Firearms State Exam

Ammunition Components

• Bullet: portion of the cartridge that becomes a projectile in flight
• Case/Casing: metal or plastic container holding primer, powder, and bullet

Ammunition Anatomy

• Headstamp: markings on the head of ammunition indicating caliber or gauge and manufacturer
• Powder: propellant producing a large volume of gas when ignited
• Primer: mixture igniting the propellant or powder
• Rim: edge on the base of a cartridge case stopping its progress into the chamber

Ammunition Terminology

• Round: complete ammunition cartridge containing all parts of ammunition

Components of Ammunition

• A bullet is the portion of the cartridge that becomes a projectile when in flight.
• A case or casing is the metal or plastic container that holds all parts of a round of ammunition, including the primer, powder, and bullet.
• A headstamp is the marking found on the head of ammunition, indicating caliber or gauge and identifying the manufacturer.

Propulsion System

• Powder is the propellant used in most firearms, producing a large volume of gas when ignited.
• A primer is a mixture used to ignite the propellant or powder.

Cartridge Structure

• A rim is the edge on the base of a cartridge case that stops the progress of the case into the chamber.
• A round is a complete ammunition cartridge that contains all parts of ammunition.

Semiautomatic Pistol Components

• Accessory rail provides space for attaching lighting and sighting devices to the pistol

Grip Features

• Back strap is the portion of the grip placed in the palm of the shooting hand
• Front strap is the portion of the grip where the fingers of the shooting hand rest

Safety Mechanisms

• De-cocker is a mechanism that safely releases the spring tension on the cocked hammer or striker without allowing them to reach the round

Firearm Structure

• Frame/receiver holds the internal parts and the slide assembly

Sighting Components

• Front sight, located on the front of the slide, helps bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy

Firing Mechanism

• Hammer strikes the primer or firing pin to ignite the propellant and fire the round

Magazine Management

• Magazine release releases the magazine from the frame (magazine well)

Semiautomatic Pistol Components

• Accessory rail: a feature on the pistol that provides space for attaching lighting and sighting devices to enhance target acquisition and visibility.
• Back strap: the portion of the grip that rests in the palm of the shooting hand, providing a secure hold and control during firing.
• Hammer: a critical component that strikes the primer or firing pin, igniting the propellant and firing the round when triggered.

Components of a Semiautomatic Pistol

• The muzzle/barrel provides a path for the fired bullet.
• The rear sight, located on the rear of the slide, is used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy.
• The slide houses various key components, including the firing pin, barrel, recoil spring, sights, and extractor.
• The slide lock/takedown lever is a device that allows for quick and simple fieldstripping.

Semiautomatic Pistol Components

• Slide stop lever: locks the slide in the open position, facilitating jam clearance and maintenance
• Trigger: main activator of the pistol's operation, requiring deliberate pressure to fire
• Trigger guard: protective frame component that shields the trigger from unintentional activation

Magazine Components and Functions

• Follower: activates the slide stop and pushes the round up to be stripped off by the forward movement of the slide
• Magazine Floor/Butt Plate: holds the spring and follower in the magazine, maintaining their position and functionality
• Magazine Insert: prevents dirt and debris from entering the magazine by keeping the floor/butt plate secure
• Magazine Tube: contains and supports the internal components, including the ammunition
• Spring: provides the upward force that pushes the follower up

Cycle of Operation

• The cycle of operation for an open action begins with loading, which involves inserting a loaded magazine into the magazine well.
• Feeding/Chambering occurs when the slide is released, picking up the round from the magazine and seating it into the chamber.

Locking and Firing

• Locking takes place when the breech or back end of the barrel locks into the slide.
• Firing occurs with the ignition of the primer, resulting in the cartridge being fired.

Post-Firing Cycle

• Unlocking happens when the breech end of the barrel is unseated from the slide.
• Extraction involves pulling the spent cartridge from the chamber.
• Ejecting occurs when the spent cartridge is pushed out of the ejection port.
• Cocking concludes the cycle, returning the firing mechanism to the fire position.

Cycle of Operation (Open Action)

• The cycle begins with loading, where a loaded magazine is inserted into the magazine well.
• The locking phase involves the breech or back end of the barrel locking into the slide.
• The firing phase involves the ignition of the primer and the subsequent firing of the cartridge.
• The extraction phase involves the spent cartridge being pulled from the chamber.
• The ejecting phase involves the spent cartridge being pushed out of the ejection port.

