New Shooter Semi Auto Handgun Outline 3-23

Semi Auto New Shooter Training Outline

Date 3 / 21 /2 3

New Shooter Private Training costs One person Classroom: 5.0 hours Classroom Rental costs: 25.00 Classroom Instructor Fee: $ 150.00 Range Time: 3.0 hours Range fee per hour: $ 30.00 Total range fee: $ 90.00 Instructor ranger fee $ 50.00 Total Range $ 140.00 Ammunition fee: Est $ 60.00 Total fees: $ 375.00 Can very some based on ammunition amount and price?

Classroom Content

5.0 Hours

New Shooter Semi Auto Handgun Outline Semi auto operation and the learning process

Anyone can prove to themselves that they cannot learn to shoot or shoot a specific handgun if they are in over their head by attempting a task that cannot be done and done safely. “Keep It Simple” is a good thing to consider when selecting and shooting a semi auto handgun. Handguns have a “learning curves ” that will dictate what is the best method of learning how to operate and shoot the handgun. That will affect the safety, success, and cost of learning. The more complicated the process required to operate and fire the handgun the higher the learning curve, the more time to master the process and the more it costs. The semi auto handgun will have a higher learning curve then a revolver. A Glock 19, 9mm with a striker firing pin system or those like it are one of the easiest to learn, therefore a low learning curve. Learning to shoot a semi auto as your first handgun can be placed into 4 categories 1 . Learning to Shoot 2. Learning Semi auto Handgun operation 3. Semi auto shooting skills 4. Range Safety and Procedures

Basic Operating Skills • Disassemble for clean and identify major operating parts • Handgun Cleaning • Reassemble and check for operation Identify Handgun function levers as applicable • Safeties

• Chamber loaded indicators • Slide lock back and release • Magazine release • Loaded chamber indicator • De-cocker if applicable

Trigger system - Identify type and operation • Double / single action

• Double action only • Single action only • Striker Fired

Handgun Grip

• Two handed Grip • One handed Grip

• Weaver stance slide grip • Isosceles stance Slide grip • Limp wrist Grip

Slide operation • Weaver stance grip • Isosceles stance grip • Riding the slide • With magazine in and empty • With magazine loaded • Lock back without magazine in handgun

Magazine operation • Loading • Unloading • Use of speed loaders

Loading and unloading the handgun • Loading from a slide forward condition • Loading from a slide back condition • Unloaded gun and make safe

Accessories • Snap caps

• Dummy rounds • Speed loaders

Semi auto malfunctions Because of how a semi auto works they all come with the possibilities listed below.

It is important the new semi auto operator develops skills that go beyond just pulling the trigger. Not understanding how to recognize and recover form malfunctions can lead to confusion and a unsafe condition that can be life threatening if encountered during a self-defense situation.

The possible malfunctions are failure to: • Feed • Fire • Extract • Eject • Double feed • Stove pipe

Most malfunctions can be prevented by following the list of “best practices” below. • Handgun Operation • Shooting Skills • Select the correct ammunition • Test fire the ammunition • Keep the gun clean Ammunition • Semi Auto is ammunition operated • Cartridge discharge recoil moves slide back to extract the round and cock the gun • Return spring pulls slide forward to pick round from magazine, chamber round and lock slide. • Test firing new self-defense ammo is important to assure proper operation of the gun • Shoot a box or two to check reliability

How to identify the correct type of ammunition for your gun • Gun Barrel • Operating Manual • Ammo Box • Head of case

Types of ammunition loads • Reloads - Target Only

• Standard Factory New - Self Defense/ Target • +P Higher performance / more cylinder pressure • +P+ Very high performance / much more cylinder pressure

Semiauto is ammunition sensitive • Shoot at least 25 rds. to assure operation • If you change gun or ammo must test again • Jacket hollow points feed better

Important cartridge Considerations • Cartridge length

• Shape of projectile • Velocity and energy • Weight of bullet

Care of ammunition • Solvents/Cleaning fluids can deactivate primers • Keep dry - away from extreme heat - change defense ammo year

