Police Shooting Stances and Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the lesson plan?

Developing officer survival skills

What are the two basic standing styles taught on the range?

Point Shoulder (Isosceles) and the Weaver (or modified Weaver)

What is the purpose of the dry fire exercises in the instructional objectives?

To demonstrate the procedures learned in objectives 1-11

How many instructional objectives are outlined in the lesson plan?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary importance of practicing officer survival skills?

To ensure effective self-defense in critical situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying common problems and immediate action drills for revolvers and semi-automatic handguns?

To clear stoppages and continue firing effectively Signup and view all the answers

Which stance maximizes the effect of body armor worn and puts the shooter in the best position to cover a wide field of fire when multiple suspects are possible?

Point Shoulder Stance Signup and view all the answers

What is the disadvantage of the Point Shoulder Stance when shooting duty/magnum rounds?

It creates a tendency for recoil to push the muzzle up Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the support arm/hand in the Weaver/Modified Weaver Stance?

To pull the strong arm/wrist back Signup and view all the answers

When is the Combat Tuck stance used?

When there is not enough time to acquire a shooting stance Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of the Combat Tuck stance?

It allows for shots to be fired from a one or two hand grip Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adjusting the grip to allow the index finger to lie across the trigger?

To allow for single action shooting Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of muzzle awareness in the Combat Tuck stance?

It is important to ensure proper muzzle alignment Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended grip for most police situations?

Two-hand supported grip Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended grip for most police situations?

Two-hand supported grip Signup and view all the answers

What should the support hand do to help the strong hand grip?

Help support the weapon's weight and recoil Signup and view all the answers

How should the strong hand grip the handgun in the holster?

Using the fingers and the thumb Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to grip the handgun?

Like making a good, solid handshake Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the draw (presentation)?

To get the handgun out of the holster and mate the hands together Signup and view all the answers

Where should the web of the hand be placed on a semi-automatic handgun?

On the tang Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to hold the support hand?

Wrapped around the fingers of the strong hand Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of muzzle awareness?

To ensure accurate shots Signup and view all the answers

What should the shooter do with the fingers (excluding the trigger finger) and the thumb?

Grip the gun like a handshake Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended stance for drawing the handgun?

Aligned with the threat Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the strong hand grip?

To provide a firm foundation for the handgun Signup and view all the answers

What is the disadvantage of holding a semi-automatic handgun too close to the torso?

It may cause the slide to strike the officer's torso Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the draw process?

Establish the proper shooting grip in the holster Signup and view all the answers

What should the strong elbow be pointed to during the draw?

Rearward Signup and view all the answers

What should the index finger do during the draw?

Remain outside the holster and off the trigger Signup and view all the answers

How should the gun be rotated when clearing the holster?

90 degrees upward Signup and view all the answers

What is the final position of the gun after the draw?

In front of the shooter's dominant eye Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal when holstering the gun?

To do it safely Signup and view all the answers

Where should the muzzle point during holstering?

In a safe direction Signup and view all the answers

What should the support hand do during holstering?

Aid in fastening retention devices Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to practice a one-handed draw?

Because it may be necessary due to injury or circumstance Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of watching the surroundings during holstering?

To watch for potential threats Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the muzzle when the gun clears the holster?

Towards the threat Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the support hand when drawing the gun?

It should be held against the centerline of the body Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the index finger when drawing the gun?

It should remain outside the holster and off the trigger Signup and view all the answers

What should the shooter do when holstering the gun?

Use the same direct motion as the draw Signup and view all the answers

Why is consistency important in the draw and presentation?

Because it helps to build muscle memory Signup and view all the answers

What should the shooter do if they cannot complete the draw and presentation with the strong hand?

Use the support hand to complete the presentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the draw and presentation?

To get the handgun out of the holster and to present the gun in front of the shooter's face without wasting motions Signup and view all the answers

What should the shooter do when the gun is presented in front of the face?

Fine tune the sight alignment Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to keep the shooting grip consistent throughout the shooting sequence?

