, FINAL OBSERVATION, INFORM PARTNERS,
LIMIT MOVEMENT TO 2-3 SECONDS AND TRY TO STAY LOW.
NEVER PUSH ANY PART OF BODY OR FIREARM
FORWARD INTO AN UNCLEAR AREA. NEVER
LEAD AROUND CORNER WITH THE FIREARM FIRST. SWING
WIDE / PIE THE AREA.
CONCEALMENT:
CONCEALMENT
IS GETTING BEHIND SOMETHING THAT WILL HIDE / CONCEAL YOU FROM SIGHT / VIEW, BUT
MAY NOT PROTECT YOU. THIS MEANS THE
OBJECT YOU ARE HIDING BEHIND OR WITHIN WILL HELP YOU BECAUSE YOU'RE OUT OF
SIGHT, BUT MAY NOT STOP A BULLET IF YOU HAVE BEEN SEEN.
TARGET
DETECTION: SHARP, SHINE, SHADOW,
SILHOUETTE, MOVEMENT AND NOISE.
VISION
THINGS THAT CAN HELP YOU IDENTIFY AND HIT
YOUR TARGET IN DIM LIGHT SHOOTING:
1. METHOD AND FORM,
2. NIGHT VISION, 3. SCANNING
AND OFF CENTER VISION, 4 MUZZLE
FLASH, 5. FLASH LIGHT,
6. SCOPES, 7. LUMINOUS
SIGHTS, 8. LASER SIGHTS.
RANGE DIM LIGHT SAFETY RULES:
1. ACCOUNT FOR ALL SHOOTERS IN YOUR BLOCK OF TARGETS.
2. STAY WITHIN YOUR ASSIGNED AREA/BLOCK OF TARGETS,
AND DO NOT MOVE OUT OF
POSITION.
3. USE
4. USE FLASHLIGHT TO SIGNAL THE CONDITION OF THE FIRING
LINE.
A. LINE IS READY: MOVE
FLASHLIGHT UP AND DOWN.
B. LINE NOT READY OR PROBLEMS DEVELOP: MOVE SIDE
TO SIDE.
5. NO HORSEPLAY ON THE FIRING LINE.
6. NO UNNECESSARY TALKING ON LINE. SILENT DRILL.
7. ENSURE ALL FIREARMS ARE SAFE BEFORE ALLOWING ANYONE
TO MOVE OFF LINE.
8. ENSURE STUDENTS, DO NOT MOVE FROM FIRING LINE.
9. CONTROL VISITORS.
10. DO NOT LOOK FOR DROPPED ARTICLES ON LINE.
11. NO SMOKING ON LINE.
12. USE FLASHLIGHT TO INDICATE YOUR STATUS ON LINE.
A. NOT READY / UNSAFE: LIGHT
ON.
B. READY SAFE: LIGHT OUT.
NOTE: EYE AND EAR PROTECTION MUST BE WORN
AT ALL TIMES ON RANGE. FIREARM WILL
NOT BE LOADED UNTIL THE INSTRUCTOR GIVES THE LOAD COMMAND.
SAFETY NOTE: KNOW YOUR TARGET AND BEYOND AT ALL TIMES.
DO NOT PUT FINGER ON TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT.
USE PROPER AMMO IN FIREARM AND RANGE.
CHECK POSTED RANGE SAFETY RULES. IN LAVATORY, LAY FIREARM IN PANTS.
AT PARTIES, DON'T CARRY.
ACCIDENT FACTORS:
FOUR FACTORS WITH A FIREARM THAT CAN CAUSE DEATH OR INJURY.
ALL FOUR FACTORS MUST BE PRESENT SIMULTANEOUSLY:
1. FIREARM MUST BE LOADED
2. FIREARM MUST BE HANDLED
3. MUZZLE MUST BE POINTED AT SOME ONE OR SOMETHING.
4. THE ACTION MUST WORK
COMMON
SENSE NEVER CARELESSNESS
YOU
ARE ALWAYS ACCOUNTABLE
HOME,
WORK, RANGE.
DIM
LIGHT TRAINING
DIM LIGHT TRAINING WILL HELP TO INCREASE THE CHANCE OF SURVIVAL.
MORE THAN 60% OF OFFICERS ARE KILLED IN DIM
LIGHT / NIGHT.
FIRE DISCIPLINE:
IN
THE DARK THERE IS A TENDENCY TO FIRE INDISCRIMINATELY AT NOISE OR SURPRISES.
REMEMBER , IDENTIFY THE TARGET, THE THREAT AND KNOW THE BACK-STOP /
BEYOND. DO NOT FIRE UNLESS A
POSITIVE ID OF THE PERSON CAN BE MADE.
FULL LIGHT: A.
SHARP OUTLINE,
B. BRIGHT COLORS,
C. SHARP CONTRAST.
DIM LIGHT:
A. LACK OF SHARPNESS,
B. LITTLE OR NO COLORS,
C. POOR CONTRAST.
I.
HISTORY
The
word “pistol," it is said, comes from the name of a town,
All one-handed guns are pistols; single-shot pistols, revolving pistols,
or revolvers, and self-loading, or “automatics.”
Although current usage has connected the word “pistol” pretty largely
with the self-loading type it is actually proper to use it in connection with
all handguns.
The history of firearms is actually a history of the ignition of
ammunition. The earliest pistols
were simply small iron or bronze tubes closed at one end and attached to crude
wooden stocks. In fact, Webster’s
Dictionary says the pistol got its name from a French word meaning “pipe.”
Ignition of the power charge was accomplished by applying a burning match
or fuse to a small opening near the closed end.
Later the glowing match was lowered into the priming pan by means of a
trigger operated mechanism. This
type action was called the MATCH LOCK.
During the 16th century, the WHEEL LOCK pistol was invented in
At the end of the 16th century a more practical lock for creating spark
was invented.
The
action of flint snapping against hardened scored steel created the spark. Thus
the FLINTLOCK came into being and by 1675 was the only type in use.
Its use extended well into the 1800’s.
With the discovery of fulminate of mercury as a priming compound, the
PERCUSSION pistol came into existence in early 1800’s.
The explosive primer, enclosed in a copper cap, was mounted on a cone or
nipple which served both as an anvil and passageway for the flame.
With the percussion cap multiple firing in the modern sense became
possible, although pistols were still essentially muzzle-loaders.
Multiple barrel pistols of many types were made but in 1836 Samuel Colt
invented the revolving pistol, or revolver.
A revolver cylinder with separately loaded chambers which came into
alignment with a single barrel was an innovation.
During the 1860’s the self-contained metallic cartridge came into use
and permitted the development of the true pistol.
Cartridge revolvers have continued in use until the present time.
The last major development in pistol came from the famous firearm
inventor, John M. Browning, at the end of the 19th century.
