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flintknapper wrote:

txinvestigator wrote:As an instructor I am allowed to handle malfunctions as I see fit.

If the student has a malfunction and can clear it and continue in the time alloted, then they can. If they cannot, then when that phase is finished I will clear the weapon for them, but they lose any unfired rounds from that phase.
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I hope you won't take offense to a "non-instructor" making a suggestion.

It might be best if shooters are not allowed to clear malfunctions themselves. Unless you know for certain that each person there is competent to resolve the problem.... then I submit, it could pose a safety hazard.

Thankfully, most people who are not experienced, will simply stop and stare at the weapon anyway. But as you know, it can be a challenge just to keep all muzzles pointed down range, let alone have someone try to clear their weapon "in a hurry".

Just some food for thought, not trying to tell you how to run your range.


Flint.

Your point is well made, no offense taken at all. I have given this much consideration, I cover this well in the classroom.

I am a student as well as a teacher. I try to make at least 4 firearms schools a year, at least 3 pistol. I am also a former LEO who paid his own way to many officer safety and street survival classes.

I have seen too many pictures and film of dead cops who might have survived if they had 1) practiced as they wanted to perform and 2) knew how to clear a malfunction.

I have never had a CHL student fail because of a malfunction he/she could not clear, but they have all learned the importance of knowing what to do should one occur. Most students will not have an instructor on the street with then if they need to use deadly force and the weapon malfunctions. Having them "lose points" makes an impression without causing them to actually fail.

I actually walk up and down the line as they are firing, and offer ways to improve in those who are having issues. The biggest culprit is jerking the trigger, followed by heeling and thumbing. Revolver shooters tend to shoot high to try to see the sights.

My goal is to pass them,. I have had renewal students tell me that other instructors don't offer help. I guess I am not that hard nosed ;)

I also teach security students each week. Now THAT is scary.

As an instructor I am allowed to handle malfunctions as I see fit.

If the student has a malfunction and can clear it and continue in the time alloted, then they can. If they cannot, then when that phase is finished I will clear the weapon for them, but they lose any unfired rounds from that phase.

Here is how I run my range:

We enter and hang targets, no weapons out yet. Once all targets are hung and moved to the three yard line, we remove guns (on the firing line only) and remove and unload magazines, lock slides back and step out of the shooting booth (we are an indoor range) Revolvers unload and leave the cylinders open.

At that time I inspect weapons for safety and function, and compare ammo caliber to the gun. (you'd be surprised)

I then have them load 5 rounds in the magazine/cylinder and make the weapon hot. I then announce the first phase of fire, which is 1 round on each command in 2 seconds.

I then have them assume a 2 handed shooter's grip in the low ready or position 3. I do this to check for safe grips. I have found people doing crazythings that make their grip unsafe for them.

I then begin that phase.

The second phase is to load 6 rounds, and fire 2 rounds on each command.

Third phase is load 4 rounds, and fire 2 on each command.

After that each phase is 5 rounds, so the most potential point loss is 30 if the gun fails to fire on the 1st round of phase 2.

As per DPS guidlines, if this causes them to fail they are allowed 2 more attempts.

If anyone wants the entire course of fire I can post it.