Arkansas

Law Enforcement Training

Academy

Basic Training

Firearms Manual

Fundamentals
Of
Marksmanship
Mental Imprinting

A learned technique which has become committed to the subconscious because of repetitive
practice.

Simply put, you do something over and over until you can do it without having to think
about it. Some habits are a result of mental imprinting, like signing your name, or
turning on the left blinker signal while driving.

The stronger an existing habit is, the more repetitions it will take to make a new
technique dominant. It is harder to learn a new technique if you have to first unlearn an
old one.

Examples: Trained or practiced with only a revolver.

Trained or practiced with poor shooting techniques.

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Components of the Auto Pistol
Frame

Barrel

Muzzle

Front Sight

Slide

Ejection Port

Rear Sight

Back Strap

Front Strap

Slide Lock Lever

Trigger

Trigger Guard

Magazine Release

Magazine

Magazine Well

De-Cocking Lever

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Glock

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Smith & Wesson

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Sig Sauer

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The Magazine
A Magazine always has a self-contained spring which keeps the stored cartridges under tension
so that they will be in the correct position for feeding.

Magazine Components
Body (Tube)

Base Plate

Spring

Insert

Follower

Magazine Functions
Holds the ammo supply.

Locks the slide back after the last cartridge has been fired.

Provides spring tension for self-ejection when the magazine release is pressed.

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Magazine Inspection
If the magazine doesn’t work, the gun won’t work

The magazine should be cleaned and inspected whenever the pistol is cleaned and inspected

Things to specifically inspect for:

Cracks

Dents

Deformed feed lips

Operation Cycle of the Auto Pistol

The operation cycle is the entire sequence of events which starts when the pistol is fired and
ends when the next cartridge is in the pistol’s chamber and ready to be fired. Although the
operation cycle is one continuous event it can be broken down into four phases: FEED, FIRE,
EXTRACT, and EJECT.

Feed - The process of moving the cartridge from the magazine into the chamber.

Fire - The firing pin impacts with the primer causing the cartridge to “fire”

Extract - The cartridge case is pulled from the chamber.

Eject - The cartridge case is thrown out of the pistol

Firearms Safety Features

All factory installed safety features must be left operational.

Unsecured Firearms Safety

For a pistol to be both secure and accessible, it must be on your person.

If it is not on your person, you don’t have control of it.

Follow your department policies on securing of issued firearms while off duty.

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Small Arms Ammunition
All modern small arms ammunition consists of individual cartridges which are completely self-
contained units of four components.

Cartridge Case
Primer
Powder
Bullet

Common Types of Ammunition Used By Law Enforcement

Ball

Reliably feeds in virtually any auto pistol in good condition.

Training ammunition.

Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)

Same as above but a cavity at the tip extends into the interior of the bullet.

Bullet expansion is most likely to occur with JHP.

Some JHP will have a Polymer tip over the hollow point.

Duty ammunition.

Dummy

A “Training Dummy” has no explosive primer or powder.

Used for training and firearms maintenance / testing.

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LOADING/UNLOADING THE PISTOL MAGAZINE
To load the magazine, hold the empty magazine with the support hand in front of the body at
approximately chest level. The front of the magazine points across the front of the body towards the
strong side, and the support hand thumb is placed on back of the magazine body, and pointing up. A
portion of the tip of the thumb should extend upwards past the lip of the magazine.

Hold a cartridge with the thumb and index finger of the strong hand so that the base of the cartridge is
pointing outwards past the tip of the thumb. Using the support hand thumb as a guide, press the base of
the cartridge down on the follower at the front of the feed lips until the cartridge can easily be pushed
under and past the feed lips. Push until the base of the cartridge touches the rear of the inside of the
magazine body. Allow the magazine spring to push the cartridge upwards until the cartridge touches the
underside of the Feed Lips. Release the cartridge. Repeat until the magazine is loaded with the
maximum number of cartridges recommended by the magazine manufacturer.

To unload the magazine, hold the magazine in either hand with the thumb placed along the open top of
the magazine. The thumb should be pointed forward so that the ball of the thumb is on top of the
cartridge and pointing in the same direction as the cartridge. Press down and forward until the cartridge
is completely out of the magazine. Let the released cartridge fall into the palm of the other hand, or
onto a suitable surface. Repeat until all cartridges have been removed from the magazine.