Ammunition Malfunctions 1. Misfire. A failure of the primer to ignite the powder . A misfire is not dangerous, as long as that’s all it is. However, keep the firearm down range and on target for ten seconds in the event it is a “hangfire”. 2. Hangfire A delayed detonation of the primer. A hangfire can be dangerous in revolvers and pistols. They will typically discharge within 4 seconds but holding your firearm on target for 10 seconds will make certain the misfire is not a hangfire. This type of malfunction occurs with older ammunition or ammunition that has been tampered with or cleaned with solvents or oil. 3. Squib. A cartridge which is missing the powder or does not ignite properly. The symptom is a cap pistol type sound, and no recoil. When this happens, enough gas is generated to force the bullet from the neck of the casing, but not enough to push it through to the muzzle. In revolvers, it will often stop at the forcing cone, or just up the barrel. It is dangerous to fire another round behind. Any time you hear the tell tail “Pop”, STOP SHOOTING, DO NOT PULL THE TRIGGER, check the barrel for obstructions, call your range officer for help if necessary.

Introduction to Handgun Malfunction and Corrective Action

The handgun owner should have a clear understanding knowledge of handgun operation and shooting skills. They are:

Normal operating skills Normal Shooting skills Emergency skills (fail to function and fail to fire)

The semi auto and the revolver each have their own set of operating characteristics and possible failure to operate and fire. The failures can be placed into three categories 1) the shooter 2) the handgun 3) ammunition Sometimes it can be a combination of two or three that creates the problem. The semi auto, due to its fundamental operation, comes with its own unique issues that can create a real challenge and possible danger if not recognized and corrected in a timely manner. These are called Immediate Action Drills (IAD). Action must be immediately taken to correct the malfunction and return fire. These drills are practiced that create an immediate response that corrects the problem. Failure to recognize and correct can create a safety issue at the range too the possibility of the fatal loss of a self-defense gun fight at home or on the street. The good news is that modern semi auto handguns offer reliable operation if cleaned, maintained and the owner is well trained. The use of snap caps will help in the practice of safe normal and emergency mechanical operation skills necessary to master the semi auto handgun. Snap Caps are used in firearms for the following reasons: • Protects the firing pin system during dry fire practice • Practice loading and unloading handgun. • To practice fail to fire drills. • To practice the mechanics of immediate action drills. • To help identify handgun shooting errors such as flinching, and trigger pull errors. • Are used in place of live rounds to practice handgun operation in a non-range environment. • To help identify handgun shooting errors such as flinching, and trigger pull errors. • Are used in place of live rounds to practice handgun operation in a non-range environment

Below are malfunctions and causes that can happen to the semi auto and a revolver. The shooter should have the knowledge of why they happen, how to avoid them and be able to correct them if they occur.

Revolver Corrective action

Malfunction

Semi Auto Cause

Semi auto corrective action

Failure to load “Round not chambered”

Pull trigger to rotate cylinder and chamber a new round.

1. Tap-Rack-Go 2. Watch for failure to extract If malfunction happens again :

Deformed round Dirty or rough extractor face Dirty rails Dirty chamber Bad magazine Magazine not seated

1. Drop magazine 2. Lock slide back 3. Check chamber 4. Insert new magazine 5. Rack slide closed

Failure to fire *

1. Tap-Rack-Go 2. If no response, exchange mag & rack slide. 3. Watch for failure to extract 1. Drop magazine 2. Lock slide back 3. Work slide to clear case 4. Insert new magazine 5. Rack slide closed If malfunction repeats or if working the slide doesn’t clear B. Drop magazine C. Lock slide back D. Push case out with a pen or cleaning rod E. insert a new magazine F. Rack slide closed 1. Lock slide back out 2. Hook case with weak index finger & pull out 3. Tap-Rack-Go the weapon: A. Take cover

Pull trigger to rotate cylinder and chamber a new round.