Ammunition Components

• A cartridge consists of a case, primer, powder, and bullet.
• The case, also known as the casing, holds all parts of a round of ammunition.
• The headstamp is a marking on the case that indicates the caliber or gauge and manufacturer.
• Powder is a propellant that produces a large volume of gas when ignited.
• The primer is a mixture used to ignite the propellant or powder.
• The rim is the edge on the base of a cartridge case that stops its progress into the chamber.

Semiautomatic Pistol Components

• The frame or receiver holds the internal parts and slide assembly.
• The accessory rail provides space for lighting and sighting devices.
• The back strap is the portion of the grip placed in the palm of the shooting hand.
• The front strap is the portion of the grip where the fingers of the shooting hand rest.
• The hammer strikes the primer or firing pin to ignite the propellant and fire the round.
• The magazine release releases the magazine from the frame.
• The muzzle or barrel provides a path for the fired bullet.
• The rear sight is located on the rear of the slide and is used for accuracy.
• The slide houses the firing pin, barrel, recoil spring, sights, and extractor.
• The slide lock or takedown lever allows quick and simple fieldstripping.
• The slide stop lever locks the slide in the open position.
• The trigger activates the pistol's operation, and the trigger guard protects the trigger.

Magazine Components

• The follower activates the slide stop and pushes the round up to be stripped off by the forward movement of the slide.
• The magazine floor or butt plate holds the spring and follower in the magazine.
• The magazine insert keeps the floor/butt plate secure and prevents dirt and debris from entering the magazine.
• The magazine tube holds the internal components in place, including the ammunition.
• The spring pushes the follower up.

Cycle of Operation (Open Action)

• The cycle of operation consists of loading, feeding/chambering, locking, firing, unlocking, extraction, ejecting, and cocking.
• Loading involves inserting a loaded magazine into the magazine well.
• Feeding/chambering involves moving the round from the magazine to the chamber by releasing the slide.
• Locking involves the breech or back end of the barrel locking into the slide.
• Firing involves the ignition of the primer and firing the cartridge.
• Unlocking involves unseating the breech end of the barrel from the slide.
• Extraction involves pulling the spent cartridge from the chamber.
• Ejecting involves pushing the spent cartridge out of the ejection port.
• Cocking involves returning the firing mechanism to the fire position.

Recoil Management

• Control of handgun movement during firing is crucial for accurate shooting
• Enables sights to return on target in a predictable pattern without adjusting grip between shots
• A firm grip is necessary to manage recoil, but not so tight that it affects shooting accuracy

Squib Load Malfunction

• A squib load occurs when the primer ignites but the powder does not burn or only partially burns.
• This malfunction can cause a bullet to fail to exit the muzzle and become lodged in the bore.
• A squib load is a major safety hazard.

Identifying a Squib Load

• A squib load is characterized by a distinct, less-loud sound, often described as a "pop" instead of a "bang".
• The recoil felt during a squib load is significantly less than that of a regular round firing.

Failure to Fire

• A failure to fire occurs when the trigger is pulled, but the round fails to detonate.
• Causes of failure to fire include:
  • Safety is engaged, corrected by disengaging the safety.
  • Failure to chamber a round, corrected by Phase I clearance—Tap, Rack, Ready.
  • Magazine is not seated in the magazine well, corrected by tapping the magazine into the magazine well.
  • Primer fails to fire after the firing pin or striker hits it, resulting in a misfire and a dead round, corrected by Phase I clearance—Tap, Rack, Ready.

Ammunition Components

• A cartridge consists of a bullet, case, powder, and primer
• The case/casing is the metal or plastic container that holds all parts of a round of ammunition
• The headstamp is the marking on the case that indicates caliber or gauge and identifies the manufacturer
• The powder is the propellant that produces a large volume of gas when ignited
• The primer is the mixture that ignites the propellant

