Firearms Training, Shooting Techniques

The NRA Defensive Pistol Qualification Course

Mark Schneider

NRA Defensive Pistol Qualification

The NRA Defensive Pistol Qualification is a structured course designed to enhance a shooter’s skills in handling and firing a pistol from concealment efficiently and accurately. This qualification involves a series of drills that focus on drawing from concealment, speed reloading, and managing immediate action drills to clear potential firearm malfunctions. Here’s a breakdown of the course content formatted for clarity and ease of understanding:

Course Outline

General Requirements:

  • Holster: All shooting is conducted with the pistol drawn from a strong side hip holster, concealed by clothing.
  • Reloading: Speed reloads are to be performed during the drills.
  • Target Requirements: Use either the FBI-Q or NRA D-1 target. All shots must fall within the designated scoring area of the chosen target.

Shooting Drills from Concealment:

These drills are designed to improve accuracy and speed in drawing and firing from concealment.

  • 3 Yards: 2 shots within 4.0 seconds, for a total of 2 rounds.
  • 5 Yards: 3 shots within 4.5 seconds, totaling 3 rounds.
  • 7 Yards: 3 shots within 5.0 seconds, totaling 3 rounds.
  • 10 Yards: 5 shots within 8.0 seconds, conducted over 2 relays, totaling 10 rounds.

Speed Reload Drills:

Speed and efficiency in reloading are tested here. Firearms should be prepared as per the instructions for either semi-automatic pistols or revolvers.

  • 5 Yards: Fire 1 shot, reload, then 2 shots within 8.0 seconds for semi-autos and 10.0 seconds for revolvers, totaling 3 rounds.
  • 7 Yards: Fire 2 shots, reload, then 2 more shots within 10.0 seconds for semi-autos and 12.0 seconds for revolvers, totaling 4 rounds.
  • 7 Yards: Fire 3 shots, reload, then 4 shots within 15.0 seconds for semi-autos and 17.0 seconds for revolvers, totaling 7 rounds.

Immediate Action Drills:

These drills prepare the shooter to quickly address and clear common firearm malfunctions.

  • Setup: For semi-automatics, begin with no cartridge in the chamber. For revolvers, set up so the firearm will not fire on the first trigger pull.
  • 7 Yards: Present the firearm from concealment, perform the immediate action sequence (click, Tap, Rack, Assess), and fire 2 shots within 6.0 seconds, totaling 2 rounds.

Course Completion

By the end of the qualification course, participants will have fired a total of 34 rounds. The course is designed to simulate real-world defensive scenarios, requiring quick, decisive action and precise shooting from concealment. It’s an excellent way for shooters to hone their skills and prepare for the unexpected in a controlled and structured environment.

This course of fire is an effective method for developing the critical skills needed for defensive pistol use. Whether for personal development or qualification purposes, it challenges shooters to improve their speed, accuracy, and handling under pressure.

Published by Mark Schneider

I am a certified firearms instructor and use-of-force expert with extensive real-world experience in firearms, security, and defensive tactics.Credentials & Experience:20+ years of owning, collecting, and shooting firearms.12+ years in the security industry, including physical security, executive protection, workplace violence prevention, loss prevention, CCTV operations, access control, incident management, and threat assessment.Denver Police Verified Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Instructor.Authorized Trainer for Denver Security Guard Training.NRA Certified Firearms Instructor – Pistol, Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW), Rifle, Shotgun, Inside the Home (ITH), Outside the Home (OTH), Range Training & Basic Verification (RTBV), Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO).USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor – Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals (CCHDF).Force Science Institute Certified – Use-of-Force Analysis.De-escalation Certified Instructor.Massad Ayoob MAG-40 Graduate.Sig Sauer Academy Graduate – Pistol 103 & Pistol 104.Law of Self Defense – Instructor Program Graduate.Dave Grossman Academy – Completed The Bullet Proof Mind, On Combat, and On Killing courses.Axon Taser Certified Instructor.OC/Pepper Spray Certified Instructor.PPCT Defensive Tactics Certified Instructor.Glock Armorer.Novice Gunsmith.Licensed Insurance Producer.HAM Radio Operator.8+ years as a teacher and instructor in firearms, self-defense, and related disciplines.

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