Shooting Techniques Archives

If you’re applying for or renewing your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), you’re now required to complete a live-fire shooting qualification under the updated law—Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-202.5. Whether this is your first permit or you’re coming back to renew, this guide explains exactly what to expect during the qualification process.

✅ Colorado CHP Live-Fire Qualification: Course of Fire

The qualification is designed to be straightforward and beginner-friendly. It evaluates your ability to safely handle and accurately fire your handgun—there’s no timed element or tactical movement.

Target Type:
We use an IDPA-style silhouette target, either full-size or scaled down to 8.5″ x 11″ paper depending on the range, equipment, and training setup.

Scoring Standard:
To pass, shooters must hit anywhere inside the silhouette with at least 18 out of 25 total rounds. No scoring zones or bullseyes are required.

🎯 Shooting Distances and Round Counts:

7 feet: 10 rounds
10 feet: 10 rounds
13 feet: 5 rounds
Total: 25 rounds
Passing Score: 70% (18 hits in the silhouette)

📏 Why These Distances?

These distances are based on real-world self-defense statistics. According to the USCCA’s “3-5 Rule,” most defensive shootings:

Occur at 3 to 5 yards
Last 3 to 5 seconds
Involve 3 to 5 rounds fired

Our shooting distances—7, 10, and 13 feet—are consistent with this rule. They simulate realistic defensive encounters and help develop the practical skills that matter most when it counts.

📄 Using an 8.5″ x 11″ IDPA-Style Target

In some classes, instructors may use a scaled-down IDPA target printed on 8.5″ x 11″ paper. This version may be used for official qualifications when appropriate, particularly at smaller ranges or for mobile training environments.

📏 Scaled Shooting Distances:

5 feet: 10 rounds
7 feet: 10 rounds
9 feet: 5 rounds

As long as the shooter places 18 out of 25 shots inside the silhouette, this format is valid and compliant with Colorado law for both new and renewal applicants.

⬇️ See Below to Download Your Scaled Target ⬇️

🔁 Unlimited Attempts — But Safety is Non-Negotiable

All students—whether new or renewing—are allowed unlimited attempts to pass the shooting test. If you don’t qualify the first time, we’ll work with you until you do.

However, any serious safety violation will result in immediate disqualification. This includes:

Unsafe muzzle direction (flagging yourself or others)
Failing to keep the firearm pointed downrange
Ignoring instructor commands
Handling the firearm during a cease-fire
Violating posted or stated range rules

Our instructors will guide you every step of the way, but range safety is strictly enforced for everyone’s protection.

🧠 No Time Limit = Less Pressure

There is no time limit during the shooting qualification. Students can shoot at their own pace, focusing on fundamentals like grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control. Our goal is to help you shoot confidently and safely.

👨‍🏫 Required for Both New and Renewal Applicants

This qualification is now mandatory for:

First-time CHP applicants
Renewal applicants under Colorado’s new 2025 law

We provide a full 8-hour course that includes legal education, firearm safety, use-of-force instruction, and this required live-fire qualification—all taught by experienced, certified instructors.

📍 Where the Qualification Happens

Classroom instruction takes place at our Denver location (2186 S Holly St). Afterward, we travel to a nearby indoor shooting range in Denver or Aurora. In some cases, we may use scaled-down targets at modified distances in controlled training environments.

📌 Why the Law Changed

As of July 1, 2025, Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-202.5 requires that all CHP applicants—new and renewing—complete a class with live-fire training. Online-only or no-shoot courses no longer qualify.

This update ensures that all permit holders demonstrate hands-on proficiency with a handgun before being legally allowed to carry it concealed.

📣 Ready to Qualify?

🥇 We offer Colorado CHP classes with live-fire training included. Whether you’re new to concealed carry or renewing your permit, we’ll guide you through everything from start to finish.

👉 Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Classes

🛡 Need Legal Protection?
We also compare top-rated self-defense insurance plans that protect you after a use-of-force incident.

👉 Compare Self-Defense Insurance Plans

CCCD CCW Class Target Download

Firearms Training, Shooting Techniques

Firearms Training: Colorado POST Qualification Course

May 25, 2025May 25, 2025 Mark Schneider

Official Colorado Law Enforcement Shooting Course (30-Round)

The Colorado POST Handgun Qualification Course is used by law enforcement statewide to test marksmanship and shooting fundamentals under stress. While we do not offer POST certification or police training, we encourage civilian shooters and security professionals to train to the same standard.

This 30-round course challenges your ability to draw, reload, and engage targets at distances from 1 to 25 yards — under time constraints. It’s one of the toughest state-level handgun quals in the country.