Pistol Components

• The frame/receiver holds the internal parts, as well as the slide assembly
• The accessory rail provides space for lighting and sighting devices
• The back strap is the portion of the grip that is placed in the palm of the shooting hand
• The front sight is located on the front of the slide and is used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy
• The hammer strikes the primer or firing pin to ignite the propellant and fire the round
• The muzzle/barrel provides a path for the fired bullet
• The rear sight is located on the rear of the slide and is used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy
• The slide houses the firing pin, barrel, recoil spring, sights, and extractor
• The slide lock/takedown lever allows quick and simple fieldstripping
• The slide stop lever locks the slide in the open position
• The trigger activates the pistol’s operation
• The trigger guard is part of the frame that protects the trigger
• The follower activates the slide stop and pushes the round up to be stripped off by the forward movement of the slide

Magazine Components

• The magazine floor/butt plate holds the spring and follower in the magazine
• The magazine insert keeps the floor/butt plate secure and prevents dirt and debris from entering the magazine
• The magazine tube holds the internal components in place, including the ammunition
• The spring pushes the follower up

Cycle of Operation (Open Action)

• Loading: inserting a loaded magazine into the magazine well
• Feeding/chambering: moving the round from the magazine to the chamber by releasing the slide
• Locking: the breech or back end of the barrel locks into the slide
• Firing: ignition of the primer and firing the cartridge
• Unlocking: unseating the breech end of the barrel from the slide
• Extraction: pulling the spent cartridge from the chamber
• Ejecting: pushing the spent cartridge out of the ejection port
• Cocking: returning the firing mechanism to the fire position

Recoil Management

• Recoil management is the ability to control the movement of the handgun when it fires
• A firm grip is necessary to manage recoil

Malfunctions

• A squib load is a malfunction that occurs when the primer ignites but there is no burn or only partial burn of the powder
• A failure to fire occurs when the trigger is pulled, but the round fails to detonate
• Causes of failure to fire include: safety is engaged, failure to chamber a round, magazine is not seated in the magazine well, and primer fails to fire

Malfunction: Failure to Feed

• Failure to feed occurs when the cartridge fails to feed into the chamber.
• The most common cause of this malfunction is when the magazine is not fully seated.
• To correct this malfunction, use the Phase I clearance procedure: Tap, Rack, Ready.
• Alternatively, insert a new magazine to resolve the issue.

Failure to Eject (Stovepipe)

• Failure to eject occurs when a fired cartridge case does not completely eject from the weapon.
• Common causes of failure to eject include:
  • Weak powder charge (bad ammunition)
  • Dry weapon (not enough lubrication)
  • Shooter not providing enough resistance while firing (limp wrist)
• Correction method for failure to eject: Use Phase I clearance—Tap, Rack, Ready.

Ammunition Components

• A bullet is the portion of the cartridge that becomes a projectile when in flight
• A case or casing is the metal or plastic container that holds all parts of a round of ammunition: primer, powder, and bullet
• A headstamp is the marking found on the head of ammunition that indicates caliber or gauge and identifies the manufacturer

Pistol Components

• An accessory rail provides space for lighting and sighting devices
• The back strap is the portion of the grip placed in the palm of the shooting hand
• A de-cocker is a mechanism that safely de-cocks the pistol, releasing the spring tension on the cocked hammer or striker
• The frame or receiver holds the internal parts, as well as the slide assembly
• A front sight is located on the front of the slide and is used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy
• A front strap is the portion of the grip that allows the fingers of the shooting hand to rest
• A hammer strikes the primer or firing pin to ignite the propellant and fire the round
• A magazine release releases the magazine from the frame (magazine well)

Slide Components

• A muzzle or barrel provides a path for the fired bullet
• A rear sight is located on the rear of the slide and is used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy
• A slide houses the firing pin, barrel, recoil spring, sights, and extractor
• A slide lock or takedown lever is a device that allows quick and simple fieldstripping
• A slide stop lever locks the slide in the open position
• A trigger activates the pistol’s operation
• A trigger guard is part of the frame that protects the trigger

Magazine Components

• A follower activates the slide stop and pushes the round up to be stripped off by the forward movement of the slide
• A magazine floor or butt plate holds the spring and follower in the magazine
• A magazine insert keeps the floor/butt plate secure and prevents dirt and debris from entering the magazine
• A magazine tube holds the internal components in place, including the ammunition
• A spring pushes the follower up

Cycle of Operation (Open Action)

• Loading: inserting a loaded magazine into the magazine well
• Feeding/chambering: moving the round from the magazine to the chamber by releasing the slide
• Locking: the breech or back end of the barrel locks into the slide
• Firing: ignition of the primer and firing the cartridge
• Unlocking: unseating the breech end of the barrel from the slide
• Extraction: pulling the spent cartridge from the chamber
• Ejecting: pushing the spent cartridge out of the ejection port
• Cocking: returning the firing mechanism to the fire position

