This comprehensive 3-Day Course is designed for firearms instructors, equipping students to seamlessly return to their agencies prepared to lead the transition to RDS-equipped handguns or train their staff effectively in their use.
This course is conducted at host locations around the United States.
This 3-day Red Dot Sight (RDS) Equipped Handgun Instructor Course will prepare student instructor to implement red dot sighted pistols into their agency. Dave has conducted this class around the country since 2021 and has been critical in providing a foundation to numerous agencies and academies with their transition to handgun with miniature red dot optics. His background comes not just from using an RDS Handgun on duty since 2016, but also decades of experience in the competitive shooting arena and firearms industry as a consultant. Dave was a nationally sponsored competitive shooter for a national brand and always sought to improve his craft from not just countless tactical classes, but also from any high level performance firearms sports.
This course is an instructor development course, the student should already have a certification and training as a handgun firearms instructor. While this course will cover many topics, it focuses on a specific topic and should be used to enhance the student's knowledge in this topic and aid in transitioning an agency to RDS Handgun or training those already issued RDS Handguns. See our Handgun Firearms Instructor Course for a 5-day training solution for those seeking to become an instructor in their agency or those looking for modern continuing education.
THIS COURSE WILL COVER:
• RDS overview
• Equipment, optics and handguns
• Armorer installation and equipment
• Policies and best practices
• Case law
• Needs of the agency transitioning to RDS equipped handguns
• Range proficiency, skill development and instructor understanding
• Instructor development in the proficient use of their handgun
Most RDS handgun training focuses solely on the range. We agree that is the most important element as the majority of this course is range focused as well. However, what this course also offers over others is an in-depth session on the technical and equipment aspects. Students will go through a module of armorer training on mounting techniques, hardware, tools, supplies needed, proper installation and maintenance. This section will equip students to not just install and maintain agency equipment, but also understand how to evaluate incoming equipment and critical examination to prevent failures. Equipment failure is sadly too common, this can greatly be avoided with proper technique and hardware.
The practical portion of the class focuses on the three common struggles for those new to RDS handguns: Finding the dot, Tracking the dot, and Reducing dot movement. All or any of these three is always heard when new shooters talk about their experience with an RDS handgun, even experience shooters can struggle. This class breaks down the "why" of these issues, then through demonstration and skill building improves not just student performance, but also the students understanding of the issues so they can then share this knowledge with students of their own.
As the class evolves, students will then transition to applying the skills obtained to situations that a modern law enforcement officer may encounter. Using data from countless officer involved shootings (OIS), many with RDS handguns, drills are created to try and simulate the different aiming techniques, delivery and speed in which an officer may be required to perform in their duties. It's not just learning new drills, taking them back to your agency, but preparing the students with the knowledge, confidence and skills with their equipment to make better decisions and action in critical incidents. This course also was one of, if not, the first national RDS course to have a focused section on low light, movement and objects and barricades, as all of those skills are critical for any officer on duty.
This course requires the student to pass two evaluations in order to receive an instructor certificate: a written test showing knowledge and information learned; a shooting qualification drill demonstrating performance proficiency.
TOPICS COVERED:
• RDS technology, RDS selection, mounting, holsters, BUS dimensions
• RDS focal plane and target focus
• Agency transition, zeroing RDS procedures
• Advantages and disadvantages of RDS in the agency
• The "Instructorcraft" philosophy, and the master student approach to gaining knowledge
• Modern application of the fundamentals of marksmanship to increase accuracy and proficiency
• Drawing from the holster and the presentation leading to sight acquisition
• Understanding the Funnel of Visibility of Handgun RDS
• Tracking the dot through recoil and the dot behaviors
• Shooter diagnosis and corrective action drills
• Common challenges and struggles of RDS, methods to overcome those and improve performance
• Reality-based performance and how officers actually use their firearms in OIS
• The "Arc of Ready"
• Practical Movement drills based on reality versus range theatrics
• Utilization of cover barriers
• Low Light applications
• Malfunction manipulation, in-climate weather issues, and RDS failure solutions
• Adult Learning Methods to teach the material
• Using technology to present visual feedback for shooter development
RDS Handgun Instructor
Gear and Equipment List for this course:
-Note taking items for classroom and lectures (there will be a test)
-Handgun with mounted Red Dot Sight from reputable manufacturer in good, safe working order with a minimum of 4 quality, working magazines, more for single stack platforms. Weapon mounted light is recommended, RDS Handguns should have back up sights.
-Specific tools for RDS to adjust zero, maintain etc.
-1000 Rounds of Practice Ammunition, 50 Rounds of Duty Rounds
-First Line Gear: Duty Belt/training belt with retention holster, mag pouches, handheld flashlight and holder etc, a dump pouch is also highly recommended. Duty gear is encouraged, use what you would use on a realistic day for you, ie everyday carry.
*For range drills it is recommended that between first and second line gear student can carry 4 pistol magazines.
-Sharpie Marker
-1-2 Glow Stick for Low Light Segment
-Eye and Electronic Ear Protection
-Adequate clothing and footwear for weather, rain gear, jacket, etc. We recommend dressing in layers.
-Baseball style cap highly recommended
-Personal items such as sunscreen/bug repellant for outdoor classes, favorite snacks, etc.
-Gun cleaning/maintenance kit