Because it helps to build muscle memory Signup and view all the answers

What should the shooter do with the strong hand after transferring the gun to the support hand?

It should be brought across the chest Signup and view all the answers

When drawing and firing with the support hand only, which arm should be allowed to hang at the side?

Strong arm Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal when presenting the gun in front of the shooter's dominant eye?

To fine tune the sight alignment Signup and view all the answers

When should you relax your shooting grip during the holstering process?

Never Signup and view all the answers

What should happen to the muzzle when rotating the firearm in the cross-draw method?

It should be pointed in a safe direction Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you drop a round while loading your revolver?

Leave it and load another round Signup and view all the answers

Which finger should remain outside the holster and off the trigger during the cross-draw method?

Index finger Signup and view all the answers

How should you unload your revolver?

By opening the cylinder and pushing the extractor rod Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of practicing drawing and firing with the support hand only?

To prepare for situations where the strong hand is injured Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of loading the revolver quickly?

Because your life depends on it Signup and view all the answers

In the upside-down draw method, where should the support thumb be placed?

On the grip side closest to the body Signup and view all the answers

What should be the final position of the gun after presentation?

In front of the dominant eye Signup and view all the answers

How should you carry extra rounds when on the range?

In a dump pouch Signup and view all the answers

What should happen to the wrist during the draw and presentation?

It should be kept straight and locked Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'administrative load' in a semi-automatic handgun?

Chambering a round and then holstering Signup and view all the answers

How should you grip the slide of a semi-automatic handgun?

With your entire hand Signup and view all the answers

Why should there be no wasted motions during the draw and presentation?

To reduce the risk of accidental discharge Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with the brass after unloading your revolver?

Let it fall to the ground Signup and view all the answers

How should the firearm be gripped during the cross-draw method?

With three gripping fingers and the thumb Signup and view all the answers

Why should you maintain a consistent shooting grip during the draw and presentation?

Because the situation may reoccur Signup and view all the answers

How should you unload and reload your revolver?

As fast as you can Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of seating the magazine back into the magazine well after reloading?

To have the maximum number of rounds available if needed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a Forced Reload and a Combat/Speed Load?

The priority of speed versus reloading from behind cover Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with the partially used magazine during a Magazine Save/Tactical Reload?

Place it in the shooter's waistband, pocket, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct sequence of steps to unload and make safe a handgun?

Remove the magazine, grasp the slide, and lock it to the rear Signup and view all the answers

What is a common problem that can cause a stoppage in a revolver?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the extractor rod becomes loose in a revolver?

Transition to a back-up weapon Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the support hand during a reload?

To guide the fresh magazine into the magazine well Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not double tap the magazine during a reload?

It can cause the magazine to not seat properly Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to grip the slide during a reload?

Using the heel and fingers of the support hand Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine well after unloading?

To ensure the handgun is safe and clear Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Officer Survival Skills

The stance an officer takes on the street depends on the officer's survival skills, which can be a deciding factor in a shooting situation.

Police Shooting Stances

There are two basic standing styles taught on the range:
- Point Shoulder (Isosceles) Stance
  - Body square to the target
  - Feet shoulder-width apart
  - Knees slightly bent
  - Weight slightly forward
  - Arms locked out in front of the face
- Advantages:
  - Maximizes the effect of body armor
  - Puts the shooter in the best position to cover a wide field of fire
- Disadvantages:
  - Tendency for recoil to push the muzzle up
  - May not be suitable for smaller framed individuals
- Weaver (or modified Weaver) Stance
  - Body bladed to the target
  - Strong leg slightly to the rear
  - Strong arm/wrist locked out in front of the face
  - Support arm/hand pulling back
- Advantages:
  - Maximizes resistance to recoil
  - Makes the shooter's profile smaller
  - Allows for shooting most police weapons
- Disadvantages:
  - Exposes the vulnerable area of the body armor
  - May not be comfortable for some body types