Malfunctions

• A squib load is a malfunction that occurs when the primer ignites and there is no burn or only partial burn of the powder
• A failure to fire occurs when the trigger is pulled, but the round fails to detonate
• Causes of failure to fire include:
  • Safety is engaged
  • Failure to chamber a round
  • Magazine is not seated in the magazine well
  • Primer fails to fire after the firing pin or striker hits it
• A failure to feed occurs when the cartridge fails to feed into the chamber
• A failure to eject is when a fired cartridge case does not completely eject, also known as a stovepipe

Malfunction: Double Feed

• A double feed occurs when a round fails to extract from the chamber and a new round is fed from the magazine.
• Causes of a double feed include:
  • Damaged magazine lips
  • Poorly fitting magazine lips
• To clear a double feed, Phase II clearance is required (explained in a later section).

Failure to Extract Malfunction

• Occurs when a pistol fails to extract a spent casing from its chamber
• Causes of failure to extract include:
  • Weak powder charge (bad ammunition)
  • Dirt behind the extractor
  • Dirty chamber
  • Broken extractor
  • Damaged or worn rim on the case
  • Over-expanded or cracked case

Clearing the Malfunction

• Use Phase I clearance to clear the malfunction
• If Phase I clearance fails, try Phase II clearance
• If the extractor is worn or broken, a certified armorer must repair the firearm
• If the firearm is dirty, it must be cleaned

Ammunition Components

• A cartridge consists of a bullet, case/casing, primer, and powder.
• The case/casing is a metal or plastic container that holds all parts of a round of ammunition.
• The headstamp is a marking on the head of ammunition that indicates caliber or gauge and identifies the manufacturer.
• Powder is a propellant that produces a large volume of gas when ignited.
• The primer is a mixture that ignites the propellant or powder.
• The rim is the edge on the base of a cartridge case that stops the progress of the case into the chamber.

Semiautomatic Pistol Components

• Accessory rail provides space for lighting and sighting devices.
• Back strap is the portion of the grip that is placed in the palm of the shooting hand.
• De-cocker is a mechanism that safely de-cocks the pistol, releasing spring tension on the cocked hammer or striker.
• Frame/receiver holds the internal parts, as well as the slide assembly.
• Front sight is located on the front of the slide and is used for alignment and accuracy.
• Front strap is the portion of the grip that allows the fingers of the shooting hand to rest.
• Hammer strikes the primer or firing pin to ignite the propellant and fire the round.
• Magazine release releases the magazine from the frame (magazine well).
• Muzzle/barrel provides a path for the fired bullet.
• Rear sight is located on the rear of the slide and is used for alignment and accuracy.
• Slide houses the firing pin, barrel, recoil spring, sights, and extractor.
• Slide lock/takedown lever allows quick and simple fieldstripping.
• Slide stop lever locks the slide in the open position.
• Trigger activates the pistol's operation.
• Trigger guard is part of the frame that protects the trigger.

Magazine Components

• Follower activates the slide stop and pushes the round up to be stripped off by the forward movement of the slide.
• Magazine floor/butt plate holds the spring and follower in the magazine.
• Magazine insert keeps the floor/butt plate secure and prevents dirt and debris from entering the magazine.
• Magazine tube holds the internal components in place, including the ammunition.
• Spring pushes the follower up.

Cycle of Operation (Open Action)

• Loading: inserting a loaded magazine into the magazine well.
• Feeding/chambering: moving the round from the magazine to the chamber by releasing the slide, picking up the round from the magazine, and seating the round into the chamber.
• Locking: the breech or back end of the barrel locks into the slide.
• Firing: ignition of the primer and firing the cartridge.
• Unlocking: unseating the breech end of the barrel from the slide.
• Extraction: pulling the spent cartridge from the chamber.
• Ejecting: pushing the spent cartridge out of the ejection port.
• Cocking: returning the firing mechanism to the fire position.