Misfire/bad round Failure to feed Slide not locked Round not in chamber

Failure to extract Bad case rim

Does not apply during the shooting cycle

Bad or broken extractor or spring Dirty chamber or extractor Dirty rails

Stove pipe

Light load weak wrist Dirty rails

Does not apply to a revolver.

Failure of magazine to fall

Dirty magazine Dirty magazine well

1. Depress the mag release 2. Manually strip mag from gun

Does not apply

Round partially fed from magazine Release not sufficiently depressed

5

Shooing Range Procedures and Safety

Check in procedures • Safety Equipment • Eye and Ear Protection • Clothing • Range Rules Shooting Booth Rules • General rules

• Shoot from benched position in booth only • Gun goes to and from booth bench in box

Range Distractions • Gun discharge blast • Gun recoil • Misfire of firearm

• Unintentional discharge of firearm • Fired cartridge ejection direction • Other Shooters • Background noise • Next booth shooters

New Shooter Shooting Skill Development Transition Process

For many reasons the semi auto is the most used handgun gun and for the first-time gun owner it also has the highest learning curve. The transitio n and learning curve from that of a new shooter to the proficient use of a typical self-defense semi auto handgun can be a challenging task. Learning curve is the time and cost to reach your goal. Variables: The learning curve can be steep or flat based on the following: 1. Prior experience and knowledge of the gun owner 2. Type of semi auto handgun purchased. This will affect 1. The time it takes to learn how to operate and shoot the handgun. 2. The cost to learn to shoot the handgun. The least desirable method is to pick up the gun, go to the range and start shooting. The most desirable is to divide the training into segments that you can build on the progress in a safe and orderly manner. One method that has proven to work well is the shooting skill development process. Each step is divided into a specific process that can be identified and learned without overloading the student with multiple tasks. An important part of our four-step training process is to ensure the safety of training, develop skills without fear and create the confidence the student will need to operate on his/her own. The steps are completed in a logical order, with each building on the previous skill. Learning to shoot a handgun is a muscle memory process that will form a repeatable habit on how a person learns to operate and shoot a handgun. A person will repeat what they have learned. If the person has developed bad or possible dangerous muscle memory habits, it is hard to correct them. Therefore, it is critical to the learning process that the new shooter repeats each step in the proper order required to operate and shoot a specific handgun.

The Process - Range Preparation

Step one s tarts wtih using a Glock 9mm Laser Shot handgun to deveolp the six fundamentals of shooting and the required muscle memory skills. Step two we use a .22 caliber handgun that allows the shooter to practice the fundamentals with a live fire gun that has minimal recoil and muzzle blast. Step three we use a 38 special revolver toaddress 3 important topics: 1. Dry fire trigger control practice 2. Center fire firepower handgun management 3. Shooter Flinching (s hooter reaction to the discharge of a typical center fire handgun. (9mm and .38 special) . Here you will learn the use of “snap caps ” as a safe and effective training aide. Step Four the student will transition to a typical self-defense semi auto handgun. For this we can use our class handgun, the clock 19, 9mm or the students own gun. Completion Goals: The student should be able to operate and shoot a semi auto handgun in a typical shooting range environment without the aid of instructor support.

Video Flinching - Cause and Remedy

Flinching - making a quick, nervous movement as an instinctive reaction to fear, pain, or surprise

Revolver Ball and Dummy Load

Semi auto ball and dummy drill Alternately load live rounds and snap caps. If you anticipate and flinch that will pull the gun sights off target Your response and gun movement should be the same for both rounds.

Load 3 live rounds and 3 snap caps. Do not anticipate if the next shot is live round or snap cap. If you do you will flinch. Your response should be the same for both.

Range Shooting Skill Content

2 -3 Hours

Range Shooting Skill P rocess - applying the process

Step One: Develop the fundamentals of shooting with a laser handgun training. Training Device: Glock Laser Handgun The student will use a clock laser handgun to learn and demonstrate the two fundamentals of handgun shooting.

