Concealed Carry Weapons Curriculum

CCW
Model Training Course
Copyright © 2007, Attorney General of Ohio / OPOTC

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE
TITLE: CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPON (CCW)
HOURS: NO LESS THAN 12, NO MORE THAN 15, NO LESS THAN 4 HOURS RANGE
TIME
TEACHING AIDS (CHOOSE ALL THAT APPLY):
_____ Chalkboard and chalk _____ Flip chart
_____ Whiteboard and markers _____ VCR/DVD player
_____ Computer and mouse _____ TV
_____ PowerPoint projector _____ Overhead projector
_____ Lectern or table
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES (CHOOSE ALL THAT APPLY):
_____ Lecture _____ Group work
_____ Discussion _____ Scenario-based training
_____ Individual exercise _____ Hands-on techniques (i.e.

driving, shooting, etc.)
STUDENT MATERIALS:
Handout #1: Parts of a Revolver

Handout #2: Parts of a Semi-Automatic
Handout #3: Parts of a Bullet
Handout #4: Bullet Designs
INSTRUCTOR REFERENCES:
CCW Pamphlet
OHIO PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COMMISSION

Effective October 1, 2007 -2-
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
Applicant will be disqualified if any of the following applies:
1) If applicant has not received required training in past 3 years, except 6 years for law
enforcement or military (See training requirements).
2) If applicant has been CHARGED or UNDER INDICTMENT for:
a. Any felony
b. Any drug offense
c. Misdemeanor offense of violence
d. Negligent assault
e. Falsification to obtain Carry Concealed license
f. Possess a revoked or suspended Carry Concealed license
g. Conspiracy or attempt to commit, or complicity in committing, any of the above offenses
3) If applicant has been CONVICTED or has been adjudicated a delinquent child under the
following offenses:
a. Any felony
b. Drug offense
c. Assault on peace officer
d. Conspiracy or attempt to commit, or complicity in committing, any of the above offenses
4) If applicant has been convicted or has been adjudicated a delinquent child under the
following offenses within 3 years:
a. A misdemeanor offense of violence (Except resisting arrest, assault on peace officer,

possess revoked or suspended CC license).
Misdemeanor Crimes of Violence:

1. Assault – 2903.13
2. Aggravated Menacing – 2903.21
3. Menacing by Stalking – 2903.21.1
4. Menacing – 2903.22
5. Arson – 2909.03
6. Riot – 2917.03
7. Domestic Violence – 2919.25
8. Endangering Children – 2919.22
9. Intimidation of Victim/Witness – 2921.04
10. Escape – 2921.34
11. Discharge firearm at or into Habitation or School Safety Zone – 2923.16.1

12. Offense of Violence O.R.C. 2901.01(9)(c) An offense, other than a traffic offense,
under an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this or any other state or
the United States, committed purposely or knowingly, and involving physical harm to
persons or a risk of serious physical harm to persons.
13. (d) A conspiracy or attempt to commit, or complicity in committing, any offense under
division (A)(9)(a), (b), or (c) of this section.
14. Conspiracy 2923.01
15. Attempt 2923.02
16. Complicity 2923.03
This includes:
a. Aggravated Murder – 2903.01
b. Murder – 2903.02
c. Voluntary Manslaughter – 2903.03
d. Involuntary Manslaughter – 2903.04
e. Felonious Assault – 2903.11
f. Aggravated Assault – 2903.12
g. Assault – 2903.13
h. Permitting Child Abuse – 2903.15
i. Aggravated Menacing – 2903.21
j. Menacing by Stalking – 2903.21
k. Menacing – 2903.211
l. Kidnapping – 2905.01
m. Abduction – 2905.02
n. Extortion – 2905.11
o. Rape – 2907.02
p. Sexual Battery – 2907.03
q. Gross Sexual Imposition – 2907.05
r. Felonious Sexual Penetration – 2907.12
s. Aggravated Arson – 2909.02
t. Arson – 2909.03
u. Terrorism – 2909.24
v. Aggravated Robbery – 2911.01
w. Robbery – 2911.02
x. Aggravated Burglary – 2911.11
y. Burglary: Division (A)(1),(2),(3) – 2911.12
z. Inciting to Violence – 2917.01
aa. Aggravated Riot – 2917.02
bb. Riot – 2917.03
cc. Inducing Panic – 2917.31
dd. Endangering Children: Division (B)(1),(2),(3), or (4) 2919.22
ee. Domestic Violence – 2919.22
ff. Intimidation – 2921.03
gg. Intimidation of Crime Victim – 2921.04
hh. Escape – 2921.34

