The rifle qualification course should require a reduced target of about 14" x 14" being shot. The course should be shot using three separate targets from the 25 yd. line. Targets should be scored with 05 pts. for the bullseye, 04pts. for the next ring and 03 pts. for shooting within the rest of the target. This would be a 48 rd. course of fire, with a minimum of 85% proficiency required to pass.

Students should be required to use the iron sites so they are familiar with how to site in on their targets with them. I did not see where students would be required to learn how to site with iron sites. If officers wanted to use other sites they could utilize whatever they wished in the field such as laser or optical sites. It is impairitive officers learn to site with the iron sites since electronic equipment has been known to malfunction or the batteries may go out. If the officer cannot hit his target utilizing his iron sites he would be ineffective in taking out the threat. Thus, putting himself and others at risk.

6VAC20-171-375 Basic Handgun Training

In reading some of the comments questioning the 24 hr. course requirement being purposed, I wanted to say as an instructor, I believe it is necessary.  If it could be affordable, even more hours are needed. When attempting to train an individual who is not knowledgable about how to safely operate a firearm and hit a target it requires time to practice the draw strokes and proper handling of the weapon that you cannot achieve in the present 14 hrs. of training. The requirement of remedial training is also good since a large portion of the officers coming in for in-service have difficulty qualifing. However, I believe it is not necessary for everyone to go through this process as there are a lot of officers who keep their skills up throughout the year. These individuals should only be required to attend the training that is presently in effect for in-service requirements. Since it is difficult to identify who those individuals are, the present requirements should stay in effect and those individuals who do not qualify should be sent home with their employer and the department notified of their firearm qualification score. The officers should then be required to return for the purposed remedial requirements.

Respectfully submitted

J.L. Ebbert