Malfunctions

• Squib load: a malfunction where the primer ignites, but there is no burn or only partial burn of the powder.
• Failure to fire: occurs when the trigger is pulled, but the round fails to detonate.
• Failure to feed: occurs when the cartridge fails to feed into the chamber.
• Failure to eject (stovepipe): occurs when a fired cartridge case does not completely eject.
• Double feed: occurs when a round fails to extract from the chamber and is met with a new round being fed from the magazine.
• Failure to extract: occurs when the pistol fails to extract a spent casing from its chamber.

Recoil Management

• The ability to control the movement of the handgun when it fires, allowing the sights to return on target in a predictable pattern without having to adjust the grip between shots.

Sight Alignment

• Sight alignment is the relationship between the front sight and rear sight with the shooter's eye(s)
• It occurs when the top of the front sight is level with the rear sight's top edge and centered in the rear sight aperture or notch
• Keeping the eye(s) centered behind the rear and front sights is the most important aspect of aiming

Key Points for Proper Sight Alignment

• Look along the top of the firearm's sight plane
• Align the tops of the front and rear sights so that they are of equal height
• Center the front sight between the rear aperture or notch to create "equal light"

Sight Picture

• Sight picture is the relationship between the eye, front sight, rear sight, and target
• For proper sight picture, place the sights on the target and focus on the front sight
• The target will be blurry and the rear sight will be slightly out of focus
• Use your dominant eye to align the sights

Sight Alignment

• Sight alignment refers to the relationship between the front sight, rear sight, and the shooter's eye(s).
• Achieved when the top of the front sight is level with the rear sight's top edge.
• The front sight must be centered in the rear sight aperture or notch.

Ammunition Components

• Bullet: the projectile that is fired from a gun
• Case/casing: the metal or plastic container that holds the primer, powder, and bullet
• Headstamp: markings on the head of the ammunition that indicate caliber or gauge and identify the manufacturer
• Powder: the propellant used in most firearms, producing a large volume of gas when ignited
• Primer: a mixture used to ignite the propellant or powder
• Rim: the edge on the base of a cartridge case that stops the progress of the case into the chamber
• Round: a complete ammunition cartridge that contains all parts of ammunition

Semiautomatic Pistol Components

• Accessory rail: provides space for lighting and sighting devices
• Back strap: portion of the grip that is placed in the palm of the shooting hand
• De-cocker: mechanism that safely de-cocks the pistol, releasing the spring tension on the cocked hammer or striker without allowing them to reach the round
• Frame/receiver: holds the internal parts, as well as the slide assembly
• Front sight: located on the front of the slide, used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy
• Front strap: portion of the grip that allows the fingers of the shooting hand to rest
• Hammer: strikes the primer or firing pin to ignite the propellant and fire the round
• Magazine release: releases the magazine from the frame (magazine well)
• Muzzle/barrel: provides a path for the fired bullet
• Rear sight: located on the rear of the slide, used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy
• Slide: houses the firing pin, barrel, recoil spring, sights, and extractor
• Slide lock/takedown lever: device that allows quick and simple fieldstripping
• Slide stop lever: device that locks the slide in the open position
• Trigger: activates the pistol's operation
• Trigger guard: part of the frame that protects the trigger

Magazine Components

• Follower: activates the slide stop and pushes the round up to be stripped off by the forward movement of the slide
• Magazine floor/butt plate: holds the spring and follower in the magazine
• Magazine insert: keeps the floor/butt plate secure and prevents dirt and debris from entering the magazine
• Magazine tube: holds the internal components in place, including the ammunition
• Spring: pushes the follower up

Cycle of Operation (Open Action)

• Loading: inserting a loaded magazine into the magazine well
• Feeding/chambering: moving the round from the magazine to the chamber by releasing the slide, picking up the round from the magazine and seating the round into the chamber
• Locking: the breech or back end of the barrel locks into the slide
• Firing: ignition of the primer and firing the cartridge
• Unlocking: unseating the breech end of the barrel from the slide
• Extraction: pulling the spent cartridge from the chamber
• Ejection: pushing the spent cartridge out of the ejection port
• Cocking: returning the firing mechanism to the fire position