ii. Improperly Discharging Firearm at or into Habitation or School Safety Zone –
2923.161
following offenses within 5 years.
a. 2 or more assaults
b. 2 or more negligent assaults
following offenses within 10 years.
a. Resisting arrest
7) If applicant is or has been:
a. Adjudicated mentally incompetent

b. Committed to any mental institution
c. Been found by a court to be a mentally ill person, subject to hospitalization by court
order
d. Involuntary patient other than for purposes of observation
8) ORC 2923.13(4) The person is drug dependant, in danger of drug dependence, or a chronic
alcoholic
9) If applicant is subject to:
a. Temporary protection order

b. Civil protection order in Ohio or any other state
10) “R.C. 2953.32(D)(10) requires a sheriff to inspect sealed/expunged court records

regarding a concealed handgun licensee's past criminal record. If an applicant has a
disqualifying offense, even if it is sealed, the sheriff must deny the license."
311.41(A)(1) – sheriff shall conduct records check
(A) (1) Upon receipt of an application for a license to carry a concealed handgun under
division (C) of section 2923.125 [2923.12.5] of the Revised Code, an application to renew a
license to carry a concealed handgun under division (F) of that section, or an application for
a temporary emergency license to carry a concealed handgun under section 2923.1213
[2923.12.13] of the Revised Code, the sheriff shall conduct a criminal records check and an
incompetency check of the applicant to determine whether the applicant fails to meet the
criteria described in division (D)(1) of section 2923.125 [2923.12.5] of the Revised Code.
2953.32(D)(10) – sealed records shall be open to BCI and sheriff performing CCW
records check.
(D) Inspection of the sealed records included in the order may be made only by the following
persons or for the following purposes:

(10) By the bureau of criminal identification and investigation, an authorized employee of the
bureau, a sheriff, or an authorized employee of the sheriff in connection with a criminal
records check described in section 311.41 of the Revised Code;
Prior, sealed felony conviction precluded the applicant from obtaining a license to carry a
concealed handgun: In re Forster, 161 Ohio App. 3d 627, 831 N.E.2d 518, 2005 Ohio App.
LEXIS 2875, 2005 Ohio 3094, (2005).
A county sheriff may not issue a license to carry a concealed handgun under RC § 2923.125
to a person who has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to an offense described in either
RC § 2923.125(D)(1)(e) or RC § 2923.125(D)(1)(f) even though a court has entered an
order under RC § 2953.32 sealing the official records pertaining to the conviction or guilty
plea. Opinion No. 2004-038 (2004).

CCW APPLICATION PROCESS
1. An applicant must be a legal State of Ohio resident.
2. Upon applying for a concealed carry permit the applicant must bring a completed current
application which can be found on the Ohio Attorney General's web site
www.ag.state.oh.us or picked up prior to application at any Sheriff's office.
3. Along with the completed application, the applicant must bring an Ohio driver's license or
other government photo I.D. with proof of residency.
4. The application fee is $55.00 for a resident of Ohio who has lived in the State for five
years or longer.
5. The application fee is $79.00 for a resident of Ohio who has not lived in the State for at
least five years.
6. If the applicant has his/her respective Sheriff's office take the application picture, he or
she should ask about any additional cost.
7. The application process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The delay in issuing the
CCW license may vary depending on the number of applicants applying.
8. During the application process:
a. The application will be reviewed for completeness.
b. The information supplied by the applicant will be transferred into the permit I.D.
computer system and a State progressive worksheet.
c. Depending on the agency, the applicant may be electronically inked or finger printed.
d. Once the application process is complete, and fees paid, the background process
begins.
e. The length of time required for background checks will vary depending on whether
the applicant has a past that includes a criminal charge.
f. Once it is determined that an applicant has a background with a criminal charge, no

matter how minor, it slows down the process due to added investigation required to
determine and/or verify disposition of the charge. If the criminal charge stems from
an out-of-state incident, the investigation may take longer than the required 45 day
time frame. There is nothing that can be done to increase the processing speed for
an out-of-state background check.
9. Once the background check is complete and if there are no disqualifying events, the
process of entering all of the applicant's information into the law enforcement systems
begins.

