GLOCK 19 MANUAL

FTO CERTIFICATION COURSE

Compiled by:

NIGEL RAMSDALE & CLAUDE BOINQUET

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
HISTORY
FEATURES & DESCRIPTION
MODELS
SPECIFICATIONS

WEAPON SAFETY
MAIN SAFETY RULES
RENDERING WEAPON SAFE
TRAINING SAFETY RULES
WEAPON CONDITIONS

NOMENCLATURE

DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY

DISASSEMBLY
REASSEMBLY
FUNCTION CHECK
MAGAZINE DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY
CLEANING

GLOCK “SAFE ACTION” SYSTEM

EQUIPMENT SET-UP

FUNDAMENTALS OF SHOOTING

WEAPON HANDLING
CARRY POSITIONS
PRESENTATION & SET TIME
SHOOTING POSITIONS
LOADING & UNLOADING
TACTICAL RELOAD
STOPPAGES

REDUCED LIGHT TECHNIQUES

INSTRUCTOR NOTES
 INTRODUCTION

HISTORY

In 1980, the Austrian military announced that it would bid on a new, modern duty
pistol to replace the Walther P38 handgun. The Austrian Ministry of Defense
formulated a list of criteria for the new generation service pistol.

Gaston Glock, an Austrian engineer and an expert in plastics, was a successful

manufacturer of curtain rods and grenade shells for the Austrian Army. He was
visiting the Department of Defense when he overheard two Austrian Army colonels
discussing the search by Austrian Armed Forces for a standard sidearm for the
Austrian Army.

Having never before designed or manufactured a firearm, Mr. Glock assembled a

team of Europe's leading handgun experts from the military, the police and also
from civilian sport shooting circles, to define the most desirable characteristics in a
combat pistol. Within three months, Glock developed a working prototype. The new
weapon made extensive use of synthetic materials (polymer plastics) and modern
manufacturing technologies in its design, making it a very cost-effective candidate.
Several samples of the 9×19mm Glock pistol were submitted for assessment trials in
early 1982, and after passing all of the exhaustive endurance tests, Glock emerged as
the winner with the Model 17 named because it was the 17th patent of the company.
The final prototype evolved into the GLOCK 17, 9mm, semi-automatic pistol.

The Glock 19 is effectively a reduced-size Glock 17, called the "Compact" by the
manufacturer. It was first produced in 1988, primarily for military and law
enforcement. The Glock 19 barrel is 12 mm shorter than the Glock 17 and the grip is
11 mm shorter, with a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds. The pistol is
compatible with factory magazines from the Glock 17 and Glock 18, with available
capacities of 10, 17, 19, and 33 rounds. To preserve the operational reliability of the
short recoil system, the mass of the slide remains the same as in the Glock 17 from
which it is derived.

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FEATURES & DESCRIPTION

 Low overall weight (polymer plastic and metal components)

 Caliber: 9mm
 Semi-automatic
 Recoil operated
 Constant Double Action
 Safe Action System (3 x internal safeties)
o Trigger safety
o Firing pin safety
o Drop safety

GLOCK MODELS

Model Caliber Magazine Capacity

Glock 17 9 mm 17
Glock 18 9 mm 33
Glock 19 9 mm 15
Glock 20 10 mm 15
Glock 21 .45 13
Glock 22 .40 15
Glock 23 .40 13
Glock 24 .40 15
Glock 25 .380 13
Glock 26 9 mm 10
Glock 27 .40 9
Glock 28 .380 10
Glock 29 10 mm 10
Glock 30 .45 10
Glock 31 .357 15
Glock 32 .357 13
Glock 33 .357 9
Glock 34 9 mm 17
Glock 35 .40 15
Glock 36 .45 6
Glock 37 .45 10
Glock 38 .45 8
Glock 39 .45 6

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SPECIFICATIONS

GLOCK
Caliber 9 mm x 19 mm
Action Safe Action (Constant Double Action)
Dimensions GLOCK 17 GLOCK 19 GLOCK 26 GLOCK 34
Overall length 186 mm 174 mm 160 mm 207 mm
Overall height (with
138 mm 127mm 106 138 mm
magazine)
Overall width 30 mm 30 mm 30 mm 30 mm
Barrel length 114 mm 102 mm 88 mm 135 mm
Barrel Rifling Hexagonal profile with right hand twist
Length of Twist 250 mm 250 mm 250 mm 250 mm
Weight Without
625 g 595 g 560 g 650 g
magazine
Weight with full
905 g 850 g 740 g 930 g
magazine
Magazine capacity 17 15 10 17
Trigger full (standard) 2.5 kg 2.5 kg 2.5 kg 2.0 kg
Trigger travel for
12.5 mm 12.5 mm 12.5 mm 12.5 mm
discharge
Number of Safeties 3 3 3 3
Effective Range 50 m

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 WEAPON SAFETY

FIREARMS SAFETY & TRAINING SAFETY RULES

A. MAIN SAFETY RULES

1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded - Cardinal Rule!!

