Firearms

[CET]

I hate to ask this question, but this is a serious concern of mine. My last time at FLETC I had some issues with firearms qualification and had to go to remedial to qualify. Currently, I qualify every time at the range but it is never near the higher end scores. I currently am in the process for numerous 1811 positions and I wanted to check with the experience of the board and see what agencies have difficult firearm qualification courses at Basic (ATF, USSS, FBI???) and what courses people didn't have too many qualms with (ICE, OIG, ???). I know everyone will reply that the "instructors" will get you through but I just hate the thought that I have put in all this effort to get these positions, am leaving my current Federal gig, and than may "wash-out".

[Cinda]

Just my two cents....but if you are having problems qualifing, why don't you practice more? Are there any firearms instructors in your current agency that can help you become more proficeint? Using your firearm shouldn't be a secondary skill as your life or your partners life may depend on your ability to shoot.
Shooting isn't an automatic natural born skill, it does require more than just going to the range when your department sends you. I suggest investing time in learning this skill rather than trying to pick an agency that doesn't require much.

[MWATHRT]

Ditto on what Cinda said.

Just ask for help, and practice, practice, practice.

[GS1890]

...for 15 minutes every day, for about 4-6 weeks. At that point, you will see your scores/classification go up. Also those grip exercise devices work; as well as squeezing a tennis ball on your spare time at work or home in front of the T.V. Even high level shooters dry fire/grip strength exercises to keep the edge.

[Shasta69]

Focus on front site and squeeze the trigger the same way every time????

Did I mention practice????
-P

[dwf131]

In addition to above, visit the local range and fire some live rounds. Many ranges (depending on where you can go) may not allow you to use a holster unless you have access to the agency range -- use it! Focus on the basics: grip, presentation (unholstering), front site, press. Form over speed.

Focus on 15-20 Minutes a day for dry fire. Think and be safe when conducting these drills as you will most likely be home and can not afford a ND. Make sure that the area can contain a bullet if a negligent discharge occurs. Buy/create a small target to aim at and practice. Do not practice in front of a mirror as you will tend to look at your reflection rather than the front site.

Do a search on gun training and you should be able to find information on practicing and if you can not afford to attend a class there will be videos out there that will help you prepare.

Also work on malfunction drills and be prepared to ACT when your weapon has a malfuction. Work on speed reloading and tactical reloading. Work on failure drills (target fails to stop -- two to body one to head). What about low light?

In addtion to what Cinda has said shooting skill is perisable. Don't think that practicing for a certain amount of time will remain if you quit practicing as you feel that you are proficient.

Also focus on the other things that may wash you out. You are only as strong as your weakest link. Find and strengthen your weaknesses then go back and find other weaknesses and strengthen them. Once you think you have mastered the basics start over again focusing on basics. Form over speed. Don't worry about the high speed low drag shooting techniques as they will most likely be taught during training. If not, buy videos/go to classes later.