Malfunctions and Troubleshooting

• Squib load: a malfunction that occurs when the primer ignites and there is no burn or only partial burn of the powder
• Failure to fire: when the trigger is pulled, but the round fails to detonate
  • Causes: safety engaged, failure to chamber a round, magazine not seated in the magazine well, primer fails to fire
  • Correction: disengage safety, Phase I clearance (Tap, Rack, Ready)
• Failure to feed: cartridge fails to feed into the chamber
  • Cause: magazine not fully seated
  • Correction: Phase I clearance (Tap, Rack, Ready) or insert new magazine
• Failure to eject (stovepipe): fired cartridge case does not completely eject
  • Causes: weak powder charge, dry weapon, shooter not providing enough resistance while firing
  • Correction: Phase I clearance (Tap, Rack, Ready)
• Double feed: round fails to extract from the chamber and is met with a new round being fed from the magazine
  • Cause: damaged or poorly fitting magazine lips
  • Correction: Phase II clearance
• Failure to extract: pistol fails to extract a spent casing from its chamber
  • Causes: weak powder charge, dirt behind the extractor, dirty chamber, broken extractor, damaged or worn rim on the case, over-expanded or cracked case
  • Correction: Phase I clearance, if unsuccessful, try Phase II clearance

Sight Alignment and Sight Picture

• Sight alignment: the relationship of the front sight and rear sight with the shooter's eye(s)
• Sight picture: the relationship between the eye, front sight, rear sight, and target
• Steps to achieve proper sight alignment and sight picture:
  1. Look along the top of the firearm's sight plane.
  2. Align the tops of the front and rear sights so that they are of equal height.
  3. Center the front sight between the rear aperture or notch to create "equal light."
  4. Place the sights on the target.
  5. Focus on the front sight.

Flashlight Grip Techniques

• Watchman Grip: Hold flashlight in support hand with illuminating end projecting from index finger side, thumb controls on/off switch near front, and little or ring finger controls switch near back.
• Law Enforcement or Tactical Grip: Hold flashlight in support hand with illuminating end projecting from little finger side, thumb controls rear-mounted switch, index finger controls side-mounted switch near back, and little or ring finger controls side-mounted switch near front.

Flashlight Techniques for Handgun Use

• Ayoob Technique: Hold handgun in primary hand and flashlight in support hand using Watchman Grip, with hands extended and pressed together at thumbs, providing support for firearm control and good illumination.
• Harries Technique: Hold handgun in primary hand and flashlight in support hand using Law Enforcement or Tactical Grip, with support hand crossed under primary hand and backs of hands together, providing more control over handgun.
• Neck Index Technique: Hold handgun in primary hand and flashlight in support hand using Law Enforcement or Tactical Grip, with flashlight held to side of neck to illuminate target through handgun sights.
• BI Technique: Hold handgun in primary hand and flashlight in support hand using Law Enforcement or Tactical Grip, with flashlight held straight out to side or above head to illuminate target, useful for navigating around a barricade.

Managing Survival Stress

• To manage survival stress, utilize strategies that promote calm and effective decision-making.

The OODA Loop Decision Cycle

• The OODA loop is a decision-making tool that helps individuals prioritize and respond to critical situations.
• The OODA loop consists of four stages:
  • Observe: gather information using all senses.
  • Orient: process and filter gathered information to focus on what is most critical.
  • Decide: make a decision based on prioritized information.
  • Act: take action based on the decision made.

OODA Loop Decision Cycle

• The OODA loop is a decision-making cycle consisting of four stages: Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act.

Observe

• Gather information using the senses to take in relevant data.

Orient

• Process and filter the observed information to identify what is truly important.

Decide

• Make a decision based on the prioritized information from the Orient stage.

Act

• Take necessary action based on the decision made in the Decide stage.

Tactical Response Principles

• Immediate Response: Prepare to respond with what you have on your person or what is immediately available to you.
• Violence of Action: Use unrestricted speed, strength, surprise, and aggression to stop the threat.

Clearing and Monitoring

• Direct-to-Threat Clearing: Bypass all doors, rooms, and potential unknown threats if the location of the threat is known by sight, sound, or intelligence.
• Monitoring the Crowd: Observe where people are running away from to reveal the location of the threat.

Noise Discipline and Target Identification

• Noise Discipline: Move quietly to use the element of surprise.
• Positive Target Identification: Positively identify and stop the active threat/active shooter, and avoid additional armed responders, such as officers from other agencies, school guardians, or armed security teams.