2. Never point a firearm at anything or anybody you do not intend to shoot
3. Never place your finger inside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire
4. Be sure of your backstop, target and beyond

B. RENDERING THE WEAPON SAFE

1. Always point the weapon in a safe direction with safety on if applicable to that
type of weapon.
2. Remove the magazine.
3. Rack the slide, bolt or cocking lever a number of times and lock to the rear.
4. Visually and physically inspect the chamber.

Do not squeeze the trigger after rendering the weapon safe, unless for long-term storage or
for disassembly of the weapon.

The slide or bolt must be locked open when the firearm is being transported by air or vehicle.

Never give the firearm to, or take the firearm from anyone, unless the slide or bolt is locked
open for inspection.

C. TRAINING SAFETY RULES

1. Wrap around eye protection is mandatory

2. Ear protection is mandatory
3. Hat (baseball style) is recommended
4. Long sleeve shirt with high neck is recommended (for shooting on steel plates)
5. Firearms will remain holstered at all times unless you have taken your place on
the firing line and the command to fire has been given by the instructor.
6. Firearms will be pointed down-range only. Failure to abide by this rule could
result in the shooter being removed from the firing line.
7. Finger will remain outside of the trigger guard and will only be placed on the
trigger when the shooter has his/her sights on the target and has made a
conscious decision to shoot.
8. Do not step forwards (or backwards) of the firing line until all weapons are
holstered and the instructor has given the command to do so.

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9. Do not retrieve anything that has fallen on the floor whilst on the firing line. Only
when firing has ceased and weapons are holstered may you pick something up
off the floor.
10. Do not talk on the firing line. You may distract the other shooter resulting in a
serious accident.
11. Never give a firearm to, or take a firearm from anyone, unless the slide / bolt is
locked open for inspection.
12. We are responsible for each other‟s safety – Anyone seeing a safety problem
MUST report it immediately to an instructor. Additionally, anyone may stop an
exercise if they see a safety problem. The command - “STOP! STOP! STOP!”
may be called by anyone. All shooters will stop firing immediately and holster
their firearms.
13. Report any and all injuries immediately to an instructor – Don‟t suffer in silence
14. It is each participant‟s responsibility to cover all open wounds and cuts before
class begins. If this type of injury occurs during the training session, the
participant will immediately notify an instructor, attend to the injury, and cover
with first aid material. Treat all blood and body fluids with utmost caution.
Gloves will be used if there is any possibility of coming into contact with blood
or body fluids.
15. At no time is any participant allowed to leave the training area without the
permission of the primary instructor
16. Remember to work at your own pace – Don‟t over exert yourself.
17. Realistic training is important, however safety comes first!

FIREARMS SHOULD NOT BE HANDLED BY PERSONS WITH A BLOOD ALCOHOL

CONTENT IN EXCESS OF .00% BY WEIGHT, OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS
OR MEDICATION THAT WOULD IMPAIR THEIR MOTOR SKILLS, JUDGEMENT OR
BALANCE.

WEAPON CONDITIONS

There are three weapon conditions that UN Security uses:

UNLOADED – No magazine in the weapon, no round in the chamber

LOADED – Magazine in the weapon & no round in the chamber
MADE READY – Magazine in the weapon & a round in the chamber

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 NOMENCLATURE

EXTERNAL

Front Sight Slide Lock Rear Sight

Barrel Slide

Slide Stop
Trigger Guard
Lever

Trigger Safety
Trigger Magazine

FIG 1

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 GLOCK 19 DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY

DISASSEMBLY

1. SAFETY FIRST!

 Point the weapon in a safe direction

 Remove the magazine
 Lock the slide to the rear
 Visually and physically inspect the chamber.

2. Squeeze the trigger (so the drop safety and lug of the firing pin will disengage).

3. Hold the firearm as shown in Fig 2, then pull the slide approximately 2mm to the
rear while simultaneously pulling down on the slide lock lever.

FIG 2

FIG 3

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5. Push the slide forward under control until it is fully separated from the receiver.

FIG 4

6. Push the recoil spring slightly forward & off the cradle of the barrel, then lift
away from the slide.

FIG 5 FIG 6

7. Remove the barrel

FIG 7

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 Five Main Parts

3
2

FIG 8

1. Grip with Trigger Mechanism

2. Slide
3. Barrel
4. Recoil Spring Assembly
5. Magazine

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GLOCK 19 REASSEMBLY

1. Lay the slide upside down.

2. Grasp the barrel at the chamber end. While raising the chambered end, move the
barrel slightly forward.
3. Guide the muzzle of the barrel into the ring at the front end of the slide.