🔷 Course Overview

Total Rounds: 30
Target: POST Q silhouette (scored 10, 9, 8, 5 points)
Scoring:
- Max score: 300
- Passing score: 210 (70%)
- 💥 Any missed shots result in a DQ (law enforcement standard)
Time Limits: Yes (per string)
Reloads Required: Yes
Start Position: From duty holster
Gear: Semi-auto or revolver, 2+ mags/speedloaders

⚠️ For law enforcement qualification, any miss is a disqualification. For civilian use, use 70% (210/300) as a benchmark passing score.

📋 Full Breakdown: Colorado POST 30-Round Course of Fire

✅ Stage 1: Close Contact Engagement

Distance: 1 yard
Rounds: 2
Drill:
- From holster
- Fire 1 round with dominant hand only
- Transition and fire 1 round with support hand only
Time: 6 seconds

✅ Stage 2: Fast Pairs at 3 Yards

Distance: 3 yards
Rounds: 6
Drill:
- String 1: Draw, fire 3 rounds
- String 2: Repeat
Time per string: 4 seconds

✅ Stage 3: Combat Reload at 7 Yards

Distance: 7 yards
Rounds: 12
Drill:
- 3 strings of 4 rounds
- Each: Draw, fire 2 rounds, reload, fire 2 more
Time per string: 8 seconds

✅ Stage 4: Mid-Range Accuracy

Distance: 15 yards
Rounds: 6
Drill:
- 2 strings of 3 rounds
- Each: Draw, fire 3 rounds
Time per string: 8 seconds

✅ Stage 5: Barricade Shooting at Distance

Distance: 25 yards
Rounds: 4
Drill:
- From cover:
  - Fire 2 rounds from kneeling
  - Fire 2 rounds from standing
Time: 15 seconds

🎯 Scoring & Target Zones

The POST Q target is scored as follows:

10 ring = 10 pts
9 ring = 9 pts
8 ring = 8 pts
Outside of 8 ring but on silhouette = 5 pts
Miss = 0 pts and disqualification if you’re a sworn officer

As a civilian or security shooter training to this standard, we score your hits honestly — but you won’t be DQ’d unless you’re training to certify for a POST agency.

🖨️ Downloadable Target & Usage Guide

Colorado POST Q Target (Scaled for 8.5″ x 11″)

This is a scaled-down version of the official Colorado POST Q Target, designed to let you train at indoor ranges or shorter distances. It simulates the scoring zones used in the full-size target:

Original Distance	Scaled Distance	Used For
1 yard (3 feet)	1 foot	Close-quarters (Stage 1)
3 yards (9 feet)	3 feet	Speed pairs (Stage 2)
7 yards (21 feet)	6 feet	Reload drills (Stage 3)
15 yards (45 feet)	13 feet	Mid-range precision (Stage 4)
25 yards (75 feet)	21 feet	Long-range barricade (Stage 5)

✅ Tip: These distances fit within most indoor shooting lanes and simulate the difficulty of the full-size POST target at regulation range.

Always verify your range allows drawing, movement, and rapid fire before running this course.
⬇️ See Below to Download Your Scaled Target ⬇️

📣 Ready to Train Like the Pros?

🥇 Take a Concealed Carry Class
We offer live-fire CCW classes designed to meet Colorado’s new 2024 standards. From beginners to advanced shooters, our courses help you shoot with skill and confidence.

👉 Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Classes

🛡 Compare Self-Defense Insurance Plans
Involved in a use-of-force incident? Don’t navigate the legal aftermath alone. We compare leading insurance plans that help cover criminal defense, civil liability, and attorney fees.

👉 Compare Self-Defense Insurance

⚖️ Hire Mark Schneider as an Expert Witness
Need a knowledgeable expert in CCW, security, or use-of-force policy? Mark Schneider offers expert testimony grounded in real-world experience, law, and best practices.

👉 Contact for Expert Witness Services

📚 Know the Law: Colorado Self-Defense Statutes
Learn your rights under Colorado law—including CRS 18-1-704, 705, and 706—with plain-language summaries of what you can and cannot do in self-defense.

👉 Read Colorado Self-Defense Law Guide

Colorado_POST_Q_Target_compressed (1)Download

Firearms Training, Shooting Techniques

Miami-Dade Police Officer Shooting Qualification: Full Breakdown & What Civilians Can Learn

May 25, 2025May 25, 2025 Mark Schneider

The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) operates under the demanding standards of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Their handgun qualification course isn’t just a shooting test—it’s a simulation of real-world encounters that requires quick thinking, close-quarters tactics, and precision under pressure.

If you’re a civilian gun owner, CCW holder, or security professional, this guide breaks down the 40-round MDPD qualification course so you can train to the same level as law enforcement.

🔫 What is the Miami-Dade Police Shooting Qualification?