Many of today’s pistols are the SELF-LOADING repeating type, frequently
called “automatics.” They
operate on the energy of the gases from the firing cartridge.
The magazine which holds the additional cartridges is most often found in
the grip. The cartridges are pushed
into the loading mechanism by spring pressure.
II.
Description of the Revolver
A. How many parts does the
novice need to know
Those required for safe handling of the revolver, those required for
proper handling aside from pure consideration of safety, such as cleaning,
unloading, loading, and those required for understanding of instructions on how
to shoot.
III.
Operation and handling of the Revolver
There
are two basic types of revolvers. They
are single-action and double-action. A
single-action revolver is fired by pulling the hammer back to a full cocked
position and pulling the trigger. This
means the action performs only one function (releasing the hammer).
Double-action
revolvers can be fired in the same manner but it can also be fired by pulling
the trigger through its complete cycle. Whichever
means of firing is used, the cylinder rotates as the hammer rises another
cartridge is brought into place of fire.
To
swing the cylinder out, place the gun in the palm of your left hand, and actuate
the cylinder latch with the right thumb. The
cylinder is pressed out of the frame with the two middle fingers of the left
hand. It can be rotated, for
loading, using the two middle fingers and thumb of left hand. Keeping the two
middle fingers through the frame opening.
NOTE:
The cylinder, can rotate either clockwise or counter-clockwise depending
on manufacture.
READ
the owner's manual. This is vary
important when you may only be able to load one or two rounds and must index the
cylinder. The cylinder should be
placed back into frame using left thumb.
A. Built-in safety factors
in the revolver.
1.
For single-action firing, it must be cocked by hand.
2.
Heavy double-action trigger pull reduces possibility of accidental firing.
3.
Double-action firing requires complete pull-through of trigger and cylinder.
B. Most common malfunctions.
Inadequate
maintenance and excessively rough treatment can cause many types of
malfunctions, but items listed below occur occasionally in spite of good care.
1. Cylinder fails to turn. There
are several reasons why this may happen: 1)
Trigger not completely released from previous shot - most likely to happen in
double-action; 2) High primer;
3) Cartridge not fully seated; 4)
Protruding bullet from squib load which fails to enter barrel completely;
5) Material under the
extractor.
2. Gun fails to fire: 1)
Broken and or worn firing pin; 2)
Firing pin hole in recoil plate plugged; 3)
Accumulation of lint and dirt particles in working mechanism; 4) Contaminated or
wrong ammunition; 5) Cartridge not seated behind firing pin.
3. Lead and powder particles
throw to side;
1)
Cylinder out of “time” does not line up properly with barrel;
2) Leading at breech of barrel.
C.
Care, cleaning, and inspection.
Frequent
cleaning and inspection of your firearm is a must.
Remember as a Security Officer your firearm is your tool of the trade,
and must be clean and inspected frequently or even daily for safe use.
This should also apply for every day carry even when not used for work.
D.
Special emphasis points in operation and use
1.
The revolver is not a club or hammer. Do
not use it as one.
2.
Don’t flip the cylinder open.
3.
Don’t slam the cylinder shut.
4.
Don’t toss the gun around, even in a holster.
5.
Do not attempt any internal repair. Take
it to a competent, authorized gunsmith.
6.
Don’t adjust mainspring screw.
7.
Do remember that this weapon is your life-preserver.
Rough treatment may cause misalignment, get it out of time, cause
inaccuracy or malfunction and even DEATH.
E.
Built-in mechanical safeties in the revolver.
Modern
double-action revolvers ( Colt, Smith & Wesson and Ruger ) contain a
built-in hammer block which is automatically interposed between the hammer and
frame, except when the trigger is to the rear.
It is designed to prevent the firing pin from hitting the cartridge
primer if the hammer is struck or if the hammer slips during manual cocking.
To test for safety on a Colt, open the cylinder and remove any cartridges
without touching the trigger, pull back the hammer until almost cocked and
release it. The firing pin should
not project through the hole in the breech face.
If it does, the revolver should and must be repaired.
Smith & Wesson can be tested in the same way, however, it is
necessary to hold the cylinder thumb latch to the rear while pulling back the
hammer.
1.
Where the revolver is carried daily, the chance of having it bumped,
dropped or fouled with substance is greatly increased.
The one minute check as suggested in the “Care and Cleaning of the
Revolver” is good insurance.
2.
The revolver should be wiped externally after each handling. NOTE:
The revolver or any other firearm should not be handled, except to use,
clean or store. Don’t play with or
handle unnecessarily. A firearm is not a toy. It can be a deadly weapon.
3.
The revolver should be cleaned thoroughly after each firing / usage and
after foul weather or storage of any time.
4.
The revolver should be inspected by a firearms instructor or departmental
gunsmith each time the officer fires for qualification.
(This procedure should be followed at regular intervals.)
The object of this is to keep the firearm / weapon in effective operating
condition at all times.
IV.
Description of the Semi-Automatic Pistol.
A.
A number of things that we have just read about revolvers,
are the same for semi-automatics.
B.
The novice shooter must know the names and functions of the major parts
of the semi-automatic pistol so that they can understand instructions on
handling, cleaning, loading, unloading and shooting.
C.
Like any other weapon, the semi-automatic has the same three major parts,
Frame, Barrel and Action. The
difference being, the way in which they load the cartridge.
A revolver has a rotating cylinder that houses the chambers which hold
the cartridges. Each time the hammer
is pulled back the cylinder rotates bringing another cartridge in-line with
firing pin and behind the barrel. A
semi-automatic has a magazine that houses the cartridge and each time the slide
is pulled back the spring in the magazine pushes another cartridge in to the
chamber that is behind the barrel.
V.
Operation and Handling of the Semi-Automatic
Much
inventiveness has been applied as various arms designers have produced their own
versions of the ideal self-loading pistol.
The earliest such pistols, as exemplified by the Colt Model 1911 cal.
.45, were single-action. The
single-action semi-automatic is cocked manually for the first shot and,
thereafter, by the force of recoil. Such
a pistol can be carried hammer down and with no round in the chamber or
unloaded, cocked and the safety on. The
double-action semi-automatic is the most common variation.
This type of pistol, which includes the Smith & Wesson Model 59 and
Beretta Model 92, can be safely carried with a round chambered and hammer down.
A double-action pull on the trigger fires the first shot, recoil from
that shot loads and cocks and subsequent shots are single-action.
A few pistols, such as the LeFrancois and Heckler & Koch (H&K)
VP70 are full-time double-action. That
is, each shot requires a full double-action pull.
With these guns, the possibility of accidental discharge is reduced and
trigger pull is constant between shots.
The
Glock 17 pistol is a compromise in which the action is left in a partially
cocked state after either manual or semi-automatic operation and the trigger
pull is uniform, heavier than the usual single-action and lighter than the usual
double-action.