FIG 9

4. Install the recoil spring assembly.

FIG 10

5. Point the receiver in a safe direction.

6. Grasp the slide and align the grooves on the rear of the slide with the forward
slide rails on the polymer receiver.

FIG 11

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7. Pull the slide to the rear until the slide lock re-engages.

FIG 12

FUNCTION CHECK

1. After re-assembling the Glock pistol pull the slide to the rear and release.
2. Squeeze the trigger
3. Whilst keeping the trigger depressed, rack the slide again.
4. Release the trigger until you hear the trigger reset.
5. Squeeze the trigger again.

MAGAZINE DISASSEMBLY & REASSEMBLY

Disassembly
1. Hold the magazine in your support hand parallel with the table top and the front
of the magazine oriented up, floor plate by your thumb.
2. Use 3/32" punch or similar object to push in the button on the bottom of the
magazine.
3. Place one of the rear corners of the floor plate against your table-top and press
the corner into the table-top. The floor should start to slide forward.
4. Remove the spring and follower from the magazine tube.

Reassembly
1. Place the magazine larger end down on the table top. Note which way the
magazine and the magazine spring "lean" while their bases are flat on the table
top.
2. Insert the magazine spring and attached follower into the magazine tube so that
they are leaning the same way.
3. Reinsert the reinforcing plate (if so equipped) in the magazine tube below the
base of the spring. Carefully compress the magazine spring at the bottom of the
magazine tube. Slide the floor plate back onto the magazine tube fully to
complete the reassembly process.

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CLEANING

The Glock pistol should be cleaned once a month, each time after use or as often as
needed depending on humidity, or the amount of dirt & dust that the weapon is
exposed to.

Solvents Mineral spirits, dry cleaning solvents. NEVER GASOLINE

Bore Cleaners Any commercial bore cleaner such as „Hoppe‟s Nitro Solvent‟

Bore Brushes Bronze bristle, copper or brass is recommended. Nylon is ok, but
never stainless steel

Patches Soft and absorbent. Knitted patches recommended as woven

patches may leave strings

Lubricants Any commercial lubricants such as „Break-free‟

Preservatives Any commercial lubricants such as „Break-free‟ or „Ballistol

Barrel Always clean from the chamber end. Push the brush or the patch
through in one stroke. Brush with solvent. Dry patch until clean.
Repeat brushing if necessary. Lube inside and out to prevent rust.

Recoil Assembly The recoil assembly can be cleaned with a brush and a cloth.

Receiver Brush to remove large deposits of carbon or dirt. Wipe with a

damp cloth.

Slide The slide should be wiped clean and solvents can be used. The
slide should be oiled and wiped dry. Do not remove the copper-
colored lubricant found on portions of the slide as this acts as a
protective film. The extractor claw and breech face should be
cleaned and absolutely dry. The slide rail cuts should be cleaned
and lightly lubricated.

Magazine Wipe off the outside and follower. If the magazine is very dirty,
disassemble it and clean dirt from inside.

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Lubricating the Disassembled (Field Stripped)Glock Pistol

To properly lubricate your Glock pistol after it has been thoroughly cleaned and
dried, use a clean patch that has been very slightly dampened with quality gun oil.

Wipe the barrel and the barrel hood. Wipe the inside of the slide where the barrel
hood rubs against the slide and inside the ring on the muzzle end of the slide.

You can take put one drop of oil in each slide rail cut. Once the slide is moved on the
receiver after reassembly, the oil drop will be distributed equally in the slide rails by
moving the slide.

FIG 13

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 GLOCK “SAFE ACTION” SYSTEM

TRIGGER SAFETY

The trigger safety is incorporated into the trigger in the form of a lever, and in the
untouched state blocks the trigger from being moved backwards.

To fire the pistol, both the trigger safety and the trigger must be depressed at the
same time.

If the trigger safety is not depressed, then the trigger will not move to the rear and
the pistol will not fire. This is designed to prevent the trigger from going to the rear
when the pistol is dropped. (Glock Armorer’s Manual)

FIG 14 FIG 15

FIRING PIN SAFETY

A spring-loaded pin safety projects into the firing pin cutout, and mechanically
blocks the firing pin in the ready or loaded condition. When pulling the trigger to
the rear, an extension of the trigger bar pushes the firing pin safety upwards,
clearing the firing pin channel. During the cycling process the firing pin safety
automatically engages with the help of the firing pin safety spring. The firing pin
safety is designed to avoid accidental firing due to inertia or should extreme forces
allow separation of slide and receiver.

o
o
o
o y

DROP

FIG 16 FIG 17

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SAFETY

The rear part of the trigger bar, which has a cruciform shape, rests with its wings in
the loaded/ready position on a safety ramp located in the trigger mechanism
housing. When the trigger is pulled to the rear, the trigger bar begins to move off the
safety shelf as the trigger bar is forced downwards and rearwards by the connector
until finally separating from the firing pin lug. During the cycling process, the
connector is pushed inward by a cam in the slide releasing the trigger bar which is
then lifted with help from the trigger spring and caught by the firing pin lug and the
trigger bar is pushed onto the safety ramp by it.

