LR1955 Wrote:IG3:
Well written and although it has been known for decades that semi auto fire is more precise, it is pretty good to see LEA proving it to themselves as well as understanding the conditions when fully auto fire would be of value. Not sure what those conditions would be in terms of LEA in the USA but maybe there are instances where it is advisable.
That said, a guy can train enough so he can put three rounds into that eight inch circle with a decent carbine or subgun but the first round wouldn't be fired any faster than with a carbine on semi. I have seen decent SAW gunners shoot really well with three round bursts in Kill Houses so I know it can be done. Just think it would be a waste of money and unnecessary for LEA.
BTW - did I miss the course of fire you used? Like target array, distance, and time?
Good write up. Very professional.
LR-55
The take away from everyone in the training, was pretty much full auto in an AR platform has no place in current LE, in a sub gun like an MP5 the argument could be made.
If you are talking about the 8" circle drill, the drill was three targets set up about 5 feet apart. We were on the 15yrd line. The drill was on the timer, from safety on, move to full auto and do a controlled burst of 3 rds (using trigger control) into the 8" circle of each target, using the safety in between target transitions. The whole class did this. We then did the same drill on semi auto only. It wasn't even close as to how much faster everyone was on semi auto only with group sizes being much much tighter. There was no time limit. We were racing each other and ourselves. The caveat was that if any round was outside of the 8" circle you did not get your time and it was a "no go" (DNQ)
At the end of the week we could all shoot full auto well don't get me wrong, but we could all shoot semi auto faster and with tighter groups. Not to mention it is so much easier to manipulate the safety/selector to semi vs a full 180* rotation.
Everyone was doing it with what they brought. Most people had AR platforms of various barrel lengths and optic setups. The guy with the MP5 was obviously no problem for him due to the ability of the trigger to better control 3 shots while in full auto in this method.
As for the AZPOST pistol qual with the targets I posted. Attached is the pistol course of fire prescribed by AZPOST that every LEO in the state has to qualify with annually. Let me know if it doesn't work. It's 50 rounds, 5 pts for in and 0 for out, total score of 250. In order to be considered for firearms instructor school (2 wks long) you need to shoot a 230 or better opening morning, if not you go home.