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Administrative Loading
The administrative loading of the pistol is used when reloading after inspection or maintenance.
Follow this procedure for all loading except when involved in a shooting or during a training
exercise which requires action reloading procedures.

Start with the slide fully forward. Do not lock the slide to the rear prior to loading the pistol
administratively.

1. Hold the pistol properly in the strong hand with the trigger finger off of the trigger and
completely out of the trigger guard, manual safety engaged.
2. With the support hand, insert a loaded magazine into the magazine well until it locks into
place.
3. With the support hand, cycle the slide to load a round in the chamber. Make sure you
engage all manual safeties and de-cock if it applies.
4. Properly holster the pistol.
5. Tug on the base of the loaded magazine to ensure that is it locked into the magazine well.

CAUTION! The pistol should not be loaded by placing a cartridge into the chamber and then letting
the slide go forward. This will eventually cause the extractor hook to weaken and break.
If the firing pin were stuck forward the cartridge in the chamber would fire out of
battery causing damage to the pistol and probably injury to you.

Administrative Unload
This unloading procedure is followed when unloading the pistol prior to cleaning, inspection, or
changing ammunition for range qualification. Start with the pistol holstered, it should already be
loaded. Safety engaged / de-cocked.

1. With the pistol still in the holster, remove the magazine and set it aside.
2. Draw the pistol from the holster, keeping your trigger finger outside the trigger
guard.
3. Point the pistol in a safe direction and with the support hand cycle the slide at least
three times. The first cycle will eject a live round onto an appropriate surface. Do not
attempt to catch the ejected round.
4. Lock the slide to the rear and visibly check for any ammuntition

WARNING! If a second round ejects, stop, re-holster, and remove the magazine. Repeat steps 2-
4.

The administrative unload is now complete.

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Slide Manipulation
When Manipulating (racking) the slide for any reason (loading, unloading, immediate action,
etc.) use one of two methods.

Over Method (Glock)

Using the fingertips and heel of the support hand, the slide is gripped with the heel of
the hand on the side of the pistol, and the four fingers over the top of the slide gripping
the opposite side with the finger tips. The hand should be behind the ejection port when
manipulating the slide. The thumb is toward the operator’s chest, and the muzzle is
downrange.

Pinch Method
Using the thumb and index finger of the support hand, “pinch” the rear of the slide. The
thumb must point towards the muzzle of the auto-pistol. The placement of the hand is
to be behind the ejection port

Manual Slide Lock

Right handed
Grasp the pistol grip with the right hand with the right thumb placed so that it is pushing
upwards on the slide stop lever.

With the left hand, move the slide to the rear until the slide stops. With the right thumb,
push upwards against the slide stop lever, which engages the locking notch on the slide.

Release the left hand first, and the slide will remain locked to the rear.

Left handed
Grasp the pistol properly with the left hand and with the index finger extended straight
forward pressing upwards on the slide stop lever.

With the right hand, move the slide to the rear until the slide stops. The left index finger
is pushing upwards against the slide stop lever, which engages the locking notch on the
slide.

Release the right hand first, and the slide will remain locked to the rear.

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When to Use De-cocking Procedures
In any arrest situation.

Before holstering the pistol.

Before initiating non-shooting tactical movement.

How to Use De-cocking Procedures

The general rule is to always use the manual safety / de-cocking lever to de-cock the auto-pistol.
Never press or pull the trigger in the de-cocking process. Keep your finger off the trigger and
out of the trigger guard if at all possible.

Proper Holstering
A major cause of unintentional/negligent discharges with the auto pistol is having the trigger
finger in the trigger guard when placing the pistol in a holster with a covered trigger guard.

De-cocking lever engaged. Safety on. *Note* Some auto pistols may not have manual safeties or
de-cocking levers (Glock).

The trigger finger is extended straight forward and slightly up, outside of the trigger
guard.(along the side of the frame)

The muzzle of the pistol is inserted into the holster and pushed down.

The thumb is used to push the rear of the slide to keep it in battery as the pistol is holstered.

Make sure the pistol is completely inserted into the holster before letting it go.

Engage all holster retention features.

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Ready Position
This is the position the shooter assumes when the pistol is drawn, but its immediate use is not
anticipated. Trigger finger should always be indexed (clearly outside of trigger guard, extended
straight forward along the frame).

1. High Ready

Maintain a proper firing grip with trigger finger indexed (clearly outside of the trigger
guard, fully extended straight along the frame) and withdraw the weapon by bending
the elbows straight down, lowering the weapon, at the same time, keeping the sights
aligned. Lower the weapon until your visual field is clear of the weapon system and the
weapon is in the lower quadrant of your visual field with sights aligned.