Some
pistols have a magazine disconnect, preventing firing with the magazine removed.
This is a safety feature but also prevents deliberate firing if a shot
should be necessary during a magazine change or loss of a magazine.
The decocking lever of some
pistols also acts as a safety. In
others, such as the Sig-Sauer family, the decocking lever decocks only and the
double-action pull required is considered adequate safety.
Immediate
Action for Misfires
Depending
upon the situation when or where the misfire happens and type of pistol revolver
or semi-automatic, depends on the
action taken.
Let’s
first review the care and cleaning, if we have completed these steps before
holstering our weapon and a misfire occurs the chances are a bad cartridge.
If a misfire occurs in either a revolver or semi-automatic while at the
range during recreational shooting, keep the weapon pointed down range and count
to 30, then carefully remove the bad cartridge.
If a misfire occurs at the range during qualifications this must be
treated as a street / combat scenario. Remember
you don’t know if it is a misfire, hangfire or squib load. Review,
Misfire- a failure of a cartridge,
Hangfire- a perceptible delay and Squib load-less than
normal pressure.
REVOLVER,
Combat, If you pull the
trigger and nothing happens, Do not pull the trigger again this could result in
damage and or injury, unload immediately by opening the cylinder and hitting the
ejection rod, dropping all cartridges on the ground, and then reload.
SEMI-AUTOMATICS,
Combat, If you pull the trigger and nothing happens, Do not pull the trigger
again this could result in damage and or injury.
Use the Tap, Rack and Ready method.
Tap-
Tap the pistol on the bottom of the magazine with your non grip hand, Rack- Rack
the slide by pulling it back rapidly
allowing the un-fired cartridge to exit to the ground, and Ready- resume to your
last action before the misfire occurred. This
means on target or fire mode.
NOTE:
All the above are based on a loaded weapon.
AMMUNITION:
It
is recommended the ammunition be wiped with a clean, dry cloth while loading,
and replaced after six months with new.
The
discarded rounds can be used for practice.
Reloads:
Reloaded ammunition can be
purchased for a considerably smaller amount of money than factory ammunition.
However there is more chance of failure or jamming. Reloads are not
recommended for service ammunition.
RECOIL:
It
is good for a new shooter to understand that recoil is going to occur, and why
it occurs. This tends to minimize
its effect on him. The same forces
which are pushing the bullet forward are also pushing the gun backward, and both
of these actions start at the same time. Therefore
a heavier load or larger cartridge will have a greater recoil.
SQUIB
LOADS:
This
term is used to describe a cartridge which develops much less than standard
pressure. This can result in , no
powder charge has been loaded or contamination to ammunition.
However this can cause the bullet to lodge in the barrel, still allowing
the weapon to load another round into place and to be fired.
If this happens it could result in damage and or injury.
HANDGUN
ACCESSORIES:
Although
there are many types of accessories made, such as wide triggers, large hammers,
over-sized hand grips, built-in or add-on finger or thumb rests.
These accessories are not recommended for carry or service weapons, but
may work for target shooting.
SIGHTS:
Moveable
sights, although desirable can get out of adjustment if dropped or struck.
Adjustable sights if authorized by the department, the owner must be
trained in their use. Fixed sights
are highly recommended for a service weapon.
HOLSTER:
In
selecting a holster for duty use, there are three things
to consider, regardless where to be worn.
It should be safe, secure, and keep the weapon as easily available as
possible. Safety includes
protect against dropping and accidental discharge.
Security to prevent loss and unauthorized removal
Availability
easy for officer to reach.
HOLSTERS
CONTINUE:
Choosing
a holster is not easy. This is why
training is important. Most
departments recommend the Directional-
draw holster. This holster is
worn on the right side of a right-handed officer.
The weapon points only at the ground or at the target during the drawing
motion. A cross- draw
is not acceptable because it covers approximately a 90 degree arc from time of
draw to target.
Concealed
/ undercover holsters, such as shoulder- holsters
are acceptable for plain clothes, but remember the safety factor from
point of draw to point of target there is more than a 90 degree arc similar to a
cross-draw. Lock-Holsters,
Although these holsters keep the weapon locked in, at the same time makes
it hard for the officer to draw, delaying their response time.
If you decide to use a lock-holster you must practice.
Any holster you may choose must cover the trigger guard to prevent your
figure from being placed on the trigger during your draw.
Holster should be worn high enough so that it does not interfere with
seating. The holster should allow
enough of the butt / grip to be accessible for the wearer to readily gain a
shooting grip. Holster must have a
safety strap to help secure the weapon. Holster
must retain the weapon while wearer is running, jumping, subduing or
taking cover. Holster should fit
belt tightly enough so that it will stay in place.
Holster should have a hole at the muzzle so that no dirt or lint will
collect and help prevent moisture.
WEARING
THE HOLSTER:
The
holster should be worn on the side of the officers strong shooting hand.
It should be worn in the same place all the time.
It should be worn so that it rides at the normal belt line of the
officer. All pistol training should
be done using the duty holster.
HOLSTER
BELT:
Holster
Belt should be of top quality material. It
should fit the holsters belt slot snugly enough to keep the holster in place.
Width should be such that the holster remains in place
when the pistol is drawn. Metal
fixtures should be of solid brass or stainless steel.
CARTRIDGE
CARRIERS:
Like
your holster there are a number of types of carriers. The carrier should fit in
the same manner as the holster, tight, same place each time worn, security and
quick easy access to the wearer. Types: some have Snap-On and others with
belt-loops. Snap-On’s can come
unsnapped and if the snaps are chromed there is a chance of giving your place of
concealment away due to glare, therefore belt- loops are most commonly used by
departments. Other types:
Cartridge-Loops, Drop-pouch,
Speed-Loaders-Pouch, Magazine-Pouch
( vertical - horizontal ). Just
about all the pouched type can be single or double pouched.
All holders should be worn on the weak hand side.
Remember:
most of the time all your leather equipment will be carried on your
Duty-Belt so it must be of good quality.
Other
things you may need, Keepers to help
hold up your duty-belt. Keepers wrap
around both your normal belt and duty-belt holding them in place.
Any other holders such as flashlight, nightstick / Batons, PR24, and so
on, make sure they have a metal ring not plastic, plastic can snap.
Other equipment such as Handcuffs, Mace, Key holders,
Glove cases, Medical Rescue Holsters, Radio holders,
Rescue
Knives, Leather Slappers & Billy Clubs should be of top quality and only be
worn if trained in such, and employer permits.
CARE
OF LEATHER EQUIPMENT:
As
a Police officer or Security officer, appearance
is the first thing noticed; such
things as Uniform, neatness, grooming, and attitude.
Take pride in your appearance, if you look and act
professional you will be treated as such.
Your leather plays a big part in this, keep it clean, organized and free
from scuffs, same for your shoes.
