Firearms Training

1. Pre-Service students will be trained with Smith & Wesson pistols, Models 3913 or 5906, firing a 9mm cartridge. These pistols will be furnished by the Academy. The Academy will also furnish a holster, gun belt, magazines, and a magazine pouch for the student's use. Ammunition will be furnished at the range.

2. Students employed by a law enforcement agency which issues semi-automatic pistols will be trained on our pistols as outlined above. If the agency desires, the student will be qualified on the agency's pistol. This is for qualification only and not firearms training. The Rangemaster, prior to use, will inspect these firearms and any firearm deemed unsafe will not be allowed on the range. Students will need 3 magazines, a double magazine pouch and holster. This requires a signed letter by the Chief of the agency that is employing the student.

3. All students will be qualified on the current duty ammunition as issued by the Reading Police Department. Students employed by a law enforcement agency may be qualified on their department's duty ammunition. This ammunition will be inspected by the Rangemaster prior to being used by the student.

4. The firearms training program is very demanding. It requires students to fire a weapon single and double action with both hands and also with one hand using their strong and weak hand. Students must be able to fire all exercises to successfully complete the firearms portion of training. To ensure that each student is able to fire the weapon the required number of times, a diagnostic test will be given to each student. Each student will be required to trigger a revolver in the double action mode according to the table below. Any student not passing this test is strongly advised to begin a program to increase hi/her ability to fire a handgun.

Minimum Standard - Time Limit of 30 Seconds

.....................Strong Hand..........Weak Hand

Males ..................75.........................65

Females.............. 60.........................45