After raising the weapon to a position along the visual line between the shooter’s eyes
and the threat, the sights should be close to perfectly aligned allowing for the quick
discharge of the weapon system.

2. Low Ready

Maintain a proper firing grip with trigger finger indexed (clearly outside of the trigger
guard, fully extended straight along the frame) and withdraw the weapon by slightly
bending the elbows as you lower the muzzle approximately 45 degrees
downward.

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7 Steps of Marksmanship
Stance
Grip
Sight Alignment
Sight Picture
Breath Control
Trigger Control
Follow Through

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Stance

Isosceles
(Universal Fighting Stance)

Proper Body Position:

1. Feet, knees, hips, shoulders square to the threat or direction of travel

2. Knees slightly bent
3. Bend slightly forward at the waist (aggressive posture / control recoil)
4. Shoulders rolled forward
5. Arms straight with elbows and wrists locked
6. Head erect (bring the weapon to the eyes, not your head and eyes to the weapon).
7. Body weight resting on balls of feet, not the toes or heels

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 Weaver
Proper Body Position:

1. Stand in the interview position

2. The feet are approximately shoulder width apart, with strong side foot slightly back
3. Bend slightly forward at the waist (aggressive posture / control recoil)
4. The strong arm is slightly bent
5. The support arm is sharply bent with elbow pointing straight down
6. Using approximately 40 pounds of pressure, push forward with the strong arm, and pull
back with the support arm. This equal and opposite pressure creates the "isometric
lock" on the pistol which aids in controlling recoil
7. Head erect (bring the weapon to the eyes, not your head and eyes to the weapon).

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 Modified Weaver
Proper Body Position:

1. Stand in the interview position

2. Knees slightly bent with feet approximately shoulder width apart
3. Bend slightly forward at the waist (aggressive posture / control recoil)
4. Strong arm is extended straight out, and the elbow is locked
5. Support arm pulls back on the gun hand with approximately 40 pounds of pressure.
This locks the gun arm into the shoulder like a rifle stock
6. Head erect (bring the weapon to the eyes, not your head and eyes to the weapon).

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Grip
Firing Grip

Use a firm grip with the hand as high on the back strap of the pistol as possible.
The pistol and arm should be positioned so that a straight line runs from the muzzle of
the pistol back up the arm. The fingers make a natural grip around the front strap with
the trigger finger indexed (clearly outside of the trigger guard, fully extended straight
along the frame). This grip should be tight, but not so tight that it causes fatigue or
shaking.

The trigger finger should be inserted into the trigger guard in a natural, unstrained
position so that pulling it to the rear exerts a force straight back - not pushing to the left
or pulling to the right. This is true for both double action and single action shooting
although the exact position of the finger on the trigger will not be exactly the same for
both modes of shooting.

Supporting Hand Position

The support hand fingers wrap around the strong hand, with index finger placed tightly
beneath the trigger guard. The supporting hand should be grasping as firmly as the firing
hand.

Thumb Positions

The thumbs will lay against the support side of the frame, side by side, pointing at the
target.

Mechanical safeties and de-cocking levers can cause the shooter to change the firing grip.
Some shooters find that with the thumb curved downwards provides a more secure hold.
The pad of the offhand thumb placed on the thumbnail of the strong hand. However, this
placement may vary with the individual physique and/or type of auto-pistol being fired.

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1. 2.

3. 4.

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Sight Alignment
The relationship of the front sight to the rear sight. Perfect sight alignment places the
tops of both the front and rear sights level across the top and places the front sight
exactly in the center of the rear sight as viewed from the rear.

Sight Picture
The relationship of the target, the sighting system, and the eye. Ideally, there will be
perfect alignment and the top of the front sight will appear to be exactly at the intended
point of impact.

Focus on the Front sight and concentrate on a smooth even trigger pull. The rear sight
and target will be slightly out of focus, with the front sight clearly in focus.

Breath Control
If you know that you are going to shoot immediately, such as on the range during
training, prepare by deeply inhaling and exhaling several times. Then, take a deep
breath (inhale) and slowly let about 1/4 to 1/3 of it out (exhale).

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Trigger Control
The trigger squeeze must be gentle, deliberate and controlled.

