The Truth About Cop Firearms Training: Myths, Failures, and Real Stories | Episode #303

This episode debunks the myth that all police officers are expert marksmen, revealing that many fall into the 'adequate' 80% category, with a significant portion lacking proficiency. The discussion highlights how minimal qualification standards, infrequent practice, and poor maintenance lead to critical failures, emphasizing that being a police officer does not automatically equate to firearms expertise. It stresses the importance of continuous training and diligent firearm maintenance for both law enforcement and civilian concealed carriers to ensure readiness and safety.

Quick Summary

Many police officers are not firearms experts, with only about 10% being highly proficient. The majority meet minimal standards, and some lack basic competency due to infrequent training and poor maintenance. This highlights the critical need for continuous practice and diligent firearm care for both law enforcement and concealed carriers to ensure readiness.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Introduction to Guns Podcast US
  2. 00:32Sponsor: Ruger Arms
  3. 01:01Guest Introduction: Roy Huntington
  4. 01:22Myth: Cops are Expert Shooters
  5. 01:53Officer Proficiency Breakdown (10/80/10)
  6. 02:39Defining 'Expert' vs. 'Adequate'
  7. 03:33Vast Number of Small Police Agencies
  8. 04:39Agency-Specific Qualification Systems
  9. 04:56Minimum Qualification Standards (70%, 25 rounds)
  10. 05:30Consequences of Failing Qualification
  11. 05:48San Diego PD Ammo Allotment
  12. 06:07Lack of Officer Practice on Own Time
  13. 07:06Public Perception vs. Reality
  14. 07:51Story: Rusted Holster Malfunction
  15. 11:26Story: 'One-Shooter' 1911 Malfunction
  16. 12:36Frequent 'Click-Bang' Malfunctions on Range
  17. 13:10WD40 as a Firearm Cleaner
  18. 13:52Using Range Reloads in Duty Guns
  19. 14:15Story: Mixed Ammunition in a Revolver
  20. 16:17Story: Low Ammunition Count in Carry Gun
  21. 18:21Agency Size Irrelevant to Proficiency
  22. 19:33Importance of Training Staff Quality
  23. 20:02Motivation from Leadership
  24. 20:30Impact of Regular Qualification
  25. 21:02Concealed Carriers: No Oversight
  26. 21:37Story: Smith & Wesson J-Frame Malfunction
  27. 22:05Does Your Gun Work?
  28. 22:32Shooting is a Perishable Skill
  29. 23:12Daily Practice Routine
  30. 24:06Mantis X and Dry Fire Practice
  31. 24:45Hairy Calls and Motivation
  32. 25:28The Sound of Bullets Flying
  33. 26:00Officers Who Make Situations Worse
  34. 26:13Story: Officer Chose Policing as a 'Fun' Job
  35. 26:44Policing as a Calling
  36. 27:22Story: 'Dust Bunnies' on a Firearm
  37. 28:44Detective Qualification Stories
  38. 29:18Qualifying with Personal Carry Guns
  39. 30:00Lack of Speedloaders and Single-Round Loading
  40. 30:08Malfunctions with Small Frame Revolvers
  41. 30:19Modified Actions and Questionable Ammo
  42. 30:44Story: Partner Who Didn't Know Where His Gun Was
  43. 32:03Detectives' Guns Off at Desks
  44. 32:32Story: Shooting at Station, Detectives Unarmed
  45. 33:25Shoulder Holsters: Practicality Issues
  46. 34:30Sponsor: Ruger Company
  47. 34:51FMG Pubs and Magazine Subscriptions
  48. 35:14Guns Podcast US Merchandise
  49. 35:41Episode Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of police officers are considered truly proficient with firearms?

According to the discussion, only about 10% of police officers are considered truly 'cutting edge' and highly proficient with their firearms. The majority, around 80%, are deemed adequate, meeting minimum standards but not necessarily excelling. A concerning 10% are considered to be at a level where they may not be fit to carry firearms.

What are common issues with police firearms training and maintenance?

Common issues include minimal annual qualification standards (e.g., 70% hit rate with 25 rounds), infrequent practice, and poor firearm maintenance. This can lead to malfunctions like rusted holsters, guns failing to fire, and reliance on unreliable ammunition, jeopardizing officer and public safety.

Why is consistent practice crucial for both police and concealed carriers?

Shooting is a perishable skill. Without regular practice, proficiency declines significantly. For concealed carriers, who have no external oversight, consistent practice and diligent firearm maintenance are essential to ensure their weapon is reliable and they can effectively use it if needed.

What are the risks associated with using improper cleaning agents or ammunition in firearms?

Using agents like WD40 can saturate gunpowder, leading to squib loads or malfunctions. Relying on range reloads or mixed ammunition types can also cause failures to feed or eject. These issues can render a firearm inoperable during a critical incident.

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