Practice with a handgun

[robbienicholas]

I'm currently working as a cadet in my local police department until my class enters the academy in July. Prior to starting the academy my class will be taken to the range where we'll have to qualify with the departmental firearm (.45 Glock). I'm a hunter and have lots of experience with shotguns and rifles, but nothing with a sidearm. Should I purchase one and practice or will we receive enough training on the range, prior to being tested? Thanks

[pac201]

don't try to teach yourself anything, the firearms instructor will spend sufficient time training you to shoot properly.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

You must REALLY not think highly of your department.

You think they would give you a lethal weapon...arguably one of the most litigious objects police officers carry...and then assume you would not be sufficiently trained to pass a basic qualification course?

Can a brutha get a "Wow!"???

[mcsap]

You got a WOW.

[Legoate]

What they are trying to say is that you can pick up a lot of bad habits trying to teach yourself to shoot. Your department will have a specific way they want things done. It is very hard to unlearn bad habits once you pick them up. So wait until you department can train you how they want it done.

Most firearms trainer will agree that it's easier to train someone from scratch, then train someone who has been doing things wrong for a long time but has a lot of experience.

[Ispbear]

If your lucky your department may have adopted the "No cop left behind" course from the FBI like our state did. Some of us are going to the range next week in attempt to shoot it with our eyes closed. I think we can pass it.:D

[BP348]

don't try to teach yourself anything, the firearms instructor will spend sufficient time training you to shoot properly.

What he said :cool: