The FBI Pistol Qualification Course of Fire

In 2013 the FBI updated their pistol qualification to what they believe is more applicable to what a field agent might face.

One of the biggest changes in the qualification is the distance.

The newest qualification goes from 3-25 meters while the older standard shot at distances out to 50 meters.  Below are both the old and new qualifications.

The FBI Pistol Qualification Course of Fire
Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Pitz Special Operations Detachment – NATO counts the shots in the target after completing a 9 mm pistol qualification at the FBI Range 17 Firearms Training Facility Newark Division at Fort Dix, N.J., March 19, 2016. In order to qualify soldiers must hit a target 23 times out of 40 attempts. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Elizabeth Scott)

FBI Pistol Qualification (New)

The newest qualification is done on the QIT-99 target which is a slight change from the older qualification target.

FBI Q Target (QIT-99) 10 Pack

$13.90
at RE Factor Tactical
Prices accurate at time of writing

FBI Qualification Course of Fire

Standards
  • Course of fire takes 60 rounds
  • The entire FBI qualification is completed on one QIT-99 Target
  • Each round counts as one point
  • Each course of fire is done from the concealed position
  • Any shot within the target area counts
  • Agents must get a score of 48 out of 60
  • Instructors must get a score of 54 out of 60

Course of fire #1: 3 Yard Line (12 rounds total)

  1. Draw and fire 3 rounds in 3 seconds using your strong hand only
  2. Draw and fire 3 rounds in 3 seconds using your strong hand only
  3. Draw and fire 3 rounds using your strong hand only, switch hands, fire 3 rounds using your weak hand only.  Both courses of fire must be completed under 8 seconds

Course of fire #2: 5-Yard Line (12 rounds total)

  1. Draw and fire 3 rounds in 3 seconds
  2. Draw and fire 3 rounds in 3 seconds
  3. Draw and fire 3 rounds in 3 seconds
  4. Draw and fire 3 rounds in 3 seconds

Course of fire #3: 7-Yard Line (16 rounds total)

  1. Draw and fire 4 rounds in 4 seconds
  2. Draw and fire 4 rounds in 4 seconds
  3. Draw and fire 4 rounds, reload, fire 4 rounds.  The entire drill must be completed within 8 seconds

Course of fire #4: 15-Yard Line (10 rounds total)

  1. Draw and fire 3 rounds in 6 seconds
  2. Draw and fire 3 rounds in 6 seconds
  3. Draw and fire 4 rounds in 8 seconds

Course of fire #5: 25-Yard Line (10 rounds total)

  1. Move to cover, draw, fire 2 rounds standing, move to kneeling, fire 3 rounds.  Complete the course of fire under 15 seconds.
  2. Move to cover, draw, fire 2 rounds standing, move to kneeling, fire 3 rounds.  Complete the course of fire under 15 seconds.

FBI Pistol Qualification (Old)

The legacy qualification is done on the FBI-Q target which is slightly different than the new standard.

FBI Q Target (FBI-Q) 10 Pack

$13.90
at RE Factor Tactical
Prices accurate at time of writing

Old FBI Pistol Qualification Course

  • Target:  FBI "Q"
  • Scoring: Hits in or touching "bottle" count 2 points; misses and hits outside bottle count zero points.  50 rounds service ammunition.
  • Qualification: 85% to qualify; 90% for instructors

Course of Fire 1: 25-yard line (18 rounds total)

Time Allotted:  75 seconds

Start with a fully loaded weapon. On command, the shooter draws and fires 6 rounds prone position, decocks, fires 3 rounds strong side kneeling barricade position, 6 rounds strong side standing barricade position, and 3 rounds weak side kneeling barricade position. Upon completing stage I, the shooter will conduct a magazine exchange and holster a loaded weapon.

Course of Fire 2: 25-yard line (10 rounds total)

Time Allotted:   2 rounds in 6 seconds, 4 sets of 2 rounds, 3 seconds each

Start at the 25-yard line. On command, the shooter moves to the 15-yard line, draws and fires 2 rounds in 6 seconds, decocks, and returns to low ready. The shooter will fire 4 strings of 2 rounds in 3 seconds, decock and return to low ready after each string. Upon completing Stage II, the shooter holsters a loaded weapon [without reloading unless gun capacity is only 10 rds ]

Course of Fire 3: 15-yard line (12 rounds total)

Start at the 15-yard line. On command, the shooter moves to the 7-yard line, draws and fires 12 rounds in 15 seconds, to include a reload. Upon completing stage III, the shooter holsters a loaded weapon. The shooter then arranges the remaining 10 rounds to have 5 rounds in the weapon and 5 rounds in a spare magazine.

Course of Fire 4: 7-yard line (10 rounds total)

Start at the 7-yard line. On command, the shooter moves to the 5-yard line, draws and fires 5 rounds with strong hand only, reloads, transfers the weapon to weak hand and fires 5 rounds weak hand only. Upon completing stage IV, the shooter will unload and holster an empty weapon.

Conclusion

the FBI pistol qualification is a challenging test that requires skill, precision, and focus.

However, with the right training and preparation, anyone can pass the test and improve their shooting abilities.

Whether you’re a law enforcement officer or carrying concealed as a civilian, taking the time to train for and practice the FBI pistol qualification can be a valuable investment in your preparedness skillsets.

So, if you’re interested in improving your shooting skills, consider taking on the challenge of the FBI pistol qualification.

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