FIG 18 FIG 19

FIG 20

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 EQUIPMENT SET-UP

1. Holster
2. Magazine pouches
3. Additional equipment

FUNDAMENTALS OF SHOOTING

1. Stance
2. Grip
3. Sight Alignment / Sight Picture
4. Trigger Control
5. Breathing
6. Follow-through / Scan

1. STANCE

The ideal shooting stance is the Isosceles or Modified Isosceles position (defensive
tactics stance / fighting stance) and is adopted as follows:

 Feet shoulder width apart and toes should be

pointed slightly inwards.
 Arms will be straight with elbows locked out,
forming two equal side of an isosceles triangle
with the width of the body as the base.
 Weapon-side foot drawn back slightly to the
rear to improve balance.
 Slight bend in the knees, body leaning slightly
forward.
 Shoulders and hips should be squared to the
target.

FIG 21

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2. GRIP

A proper grip is very important in

controlling the recoil of the pistol. It allows
the shooter to obtain a second sight picture
more rapidly. The webbing of the shooting
hand should be fully under the tang on the
back-strap. Both hands create a 360 degrees
grip around the weapon, with thumbs
parallel to the slide. The thumb of the
shooting hand rests above the thumb of the
support hand. FIG 22

3. SIGHT ALIGNMENT / SIGHT PICTURE

Sight alignment can be defined as aligning the shooter‟s eye with the front sight,
and centering the front sight in the rear sight notch.

FIG 23

Sight picture is taking that „sight alignment‟ and centering it onto your target,
maintaining focus on your front sight.

FIG 24

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 The degree of alignment of the sights on the target (also known as Set-time) is
dictated by several factors:

 Size of target
 Distance from target
 Urgency of engagement

4. TRIGGER CONTROL

Trigger control is the firm, constant, even pressure placed on the trigger along its
axis when pulling it to the rear.

Ensure that you do not pull your sights off alignment with the target when pulling
the trigger – the trigger should be squeezed and not jerked. Do not alter the
position or pressure of your grip when squeezing the trigger.

After the shot has been taken, „Reset‟ the trigger by allowing it to go forward
under control. Do not take your finger off the trigger, merely leave the pad of
your finger on the trigger as it returns to its starting (Reset) position. Squeeze the
trigger again until slight resistance is met. The trigger is now in the „Preset‟
position, ready for the next shot.

Another sight picture should now be acquired quickly to assess that the fired shot
had its intended result and to identify if further shots are necessary.

5. BREATHING

When you inhale or exhale your lungs will act like bellows and cause your arms
and thus your weapon to rise and fall. Therefore, in a perfect training
environment, when your sights are aligned, breathe in, allow some air out, stop
breathing momentarily and finish squeezing the trigger to complete the shot.

In a tactical situation, it is appreciated that your breathing may be hard to control,

and the need to shoot may be immediate. In this circumstance, it is imperative to
hold your breathing, regardless of what stage of the breathing cycle you are in.
This will prevent movement of the weapon caused by breathing, which will in
turn assist sight alignment. As soon as the firing process is over, the shooter
should endeavour to breathe as deeply as possible to oxygenate the body as much
as possible in preparation for another period of 'oxygen debt' if more threats are
encountered. Breathing will also lower adrenaline levels thereby reducing „tunnel
vision‟.

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6. FOLLOW-THROUGH

The last fundamental of accurate shooting is follow-through. This means bringing

the weapon back on target immediately following shot release. Follow-through
includes the reset and preset of the trigger whilst confirming sight alignment on
the target you have just shot.

It is at this stage you must confirm that the results of your last shot achieved the
intended result. If not, re-engage and follow through again, continuing the
sequence until the desired result is achieved.

Once the shooter has performed the follow-through process and decides that
another shot is not necessary, then the shooter will scan & breathe which includes
lowering the muzzle to a cover position or ready position and performing a 360
deg. scan of the immediate area for:

 Further Threats
 Colleagues
 Cover
 Escape Routes

… and at the same time breathing deeply to re-oxygenate the body, lower
adrenaline levels, and reduce tunnel-vision.

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 WEAPON HANDLING

CARRY POSITIONS

1. READY POSITION

For assessment of the pistol, the Ready Position is defined as having both hands
on the firearm, arms bent with firearm 6 inches or less from the chest of the firer,
above the belt line and below the shoulders. The barrel should be parallel to the
ground.

2. COVER / THREAT READY POSITION

This position describes the act of lowering the gun enough to observe the hands of
the target/threat. The muzzle of the firearm should still be pointed within the
designated target zone with the firer looking over the top of the sights to observe
and assess the target. The finger may remain on the trigger during the process of
„covering‟ a target.