10. After all information is entered into the law enforcement network systems, the permits
will be printed and the applicant notified that the permit may be picked up.

USE OF FORCE AND CIVIL LIABILITY
This course outline is a summary intended to guide and assist a qualified, trained firearm
instructor. It is not intended substitute for the advice and training of a qualified
instructor or common sense. This outline is intended to be accompanied by classroom
instruction, safe live fire training and the Ohio Attorney General’s booklet on the Ohio
Concealed Carry Law. The instructor and student are responsible for complying with all
laws and safe procedures.
This book contains brief legal references to aid in further research for classroom
presentations. Court decisions and statues (Ohio Revised Code or ORC) can be found at
many local libraries. This outlines is not intended to be a comprehensive statement of
the law or provide legal advice. As the law changes constantly, seek the advice of an
attorney.
PREFACE: CARRYING A CONCEALED HANDGUN IS A PRIVILEGE THAT DOES NOT

BRING WITH IT THE RIGHT TO USE DEADLY FORCE. THE APPROPRIATENESS OF
USING ANY FORCE DEPENDS ON THE SPECIFIC FACTS OF EACH AND EVERY
SITUATION.
A. Use of Force Issues
1. A handgun is a deadly weapon.
a. Deadly force can only be used to prevent serious bodily harm or death.
b. ORC. 2923.11 (A) (B) (C)
2. Criminal Issues
a. If deadly force is NOT justified, criminal charges may result.
b. ORC. 2901.01(A) (1) (2)
3. Self–Defense
a. The accused must prove self-defense with a preponderance of evidence.
b. State v. Cassano (2002), 96 Ohio St. 3d 94
4. Ohio Supreme Court Conditions for Deadly Force Usage

(NOTE: For additional information on the use of force, consult the Ohio Attorney
General’s booklet, “Ohio’s Concealed Carry Law.”)

a. Condition 1: Defendant Is Not At Fault
1. First, the defendant must prove that he was not at fault for creating the situation.
The defendant cannot be the first aggressor or initiator. However, in proving the
victim’s fault, a defendant cannot point to other unrelated situations where the
victim was the aggressor. Remember, the focus is on the specific facts of the
situation at hand.
2. If you escalate a confrontation by throwing the first punch, attacking, or drawing

your handgun, you are the aggressor. Most likely in this situation, you cannot
legitimately claim self-defense nor would you likely succeed in proving your
affirmative defense.
3. If you have no means to escape the other person’s attack and you reasonably,
honestly believe that you are about to be killed or receive serious bodily harm,
you may be able to use deadly force if that is the only way for you to escape that
danger.
b. Condition 2: Reasonable and Honest Belief of Danger
1. Second, the defendant must prove that, at the time, he had a real belief that he
was in immediate danger of death or great bodily harm and that his use of deadly
force was the only way to escape that danger. Bear in mind that deadly force
may only be used to protect against serious bodily harm or death. The key word
is serious.
2. In deciding whether the bodily harm was serious, the judge or jury can consider
how the victim attacked the defendant, any weapon the victim had, and how he
used it against the defendant. Minor bruises or bumps from a scuffle do not meet
the legal definition of serious. In court cases, rape has been determined to be
serious bodily harm, as has being attacked with scissors. Serious bodily harm
may also result from being struck with an object that can cause damage, such as
a baseball bat or a wooden club.
3. Important is the defendant’s belief that he is in immediate serious danger. The

circumstances and conditions of the situation or confrontation must cause the
defendant to reasonably and honestly believe that he is about to be killed or
receive serious bodily harm. In deciding if the belief was reasonable and honest,
the judge or jury will envision themselves in the defendant’s “shoes” and consider
his physical characteristics, emotional state, mental status, and knowledge as
well as the victim’s actions and words. The victim must have acted in a
threatening manner. Words alone, regardless of how abusive or provoking, or
threats of future harm (“I’m going to kill you tomorrow”) do not justify the use of
deadly force. If the person can escape danger by means such as leaving or
using less than deadly force, he must use those means.
4. Whether the defendant or the victim was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
may also be considered.