Safety
Rules:
Knowing
the safety rules are not enough. They
must be practiced so that they become automatic, and even then that may not be
enough. The person that owns,
carries or works with a gun must always be devoted to his actions.
Owning a gun or possession of a gun is a full-time job.
You cannot guess or forget, you must know.
1.
How it works
2.
Whether it’s loaded
3.
Where it’s pointing
4.
Where your target is.
5.
What your target is.
6.
Where the bullet will go.
7.
Where the bullet will stop.
Remember
owning and or carrying a gun as a civilian is a large responsibility, carrying
as a civilian in uniform is even a greater responsibility.
Only you are responsible for your actions.
Unlike
a range which has a range officer enforcing the safety rules, a chance of an
accident is greatly minimized. Carrying
a gun on or off duty increases the possibility of accidents, as there is no one
looking over your shoulder checking for safety hazards. Therefore if an accident
happens, more than likely it was from your carelessness.
Carelessness can cause injury or death to another officer or civilian.
GENERAL
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A.
Treat every gun as if it was loaded. This
applies to all guns, even if it is handed to you by another officer or
instructor, check it yourself. Do
not take a gun under any circumstances without checking it to ensure that it is
unloaded, keeping it pointed in a safe direction at all times.
Do not hand a gun to another without checking and unloading it first.
B.
Open
the action. On a revolver, swing the
cylinder open, using your left hand, keeping your two middle figures through the
frame opening.
On
a semi-automatic, remove the magazine and pull and lock the slide open.
Do
not ever hand a closed or loaded weapon to another person.
C.
Unload. When you take your
pistol from its holster for any purpose other than to fire it,
unload! Unloading a revolver.
While keeping it pointed in a safe direction, there are three other steps: 1)
Open and eject the cartridges from the cylinder into your hand;
2) Check the chamber in the cylinder to insure they are empty;
3) Count the rounds in your hand to insure that they are all there, and
that none may have dropped that may be used later by unauthorized persons.
D.
Never point a firearm, loaded or unloaded, at another person you do not
intend to shoot, nor in a direction where unintentional discharge could cause
injury, death or damage.
Remember
you and only you are responsible for your actions, keep it pointed in a safe
direction at all times.
E.
Keep your finger off the trigger guard and trigger until you are ready to
fire. Develop this habit of handling
the pistol. This will be a valuable
habit when you draw for combat. Even a stumble may cause an involuntary grip
which could cause an accidental discharge, resulting in injury ,death or damage.
F.
Do not pull the hammer or slide back to cocked position unless you intend
to fire. However when it is
necessary to lower the hammer on a live round, with finger off
the trigger, place your left thumb between the hammer and frame.
Place the right thumb on the hammer spar to control the fall of the
hammer. Press trigger with right
index finger and allow the right thumb and hammer to move forward slightly.
Remove finger from trigger, keeping it clear.
With right thumb, let hammer down slowly until it is in contact with the
left thumb. Slowly slide left thumb
out from between the hammer and frame , while controlling the hammer speed /
fall with the right thumb.
G.
Don’t allow yourself to acquire nervous habits related to your pistol.
Never remove your pistol from it’s holster, no matter where you may be
unless you intend to fire. In short,
it is not a toy,
Do
not play with it. Do not use your
holstered pistol as a hanger for a nightstick, hand or elbow rest or anything
else.
H.
Do not let your newfound interest in your pistol become a conversation
piece with your family or friends. Do
not let anyone handle it. Be
especially careful that yours or any other children do not look at it as a toy,
or able to obtain it. Your firearms
should be stored so that you are the only one with access to them.
I.
Use Ear and Eye protection whenever possible.
J.
Safeties are not foolproof. All
the normal usage’s of safe gun handling apply even when the safety in engaged.
K.
Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
Even non-prescription drugs such as antihistamines. Check with your
Doctor on reactions of prescription drugs.
SAFETY
AT HOME:
A.
General statement about guns at home.
Where
and how firearms should be kept in the home often presents a problem.
The
arrangement that is proper and ideal for a policeman with only a service pistol
and who lives alone, may be unsuitable for the sportsman who has a variety of
firearms along with a wife and 3 active children.
Some
people believe it is vital to instruct all Family members in the use of
firearms, and make it a matter of honor that no one will handle the firearms
without parental permission. Other
parents maintain that firearms should be locked up, out of sight, and if
possible a secret from other occupants of the home.
Since there is no one best method of dealing with the problem, due to
method of living, the best way is to keep them unloaded, and both ammunition and
firearms under lock and key, separate from one another.
OUT
OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS, unauthorized persons mean, if the
firearm is registered to you, you are the only one authorized to handle, care,
or fire it. Any firearm or weapon
should be out of sight and under lock and key, unless being used.
Loaded guns in any household present a greater danger than unloaded guns.
Usually, the only reason for having a loaded gun in the home is for
protection against criminal intruders. However,
there are 2 beliefs on this subject that warrant review.
Some people maintain that no gun should be kept loaded in the home.
Instead, when the gun is needed, it and the ammunition can be taken from
storage and united at the moment of emergency.
On the other hand, people who have been confronted with an emergency that
required a firearm know that the chance of getting gun and ammunition, and bring
them together can be as defeating as having no gun at all.
No matter how certain anyone may feel about their solution to Home
Firearm Safety, they must make ample allowance for the unexpected.
While it may seem that instructions and cautions to youngsters are
sufficient, in cold reality the gun or any other weapon that is out of sight and
behind a proper lock is less likely to be the cause of trouble than a gun or
weapon more readily available.
In short, in the matter of home gun security, it is safer to be overly
careful, and combine instruction and admonitions with a strong lock on a
substantial storage place.
Some
specific considerations.
The
safe disposition of guns at home is a matter for real concern for the police and
security officer. This problem
compounded by the fact that many officers use a different off-duty gun.
This means that either the service handgun or the off-duty handgun may be
at home all the time. Even when the
spare gun and ammunition are in separate, locked storage, many police
departments advise locking a good padlock, or handcuffs, through the top strap
in order that the cylinder cannot be closed, and a cable-lock through the open
slide down through the handle on a semi-automatic.
A trigger guard lock is also recommended for all firearms.
KEEP ALL WEAPONS SECURED AND AWAY FROM ALL PERSONS, INCLUDING CHILDREN.
YOU AND ONLY YOU CAN HANDLE, CARRY OR FIRE YOUR WEAPON.
In
some cases it is recommended that you do not sleep with your loaded gun nearby,
because all dreams are not pleasant one’s.
A handy loaded gun might cause you to shoot a member of the family or
yourself before you are fully awake. Keep
it in the same place at all times, and habit will enable you to get it quickly
if the need arises, but make it far enough from your bed to assure your
awakening before you get to the gun.