1. The trigger finger should be positioned so that you are able to pull the trigger
straight back to the rear without disrupting alignment.

a. This action takes practice. The muscles in our hands are sympathetic.
When you “squeeze” the trigger finger, the rest of the fingers on the
hand want to sympathetically “squeeze” at the same time.

b. With practice and concentration you can disarticulate the trigger finger
from the rest of the gripping hand.

2. The trigger finger should not contact the frame of the gun at any time.

3. The trigger finger should be comfortably extended so that the point of contact
with the trigger is the middle of the pad of the first fingertip.

a. Ideally, the pad of the finger should be 90-degrees to the trigger, which
enables you to pull the trigger straight to the rear.

4. The trigger must be released with the same speed and rhythm as it is pulled.

a. Keep finger in contact with the trigger as it returns.

Allowing the trigger finger to return forward without contact with the
trigger, further than necessary, often results in “slapping” or “jerking”
the trigger during subsequent shots.

5. Alignment of the sights and squeezing the trigger must be done at the same
time.

a. Normally, triggers have a slight amount of free movement until the

trigger stops against the hammer/sear engagement point. Pulling
through that free movement and holding against the weight of the
hammer/sear engagement is called “prepping” the trigger. While
aligning sights on the target begin this free movement holding against
the hammer/sear engagement. When proper sight picture is achieved,
complete the trigger squeeze.

6. The term “squeeze” implies that increasing the level of pressure against the
trigger is done as a smooth acceleration

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 Ball & Dummy Practice

Conducted by Firearms Instructors (Range ONLY). The ammunition used is a random

selection of live or dummy ammunition. This training allows the shooter to witness the
disturbance in sight alignment if proper trigger discipline in not used as they fire a
dummy round.

Dry Firing Practice

Conducted by Firearms Instructors. This training allows the shooter to employ all the
factors of controlling the firing of an accurate shot without using any live ammunition at
all. Focus on the front sight, it should not move when the main spring of the firing
mechanism completes the firing cycle.

Follow Through
“Follow through” is the attempt by the shooter to keep everything exactly as it was set
up until the round is on its way to the target. “Follow through” is simply allowing one
action to be completed before beginning the next action. It is important that the
student learns to “follow through” from the beginning. It must be done deliberately, at
first, until it has become “Mentally Imprinted”. When the shot is fired, continue pressing
the trigger all the way to the rear and keep your eye on the front sight as it recoils up
and comes back down onto the target. Then, re-acquire the proper sight picture and
then (and only then) allow the trigger to return forward only far enough for the trigger
to re-set to a position where any movement to the rear will fire the pistol.

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Combat Reloading
The procedure for a Combat Reload is the same regardless of whether or not the pistol has been
shot to Slide Lock condition.

1. Remove the support hand from the auto-pistol and remove a spare loaded magazine from
the magazine pouch. Be careful to grasp it properly with the toe of the base plate in the
palm of the hand, and the pad of the index finger against the tip of the top cartridge in the
magazine.

2. Rotate the auto-pistol in the strong hand to the extent necessary to place your thumb on
the magazine release. Press the magazine release button and hold it completely in until the
magazine has fallen free of the auto-pistol. With some auto-pistols, such as the Glock, it may
be necessary to give the auto-pistol a sharp outwards “flick” with the gun hand in order to
ensure that the magazine reliably falls free of the magazine well.

3. Rotate the magazine well slightly to the support hand side, and relax your strong arm elbow.
Bring the loaded magazine up to the magazine well, insert and push it firmly all the way into
the magazine well with the heel of the support hand until the magazine locks into place. If
the slide does not go forward, chambering a round, when the fresh magazine is inserted,
simply rack the slide.

4. Re-establish a proper two-handed firing grip and stance, and assess the situation. Focus on
the front sight, and concentrate on the trigger finger. Fire if appropriate.

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Tactical Reloading (Tactical Magazine Exchange)
A Tactical Reload should be performed anytime that the auto-pistol has been fired, but not shot
to Slide Lock; and, the officer is not in immediate danger. It is not a good idea to throw
ammunition away unnecessarily as it might be needed later. The procedure is:

1. Remove the support hand from the auto-pistol, and remove a loaded magazine from the
magazine pouch. Be careful to grasp it properly with the toe of the base plate in the palm of the
hand, and the pad of the index finger against the tip of the top cartridge in the magazine.

2. Shift the magazine so that it is now being held securely between the index and middle fingers
with the base plate in the palm of the support hand.