Effective October 1, 2007 - 10 -
c. Condition 3: Duty to Retreat
1. A defendant must show that he did not have a duty to retreat or avoid the danger.
A person must retreat or avoid danger by leaving or voicing his intention to leave
and ending his participation in the confrontation. If the person retreats and the
other continues to fight, the person who left the confrontation may be later
justified in using deadly force when he can prove all three conditions of self-
defense existed, even if he was honestly mistaken about the existence of
immediate danger.
2. In Ohio, there is not duty to retreat from one’s own home. There is no duty to
retreat if there is no manner by which you can retreat safely. However, being in
one’s own home is not a license to use deadly force against an attacker. The
person who is attacked in his own home, without fault of his own, may stand his
ground and use deadly force only if he reasonably and honestly believed that
deadly force was necessary to prevent serious bodily harm or death. If the
person does not have this belief or he created the confrontation, he cannot use
deadly force and must leave the situation, even if he is in his own home.
5. Defense of Others
a. A person may defend another only if the protected person would have had the right
to use self-defense. Under Ohio law, a person may defend family members, friends
or strangers. However, just as if he were protecting himself, a person cannot use
any more force than is reasonable and necessary to prevent the harm threatened.
b. A defendant, who claims he used deadly force to protect another, has to prove that
he reasonably and honestly believed that the person he protected was in immediate
danger of serious bodily harm or death and that deadly force was the only way to
protect the person from that danger. Furthermore, the defendant must also show
that the protected person was not a fault for creating the situation and did not have a
duty to leave or avoid the situation.
c. State v. Williford (1990), 49 Ohio St. 3d 247
d. YOU ARE NOT A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. DO NOT ALLOW THE

PRIVILEGE TO CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN GIVE YOU A FALSE SENSE
OF SECURITY OR EMPOWERMENT. LET LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS DO
THE JOB THEY ARE TRAINED TO DO.
6. Defense of Property
a. There must be immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death in order to use
deadly force. Protecting property alone does not allow for the use of deadly force.
Therefore, a property owner may use reasonable, but not deadly, force when he
honestly believes that the force will protect his property from harm.
b. If a person’s property is being attacked or threatened, he may not use deadly force
unless he reasonably believes it was the only way to protect himself or another from
being killed or receiving serious bodily harm.

c. Deadly force can never be used to protect property only. Deadly force can never be
used solely to protect property no matter where the threat to the property occurs.
d. State v. Williford (1990), 49 Ohio St. 3d 247; State v. Wenger (1979), 58 Ohio St. 2d
336; and State v. Marsh (1990), 71 Ohio App. 3d 64.
B. Civil Liability
1. Wrongful Death Lawsuit/Civil Liability Lawsuit
a. Even if the situation does not lead to criminal charges or result in a criminal
conviction, the licensee may still face civil liability. The victim or his survivors could
sue the licensee for the harm from the licensee’s use of deadly force. A “wrongful
death” lawsuit is a common legal action for money damages brought by the survivors
of a victim who was killed.
b. In any civil case, the victim or his survivors must prove it is more probable than not
the licensee’s use of force was inappropriate or excessive and it caused the victim’s
injuries or death. If this is proven, the victim or his survivors may be entitled to
recover money from the licensee as punishment and/or compensation, even if the
victim was breaking the law at the time force was used against him.
c. The law requires the force used be reasonable and necessary to prevent the danger.
So even if the victim was wrong and caused the situation, if the force was
inappropriate or excessive for the particular situation, the defendant risks criminal
and/or civil punishment.
d. Self-defense is an affirmative defense a licensee may assert against civil liability.

The licensee must prove he reasonable believed he or another were in immediate
danger of serious bodily harm or death, which could only be prevented by the use of
deadly force.
.
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:

LEGAL ISSUES OF CONCEALED CARRY
PREFACE: CARRYING A CONCEALED HANDGUN IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT.