Ammunition Components

• Bullet: portion of the cartridge that becomes a projectile when in flight
• Case/casing: metal or plastic container that holds all parts of a round of ammunition (primer, powder, and bullet)
• Headstamp: markings on the head of ammunition that indicate caliber or gauge and identify manufacturer
• Powder: propellant used in most firearms, producing a large volume of gas when ignited
• Primer: mixture used to ignite the propellant or powder
• Rim: edge on the base of a cartridge case that stops the progress of the case into the chamber
• Round: complete ammunition cartridge that contains all parts of ammunition

Semiautomatic Pistol Components

• Accessory rail: provides space for lighting and sighting devices
• Back strap: portion of the grip that is placed in the palm of the shooting hand
• De-cocker: mechanism that safely de-cocks the pistol, releasing spring tension on the cocked hammer or striker
• Frame/receiver: holds the internal parts, as well as the slide assembly
• Front sight: located on the front of the slide, used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy
• Front strap: portion of the grip that allows the fingers of the shooting hand to rest
• Hammer: strikes the primer or firing pin to ignite the propellant and fire the round
• Magazine release: releases the magazine from the frame (magazine well)
• Muzzle/barrel: provides a path for the fired bullet
• Rear sight: located on the rear of the slide, used to bring the firearm into alignment for accuracy
• Slide: houses the firing pin, barrel, recoil spring, sights, and extractor
• Slide lock/takedown lever: device that allows quick and simple fieldstripping
• Slide stop lever: device that locks the slide in the open position
• Trigger: activates the pistol's operation
• Trigger guard: part of the frame that protects the trigger

Cycle of Operation (Open Action)

• 1. Loading: inserting a loaded magazine into the magazine well
• 2. Feeding/chambering: moving the round from the magazine to the chamber
• 3. Locking: the breech or back end of the barrel locks into the slide
• 4. Firing: ignition of the primer and firing the cartridge
• 5. Unlocking: unseating the breech end of the barrel from the slide
• 6. Extraction: pulling the spent cartridge from the chamber
• 7. Ejecting: pushing the spent cartridge out of the ejection port
• 8. Cocking: returning the firing mechanism to the fire position

Malfunctions

• Squib load: malfunction that occurs when the primer ignites but there is no burn or only partial burn of the powder
• Failure to fire: occurs when the trigger is pulled but the round fails to detonate
• Failure to feed: occurs when the cartridge fails to feed into the chamber
• Failure to eject: occurs when a fired cartridge case does not completely eject
• Double feed: occurs when a round fails to extract from the chamber and is met with a new round being fed from the magazine

Sight Alignment and Sight Picture

• Sight alignment: relationship between the front sight and rear sight with the shooter's eye(s)
• Sight picture: relationship between the eye, front sight, rear sight, and target
• Steps for proper sight alignment and sight picture:
  1. Look along the top of the firearm's sight plane
  2. Align the tops of the front and rear sights so they are of equal height
  3. Center the front sight between the rear aperture or notch
  4. Place the sights on the target
  5. Focus on the front sight

Flashlight Techniques

• Watchman Grip: flashlight held in support hand with illuminating end projecting from index finger side of hand
• Law Enforcement or Tactical Grip: flashlight held in support hand with illuminating end projecting from little finger side of hand
• Ayoob Technique: hold handgun in primary hand and flashlight in support hand using watchman grip
• Harries Technique: hold handgun in primary hand and flashlight in support hand using law enforcement or tactical grip
• Neck Index Technique: hold handgun in primary hand and flashlight in support hand using law enforcement or tactical grip, with flashlight held to side of neck

Stress Management and Tactical Response

• Manage survival stress using strategies such as slow, deep breathing, keeping the head and eyes moving, and using the OODA loop decision cycle
• Principles of tactical response include:
  • Immediate response: prepare to respond with what is available
  • Violence of action: use unrestricted speed, strength, surprise, and aggression to stop the threat
  • Direct-to-threat clearing: bypass all doors, rooms, and potential unknown threats if the location of the threat is known
  • Monitor the flow of the crowd: observing where people are running away from can reveal the location of the threat
  • Noise discipline: use the element of surprise by moving quietly
  • Positive target identification: positively identify and stop the active threat/active shooter

Threat Recognition and Response

• A person who is not a threat is classified as a "pass" if they have a non-threatening posture and have been visually cleared of weapons.
• If an individual poses a fear of attack and does not surrender or assume a non-threatening posture, they are categorized as "hold/assess".
• An "active threat" or "active shooter" is identified as a "shoot" situation when they cannot be safely and immediately captured or contained by lesser means.