Tag: qualification

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.

Concealed Carry

The FBI Pistol Qualification Course

Mark Schneider

The FBI’s revised pistol qualification course, updated in 2019, is designed to evaluate an agent’s proficiency with their firearm across various scenarios, distances, and techniques. ThA Benchmark for Concealed Carriers and Armed Professionals

The FBI’s revised pistol qualification course, updated in 2019, is one of the most respected handgun qualification drills in the U.S. While designed for federal agents, this course is also an excellent benchmark for CCW holders, armed guards, and anyone who takes defensive shooting seriously.

The course consists of 50 rounds fired at a QIT-99 silhouette target. Hits inside the bottle-shaped outline score 2 points each, with a maximum score of 100. A passing score is 90 points (45 hits).

What You’ll Need to Know:

Before we get into the course, here are two important shooting terms used in the FBI qualification:

  • From the Holster: This means the drill starts with your firearm holstered. On the timer, you must safely draw your firearm before firing. This simulates a real-life defensive draw under pressure.
  • Low Ready Position: This is a ready position where your firearm is pointed downward at about a 45-degree angle, with your arms extended and your sights off target. It’s used to stay ready without aiming directly at someone until justified.

Breakdown of the FBI Pistol Qualification Drill

3 Yards

  • From the holster, strong hand only: Draw and fire 3 rounds – 6 seconds
  • Support hand only: Switch hands and fire 3 rounds – 6 seconds

5 Yards

  • From the holster: Draw and fire 3 rounds – 3 seconds
  • From low ready: Fire 3 rounds – 2 seconds
  • From low ready: Fire 6 rounds – 4 seconds

7 Yards

  • From the holster: Draw and fire 5 rounds – 5 seconds
  • From low ready: Fire 4 rounds, reload, then fire 4 more rounds – 8 seconds
  • From low ready: Fire 5 rounds – 4 seconds

15 Yards

  • From the holster: Draw and fire 3 rounds – 6 seconds
  • From low ready: Fire 3 rounds – 5 seconds

25 Yards

  • From the holster: Draw and fire 4 rounds from standing, drop to kneeling, then fire 4 more rounds – 20 seconds

What This Course Tests

This is more than a paper-punching drill. It’s built to pressure test your defensive skills:

  • Speed Under Pressure
    You must draw and shoot fast—and still make your hits.
  • One-Handed Mastery
    Shooting strong hand and support hand only helps you prepare for injury or restricted movement in a fight.
  • Reloading Under Stress
    You’ll need to reload and re-engage under a tight clock, just like you would in an extended encounter.
  • Adaptability and Movement
    Going from standing to kneeling while maintaining accuracy reinforces dynamic shooting fundamentals.

Final Thoughts

Most people—yes, even experienced shooters—fail this test the first time. And that’s okay. It’s meant to challenge you. The FBI qual is a great way to measure your real readiness for a defensive shooting situation. Whether you’re a CCW holder, security guard, or law enforcement officer, it’s worth trying.

Ready to Train Like a Pro?

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Concealed Carry, Firearms Training, Guide, Shooting Techniques

The Air Marshal Qualification Pistol Drill

Mark Schneider

Train Like the Pros: Inside the FAA Air Marshal Pistol Qualification Drill

The FAA Air Marshal Pistol Qualification Drill is one of the most difficult handgun tests in the United States. It’s not just a shooting drill — it’s a comprehensive stress test of accuracy, speed, and composure under strict time pressure. Designed to ensure Air Marshals are ready to respond to in-flight threats, this drill demands perfection.

If you shoot regularly, you’ll quickly realize how tough this is. And if you’re new to defensive firearms, this serves as a gold standard to work toward — even if you’re not aiming to be an Air Marshal.

⚠️ WARNING: Most commercial shooting ranges are not equipped to run this drill.

  • Stage 5 involves shooting across lanes — something most ranges prohibit.
  • Stage 6 requires 180° turning and shooting at three targets, which is only possible at specialized training facilities.

📋 FAA Qualification Drill Overview

StageActionRepsStart PositionTime (Sec)Total Shots
1Draw & fire 1 round2From concealment3.30 total2
2Double tap (2 shots)2Low ready2.70 total4
36 rounds rapid1Low ready3.006
41 shot, reload, 1 shot2Low ready6.50 total4
51 round at 2 targets, 3 yds apart2Low ready3.30 total4
6180° pivot: fire at 3 targets2From concealment7.00 total6
71 shot, slide lock, kneel, reload, 1 shot2Low ready8.00 each4

🧠 Breakdown and Challenges

  • Stage 1: Fired twice from concealment. Both shots combined must be within 3.30 seconds. Example: if the first takes 2.00, the second must happen in 1.30 or less.
  • Stage 2: Two 2-shot strings. Average of 1.35 seconds per string.
  • Stage 3: 6-shot string with no more than 0.60 seconds between each shot.
  • Stage 4: Reload under pressure. Each pair of shots must average 3.25 seconds.
  • Stage 5: Target transition across lanes — average 1.65 seconds per pair. Not allowed at most public ranges.
  • Stage 6: 180° pivot to engage 3 targets. Requires a specialized range.
  • Stage 7: First mag holds 1 round (slide locks back). Shooter drops to a knee, reloads, and fires again. Repeated twice.

🎯 Accuracy Standards

  • Target: FBI “QIT” bottle silhouette
  • Shots Fired: 30
  • Scoring:
    • 5 points = hits inside the bottle
    • 2 points = hits on the line or outside
  • Total Time: 33.8 seconds
  • Max Score: 150
  • Passing Score: 135 — but you must pass every stage
  • Reminder: “If you don’t qualify, you don’t fly.”

Why This Matters for Armed Citizens

Even if you never plan to become an Air Marshal, this test pushes your skills in every area that counts:

  • Drawing from concealment
  • Recoil control
  • Target transitions
  • Emergency reloads
  • Movement and positional shooting
  • Shooting under time pressure

Take Your Skills to the Next Level

Want to learn how to train to this level? Start with the basics and build real defensive shooting skills in our live-fire concealed carry classes. You’ll cover use-of-force law, accuracy under pressure, and real-world shooting drills.

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At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we help everyday citizens train to a higher standard, just like elite professionals. Our live-fire CCW courses are designed to build confidence, improve skill, and ensure you understand the laws of self-defense.

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Final Thoughts

The FAA Air Marshal Qualification isn’t just a drill — it’s a real-world stress test. It teaches discipline, speed, and control. And whether you’re guarding a plane or protecting your family, those are skills worth mastering, and readiness to defend and protect in the most demanding situations.

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