3. POSITION „SUL‟

„SUL‟ is an alternative to the ready position, perhaps better suited to crowded

environments. The support hand palm should be flat against the solar plexus, with
fingers extended and parallel to the ground. The support hand thumb is pointed
towards the shooter‟s chin. The strong hand maintains the grip on the handgun.
You must also keep the trigger finger off the trigger and on the slide. The muzzle
of the weapon is pointed directly at the ground between the
Shooter‟s feet. The slide/barrel of the handgun is held against the back of the
knuckles of the support hand. The strong hand thumb is extended towards the
support hand thumb so that both thumb tips are touching. Elbows should be
relaxed against the shooter‟s sides. Should a threat requiring the use of the
handgun appear, simply push the handgun out away from the body allowing the
hands to pivot at the thumbs as the two hands come together in a firing grip.
Trigger finger is straight until the sights are on the target

4. HIGH PORT POSITION

Weapon is brought up to eye level (into shooter‟s “work-space”) so as to maintain

situational awareness whilst moving and simultaneously manipulation the
weapon. Dominant side elbow is tucked in to the rib-cage. This allows for rapid
reloads on the move, and may be safest option in some situations.

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PRESENTATION AND SET TIME

Presentation refers to the drawing of the pistol from the holster and raising it to the
aim position. The pistol is drawn from the holster with the muzzle rotating towards
the target, and meeting the support hand in the centre of the chest. The pistol is then
pushed out towards the target. Presentation time will always remain constant
regardless of the threat

Set Time refers to time taken to acquire the correct sight picture. This may vary
according to the distance of the target.

SHOOTING POSITIONS

While operating in a tactical environment you will be required to discharge your

weapon from a variety of shooting positions. These positions may include:

1. STANDING

When firing the pistol from the standing position it is important that the hands
should be straight and elbow is locked (assuming the isosceles/modified isosceles
position).

2. KNEELING

Kneeling permits the user to take advantage of areas of low cover. While
maintaining eye contact with the threat and maintaining a sight picture on the
threat, the shooter drops into a kneeling position. The shooter can adopt a
supported or unsupported kneeling position depending on the height of the cover
available. The shooter then adopts the correct dynamic tension in the upper body,
as in the standing position. Where possible, the officer should lean slightly
forward for better control of the recoil.

3. SITTING

This position will usually be dictated by the environment and is most likely to
occur during soft skinned vehicle operations such as escorts and Close Protection.

It is important that from the waist up the shooter maintains a forward stance to
control felt recoil and will usually be adopted while engaging out the side window
of the vehicle. The shooter may brace themselves with their feet on the floor pan
or base of the seat in front.

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4. PRONE

The prone position is utilized when the available cover is low to the ground and
any higher position would compromise your safety. It is also used when shooting
from behind cover. It is also a very stable position that permits accurate fire at
extended range.

To safely move to the prone position, shooters must drop down onto both knees
and use the support hand to lower themselves down, while maintaining the
muzzle in a safe direction and forward of the support hand.

LOADING & UNLOADING

1. LOADING

 Point the weapon in a safe direction

 Insert the magazine
 Rack the slide
 Press-check to ensure that a round is chambered

PRESS-CHECK

A press-check should be conducted to ensure that a round has been correctly

chambered. This operation can be conducted by visually inspecting that the
extractor is protruding on the side of the slide on the Glock pistol, or by pulling
back the slide of the pistol far enough to see brass (the latter is recommended).
Ensure that the slide moves forward into battery.

In low reduced light conditions, confirm chambering by using the support hand
index finger to feel for the round.

2. UNLOADING

 Point the weapon in a safe direction

 Remove the magazine
 Rack the slide several times and lock it to the rear using the slide stop lever
 Visually and physically inspect the chamber

Do not squeeze the trigger after rendering the weapon safe, unless for long-term storage or
for disassembly of the weapon.

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 TACTICAL RELOAD

Performed when there is a lull in the fight.

 An exchange of partially expended magazine for a fresh one.

 Pistol is still loaded with a round in the chamber (can fire if necessary).
 Confirm that there is no immediate threat (scan).
 Utilize available cover-Call for cover (wait until cover is confirmed).
 Draw a fresh mag from mag pouch with the support hand and bring the magazine
near the pistol - keep the pistol in your work space (high port position).
 Tilt the mag well toward the support side and tuck the arm in.
 Depress the mag release and remove the magazine (control of both magazines).
 Insert the fresh mag in the mag well.
 Secure the used mag (in the pocket, not in mag pouch) or discard, depending on
the tactical situation.
 Declare ready and then „scan‟ before returning to your original position to
continue the fight.

COMBAT / EMERGENCY RELOAD

Performed when the weapon runs out of ammunition during combat.

