FUNDAMENTALS OF FIREARMS

SAFETY AND PROFICIENCY

PSMS Joseph D De Leon
HRDD PNCO
PARMU-HRDD
GUN SAFETY RULES
Treat every firearm as if it's loaded:
• Always assume a firearm is loaded, even if you believe
it is not. This mindset keeps you cautious at all times.

Never point the muzzle at anything you are not

willing to destroy:
• Always ensure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction,
away from people, animals, or objects you do not want
to harm.
GUN SAFETY RULES CONT…
Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to
shoot:
• The trigger should only be engaged when you're
prepared to fire, keeping your finger outside the
trigger guard when not in use.

Be sure of your target and what is beyond it and on

Left or Right:
• Know what you're aiming at and what lies behind it, to
avoid shooting unintended objects or people.
FIREARM HANDLING
▪ Stance:
▪ A stable stance helps control recoil and maintain accuracy.
Common stances include the isosceles (feet shoulder-width
apart, both arms extended forward) or the Weaver stance (one
arm extended, the other bent).

• Proper grip:
• Hold the firearm with both hands to ensure stability and control.
The dominant hand holds the grip, while the non-dominant
hand supports the frame. Your fingers should be firmly wrapped
around the grip, and the thumb should rest on the opposite side.
STANCE
1. ISOSCELES STANCE
• Description: The shooter faces the target squarely, with
both feet shoulder-width apart. The arms are extended
directly toward the target, forming an isosceles triangle
between the arms and torso.
• Advantages:
• Good for balance and stability.
• Both arms are fully extended, offering a clear sight picture.
• Easier to maintain a solid grip and recoil management.
• When to use: Often used in defensive situations or when
precision shooting is not the primary goal.
2. WEAVER STANCE
• Description: The shooter stands at a 45-degree angle to the
target, with the non-dominant foot slightly back. The dominant
arm is extended forward, while the non-dominant arm is bent
and pushed forward to "lock" the shooting hand into place. This
creates a "weaver" posture with the arms forming a V-shape.

• Advantages:
• Offers good recoil control, especially for rapid follow-up shots.
• More naturally conducive to defensive shooting.

• When to use: Ideal for defensive or tactical shooting situations.

2. FIGHTING OR BOXERS STANCE
•Description: This is a hybrid of the Isosceles and Weaver stances.
•The shooter stands square to the target with feet shoulder-width apart.
The shooting arm is extended forward like the Isosceles, but the non-dominant
hand is used to support
the shooting hand, similar to the Weaver stance.

•Advantages:
•Good recoil control and accuracy.
•Provides the advantages of both stances, giving a good blend of stability and
control.
•When to use: Popular for defensive shooting, where rapid response and recoil
management are important.
POOR GRIP
PROPER GRIP
FIREARM HANDLING CONT…
• Sight alignment: Proper alignment of the front and
rear sights ensures accuracy. The front sight should be
centered in the rear sight notch, and the top of the
front sight should be level with the top of the rear
sight.

• Trigger control: Press the trigger smoothly with the

pad of your finger, applying even pressure to avoid
jerking the gun and disrupting your aim.
SIGHT ALIGNMENT
TRIGGER CONTROL
▪ Master Grip: Pistol
▪ Pistol Centered in web of the hand
▪ High in web
▪ No gaps
▪ Middle finger has the most pressure on weapon
▪ Thumbs have no pressure on weapon
▪ Same grip after each shot (no re-adjusting
FIREARM HANDLING CONT…
• Recoil management: Recoil is the backward force
when a gun is fired. It’s essential to manage it by
maintaining a proper grip and stance to ensure the
firearm returns to the target quickly for follow-up
shots.
FIREARM PROFICIENCY
• Regular practice: Proficiency comes with
practice. Regular shooting, both at the range and
in dry-fire drills, is key to developing muscle
memory and accuracy.

• Marksmanship: Practice aiming at different

types of targets, from stationary to moving, to
develop the ability to hit a target consistently
under varying conditions.
FIREARM PROFICIENCY CONT…
• Weapon maintenance: Ensure your firearm is
well-maintained, clean, and lubricated. Regular
inspection and cleaning prevent malfunctions and
ensure your firearm functions properly when
needed.