At the same time, the Officer should spend a great deal of effort toward
educating and training their family as to the potential danger of the sidearm
which they must bring into the home.
NOTE
TO THE STUDENT:
This forgoing material has been presented not so much as a solution to
the problem, but as an indication that it exists and warrants your immediate
attention. This is especially true
if there are children in the home, and your concern should extend to any
neighboring children who might visit your home.
Special
Safety Considerations:
Potential dangers such as thoughtlessness, lack of training, laziness,
and carelessness can and will cause accidents, injury, and death.
Thoughtlessness:
When you own and /or carry a gun you must think safety at all times.
Lack
of Training:
You must constantly train and practice. If your Dept. does not supply
ample training on a regular basic, or if you feel uncomfortable and feel you
need more, talk to you Firearms Training Officer, and ask him/her what other
types of training you can take, and where you can take it.
Additional training can be obtained by an NRA certified law-enforcement
firearms instructor. If you feel
that you have had ample training, you continuously practice.
Laziness:
You come home after a hard night, all you want is sleep.
You undress leaving your clothes and gun on the floor while taking a bath
or go to sleep. Regardless if it’s
just for a few seconds or all day or night., the same dangers apply due to your
laziness.
Carelessness:
You’re in the locker-room at the station, you put your gun on the bench
while getting dressed, or you go home putting your gun on the counter.
These are dangerous conditions.
Other things to consider. As
an officer you will at one time or another have to change clothes and go to the
bathroom. When changing your
clothes, unload and secure the gun as if you were putting it away for the night.
If you have to use a public or other bathroom, and with your pants down,
your gun is accessible to the next stall, place your gun in the crotch of your
pants in front of you, or in your coat pocket, or hang your duty belt around
your neck.. Don’t ever put your gun behind you out of sight, or on the toilet
or shelf where it can fall or you can forget it.
The point is, the gun must be under your control at all times, regardless
of what you are doing. It must be placed so that another person cannot get it.
Range
Safety Rules:
The
Instructor has a large responsibility, therefore must have full control of range
and students. As a student you must
listen to the instructor’s every word, and concentrate on all firearm safety
rules.
A.
Treat
every gun as if it were loaded.
B.
Handguns
must remain in holsters or gun cases until instructor states otherwise.
If a
gun is to be carried, the cylinder must be open or, open slide with magazine
out.
C.
Gun /
muzzle must be pointed in safe
direction at all times. ( Down range )
D.
Keep
finger away from trigger until ready to fire.
E.
Be
sure of backstop.
F.
Be
sure of trigger and beyond at all times.
G
Be
sure the weapon is in operating condition, and ammunition is right for the
weapon.
H.
Obey
all commands immediately.
I.
Eye and Ear protection.
Range
procedures and rules of conduct.
Arrival at the range is potentially a very dangerous time. A certain area
will be designated where the instructor will receive and greet the trainees.
A set procedure will be placed for presenting your weapon to the
instructor for inspection. Under the
instructor’s supervision, the student will remove their firearm from its
holster or gun case, unload, action open, and present the firearm to the
instructor. Confusion is not an option, there will be none.
If the instructor feels that a student or students are causing confusion,
or is not taking the course seriously, or being careless, the students will be
escorted out of the class and not be entitled to return.
If the escorted student has paid a set amount for this class he /she will
forfeit their money. NO REFUNDS for
any reason.
There
will be no unnecessary handling of the weapons.
This can be looked upon as carelessness.
All pistols must be holstered except when the shooter is involved in a
directed exercise. There will be no
dry firing unless instructed to do so, by the instructor on a dry fire command.
A.
When a firing sequence is to be covered, complete instructions will be
given on that sequence.
B.
Cleanliness and order are a must, use
trash cans for trash. Keep the area
clean. DO NOT go down range to pick
up any trash, casings or any other items such as dropped speed-loaders,
magazines or ammunition, unless the instructor states to do so.
Down range means, beyond the point of fire.
C.
There will be no smoking on the firing line.
D.
There will be no idle conversation between shooters on the line.
E.
Commands: The instructor will
be the only one giving commands, and has full authority over all persons.
If you cannot understand or hear the range officer, raise your
non-shooting hand. The command Cease
Fire can be given by anyone that sees a danger or potential danger.
F.
Establish the fact that the firing line is for just that one purpose.
Establish the fact those not on the firing line must conduct themselves
in such a way that they do not detract in any way from what is being done there.
G.
Inspect the range for dangerous conditions on instructor’s command.
Range must be left clean from all cases, targets, barricades, frames and
other equipment. Never go down
range unless instructed to do so by the range officer / instructor.
H.
Range commands and safety rules are a must even under time restriction
shooting.
Range
Commands.
The
standard firing line commands used in competition shooting and found in the NRA
Police Pistol Combat Rules are suitable for controlling the range during
training exercises. A slightly
modified form of these commands follows:
The
range officer / instructor calls the first relay of shooters to the line and
makes sure that the range is clear. Using
two commands, IS THE TARGET AREA CLEAR ?
He then scans the target area, if the target area is clear he / she will
say THE TARGET AREA IS CLEAR. During
this time no one should have their pistol loaded or in hand, pistol must be
unloaded and holstered. The range
officer / instructor will describe the string of fire which is about to be
conducted, for example:
“THIS WILL BE 12 SHOTS WITH 2 HANDS, DOUBLE-ACTION, FROM THE STANDING
POSITION IN A TIME LIMIT OF 25 SECONDS.”
The
instructor then commands the shooters to load and come to the ready position,
holster or do whatever else is appropriate to this stage.
In this case, instructor says: “WITH 6 ROUNDS, LOAD AND HOLSTER.”
After a suitable period, instructor inquires
“ARE YOU READY ?”
During
any time period while you are on the line in a ready mode, you will maintain the
position until further commands are given.
OTHER
COMMANDS , A.)Cease fire, anyone can call a cease fire.
If someone calls a cease fire, stop shooting immediately, decock your
firearm and holster it hanging your arms and hands to your side.
Do not touch your pistol. B) Cease
fire, unload and holster. C) Cease
fire reload and holster. These
commands can be used if someone is being removed from the line or if someone
must go down range. Remember, once
pistol is holstered do not touch it until further commands from the instructor.
D) Is the line safe. Only
when the instructor feels it safe will he use this command.
E) The line is safe, you may police your brass, or Score
your targets, move back to the 25 yard line.
SINGLE
AND DOUBLE ACTION FIRING (See more
on single-action p.72 )
Single-action
shooting is where the hammer is either pulled back manually or automatically and
the trigger performs only one function, release the trigger.
In either case once the hammer has been pulled back the trigger becomes
extremely sensitive. Due to the
sensitive trigger pull, it tends to be easier for maintaining high scores.