The qualification course is designed to evaluate the officer’s ability to safely and effectively use their handgun under simulated combat conditions. It incorporates:

Holster draws
One-handed and two-handed firing
Reloads
Movement and lateral steps
Time-limited engagements
Defensive shooting positions (retention, stepping, off-hand shooting)

✅ Full Course Breakdown: 40 Rounds – 6 Stages

🔹 Stage 1 – 6 Rounds

Target Distance: 1 yard
Focus: Retention shooting & close-contact threat control

Action:
- Draw and fire 3 rounds one-handed from a close-retention position: bent elbow, gun close to torso, non-dominant hand flat across chest.
- Then take a step back, establish a two-handed grip, and fire 3 more rounds.
Time Limit: 6 seconds total

🔹 Stage 2 – 4 Rounds

Target Distance: 3 yards
Focus: Controlled pairs and lateral movement

Action:
- From low ready, simulate a step left, fire 2 rounds in 3 seconds.
- Reset, simulate a step right, fire 2 rounds in 3 seconds.
Public Range Note: Shift your body to simulate movement if stepping is not permitted.

🔹 Stage 3 – 6 Rounds

Target Distance: 3 yards
Focus: One-handed shooting (dominant and support)

Action:
- From holster, simulate step left, fire 3 rounds using dominant hand only.
- Then simulate step right, fire 3 rounds using support hand only.
Time Limit: 5 seconds per string

🔹 Stage 4 – 4 Rounds

Target Distance: 7 yards
Focus: Lateral movement and multiple draws

Action:
- Draw, simulate step right, fire 2 rounds in 5 seconds.
- Reholster, draw again, simulate step left, fire 2 rounds in 5 seconds.

🔹 Stage 5 – 12 Rounds

Target Distance: 7 yards
Focus: Reloads under stress

Action:
- Draw, simulate step right, fire 6 rounds, reload, fire 6 more rounds.
Time Limit: 20 seconds total

🔹 Stage 6 – 6 Rounds

Target Distance: 15 yards
Focus: Distance accuracy

Action:
- Draw and fire 6 rounds from a stable two-handed stance.
Time Limit: 15 seconds total

🎯 Scoring and Target Info

Target: B-21E or FDLE silhouette
Scoring Zones: Only hits in the 4 or 5-point zones count
Minimum to Pass: 32 out of 40 hits (80%)

📌 Target Placement Guide for 8.5” x 11” FDLE Printable

If you want to download and print the scaled FDLE target on standard 8.5” x 11” paper below, you’ll need to adjust your shooting distances to match the visual challenge of the full-size qualification. Below are the corrected distances for use with your printed target:

Original Distance	Scaled Target Distance
1 yard (3 feet)	1 foot
3 yards (9 feet)	2.5 to 3 feet
7 yards (21 feet)	6 feet
15 yards (45 feet)	13 feet
25 yards (75 feet)	21 feet

🎯 Instructions:
Place your printed target on a safe backstop or cardboard stand. Use a measuring tape, laser rangefinder, or floor markings to ensure you’re standing at the correct scaled distance for each stage of the qualification. This maintains a proportional sight picture and keeps your training realistic.
⬇️ See Below to Download Your Scaled Target ⬇️

🧠 Civilian Takeaway: Why This Matters

If you carry a firearm for self-defense, this is what minimum police proficiency looks like. You should aim to meet—or exceed—this standard. That includes:

Practicing holster draws
Shooting with both hands, and one-handed
Performing reloads under time pressure
Engaging targets at multiple distances
Moving while shooting

📣 Ready to Train Like the Pros?

🥇 Take a Concealed Carry Class

We offer live-fire CCW classes designed to meet Colorado’s new 2024 standards. From beginners to advanced shooters, our courses help you shoot with skill and confidence.

👉 Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Classes

🛡 Compare Self-Defense Insurance Plans

Involved in a use-of-force incident? Don’t navigate the legal aftermath alone. We compare leading insurance plans that help cover criminal defense, civil liability, and attorney fees.

👉 Compare Self-Defense Insurance

⚖️ Hire Mark Schneider as an Expert Witness

Need a knowledgeable expert in CCW, security, or use-of-force policy? Mark Schneider offers expert testimony grounded in real-world experience, law, and best practices.

👉 Contact for Expert Witness Services

📚 Know the Law: Colorado Self-Defense Statutes

Learn your rights under Colorado law—including CRS 18-1-704, 705, and 706—with plain-language summaries of what you can and cannot do in self-defense.

👉 Read Colorado Self-Defense Law Guide

Final Thoughts

The Miami-Dade Police qualification is not just a test—it’s a template for responsible carry. These 40 rounds represent real-life situations where training makes the difference between life and death. If you’re carrying a firearm, it’s your responsibility to be ready.

FDLE_B-21_Target_8.5×11 PDF-compressed Download