Tag: gun

Dive into a wide range of topics related to guns, including firearm reviews, training techniques, maintenance tips, legal updates, and responsible gun ownership. Our articles are designed to inform, educate, and support everyone from first-time buyers to experienced shooters.

Firearms Training, Shooting Techniques

LAPD 30-Round Pistol Qualification Course: A Simple Breakdown

Mark Schneider

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) uses a 30-round pistol qualification to test officer shooting skills. It’s a fast-paced, realistic course that includes different distances, shooting positions, and time limits. This guide breaks it down in a way anyone can understand—perfect for CCW holders, security guards, or instructors who want to train like a pro.

What Is the LAPD 30-Round Qualification?

  • Total Shots: 30 rounds
  • Phases: 4 stages of fire
  • Distances: 21 ft to 51 ft
  • Shooting Positions: Standing, using cover, and close-contact
  • Focus: Speed, accuracy, movement, and realistic shooting
  • Scoring: See breakdown below

Scoring System

The LAPD uses a points-based combat scoring system:

  • 10 points for each round that hits the body or head area
  • 5 points for shots that hit the arms
  • Headshot limit: Only two headshots count for full points. Any extra headshots score 5 points each
  • Max Score: 300 points total
  • Passing Score: 70% (210 out of 300 points)

Shooters fire on two targets, each worth 150 points.

Phase-by-Phase Breakdown

Phase 1: Close Shooting (21 feet)

  • Fire 12 rounds in 25 seconds from the holster.
  • Focus on drawing your firearm and shooting controlled pairs quickly.

Phase 2: Mid-Range Movement (30 feet)

  • Fire 2 rounds in 2 seconds, then:
    • Move and shoot 2 shots left, 2 right, then 2 left again.
  • Teaches fast transitions and movement under time.

Phase 3: Shooting from Cover (36 feet)

  • Fire 6 rounds total:
    • 2 from right side of cover, 2 from left, then 2 more from right.
  • Practice shooting around barriers, like walls or vehicles.

Phase 4: Long-Range Accuracy (51 feet)

  • Fire 6 slow, accurate rounds to the body from behind cover.
  • Focus on precision at distance.

Additional Training Elements

  • Snap Cap Drills: Mix dummy rounds with live ammo to test trigger control and catch flinches.
  • Reverse Order Runs: Officers shoot the phases backward (starting from Phase 4) to stay sharp.
  • Close Contact Drills: Fire at 9 feet using body retention shooting with a headshot follow-up.

Why You Should Try This Drill

This LAPD qual is excellent practice for:

  • CCW holders who want real-world training
  • Security officers preparing for patrol work
  • Firearms instructors looking for advanced testing drills

It builds speed, confidence, and tactical awareness under pressure.

Want to Train Like the LAPD?

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Train with us and shoot like a pro.

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LAPD TargetDownload
Concealed Carry, Firearms Training, Shooting Techniques

Triple Threat Drill: Train Draw, Reload, and Precision in One Clean Run

Mark Schneider

If you only had one drill to test and improve your draw speed, reload mechanics, and accuracy under pressure, the Triple Threat Drill would be it. This is a compact, high-value drill designed to push your core handgun fundamentals in a single, structured run.

We use this drill regularly at Concealed Carry Classes of Denver and the US Firearms Training Academy because it simulates a short but intense defensive engagement — one that demands fast reactions, weapon handling, and pinpoint control.

🔫 What Is the Triple Threat Drill?

The drill involves two shooting strings with a mandatory reload in the middle. It forces shooters to stay accurate while performing under time pressure.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Target: FBI Q silhouette or 8.5×11″ Q target
  • Distance: 7 yards (21 feet) Full Sized Target Or 7 Feet For 8.5 x 11 Target
  • Start Position: From holster
  • Round Count: 6 total
  • Setup: 2 magazines loaded with 3 rounds each

💥 Drill Sequence

  1. Draw from the holster and fire 3 rounds into the upper torso (center mass).
  2. Perform a reload (speed or emergency).
  3. Fire 3 more rounds, 2 to the chest, then 1 to the head.

⏱️ Time Standards

Skill LevelTime Limit
BeginnerUnder 10.0 seconds
IntermediateUnder 8.0 seconds
AdvancedUnder 6.5 seconds
ExpertUnder 6.0 seconds

All shots must land inside the silhouette to qualify.

🎯 Why It Matters

This drill builds real-world gunfighting skills:

  • Drawing and shooting under stress
  • Reloading with urgency
  • Transitioning from center mass to headshot
  • Maintaining composure through movement

It’s a well-rounded performance benchmark for CCW holders, law enforcement, and armed professionals.

🔧 Tips for Success

  • Practice your reload mechanics dry.
  • Use a shot timer and track every run.
  • Record hits and time to measure improvement.
  • Don’t rush the headshot — train to hit it clean under control.

🧠 More Resources

✅ Call to Action

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🖨 Printable Target

Use our printable 8.5×11 FBI Q Target and mark the head zone clearly.

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Concealed Carry, Firearms Training, Shooting Techniques

Master the 5x5x5 Drill: Fast, Simple, Effective Pistol Training

Mark Schneider

If you’re looking for a fast and effective way to improve your concealed carry draw, target acquisition, and accuracy under pressure, the 5x5x5 Drill is a perfect fit. This simple handgun drill helps sharpen real-world defensive shooting skills in a short amount of time with minimal ammo.

At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we’ve adapted this classic drill to work with our custom 8.5×11 FBI Q target — making it ideal for indoor range use or students training with printed paper targets.

What Is the 5x5x5 Drill?

The 5x5x5 Drill is a defensive pistol drill that tests three core fundamentals:

  • Draw speed
  • Rapid shot placement
  • Time management under stress

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Distance: 7 feet (to simulate 5 yards with reduced-size target)
  • Rounds Fired: 5
  • Time Limit: 5.00 seconds
  • Start Position: From the holster
  • Target: 8.5×11 FBI Q-style target
  • Scoring: All 5 shots must land inside the silhouette

This drill is designed to be simple, repeatable, and measurable — ideal for both CCW holders and armed professionals.

Scoring Guidelines

Want to know how you stack up? Use these benchmarks to measure your performance:

Skill LevelTime Standard
Beginner5 hits in 5.5+ sec
Intermediate5 hits in ≤5.0 sec
Advanced5 hits in ≤4.5 sec
Expert5 hits in ≤4.0 sec

Each time you run this drill, log your results. You’ll quickly see improvement in draw efficiency, trigger control, and target transitions.

Why It Works

This drill builds the exact muscle memory needed in a defensive shooting scenario:

  • Drawing under pressure
  • Placing shots quickly and accurately
  • Staying calm within strict time limits
  • Hitting a realistic defensive target zone

Even experienced shooters benefit from this minimalist, no-nonsense approach.

Improve Your Draw, Accuracy, and Confidence

Whether you’re a CCW holder, security guard, or range enthusiast, mastering drills like the 5x5x5 builds real-world readiness. Try it at your next range session and see how fast you can run a clean 5-shot string.

More Resources

Want to learn more? Check out our:

✅ Call to Action

Train with us. Learn from professionals. Get certified.
🔫 Sign up for a Concealed Carry Class in Colorado
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Download the Printable Target

We offer a free 8.5×11 FBI Q-style target you can print at home or at the range. It includes a scoring box in the corner so you can run the drill as designed — no guesswork.

5x5x5-shooting-drill-free-online-targetDownload