 Call for „COVER‟ to inform other officers that you are out of ammunition.
 Reload immediately (without waiting).
 Bring pistol into your work space (high port position).
 Simultaneously draw a fresh magazine from the pouch whilst releasing the empty
magazine from the weapon.
 Insert fresh magazine.
 Release the slide.
 Pistol back on target right away and reassess.
 Declare „READY‟.

STOPPAGES

A stoppage drill is performed to rectify a stoppage and ensure that the weapon is
ready to fire. A stoppage could be due to the weapon running out of ammunition, in
which case a combat reload is performed, or a malfunction which requires remedial
action.

Malfunctions can be as a result of mechanical defects such as a broken extractor,

broken firing pin, or a damaged magazine. Most malfunctions however, are caused
by faulty ammunition, a dirty weapon or shooter induced, and can be remedied by
employing an immediate action drill or malfunction drill.

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 An immediate action drill is performed whenever a weapon has stopped due to a
malfunction (or is out of ammunition & slide remains forward). If the immediate
action drill does not clear the stoppage, then a malfunction drill or a combat reload
is performed. (NB! Stoppages must be remedied from behind cover. Keep time spent out
from behind cover to a safe minimum.)

IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILL

An immediate action drill is the drill you carry out immediately when your weapon
fails to fire, without analyzing the type of stoppage. The drill is: Tap-Rack-Reassess

1. Tap the floor plate of the magazine to ensure that it is properly inserted.
2. Rack the slide to ensure that the stoppage is cleared and/or a fresh round is
chambered. Allow the slide to snap forward under its own spring tension.
3. Reassess the situation and re-engage if necessary.

Types of malfunctions that could be remedied with an immediate action drill are:

 Failure to Feed – weak recoil spring or chamber excessively fouled (slide out of
battery) or improperly seated magazine,
 Failure to Fire – faulty ammunition (e.g. dud primer)
 Failure to Eject – „stove pipe‟ or „smoke stack‟ caused by weak wrist or bad grip
(shooter induced), insufficient recoil from under-powered ammunition, or dirty
weapon

MALFUNCTION DRILL

A malfunction drill is performed when the immediate action drill has failed to
remedy the stoppage due to a double-feed.
The drill is: Lock-Rip-Rack-Reinsert-Release-Reassess

1. Lock the slide to the rear to release spring tension on the top round in the
magazine.
2. Rip the magazine out of the weapon. This may need to be done with some force.
3. Rack the slide a number of times to ensure that the casing is extracted from the
chamber. Lock the slide to the rear.
4. Reinsert a magazine containing rounds.
5. Release the slide, allowing it to snap forward under its own spring tension, and
feeding a fresh round into the chamber.
6. Reassess the situation and reengage if necessary.

Type of malfunction that needs to be remedied with a malfunction drill is:

 Failure to Extract - double-feed caused by dirty extractor, damaged casing,

excessively fouled chamber.

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 REDUCED LIGHT TECHNIQUES

As a UN Officer, chances are you have never been involved in a shooting and
probably never will be, but if you are there is a good chance it will be at night. Most
law enforcement officers are required to work and operate during reduced light
situations, whether it be on the street at night, or possibly in a warehouse or
basement during the day. As an officer you may be placed in a reduced light (low
light or no light) situation at any time.

The following areas will be explained and examined:

 structure of the eye – the effects of reduced light

 silhouetting
 general “flashlight search rules”
 techniques used in reduced light shooting

Structure of the Eye:

The eye is a complex structure, however understanding some basics about it, may
help you with techniques designed to improve your night vision. Basically, the eye
needs light to see. Light is reflected off of objects and terrain and is absorbed by the
eye. The amount of light allowed into the eye is controlled by the iris, as it will
expand and contract to allow the correct amount. These images are temporarily
imprinted on the retina, located in the rear of the eye. They are then translated into
impulses which are transported to the brain via the optic nerve, and decoded by the
brain.

The eye uses two systems, one in the bright light, and the other in reduced light.

Cones and Rods:

Cones, approximately 6 million of them, are located in the macular region of the eye,
function best during daylight or bright light conditions. Cones contain the numerous
pigmentation cells which help us perceive color. When light diminishes, cones shut
down and become less active. Cones are responsible for direct vision.

Rods, approximately 120 million, are located everywhere within the retina, except
the macular region. They function well in reduced light. Rods only contain a
pigment called rhodopsin (often referred to as visual purple) which enables us to see
shades of gray. This is why we have trouble distinguishing out and will take
between 10-30 minutes to be renewed. This is why it is imperative to avoid being
exposed to bright light, while working in reduced light. Rods are responsible for
peripheral vision.

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Acquiring night vision can take as much as 30 minutes, for the eye must switch
system in order to accommodate. When operating in reduced light it is important to
remember not to focus intensely on an object or area, for a bleaching effect may
occur. This is primarily because the cones, responsible for direct vision, are less
active. Looking slightly off-center may enable you to see the object or area.