Where double-action the trigger is harder due to its pulling the hammer
back, then releasing it. This can
cause less accuracy to a non-experienced shooter.
Bullseye
shooting. Eventhough we would like
bullseye accuracy this is not our first concern.
Our first concern is safety, then grouping.
Accuracy is extremely important and must be accomplished.
To accomplish accuracy we must start with the basics in fundamentals of
pistol shooting,
1)
Sight Alignment
2)
Grip
3)
Position / Stance
4)
Trigger Squeeze
5)
Breath Control
6)
Follow Through
If you have already taken the NRA Basic of Pistol Shooting you should
know these six fundamentals. We will
briefly review them.
1)
SIGHT ALIGNMENT:
This term is applied to the relationship of the front and rear sight
without any consideration of the bullseye. This
means, the front sight, rear sight and the eye are all in line.
Proper alignment of two sights means that the top of the front sight is
even with an equal amount of space separating the front sight from the sides of
the notch in the rear sight.
SIGHT
PICTURE.
This term includes the front and rear sight but also includes the target.
It means, simply, getting proper sight alignment and then putting the
aligned sight into their proper relationship to the target.
Almost invariably, beginners
are taught that the sight should have a
The shooter must again make a choice as to the one of 3 things on which
he / she will focus their attention. If
he / she is too aware of the target, the front sight may drift into poor
alignment with the rear. Thus, he /
she still has only one choice, the front sight.
The target should not be clearly delineated.
If
it is, it means the shooter has let the sight go out of focus. Resulting in a
poor shot.
2)
GRIP:
Many new shooters have a tendency to grip the pistol too tightly.
The result is a tremor which adds to the difficulty of maintaining good
sight alignment. The Grip should be
snug, and comfortable. Once you
establish a grip, you should practice the grip so it becomes habit so that each
time you pickup the pistol you grip it in the same manner each time.
NOTE DO NOT GRIP THE PISTOL SO THAT YOUR HAND INTERFERES WITH THE HAMMER
OR SLIDE. The grip can also
establish if the pistol fits your hand properly.
When you grip a pistol you should be able to reach the cylinder release,
trigger, hammer, any safeties, decocker, slide release and magazine release
without disturbing your grip and sight alignment of target.
3)
STANCE / POSITION: Stance
is just another word for body position. It
involves the entire body. The feet
are planted firmly and body weight is equally distributed between them.
It is advisable for a shooter to start with their feet spread to a
distance about equivalent to their shoulder span.
Practically, the feet should be spread in such a way that the shooter is
not off balance. Some of the basics
are, legs straight but not stiff and the trunk of the body erect but relaxed.
The body of the shooter when shooting, should be in their normal position,
meaning if the shooter normally slumps when they are standing
they should slump with they shoot. There
are a number of shooting stances such as, Standing facing the target with
one hand, two hands, strong hand, weak hand, and weak eye, strong eye.
Weaver and Modified Weaver, this stance is in a standing
position but with either the left or right foot in front of the other pointing
the front foot towards the target, putting
your body in about a 45 degree angle, and using two hands resting one in the
other. The difference between the weaver
and modified weaver is, one has only one elbow bent down tucking it into
your body and the other has both elbows bent.
Kneeling, is when the shooter is down on one knee facing the
target. Even though the shooter is
on one knee, with that knee being to the rear, the upper body is in one of the
weaver stances again facing the target.
4)
TRIGGER SQUEEZE: This
term is meant to describe the way in which the finger pressure is applied to the
trigger. Some instructors prefer to
use the term “trigger control”. It
is generally felt however, the shooter should
simply start a slow steady pressure on the trigger, and continue to
increase it evenly until the gun fires. Usually
the finger should make contact with the trigger about halfway between the tip of
the finger and the first joint, with smooth, straight back and continuous
trigger pull. During this action it
is important to maintain sight alignment. Sight
alignment and trigger squeeze are two of the most important of the fundamentals.
5)
BREATH CONTROL:
Proper breathing plays an important part in good shooting.
It is obvious that the shooter cannot breathe normally during the
shooting cycle. The movement caused
by breathing would make proper sight alignment and sight picture virtually
impossible. For that reason,
breathing must be controlled. A
fairly deep breath will draw a little extra oxygen into the lungs.
At the peak of your inhale briefly hold your breath, bring the gun into
alignment and fire it and begin breathing. Do
not hold your breath for more than a few seconds; it could cause un-safe
conditions. Holding your breath for
too long will cause tremors, sights to get fuzzy and eyes begin to water
slightly. In either case, the gun
should be brought down to the bench or safe position.
Breath, then start the cycle over.
6)
FOLLOW-THROUGH:
Almost every physical action has natural follow-through.
For instance, when a ball is kicked, the leg continues in the same arc as
when the foot met the ball. The same
is true of the bat and the ball. Some
follow- through occurs because of physical mass which is in motion tends to
continue in motion in the same direction in which it is already traveling.
True follow-through occurs, however, when this natural physical
phenomenon is not resisted but actually helped along with a little extra effort
on the part of the individual. In
its specific relationship to shooting, follow-through involves continuing to do
for two or three seconds afterward everything that is done at the time the shot
is fired. This amount of time is
variable, of course, but the idea of follow-through is to prevent any sudden
movement immediately after the shot is fired.
This means some degree of concentration on sight alignment, trigger
squeeze, and the other elements essential to delivery of a good shot.
Even in
rapid-fire
strings the same sequence takes place. It
is just accelerated.
CALLING
THE SHOT:
When the gun fires, the mental picture of the sights in relation to each
other and the bullseye, tells the shooter where the bullet should have gone.
Other items which have to be considered would include any sudden movement
of the hand, a tendency of the arm to swing in one direction or another,
flinching at some strange sound or, outdoors, some sudden change in the
atmospheric or light conditions. It
is important that the shooter learn to predict where every shot should have
struck the target. To describe the
location of a hit on the target, the numerals on a clock dial are related to the
target. The hits are “called” by
using the imaginary figures on the clock face.
It is the only means by which the shooter can begin to analyze their
mistakes.
RHYTHM:
As was stated earlier, good shooting demands consistency in the shooter.
The consistency goes to the point where each element of delivering a shot
on target is done in the same way each time.
This might be called “habit”. However,
each of these things must be done at the same cadence = in the same length of
time - each time the act is repeated. This
even involves such simple things as bringing the sights to bear on the target
from the same direction each time. It
is especially important, as well, that the same amount of care and patience be
expended on each shot. The shot goes
exactly to the point where all the conditions which surround its firing dictate
that it will go. The rhythm and
habit pattern used in slow-fire shooting are simply sped up for faster shooting.
The habit stays the same. The
rhythm pattern stays the same. Only
the pace quickens.
COCKING
A PISTOL:
Cocking a pistol differs between the revolver and the semi-automatic.
