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txinvestigator wrote:

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.

Sounds like a great class. Keep up the good work.

What you teach them at the time of qualification is all some of them will ever get. Hopefully, others will go on to hone their skills, but sadly... most do not.

I like the idea of trying to "make it stick". Good on ya!

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.
.

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.

nitrogen wrote:I'd check on the FTF issue. I just took my range test yesterday, and a poor fellow had an FTF and was NOT allowed to catch up; he just lost those shots, and ended up failing.

I don't know if my range did it wrong or not.

Your range did it within the confines of what they are allowed. As previously mentioned, it is at the discretion of the Instructor to allow or disallow any following shots. If the "failure" (to feed, eject, fire) does not pose a safety hazard to the shooter or others, AND can be easily remedied, then IMO the instructor should correct it and allow them to continue. That is a whole 'nother subject though.

Some instructors draw a hard line and will not allow it. That is certainly their prerogative.

There is more than enough time for good aimed shots. There are NO "double taps" or even "controlled pairs". There are times when you will fire two rounds consecutively, (also five)....but the time allowed is very generous and never requires a "double tap".

If you have a jam, simply stop shooting, put your firearm at "low ready" (pointed toward the ground at a 45 deg. angle down range) with your finger off the trigger. When the others stop shooting...inform the instructor of the situation... and he/she should allow you to correct the condition and continue.

The biggest problem instructors have is: People not listening/understanding what they have explained as the course of fire.

Example: The instructor tells the class to load five rounds only, then explains that they will take five shots ONE AT A TIME, and will be allowed 2 seconds per shot. Invariably, someone will shoot all five rounds "one after another".

If you listen carefully to the instruction, relax, see your front sight, then you'll do just fine.

Instructors are looking for a certain level of proficiency (gun handling, safety, and finally accuracy). But, if you think about it...they are not really able to judge how many hits you had unless every bullet strikes in a different spot. Typically, you will have a "fist sized" hole in the target as a result of the 3 and 7 yard shooting. This is an indicator that the shooter placed most of his/her shots in that area. There is no way of counting them!

No need to be nervous, you guys will do fine!