2. Remove the trigger finger from the trigger guard. Place the support hand beneath the magazine
well so that the base of the magazine in the auto-pistol is touching between the thumb and
index finger of the support hand. Now press the magazine release button. Allow the magazine to
eject into the support hand thumb and index finger, grasp it firmly, and withdraw it from the
magazine well.

4. Insert the fully loaded magazine into the magazine well and, with the base of the support
hand, push it into a fully seated position with a smooth, positive motion.

5. Do not discard the removed magazine. You may need any ammunition it still contains later.
If the removed magazine is placed in the magazine pouch, be sure to insert it with the toe of
the base plate towards the rear (backwards) so that you can identify it by feel, and not
accidentally attempt to use it instead of a fully loaded magazine if you have to reload the
auto-pistol again.

6. Re-establish a proper two-handed firing grip and stance, and assess the situation.

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Malfunctions
Stoppage: An unintended halt in the operation cycle of the auto pistol which can be corrected
by the use of immediate action techniques.

Jam: An unintended halt in the operation cycle of the auto pistol which requires the application
of remedial action. Includes damage to the auto pistol itself

Types of Malfunctions
Failure to Feed

The process of moving the cartridge from the magazine to the chamber is interrupted.

Failure to Fire

Pressure on the trigger does not cause the auto pistol to fire.

Failure to Extract

The cartridge case in the chamber is not pulled completely out of the chamber by the
extractor.

Failure to Eject

The cartridge case is pulled completely out of the chamber by the extractor, but it is not
thrown completely clear of the auto pistol.

Malfunctions - Types of Causes

Operator Error:

The operator does something they shouldn’t, doesn’t do something they should, or does
something wrong.

Improper Ammo:

A cartridge with one or more components or dimensions incompatible with proper

functioning.

Improper Maintenance

Any improper maintenance procedure or material which causes or encourages an

interruption in the operation cycle. INCLUDES NEGLECT.

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 Bad Magazine

Any improper dimension or material within the magazine which causes an interruption
in the operation cycle. Dents, cracks, deformed feed lips, improper manufacture, etc.

Auto Pistol Related

Any condition in the auto pistol itself which interrupts the operation cycle. Usually
requires the services of an armorer to correct.

Corrective Action
Corrective action is an action taken to correct any unintended interruption of the operative
cycle of the auto pistol. There are two levels of corrective action: Immediate Action and
Remedial Action

Immediate Action
Immediate Action: The unhesitating application of a probable remedy without investigating the
cause. Immediate Action has two phases.

You always try phase one first, and if it doesn’t solve the problem you begin phase two.

Immediate Action Phase one

First, with any type of firearm, if you are pressing the trigger and the firearm will not fire, fully
release the trigger and then press it again. If this does not result in a shot, then proceed with
phase one.

TAP - the base of the magazine in the pistol with the heel of the supporting hand.

RACK - the slide all the way to the rear and then let it go forward freely.

ASSESS YOUR TARGET - Re-establish a proper firing grip, focus on the front sight, and
concentrate on pressing the trigger straight back. Fire only if the threat still exists.

Phase one will almost always correct the more common stoppages of the auto pistol. Properly
performed, phase one procedures can be executed quickly.

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Immediate Action Phase Two
Phase two procedures take considerably longer, even with extensive practice.

Rip - The magazine from the weapon

Retain - The magazine on your person, still contains valuable ammunition.

Rack - The slide briskly at least 3-5 times, keeping muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

Load - Load - Use a fresh magazine, if possible. The malfunction may be caused by a
bad magazine. The second magazine will also have more ammo. Assess for
threats, engage if needed - remembering to FOCUS on the FRONT SIGHT -
CONCENTRATE on a smooth, even pull of the trigger finger.

Phase two procedures must be performed in the proper order. Practice the entire sequence
until mental imprinting has been established.

Remedial Action
The continuing effort, after immediate action procedures have failed, to return the auto pistol
to operation. Remedial action may also be indicated when stoppages (although individually
corrected by immediate action procedures) have been repetitive.

There are two phases to remedial action: Determine the cause and apply a remedy.

Remedial Action Determining the Cause

Which phase of the operation cycle has been interrupted? In what manner? The shooter may
need the services of a trained armorer or qualified instructor.

In most cases an armorer will have to determine the cause and apply a remedy. Follow your
department policy regarding disassembly of the firearm.

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