Although on some semi-automatics cocking the hammer can be the same as a
revolver, meaning using the thumb of your shooting hand, pull back the hammer.
NOTE: This puts the gun in single-action mode, making the trigger very
sensitive, this falls true for any firearm in single-action mode.
Another way a semi-automatic can be cocked is by pulling the slide back.
Again this puts the gun in single-action mode making the trigger vary sensitive.
Some semi-automatics are double-action only and with an internal firing
mechanism or hammerless making it impossible to pull the hammer back with your
thumb. These pistols have an easier
trigger pull than a pistol with a hammer firing in double-action mode, but
harder than single-action mode. (
SEE TRIGGER PULL ) A) Never
pull the hammer back unless you are ready to shoot.
B) Never put your finger on the trigger until ready to shoot.
C) Never pursue with finger on trigger or hammer pulled.
D) Always try to maintain sight alignment and safety while pulling
back the hammer.
Remember,
each time the hammer is pulled back either manually or automatically another
cartridge is put into place behind the firing pin and ready to be fired.
LOADING,
UNLOADING, AND LOADING POSITION: While
loading or unloading your firearm you must keep it pointed in a safe direction
at all times with finger off the trigger. This
means, place the body, hands, and pistol in a natural position so that the
muzzle is pointed down range or safe direction.
Meaning if the pistol is in
front of you with the muzzle facing to the left or right turn your body 90
degrees to the left or right facing the muzzle down range.
This should also be your loading position.
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AT ALL TIMES keeping the firearm in a
safe direction at a 45 degree angle. Unloading
is the same as the loading procedure but in reverse.
In loading a semi-automatic the magazine is the first thing to be loaded
and the first thing you remove when unloading.
DRAWING
THE PISTOL:
There are many methods for drawing a pistol from a holster.
The method is dictated almost entirely by the design of the holster.
The draw should be a direct draw from holster to target following the
target path from holster up to target. This
is why a hip holster is recommend.
REVIEW
IN DISCUSSION FORM:
A) Dry Fire, B) Master Eye,
C) Eye & Ear Protection,
D) Sight Alignment, E) Shot
Groups F) Flinching,
G) Muscle Development, H)
Body Position.
AT
THE RANGE:
A)
Unload
all weapons on arrival, on command of instructor.
B)
Review
safety rules and range regulations.
C)
Assign
coach and pupil pairs.
D)
Dry
run on range commands.
E)
Dry
run on draw, load, firing position.
F)
Dry
fire.
G)
Fire
six rounds at full range without time limit.
H)
Fire
at half range.
I)
Single
load shooting.
J)
Begin
full loading.
K)
Fire
at half range, without rest at blank target.
L)
Fire
at bullseye at half range. Looking
for group.
M)
When groups
develop at half range, begin full range.
N)
Ball
and dummy exercise for all shooters.
O)
Throughout
all shooting the coach-pupil pair must coach pupil from behind.
In
the classroom, you should pay close attention to the instructor, this will help
you pass the written test. At the
range you must pay attention to his every command.
If you fail to obey the instructor’s commands you will be dismissed,
and escorted off the range ending your class, without certification, and no
refunds.
Firearms
are deadly weapons, and must be treated as such.
Therefore the instructor will not tolerate the misuse of it, nor will he
tolerate unsafe handling, sarcasm, talking among students or fooling around.
While
carrying and / or shooting a firearm you must concentrate on safety at all
times.
TIMED-FIRE:
This term is applied to a 5 or 6 shot string fired in 20 seconds, while
maintaining a qualifying score.
RAPID-FIRE:
Rapid-fire strings are fired at
the rate of 5 or 6 shots in 10 seconds, while maintaining a qualifying
score.
In
this case when we go to the range we will be shooting 6-shot, unloading,
reloading and fire another 6 shots in 20 seconds.
A qualifying score must be maintained.
We
will use a Dry-Fire exercise so that you can get an idea on the time of fire.
SINGLE-ACTION
As stated earlier, single-action is where the hammer is manually pulled
back, using the thumb of the shooting hand.
In single-action competition, where two hands are used, it is quicker to
use the thumb of the non-shooting hand to pull the hammer back.
POSITIONS:
Before we study body shooting positions we must first learn our grip
position. The grip must be the same
each time we draw our pistol. We
must learn the grip with both the right and left hand, and both one hand and two
hands. The pistol should fit your
hand so that when you grip it you can reach all its mechanisms without
disturbing the grip. Once the grip
becomes habit we can start on body positions.
BODY-POSITIONS:
A)
Close Firing Position.
The close firing position is appropriate when the adversary is within
reaching distance of an extended gun. The
pistol is held in one hand with the forearm level with the wrist, locked against
the rib cage. Care should be taken
when establishing this position that
the cylinder of the revolver is not held against the body and that the body will
not interfere with the slide of an automatic pistol.
(
Muzzle and cylinder-gap blast can scorch a shirt. )
B)
Point-Shoulder -- one hand.
This position is appropriate to close ranges of about 5-7 yards.
The shooter is no longer almost in arm’s reach of the target.
Speed is essential, but a greater degree of accuracy is required.
The shooter extends his/her arm straight from the shoulder and points the
gun at the target. Although the
shooter does not use the sights in the conventional way, the gun is in his/her
cone of vision only slightly below his/her line of sight to the target.
The shooter’s primary attention is on the target.
C)
Point-shoulder -- two hands. Although
the shooter should develop the capability of using either hand alone at close
range, two hands like two heads are generally better than one.
As with the one hand point-shoulder position, the shooter achieves a
proper grip on their pistol in the holster, draw and thrust the pistol at the
target just below eye level. As
he/she is doing this he/she brings up his weak hand and grasps the pistol in a
two-handed grip just as it comes into firing position.
The influence of the second hand will stabilize the gun and permit faster
repeat shots with accuracy.
D)
Standing -- unsupported.
The use of cover is probably the most important factor contributing to
the survival of an officer in an armed confrontation.
Cover is not always available and when it is, is not always suitable as a
support for the shooting position. Accordingly,
the officer should be proficient in shooting without support.
There are a limited number of unsupported standing positions which have
been proven to be useful and practical. Your
own agency may wish to train in one or another of these positions exclusively or
may wish to give the officer their option.
1. Isosceles
position. ( one
with two equal sides )
To assume the Isosceles position, the shooter stands in a well-balanced
position facing the target. Their
feet should be about shoulder width apart. They
extend their pistol toward the target at face level and forms a two-hand grip.
Arms are fully extended; wrists and elbows are locked.
The sights are brought up to the eyes, not the head down to the sights.
The legs may be straight or flexed slightly at the knees, but in either
case, the shooter’s position should allow them to shoot at a moving target, at
multiple targets or to move quickly.