YOUR PRIVILEGE HAS CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS AND IMPOSES CERTAIN DUTIES,
MANY OF WHICH ARE REGULATED BY STATE AND FEDERAL LAW, AS WELL AS
LOCAL ORDINANCES. THIS LESSON PLAN IS NOT DESIGNED TO COVER THE
EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF LAWS, RULES, OR REGULATIONS. ONLY KEY OHIO STATUTES
WILL BE DISCUSSED. CONTACT A PRIVATE ATTORNEY TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER
ADVICE ON THIS SUBJECT AS THE LAW MAY CHANGE.
A. Privileges and Duties
1. Identification: You must carry another form of valid government identification in addition
to the concealed carry permit.
2. Forbidden Carry Zones
a. Police stations
b. Sheriff offices
c. Highway Patrol post
d. Premises controlled by the Ohio Bureau of Identification & Investigation
e. Correctional institutions/detention facilities
f. Airport terminals/commercial airplanes
g. Mental care institutions
h. Courthouses/buildings in which a courtroom is located
i. Child daycare centers
j. Places of worship/unless otherwise permitted
k. Universities, unless locked in motor vehicle or in the process of being locked in a

motor vehicle
l. Premises that dispense liquor. Further, handguns are banned in any room or arena
in which liquor is dispensed for which a Class D permit is issued. Liquor includes not
just hard liquor but beer, wine, and mixers. BEFORE YOU ENTER, BE CERTAIN
OF THE PERMIT. IF LIQUOR IS DISPENSED ON THE PREMISES, IT IS A
NO-CARRY ZONE.
m. Buildings owned by the state or any political subdivision or any part of a building
owned or leased by the state or political subdivision. A library would be such a
building.

n. School safety zones. This consists of the school, school building, school premises,
school activity, and school bus. This includes everything up to the property boundary
or within 1,000 feet of the boundary of any school premises.
There is an exception IF ALL OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY:
You do not enter the school building, premises, or activity;

You have a valid concealed carry license;
You are not otherwise in one of the forbidden places listed in the above and
detailed in ORC 2923.16 (B); and
You are acting in accordance with federal law regarding the transportation of
firearms in a school zone.
Federal law, 18 U.S.C. 922 (q) (2) (B) provides that the prohibition against firearms in
a school safety zone does NOT apply:
To private property not part of the school grounds

If the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the state in which
the school zone is located and a check is made that he is so qualified under the
law
If the handgun is not loaded and in a locked container; or if a locked firearm rack
is in a motor vehicle
To an individual for use in a program approved by a school in the school zone
To an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in
the school zone and the individual or an employer of an individual
To a law enforcement officer acting in an official capacity
If the handgun is unloaded and possessed by an individual while traversing
school premises for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open
to hunting if the entry on school premises is authorized by school authorities
3. Federal Law
a. Under 18 U.S.C. 930, it is illegal to have a firearm in a building or part of a building

owned or leased by the federal government where federal employees are regularly
present for performing their duties. There are MANY other places where a firearm is
not permitted. Look for a sign at an entrance. Be aware, however, that absence of a
sign IS NOT an indication that a concealed handgun is permitted on the premises.
Look for security personnel in the building to advise you.
4. Ohio Revised Code Applicable to Concealed Carry
a. 2923.126 (A): General requirements of concealed carry
b. 2923.126 (B): Lists places where concealed handguns are NOT allowed
c. 2925.01 (P): The 1000 foot school zone boundary definition
d. 2923.1212: Sign Postage for PROHIBITION to carry concealed