The speed at which your eyes will adjust in reduced light, can be affected by colds,
headaches, fatigue, prescription drug use, heavy smoking and excessive use of
alcohol, and a chronic deficiency of vitamin A in the diet.

Silhouetting Yourself:

When you enter into a darkened area from a lighted area your body is cast in a
silhouette. This can occur in doorways, windows, or when you have a light behind
your back. Initial entry into any building or room under reduced light conditions
during a potentially armed encounter should be considered as high risk (dangerous).
Subsequent movement in front of doors, windows and areas where light may appear
to the officer‟s rear, may expose the officer to extreme danger.

General “Flashlight Search Rules”:

 if you are in the dark, keep it dark – if you‟re in the light, light it up
 move quickly
 always use cover when available
 when in the light, use flashlight to check dark areas
 move from cover to cover, if possible
 limit your use of the flashlight

Three reasons for using a flashlight:

1. locate/ identify a threat

2. to see where you are going
3. to shoot if needed

When using the flashlight for one of the aforementioned reasons, you must
incorporate a technique to limit exposure, such as:

1. behind cover if possible

2. flashlight and handgun pointed in direction of search area
3. turn flashlight on for one second or less
4. immediately move laterally if no cover is available
5. remain steady to fire if needed

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Different Methods of Lowlight Shooting:

Method #1 – Ayoob (developed by Ray Chapman- Massad Ayoob))

FIG 25

Method #2 – Harries (developed by Mike Harries)

FIG 26

Method #3 - Neck Index

FIG 27

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 Method #4 - Modified FBI

FIG 28

Method #5 - Syringe or Rogers /Surefire

FIG 29

The 10 Principles of Low-Light Tactics:

1. Read the light

 Bright Light
 Medium Light
 Low Light
 No Light
 Backlighting
 Offset Lighting

2. Operate from the lowest level of light

Time in the light = Time as a Target
3. Avoid or control BACKLIGHTING

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4. See from the threat’s viewpoint
All dark holes contain threats

5. Light and Move

6. Intermittent use of light at random heights

Be flexible, Fluid and Unpredictable

7. Dominate with Light

8. Align: EYE – LIGHT – WEAPON

9. Carry more than one Light

10. Breathe, Breathe, Breathe and Relax

Considerations:

1. Vision - The eye is a complex structure made up of rods and cones which assist
sensory perception. Even in extreme darkness, your eyes have the ability to
detect movement. Detecting grey shadowlike movements in the peripheral vision
by use of rhodopsin.
2. Retinal Print - In the rear of your eye the retina is located. The retina collects
images (light reflection) and sends these impulses to the brain for translation. It
takes approximately 1/25 of a second for these images/ reflections to be
imprinted or absorbed by the retina. In tactical operations during reduced light a
flash or short light exposure can aid an officer in not eluding to this location.
Reading your retinal print, and then moving in diminished light is a great tactical
advantage.
3. Distance - In diminished light, the eye has a disability in judging distance and
should be taken into consideration.
4. Sound – Whether in diminished light or not, detecting the direction of a sound
varies depending on the sharpness and intensity. Sharp sounds such as striking a
flashlight on a hard surface are more easily identified in direction than that of
soft sounds with the same intensity. This should be taken into consideration
during diminished light operations, for sound will give away location.
5. Afterglow – Most high intensity flashlights burn at a considerably high candle
power, 20.000 or more. After turning the light off, these lights experience what is
called afterglow. The light is still visible at the source for several seconds. When
moving in a tactical situation, after turning the light off, tilt it up or down so as
not to give away the direction in which you have moved.

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 INSTRUCTOR NOTES

LOADING NOTES

 Weapon in safe direction ______________________________________________

 Insert magazine _______________________________________________
 Rack slide _______________________________________________
 Press-check _______________________________________________

UNLOADING NOTES

 Weapon in safe direction ____________________________________________

 Remove magazine ____________________________________________
 Rack the action 3 times _____________________________________________
 Lock slide to the rear _____________________________________________
 Visually & physically inspect chamber __________________________________

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COMBAT RELOAD NOTES

 Weapon runs dry ________________________________________________

 Considered a stoppage ___________________________________________
 Call for „Cover‟ ________________________________________________
 High port ________________________________________________
 Mag out ________________________________________________
 Mag in ________________________________________________
 Release slide ________________________________________________
 Reassess ________________________________________________
 Declare „Ready‟

TACTICAL RELOAD NOTES

 Lull in the fight ___________________________________________

 Necessity for tactical reload ___________________________________________
 Call for „Cover‟ ___________________________________________
 Once you get cover ___________________________________________
 Muzzle up ___________________________________________
 Get a fresh mag ___________________________________________
 Remove magazine ___________________________________________
 Insert fresh magazine ___________________________________________
 Declare „Ready‟ __________________________________________