2. Weaver position.
The Weaver position was named after the police officer who popularized
it. This position is an outgrowth of
the “interrogation stance” in which the officer advances his weak side foot
to put him/ her-self in a balanced boxer’s position and to remove his/her
holstered gun from a suspect’s reach. In
the Weaver position, the shooter’s strong-side foot and shoulder are dropped
back, the pistol is extended toward the target in the strong hand with that
elbow slightly bent. When the
two-hand grip is formed, the weak hand must enclose the strong; a “cup and
saucer” grip will suffice. The
forward knee is flexed and the body leans forward slightly to put the balance
over the forward foot.
The
rear leg is straight. The shooter pushes forward with the strong hand and pulls
back with equal pressure with the weak. The
isometric pressure between the pushing and pulling arms tends to stabilize the
gun and reduce the time required to recover from recoil.
3. Modified Weaver
position.
The main difference between the Weaver and modified Weaver is the
strong-side arm is straightened and elbow locked.
It can be seen that there are several options for a standing unsupported
position. Any position adopted
should:
A) Permit the shooter to move
quickly to the left or right, to retreat or pursue;
B) Engage target over a wide
angle without repositioning him or herself;
C) Point naturally at a
target so that, in dim light when sights cannot be seen, reasonable accuracy can
be achieved by position alone.
4. Barricade
shooting.
A barricade is not a position, it’s cover, but many of these positions
can be taken behind the barricade. However,
whatever position you decide to use, you must remember to keep your body behind
the barricade and lean out with as little of body showing as possible, with gun
in target position ready to fire or fire, then lean back in.
A barricade or cover that requires you to stand to fire would be the last
resort because it can expose more body for a longer length of time.
Remember, barricade or cover is something that will stop or deflect a
bullet, a place of safety for a short time.
5.
Kneeling position.
The kneeling position is easily and quickly assumed, offers good
stability and a reduced silhouette. Not
only does the kneeling position take advantage of cover too low to offer much
protection to a standing person, but it gives the officer the option of
appearing from behind even high cover in a different place.
The kneeling position is assumed from a relaxed, erect standing position.
The weak-side foot is moved forward as if to take a step and the shooter
drops to their strong strong-side knee. The
gun is drawn when the knee touches the ground.
When assuming the kneeling position behind cover, it is suggested that
the officer start about arms length behind the object to be used.
The shooter can then keep their upper body in an Isosceles, Weaver or
Modified Weaver position. Some like
to rest their weak-side elbow on their weak-side knee for more support.
There is a little additional support gained from the lower position, but
it also reduces the officer’s ability to change position quickly if the need
arises. You can also drop to two
knees if needed. Remember
the lower you drop the more time it takes to resume to a standing
position or move. The same goes for
the sitting and prone position.
6. Sitting.
The sitting position
is slower to assume than the kneeling and is slower to leave when the time comes
to move. It places more of the vital
area of the shooter’s body in the danger area from ricochet.
The sitting position is assumed by squatting, dropping the non-shooting
hand back for support, and continuing into the fully seated position.
The knees are pulled up and the feet spread about a foot apart.
The gun is held in the standard two-hand grip.
Both arms are at full extension and are supported by the knees.
Some shooters prefer to have the elbows forward of the knees, making it
easier to stay in a sitting position.
7. Prone position.
The prone position offers excellent stability and presents a smaller
apparent target. It is quite slow to
get into and out of; even very low obstacles can make it impossible to use.
When using the prone position you are in danger of ricochets and their
path. The conventional prone
position is assumed by first, dropping to both knees, facing the target.
The gun is drawn when the shooter is on his or her knees in the split
second before the body inclines forward; the
weak-side arm and hand support the body on the ground and lowers it to the prone
position. As the body inclines
forward, the gun arm swings forward and keeps the gun pointed down range.
The gun hand must not be used to help lower the body into position.
The body lies flat. Both arms
are extended at full length toward the target using the shooter’s regular two
hand hold. The feet are kept
together to minimize the size of the target.
This position can be modified some to fit the body of the shooter.
The position which avoids some of the problems of the conventional,
straight-on prone is known as “rollover” prone.
The position is well adapted to shooting around the side of cover.
To shoot around the right side of cover, the shooter lies prone about
arm’s length behind the edge of the cover with their body angled behind them
about 15 degrees to the left. The
shooter rolls onto the right side of their body and rests their right arm on the
ground from the shoulder to the hand. They maintain their two hand grip and rest
their left elbow and forearm on the ground.
To stabilize their body in this position they draw their left knee up,
rest the left knee on the ground and hook the top of their left foot over the
calf of their right leg.
Remember,
it is always quicker to go down into a position than up to one.
Other
points of interest:
Speed:
Speed is good if you can maintain a safe and proper grip, and maintain all
safety rules. Practice is with an
unloaded gun, or dummy rounds, drawing and reholstering.
(Dry fire)
Counting
the shots:
An empty gun is of no use.
Loading
and unloading:
Practice loading and unloading with dummy rounds to develop proficiency
and speed.
Commands:
You must obey all commands given you by either your training officer,
commanding officer or range officer.
Target
identification:
The ability to hit a target is one thing, but not the most important
factor especially in dim light shooting. Identifying
it is most important. ( Know your
target and beyond at all times.) Additional
safety rules for night firing (range)
A)
The shooter must not move out of position without command.
B)
Neither the “coach” nor “pupil” is to retrieve any dropped
articles without command. THIS MEANS
ANYTHING.
C)
When a flashlight is to be used, do not experiment with it on the range.
Shooting
and or Searching with a flashlight.
Searching with a flashlight is a dead giveaway so use cover whenever
possible while searching. Some like
to hold the flashlight out to one side, while some like to hold it in front of
them next to the gun or crossing the wrist using the bottom to hold the light
and help support the shooting hand. Each
has their fall-backs, be careful.
SHOTGUNS
& AMMUNITION:
History.
The development of the shotgun follows the same history of ignition as
does the pistol. Webster says the
shotgun is “A smooth bore gun designed for firing shot at short range.”
The great-grandfather of the shotgun was the same matchlock which was
brought to this country by the earliest settlers.
It was a muzzle-loader and was named for the “match” -- a wick-like
piece of material - which was lighted before use and then lowered by trigger
action into a priming pan of loose gunpowder.
Its successor was the wheel lock. It
worked much like a modern cigarette lighter but had to be wound up with a key
before use. While these arms were
not designed as shotguns, as we understand the term, they were the common
shoulder arms of their day and were used for both ball and shot loads.
The first guns which were used in the same way we now use shotguns were
essentially the same as other shoulder arms of the time.
They were called “fowling pieces” because they were used for bird and
small game hunting. These came into
being in the 1600’s with the advent of the flintlock.
The same general type of gun was made in the Mediterranean Region but was
called a “long fowler.” These
guns were still in use until 1850. The
important percussion lock was introduced in
The early 1850’