e. 2923.122 (D) (3): School safety zone exception (EXTREMELY LIMITED
CIRCUMSTANCES)
f. 2923.125 (G): Training requirements for CCW licensure.
B. Motor Vehicle Issues
1. The law applies to driver and/or occupant.
2. You may NEVER have a firearm in a vehicle if you are under the influence of drugs or
alcohol (ORC 2923.15, 2923.16, 4511.19)
3. You may not transport a loaded, concealed handgun in a vehicle unless it is carried in
one of the following ways (ORC. 2923.16(E):
a. The loaded handgun is in a holster secured on the person. Ohio law previously
required carrying firearms in holsters in plain sight. The “plain sight” provision has
been removed from the law.
b. The loaded handgun is in a closed case, bag, box, or other container that is in plain
sight and that has a lid, a cover, or a closing mechanism with a zipper, snap, or
buckle, which lid, cover, or closing mechanism must be opened for a person to gain
access to the handgun, or
c. The loaded handgun is securely encased by being stored in a closed, locked glove
compartment or in a case that is locked.
4. If you do NOT have a concealed carry handgun license, you may NOT transport a
loaded handgun in any manner where the firearm is accessible to anyone inside the
vehicle without leaving the vehicle.
C. Traffic Stops – Vehicle/Motorcycle/Buses/Recreation of Vehicles
1. Comply with all lawful orders of the officer.

.
2. Keep your hands in plain sight.
3. Have NO contact or attempted contact with the handgun.
4. Lower your window when stopped, place your hands in plain sight, inform the officer you
are a concealed handgun license holder and that you ARE carrying the handgun.
5. Do NOT get out of the vehicle.
6. The officer may take the handgun away from you during the stop and must return it upon
completion of the contact.
D. Non–Vehicle Law Enforcement Encounters

1. Announce to the officer you are a concealed handgun license holder and are carrying
your handgun.
2. Follow the lawful instructions of the officer.
3. The officer may take the handgun away from you during the stop and must return it upon
completion of the contact.
4. See ORC. 2923.126
E. Private Property and the Workplace
1. Make yourself aware of the policy on private property/workplace.
2. See ORC 2923.126 (C)
3. Check for signage regarding posted notices that prohibit concealed carry of a firearm
onto the specific premises.
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:

SAFETY PROCEDURES
Before handling firearms, know all operating and safety procedures for the particular
firearm. Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Do no rely solely on mechanical safety
devices. Never point a firearm at another person unless you intend to fire.
NOTE: Bold words may be found in the glossary on Pages 37-43.
A. Safety in Handling Firearms
1. Firearms safety is fundamental to the protection of life.
2. There is no margin of error in determining whether the firearm is a loaded or not a

loaded firearm.
3. Civilians are often inadvertently shot by fellow citizens.
B. The Purpose of This Block of Instruction is to:
1. Present general safety rules to handling firearms;
2. Present home safety rules for firearms; and
3. Present range safety rules.
C. General Safety Rules for Handling Firearms
1. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
2. Never point a firearm at any person unless you are prepared to shoot that person.
3. Immediately upon picking up a firearm, open the action and determine if the firearm is
loaded – if loaded, unload and recheck.
4. Never give a firearm to, or take a firearm from, anyone unless the cylinder or action is
open and the firearm is unloaded.
5. Do not permit a firearm to be worked on by any person, other than a qualified gunsmith
or armorer.
6. Do not engage in horseplay with your firearm.
7. Keep your firearm secure unless engaged in a training exercise or the defense of life.
D. Firearms Safety in the Home
1. A large percentage of firearms accidents occur in the home.

2. Each of you is responsible for the safety of others with firearms in the home.
3. Educating your immediate family about firearms is encouraged.
4. However, even assuming all members of your family are mature enough to absorb and
obey instructions on firearms safety, you may have visitors in your home who know
nothing about firearms.
5. Typically, those people who have no knowledge of firearms safety handle them in the
most dangerous way possible.
6. For maximum security, you should make your firearms inoperative and inaccessible to
others.
E. Home Safety Rules and Procedures
1. Store your firearm and ammunition separately, under lock and key.
2. Use commercial trigger or gun locks. Learn how different trigger locks operate.
a. Revolver
1. Place a commercial trigger or gun lock on the revolver.
2. This will prevent it from being used.
b. Semi-Automatic Pistol
1. Lock the side back.
2. Place a commercial cable lock through the magazine well and out the ejection
port and lock.
3. This will prevent the slide from going forward and closing.
3. Place the firearm in a commercial firearms safe and lock it.
4. Be consistent in how you store your firearm and ammunition at home – following the
same routine every time you store your firearm and ammunition makes it less likely you
will forget something. Do not let routine make you complacent, ensure that the firearm is
unloaded and safe to handle every time you touch it.
5. Do not keep the handgun anywhere within easy reach to you while in bed.
F. Range Safety Rules and Procedures
1. Upon arrival at the range, make sure all firearms are unloaded under supervision of
range personnel.

