Firearms Notes
Introduction to Firearms and Firearms Safety
EPO #1: Identify what is a firearm.
Devices which propel either single or multiple projectiles at a high velocity through a controlled
explosion.
Modern Police Firearms Characteristics:
High capacity 10 to 20 round magazine capacity
High quality materials and precision engineered.
Revolver Semi-automatic
Integrated safety features to include:
Consistent, weighted trigger mechanism
Firing pin block
Disconnector
Magazine disconnect/safety
Common causes of negligent discharges
Ignorance
Not familiar with the safety rules
Not familiar with the firearm
Carelessness
Ignoring the safety rules
Getting complacent with the safety rules
EPO #2: Identify firearms safety rules and protocol.
Fundamental Firearms Safety Rules
Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
Always point the weapon in a safe direction.
Keep your finger off the trigger and outside of the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.
Be certain of your target and your line of fire.
Pass/Accept Firearm – remove ammo source, action open, physically and visually clear weapon
Transport Weapon – VA Handbook 0720 and VA Police SOP Chapter IV, Section F
No weapon unattended in vehicle even if secured in lock box.
, Firearms Notes
Role and Specifications
EPO #1: Identify the three VA Police service pistols, specifications and key terms of these weapon systems.
Semi Automatic, Magazine fed, 9mm, Short recoil operated
Beretta 92D
Double Action Only, Double Action, Full size, 15 round.
Sig Sauer P229R DAK
Enhanced Double Action only (DAK), Compact service pistol, 13/15 round.
Sig Sauer P239
Enhanced Double Action only (DAK), Sup- Compact, 8 round.
NOT authorized to be carried by Uniformed VA Police officer.
Semi-automatic: a firearm that automatically loads and fires one round each time the trigger is
pulled.
Short Recoil Operated: Upon recoil, the barrel and slide move rearward together a short distance
before they unlock and separate.
Double Action Only (DAO): The trigger can only cock and then release the hammer. The hammer
cannot be cocked by any other method.
EPO #2: List the safety features of each service pistol.
Magazine Disconnect/Safety
Firing Pin Block/Lock
Loaded Chamber Indicator (Beretta 92D Only)
Trigger Wight: Beretta: 9-11lbs
Sig Sauer DAK: 6.6. (Long Draw), 8.3 (Short Draw)
NO Manual Safeties
VA Police services utilizes double action trigger systems because it’s the easiest to operate, safest
to operate, and easiest/safest to train officers.
EPO #3: Identify internal and external weapon nomenclature for each service pistol.
5 Major Components:
Frame: Slide Rails, Firing Pin block lever, Ejector, Locking Insert and Magazine Safety
Assembly, Sear and Sear Spring.
Slide: Slide rails, Locking Surfaces, Disconnector Cam Slot, Firing Pin, Stripping rib,
firing pin block, breech face, extractor head, barrel shroud, guide rod shroud, Ejection Port
Introduction to Firearms and Firearms Safety
EPO #1: Identify what is a firearm.
Devices which propel either single or multiple projectiles at a high velocity through a controlled
explosion.
Modern Police Firearms Characteristics:
High capacity 10 to 20 round magazine capacity
High quality materials and precision engineered.
Revolver Semi-automatic
Integrated safety features to include:
Consistent, weighted trigger mechanism
Firing pin block
Disconnector
Magazine disconnect/safety
Common causes of negligent discharges
Ignorance
Not familiar with the safety rules
Not familiar with the firearm
Carelessness
Ignoring the safety rules
Getting complacent with the safety rules
EPO #2: Identify firearms safety rules and protocol.
Fundamental Firearms Safety Rules
Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
Always point the weapon in a safe direction.
Keep your finger off the trigger and outside of the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.
Be certain of your target and your line of fire.
Pass/Accept Firearm – remove ammo source, action open, physically and visually clear weapon
Transport Weapon – VA Handbook 0720 and VA Police SOP Chapter IV, Section F
No weapon unattended in vehicle even if secured in lock box.
, Firearms Notes
Role and Specifications
EPO #1: Identify the three VA Police service pistols, specifications and key terms of these weapon systems.
Semi Automatic, Magazine fed, 9mm, Short recoil operated
Beretta 92D
Double Action Only, Double Action, Full size, 15 round.
Sig Sauer P229R DAK
Enhanced Double Action only (DAK), Compact service pistol, 13/15 round.
Sig Sauer P239
Enhanced Double Action only (DAK), Sup- Compact, 8 round.
NOT authorized to be carried by Uniformed VA Police officer.
Semi-automatic: a firearm that automatically loads and fires one round each time the trigger is
pulled.
Short Recoil Operated: Upon recoil, the barrel and slide move rearward together a short distance
before they unlock and separate.
Double Action Only (DAO): The trigger can only cock and then release the hammer. The hammer
cannot be cocked by any other method.
EPO #2: List the safety features of each service pistol.
Magazine Disconnect/Safety
Firing Pin Block/Lock
Loaded Chamber Indicator (Beretta 92D Only)
Trigger Wight: Beretta: 9-11lbs
Sig Sauer DAK: 6.6. (Long Draw), 8.3 (Short Draw)
NO Manual Safeties
VA Police services utilizes double action trigger systems because it’s the easiest to operate, safest
to operate, and easiest/safest to train officers.
EPO #3: Identify internal and external weapon nomenclature for each service pistol.
5 Major Components:
Frame: Slide Rails, Firing Pin block lever, Ejector, Locking Insert and Magazine Safety
Assembly, Sear and Sear Spring.
Slide: Slide rails, Locking Surfaces, Disconnector Cam Slot, Firing Pin, Stripping rib,
firing pin block, breech face, extractor head, barrel shroud, guide rod shroud, Ejection Port