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CARRY POSITIONS NOTES

 Ready ________________________________________________
 Sul ________________________________________________
 Cover (threat ready) position ___________________________________________
 High port ________________________________________________

FUNDAMENTALS NOTES

 Stance ________________________________________________
 Grip ________________________________________________
 Sight Picture ________________________________________________
 Breathing ________________________________________________
 Trigger control ________________________________________________
 Follow-through ________________________________________________

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TRIGGER MANIPULATION – Single Rounds NOTES

 Fundamentals ______________________________________________________
 Emphasis on trigger control __________________________________________
 Follow-through _____________________________________________________

TRIGGER MANIPULATION – Multiple Rounds NOTES

 Distance, size of target dictates speed _________________________________

 Sight picture between shots ___________________________________________
 Control of motion _____________________________________________
 Shoot only as fast as you can be accurate ___________________________________
 Shoot until the threat is negated ___________________________________________

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FIRING POSITIONS NOTES

 Standing ______________________________________________________
 Kneeling ________________________________________________________
 Sitting _________________________________________________________
 Prone _________________________________________________________

CONCEALED DRAW NOTES

Support hand moves to center of chest

 Clear shirt/jacket concealing the holster ________________________________

 Grip the pistol, release retention device____________________________________
 Clear pistol from holster_________________________________________________
 Rotate muzzle toward target______________________________________________
 Pistol marries up with support hand _______________________________________
 Present pistol to the target _______________________________________________

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MALFUNCTIONS NOTES

 Failure to Feed __________________________________________________

 Failure to Fire __________________________________________________
 Failure to Eject __________________________________________________
 Failure to Extract __________________________________________________

IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILL NOTES

 Tap, Rack, Reassess _________________________________________________

 Cover _________________________________________________
 Working with partner ________________________________________________
 Communicating with partner ___________________________________________

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MALFUNCTION DRILL NOTES

 VERBALIZATION __________________________________________________
 Lock slide to rear _________________________________________________
 Muzzle up __________________________________________________
 Remove magazine __________________________________________________
 Rack action several times _________________________________________________
 Lock slide to the rear __________________________________________________
 Insert magazine containing rounds ________________________________________
 Release slide __________________________________________________
 Reassess __________________________________________________
 VERBALIZATION __________________________________________________

ALTERNATE TARGET AREA / DRUG AND ARMOR DRILL

 Objectives – Neutralize threat _____________________________________________

 Pelvic area _________________________________________________________
 Centre mass/above vest line _____________________________________________
 Head shots _________________________________________________________
 Head shots are easier to miss _____________________________________________

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MULTIPLE TARGETS NOTES

 Prioritization _________________________________________________________
 Spread fire _________________________________________________________
 Target Identification ___________________________________________________
 Smooth firearms movement ______________________________________________

WEAPON RETENTION NOTES

 Support hand striking or protecting _______________________________________

 Rotate strong side hip to the rear __________________________________________
 Draw pistol _________________________________________________________
 Cant pistol _________________________________________________________
 Elbow tucked in _________________________________________________________
 Engage _________________________________________________________
 Create distance & cover _________________________________________________

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STATIC TURNS NOTES

 Look and assess ___________________________________________________

 Pivot ___________________________________________________
 Turn into known territory ________________________________________________
 Laser rule ___________________________________________________
 Smooth firearm movement _______________________________________________

MOVING TURNS NOTES

 Stop walking _________________________________________________________

 Look and assess ________________________________________________________
 Pivot _______________________________________________________________
 Turn into known territory _____________________________________________
 Laser rule ______________________________________________________________
 Smooth firearm movement _____________________________________________

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USE OF COVER NOTES

 Cover vs. Concealment __________________________________________________

 Quick Peeks ___________________________________________________
 Cutting the Pie ___________________________________________________
 Rolling out ___________________________________________________
 Distance from cover ___________________________________________________
 Barrel position ___________________________________________________

FIRING ON THE MOVE NOTES

 Consistent upper body stance ______________________________________

 Rolling the feet __________________________________________________
 Natural walking __________________________________________________
 Your own speed __________________________________________________

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RELOADING ON THE MOVE NOTES

 High port _________________________________________________________

 Look _________________________________________________________
 Pivot on the spot ________________________________________________________
 Reload on the move _______________________________________________
 3 to 5 to stay alive ______________________________________________________

UNORTHODOX SHOOTING POSITIONS NOTES

 Laying on back, facing target______________________________________________

 Laying on back, target behind_____________________________________________
 Laying on support side ___________________________________________________
 Laying on strong side ___________________________________________________
 Getting up ___________________________________________________

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SINGLE HANDED OPERATIONS NOTES

 Dominant hand firing __________________________________________________

 Non-dominant hand firing _______________________________________________
 Non-dominant hand draw________________________________________________
 Immediate action __________________________________________________
 Remedial action __________________________________________________
 Reload __________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL NOTES
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