Academy weapons training

[William]

Hey everyone. I haven't posted much lately, been busy of course with the academy. We just completed 2 weeks of weapons training spending everyday at the indoor gun range. We qualified for our semi-auto service weapon, 12 gauge shotgun, and AR-15 Carbine.

Everyone qualified within the first week, so the instructors were able to set up some tactical drills for us to go through the 2nd week. (night shooting, moving and shooting, using cover, discretionary shooting, as well as a few shooting competitions.) It has been the most fun I've had in long time, and honestly I can't believe we are getting paid to do it!

There was a bit of pressure though, as the SWAT and CERT/TACT teams were also there for training, but it was great to be in the middle of it all.

The handgun we used was the Smith and Wesson M&P-40, which is MCSO's service weapon of choice. Anyone here ever shoot/carry the M&P? Very nice weapon. As a class we shot over 38,000 rounds with no malfunctions.

Just thought I'd give an academy update for anyone who was interested. I'll keep you posted!

[BJJVad]

Good to hear..

Keep it up..

[Norm357]

Plastic guns.

Keep up the good work William!

[William]

Plastic guns.

Keep up the good work William!

LOL Norm! It's funny that you said that because our training coordinator is also the range master for Manatee County and he referred to them as "Tactical Tupperware." But even he said he had to accept that polymer guns have become common place for law enforcement. Mostly due to lighter carry weight on an already heavy full duty belt. The agency also likes the interchangeable grip sizes to fit any hand, just to mention a couple minor factors.

[ChevySSP]

We carry Sig arms--both the P226 and the P229. I carry the P229.

Its .357 Sig's worth of justice in every bullet!

[JoetheGI]

Good! Good!

Check out USPSA and IDPA clubs in your area. Some clubs offer LEO match discounts. Some IDPA clubs allow you to do the match with your duty kit. One of the IDPA clubs I shoot with usually has handful of LEO's.

Competition shooting is an excellent way to build and maintain safe and effective handgun skills, and those same skills can be applied to long guns as well. Don't expect to win, because there are some legitimate freaks of nature out there, but learn, have fun, and meet some pretty nice folks. Firearms proficiency is a perishable skill, and you owe it to yourself to maintain and improve on what you have learned in case you ever need to apply it on the street.

Good luck and stay safe.

[viperphi]

Off duty I carry an M&P compact 9. I want to get a Kahr soon though... Just because I have decided I "need" one. And my uncle got one so I have to keep up with the Jones'.

On-duty, it's my Glock 17 with the awful 8 pound trigger. I miss my 5 pound Glock I traded in for the Smith. Stupid policy.

Have fun shooting. Learn to love and use that cover. Get that night shooting down and bury those sights in your eyes so they ae always there.