Glock Laser handgun Video

1. The NRA fundamentals of marksmanship are: Aiming, breath control, hold control, trigger control and follow- through

2 .The NRA's elements of a good shooting position: Consistency, balance, support, natural aiming area and comfort.

1 and 2 above are also known as the 6 fundamentals of shooting.

( 1) Stance (2) Grip (3) Sight alignment (4) Trigger Control (5) Breath Control (6) Follow Through

Step 2. Develop live fire shooting skills with a handgun that creates minimal recoil and muzzle blast noise . Training Device: Ruger .22 semi auto handgun Target placed at 15 ft. Ammunition required: 25 rounds

Ruger Mark 3 .22 semi auto video

The shooter will start with the gun on the bench and hands at their sides. The goal is to always start from the beginning of the shooting process and repeat it over 4 times.

Step 3. Center Fire Handgun Transition Handgun: 6 shot .38 special S& W Revolver

4-inch barrel 3 finger grips

S&W .38 special trigger control video

Ammunition required: 15 rounds Target at 15 ft.

Goal: Learn to manage the more powerful centerfire self-defense handgun cartridge. Common issues that new shooter will probably encounter are flinching caused by recoil and muzzle blast, and the strength to pull a double action trigger. Center fire handguns such as the 9mm and .38 caliber produce considerable recoil and muscle blast when fired. This can easily produce a flinching reaction by new shooters. Flinching is anticipating the recoil and muscle blast of powerful self-defense guns. The use of .38 revolver with the dryfire and ball and dummy training method is a time-tested method to self-defense caliber handgun shooting. One of the reasons we flinch is that our brains just aren't accustomed to recoil and muzzle blast Rapid fire can exacerbate this problem, and the increased noise and pressure from multiple shots in quick succession can easily throw you off and cause a flinch response to start creeping in. Flinch anticipation management. Step 4. Semi Auto Handgun

The final Step - Semi auto handgun operation and shooting skills

Range Detail

Step one : Demonstrate the fundamentals of shooting and range safety with Glock laser handgun. • Stance, Grip, Sight alignment, breath control, trigger control, range safety procedures Step two: Develop live fire shooting skills with a handgun that creates minimal recoil and muzzle last noise. Training Device: Ruger .22 semi auto handgun Training Method: Building Block Shooting Skill Method Target placed at 15 ft. Ammunition: Ammunition required: 15 rounds Building Block Training Method: A method of building shooting skills in an efficient manner that creates a retention of the 6 fundamentals of shooting. 1. Stance 2. Grip 3. Sight alignment 4. Trigger Control 5. Breath Control 6. Follow Through The shooter will start with the gun on the bench and hands at their sides. The goal is to always start from the beginning of the shooting process and repeat it over 5 times. Each time loading an additional round in the magazine. Step 3. Center Fire Handgun Transition Handgun: 38 revolver Ammunition required: 15 rounds Target at 15 ft. Goal: Learn to manage the more powerful centerfire self-defense handgun. Here the student will learn the important training skills such as “Dryfire” and “Ball and Dummy” Shooting Exercises, the use of “Snap Caps” and flinch anticipation management. Center fire handguns such as the 9mm and .38 caliber produce considerable recoil and muscle blast when fired. This can easily produce a flinching reaction by new shooters. Flinching is anticipating the recoil and muscle blast of powerful self-defense guns . The use of .38 revolver with the dryfire and ball and dummy training method is a time-tested method to self-defense caliber handgun shooting. • Load one round and fire one • Load two rounds and fire two • Load three rounds and fire three • Load five rounds and fire five

Step 4. The Self Defense Center Fire Semi Auto Handgun: Our Glock 9mm or Student Handgun The student will learn self-defense semi auto handgun operation and shooting skills and the use of snap caps and dry fire to enhance operation safety and shooting skills.

Ammunition: 50 rounds Target at 15 and 21 ft.