Combat Tuck

Used in close quarter situations where there is no time to acquire a traditional shooting stance
Characterized by:
- Upper body and legs oriented towards the threat
- Strong hand draws the sidearm
- Support arm out of the line of fire
- Handgun drawn and muzzle pointed towards the target area
Advantages:
- Allows for rapid shots to be fired
- Can be used with a one or two-hand grip
Disadvantages:
- May cause malfunction on a semi-automatic handgun

Shooting Grip

Should be as strong as possible and consistent throughout the shooting sequence
Established with the strong hand using:
- Fingers (excluding the trigger finger)
- Thumb
- Web of the hand high on the backstrap
Support hand is used to support the strong hand grip
Finger wrap:
- Support thumb rests along the slide
- Fingers of the support hand placed under the trigger guard and wrapped around the fingers of the strong hand

Draw and Presentation

Should be done in a smooth and continuous motion
Steps:
1. Get the proper shooting grip in the holster
2. Clear the gun from the holster
3. Rotate the gun 90 degrees
4. Punch the gun straight out towards the threat
5. Establish a two-handed grip
6. Present the gun in front of the shooter's face
Holstering:
1. Bring the gun in towards the abdomen
2. Rotate the gun 90 degrees
3. Ease the gun into the holster
4. Fasten retention devices

Drawing with One Hand

Should be done in a smooth and continuous motion
Steps:
1. Get the proper shooting grip in the holster
2. Clear the gun from the holster
3. Rotate the gun 90 degrees
4. Punch the gun straight out towards the threat
5. Establish a one-handed grip
6. Present the gun in front of the shooter's face

Drawing with the Support Hand

Should be done in a smooth and continuous motion
Steps:
1. Get the proper shooting grip in the holster
2. Clear the gun from the holster
3. Rotate the gun 90 degrees
4. Punch the gun straight out towards the threat
5. Establish a one-handed grip with the support hand
6. Present the gun in front of the shooter's face

Transitioning to the Support Hand

Should be done in a smooth and continuous motion
Steps:
1. Draw with the strong hand
2. Rotate the gun 90 degrees
3. Bring the gun in front of the body
4. Establish a one-handed grip with the support hand
5. Present the gun in front of the shooter's face### Drawing and Presenting a Firearm
The strong arm (gun) should not travel above the eyes, loop around to the side, or break/cock the wrist to align the sights.
The goal is to fine-tune sight alignment when the gun stops in front of the shooter's face (dominant eye).

Method 2 - Upside Down Draw

The support hand releases the retention devices and establishes an upside-down grip on the firearm.
The firearm is removed from the holster, brought across the front of the body, and rotated to a horizontal position with the support hand.
The gun is then brought in front of the officer into a one-armed firing position.

Holstering

Holstering should be done with the reverse motion used to draw the firearm.
The shooting grip should not be relaxed during holstering.
Consistency is key in all steps.

Loading and Unloading

Loading and unloading should be done consistently, whether using a revolver or semi-automatic handgun.
Revolver: unload by releasing the cylinder, opening the cylinder, and extracting the brass; load by inserting live rounds into the cylinder.
Semi-automatic handgun: load by placing a loaded magazine into the magazine well, and chambering a round; unload by removing the magazine and ejecting any live round from the chamber.

Loading Techniques for Semi-Automatic Handguns

Administrative Load: load a round into the chamber, then holster and remove the magazine to top it off.
Forced Reload: drop the empty magazine, insert a fresh magazine, and chamber a round.
Combat/Speed Load: drop the used magazine, insert a fresh magazine, and chamber a round.
Magazine Save/Tactical Reload: remove the partially used magazine, insert a fresh magazine, and chamber a round.

Common Problems Causing Stoppages

Revolver: faulty ammunition, dirty revolver, loose extractor rod, and revolver out of alignment.
Semi-automatic handgun: failure to feed, failure to extract, and improper or no maintenance.
Remedies: reload with fresh ammunition, transition to a back-up weapon, or conduct a Tap-Rack-Ready drill.

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