Denver Security Guard Shooting Range Qualification

Standardized Handgun Qualification

Course Purpose and Overview

The Denver Security Guard Range Qualification is a required certification for all armed security personnel operating within Denver city limits. This firearms qualification assesses your ability to safely and accurately operate a duty handgun in a defensive shooting environment under stress-based scenarios.

This test is conducted under live-fire conditions and must be passed in accordance with Denver’s Merchant Guard requirements. A minimum score of 80% is required for certification. You will be given three attempts to pass. Failure to qualify after three attempts requires:

• Full re-enrollment in the course
• Additional firearms training
• Repayment of the class fee

The qualification reinforces safety, accuracy, weapon handling under pressure, and tactical movement.

Mandatory Equipment Checklist

To participate in the qualification, you must arrive fully equipped. No rentals or equipment sharing is allowed.

Handgun and Accessories:

• Duty handgun (Full-sized semi-automatic or revolver) – Must be in a centerfire caliber such as 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, or .38 Special
• Three (3) magazines or speed loaders – One in the weapon and two reloads
• Holster – Level 1 or higher retention, OWB only, fitted to your firearm (no universal holsters)
• Duty/tactical belt – Must support your holster and mag pouches
• Dual magazine pouch – For carrying reloads on the belt
• Hard-sided case or bag for firearm transport

Safety Gear:

• Electronic or foam ear protection
• Ballistic-rated eye protection

Ammunition:

• 300 rounds of factory ammunition (no reloads)
  • Applies for both new certifications and renewals

Range Supplies:

• Approved targets (IDPA-scaled target will be provided if needed)
• Notebook and pen for note-taking (optional but encouraged)
• Water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for an indoor or outdoor range

Firearm Safety: Our Top Priority

We operate under a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to unsafe firearm behavior. Safety is enforced from the moment you enter the range to the moment you leave.

The 4 Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety

1. Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
   Always check your firearm’s condition, but never assume it is unloaded. Mindset matters.
2. Never point a firearm at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
   This includes your own limbs and other people. Muzzle discipline is critical.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re on target and ready to fire.
   Index along the frame until the decision to fire has been made.
4. Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
   You are responsible for every round you fire. Know your backstop.

Violating Any of These Rules Will Result In:

• Immediate removal from the range
• Disqualification from the qualification test
• Mandatory retraining
• No refund

Additional Range Safety Rules

• Firearms may only be handled at the firing line.
  At all other times, they must be holstered or in a case.
• Do not bend over or retrieve items without instruction.
  Wait for the “Pick Up Items” command.
• Never cross the firing line.
  Items beyond the line will be retrieved by range staff or instructors only.
• Follow your group’s schedule and instructions.
  Participants may be divided into groups (A, B, C) to manage time and safety.
• Range commands must be followed immediately and without hesitation.

Range Commands & Their Meanings

These are the standard commands you will hear on the range. Familiarize yourself with them:

Qualification Course of Fire

All participants will fire 50 live rounds using a 25% scaled-down IDPA target. This simulates standard-sized target distances in a shorter range environment.

Note: Hitting outside the silhouette is a penalty. Headshots are scored separately.

Scoring Breakdown

• -0 or -1 Zone Hits: 2 points
• -3 Zone Hits: 1 point
• Misses: -1 point
• Missed headshots: -1 point each

Shooting Strings (Detailed Breakdown)

String 1 – 8 Feet (12 Rounds)

• Magazine: 12 rounds
• Fire 6 rounds strong-hand only
• Switch hands, fire 6 rounds weak-hand only
• Safety check, reholster

String 2 – 15 Feet (6 Rounds)

• Two magazines, 3 rounds each
• Fire: 2 to chest, 1 to head
• Emergency reload
• Repeat: 2 to chest, 1 to head
• Safety check, reholster

String 3 – 20 Feet (12 Rounds)

• Three magazines, 4 rounds each
• Fire 4 rounds → reload → fire 4 → reload → fire 4
• Safety check, reholster

String 4 – 25 Feet (8 Rounds)

• One magazine, 8 rounds
• Shooter chooses to kneel or squat
• Fire 8 rounds
• Safety check, reholster

String 5 – 30 Feet (6 Rounds)

• One magazine, 6 rounds
• Stand and fire 6 rounds
• Safety check, reholster

String 6 – 40 Feet (6 Rounds)

• One magazine, 6 rounds
• Stand and fire 6 rounds
• Final safety check, reholster

Mandatory Safety Checks (After Each String)

At the end of every shooting string:

1. Drop magazine
2. Visually and physically confirm empty chamber
3. Release slide forward
4. Dry fire to confirm clear
5. Reholster
6. Show clear firearm on command if asked by instructor

Failure to Qualify

If a participant does not achieve 80% after three attempts:

• They must enroll in the next available training course.
• Full course payment is required again.
• They must complete remedial instruction with an instructor.

Course Fees

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