• Understanding ballistics: Know how the bullet

will behave after firing—this includes
understanding factors such as bullet drop, wind,
and the range of your firearm.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
• Know your surroundings: Always be aware of
your environment, whether you're at a shooting
range, on a hunt, or in any situation where firearms
are involved.

• Understanding firearm types: Each firearm has

unique characteristics, so understanding the type
(e.g., revolver, semi-automatic) and its mechanism
is essential for safe handling and operation.
LEGAL AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Know the laws: Familiarize yourself with local,
and state laws regarding firearm ownership, use,
and transportation.

• Be ethical: Use firearms only in appropriate

situations, such as self-defense and when doing
our sworn duty as police officers and be mindful
of the ethical implications of their use. Never use a
firearm recklessly or out of anger.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
• Seek professional instruction: Taking classes
from certified instructors, particularly in defensive
shooting, is beneficial for developing safe,
effective shooting techniques.

• Stay current: Keep up-to-date with best practices

in firearm safety and proficiency. Even
experienced gun owners benefit from refresher
courses.
EFFECTIVE RANGE OF 9MM PISTOL
▪ The effective range of a 9mm pistol is generally around 50
yards (45 meters). This is the distance at which most shooters
can maintain decent accuracy with the pistol, assuming proper
shooting technique and conditions

▪ Practical Effective Range: The typical effective range for self-

defense and practical shooting with a 9mm pistol is generally
within 15 to 25 yards (14 to 23 meters). At these distances, a
shooter can expect to hit targets accurately, especially in self-
defense situations, where engagement ranges are often much
closer.
 EFFECTIVE RANGE OF 9MM PISTOL
▪ Maximum Range: A 9mm bullet can travel farther, with a maximum
range of around 1,500 yards (1,370 meters) in ideal conditions.
However, this is not practical for hitting targets in typical scenarios, as
the bullet loses accuracy and velocity significantly over long distances.

▪ Accuracy: With practice, a skilled shooter can hit a target at the 50-yard
mark, though beyond this, accuracy may drop off significantly due to the
pistol's shorter barrel and the bullet's ballistic characteristics.

▪ According to the US Army the effective range of the 9mm pistol in

combat is 50 yards. Professional competitive shooters can go out
further on targets and sometimes approach 100 yards.
STEPS ON HOW TO CLEAR PISTOL/FA
1. Ensure the Area is Safe
• Make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction
(downrange or into a safe area).
• Ensure the area around you is clear of any people,
objects, or hazards.

2. Engage the Safety (if applicable)

• If your pistol has a safety, engage the safety to prevent
accidental discharge.
STEPS ON HOW TO CLEAR PISTOL/FA
3. Remove the Magazine
• Press the magazine release button to eject the magazine from
the firearm.
• Place the magazine in a safe location, separate from the pistol.

4. Lock the Slide Open

• Pull the slide back (toward the rear of the gun) and engage the
slide lock (also called the slide stop or slide catch).
• This keeps the slide open so you can visually inspect the
chamber.
STEPS ON HOW TO CLEAR PISTOL/FA
5. Inspect the Chamber
• Visually and physically inspect the chamber to ensure it
is clear of any rounds. If necessary, you can run your finger
inside the chamber to feel for a round.

6. Release the Slide (if needed)

• If you’ve locked the slide back, you can now release the
slide by pressing the slide stop or allowing it to slide
forward gently.
STEPS ON HOW TO CLEAR PISTOL/FA
7. Double-Check the Pistol
• Visually check the chamber again to be sure it's clear,
even after releasing the slide.

8. Keep the Firearm Pointed in a Safe Direction

• Until you’re ready to store or handle the pistol further,
always keep it pointed in a safe direction.
STEPS ON HOW TO CLEAR PISTOL/FA
Additional Notes:
• Always assume the firearm is loaded until you’ve
thoroughly checked it.
• Follow all safety rules when handling firearms, including
wearing appropriate eye and ear protection, if needed.
• If you're unfamiliar or uncomfortable with clearing a
firearm, seek instruction from a certified firearms safety
instructor.
THANK YOU…