Section 380. Entry-level and security officer handgun range qualification

A. Range qualification (no minimum hours). The purpose of the range qualification course is to provide practical firearms training and qualification to individuals desiring to become armed private security services business personnel.

1. Prior to the date of range training, it will be the responsibility of the school director to ensure that all students are informed of the proper attire and equipment to be worn for the firing range portion of the training. Equipment needed: handgun, belt with directional draw holster (i.e., one that is worn on the same side of the body as the shooting hand), two speed loaders or three magazines, ammunition (100 rounds).

2. Each student will fire a minimum of 22 rounds of factory loaded ammunition for familiarization prior to qualification. (There is no course of fire and it is not scored; it is at the firearms instructor's discretion on how the round will be utilized.)

3. Course shall be fired double action or double/single action, except for single action semi-automatic handguns.

4. All qualifications shall be conducted using a B-27 silhouette target or the FBI "Q" target. Alternate targets may be utilized with prior approval by the department.

5. With prior approval of the department, a reasonable modification of the firearms course may be approved to accommodate qualification on indoor ranges.

6. For those utilizing semi-automatic firearms, it is not necessary to reload after every stage so long as there are at least three tactical reloads during the course of fire.

7. A certified firearms instructor must be present on the range directly controlling the firing line during all phases of firearms training. There shall be a minimum of one certified firearms instructor per five shooters on the line.

8. The range qualification of individuals shall be scored as follows:

a. B27 target: (use indicated K-value) 7, 8, 9, 10 X rings - value 5 points, other hits on silhouette - value 0 points: divide points scored by maximum possible score to obtain decimal and convert to percentage, (e.g., 225 ÷ 300 =.75 = 75%).

b. FBI Q target: all hits inside the bottle - value 5 points; hits outside the bottle - value 0 points.

9. Although not scored, each student is required to complete the low light range/night time practice as outlined in subsection C of this section and the familiarization course of fire.

B. Course: Virginia private security course of fire for handguns. The course of fire shall be conducted using, at a minimum, the requirements set forth in this subsection. Strong/weak hand refers to the primary hand used in firing the firearm. The opposite hand may be used for support. The course of fire shall be conducted in the following phases:

1. Phase 1: 3 yards, utilizing weaver, modified weaver, or isosceles stance, 18 rounds:

a. Load 6 rounds and holster loaded firearm

b. On command, draw and fire 2 rounds (3 seconds), repeat 2 times

c. Load 6 rounds and holster loaded firearm

d. On command, draw and fire 6 rounds with strong hand

e. Unload, reload 6 rounds and fire 6 rounds with weak hand (25 seconds)

2. Phase 2: 7 yards, utilizing weaver, modified weaver or isosceles stance, 24 rounds:

a. Load 6 rounds and holster loaded firearm

b. On command, draw and fire 1 round (2 seconds), repeat 5 times

c. Load 6 rounds and holster loaded firearm

d. On command, draw and fire 2 rounds (3 seconds), repeat 2 times

e. Load 6 rounds and holster loaded firearm

f. On command, draw and fire 6 rounds, reload 6 rounds, fire 6 rounds (30 seconds)

3. Phase 3: 15 yards, 70 seconds, 18 rounds:

a. Load 6 rounds and holster loaded firearm

b. On command, assume kneeling position, draw and fire 6 rounds with strong hand

c. Assume standing position, unload, reload and fire 6 rounds from weak-hand barricade position

d. Unload, reload and fire 6 rounds from strong-hand barricade position (kneeling position may be fired using barricade position) (70 seconds)

C. Low light course: Virginia private security low light familiarization course of fire for handguns. The course of fire shall be conducted using, at a minimum, the requirements set forth in this subsection. Equipment needed: belt with directional draw holster, handgun, two speed loaders or three magazines, range ammunition (18 rounds). Equipment provided by instructor: A range that can simulate low light or a pair of welders goggles for each student that simulates low light. Strong/weak hand refers to the primary hand used in firing the firearm. The opposite hand may be used for support. The course of fire shall be conducted in the following phases:

1. Phase 1: 3 yards, utilizing weaver or isosceles stance, 6 rounds:

a. Load 6 rounds and come to ready

b. On command, fire 2 rounds (3 seconds) repeat 2 times (30 seconds)

2. Phase 2: 7 yards, utilizing weaver or isosceles stance, 12 rounds:

a. Load 6 rounds and come to ready

b. On command, fire 2 rounds (5 seconds), repeat 2 times

c. Load 6 rounds and come to ready

d. On command, draw and fire 3 rounds (6 seconds), and repeat

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 31, Issue 25, eff. September 9, 2015.

Statutory Authority

§ 9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.