2. Make certain there are no obstructions in the barrel of the firearm.
3. Load only when instructed by the range officer.
4. Smoking is not permitted on the firing line.
5. Keep firearms pointed down-range at all times, unless otherwise directed by the
instructor.
6. Never draw or reholster the firearm with the finger inside the trigger guard.
7. Do not handle the firearm behind shooters or off the firing line unless directed to do so
by an instructor.
8. Do not talk to other shooters on the firing line.
9. Never permit the muzzle of your firearm to touch the ground.
10. If you drop your firearm, have it checked before firing.
11. Never pull the hammer back to the cocked position unless you intend to fire.
12. Never let the hammer down on a live round without first placing the thumb in front of the
hammer and releasing the hammer carefully.
13. Never leave your firing point without first making sure your firearm is in a safe
condition.
14. Never go in front of the firing line until the firing line has been cleared and the command
has been given to go forward.
15. Never dry-fire on the range unless under the supervision of an instructor.
16. Pay strict attention to the range officer’s commands.
17. Never anticipate a command.
18. Make certain you understand the range officer’s commands before firing – ask for
clarification if necessary.
19. If a stoppage, jam or malfunction occurs with your firearm, AND YOU ARE UNABLE
TO CORRECT IT WITH IMMEDIATE ACTION, keep the firearm pointed down range
and signal the instructor.
20. The strictest discipline MUST be maintained – carelessness WILL NOT be tolerated.
21. Whenever you observe a dangerous condition at a firing range, yell “cease fire.”
Remember to follow all the rules and regulations of the particular range.

INSTRUCTOR NOTES:

BASIC FUNDAMENTALS OF PISTOL CRAFT
This material is referenced from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission Basic Training
Curriculum 4-3 Basic Fundamentals of Pistol Craft.
A. Gripping the Handgun
1. When fired, a handgun will begin to recoil in the hand while the bullet is still in the
barrel.
2. Therefore, in order to achieve accuracy, any movement must be the same for each and
every shot fired.
3. You must have a solid hand-to-gun grip contact.
4. Your grip must be consistent as to:
a. The position of your hand on the pistol
b. The amount of mass and muscle tension applied
B. One-Hand Grip
1. The back strap of the pistol is placed in the center of the “V” formed by the thumb and
forefinger.
2. The wrist must be straight and locked.
3. The pistol and forearm now form a straight line in the direction of the threat.
4. The tip of the trigger finger is placed on the trigger no further than the first joint.
5. The remaining fingers are wrapped around the front strap of the pistol.
C. Two-Handed Grip
1. In order to achieve the most accuracy, especially in a combat situation, always try to use
two hands when firing.
2. Form the One-Handed Grip
3. Place the support hand fingers together.
4. Wrap them around the fingers of the shooting hand.
5. The supporting hand must be as high on the backstrap as possible.

D. Support System
1. Straight Arm
a. “Isosceles”
b. The arms are extended, elbows locked, forming a triangle.
c. As your arms move up, thrust your hands straight out from your chest at mid-line of
the body.
2. Bent Arm
a. “Weaver”
b. The shooting arm is nearly straight and pushing out.
c. The support arm has a pronounced bend at the elbow, while pulling back and down.
3. Stance
a. Basically, stance is a shooting platform.
b. The stance must provide:
1. The greatest degree of equilibrium and stability for the shooter’s body and
weapon.
2. The least amount of strain on the muscular system.
c. The support foot is slightly forward from the shooting foot.
d. The body weight is distributed equally on both feet.
e. The legs are straight, but not locked.
E. Smooth Draw
1. The objective of Smooth Draw:
a. To develop the ability to remove your pistol from the holster and make a controlled,
accurate shot as easily as pointing your finger.
b. Smoothness and economy of motion are the keys to success.
2. Smooth Draw Basics
a. At the beginning of the draw, the support hand is placed approximately at belt level
with the fingers together pointing downward.

b. At the same time, the shooting hand makes contact with the pistol, forming the one-
handed grip.
c. The trigger finger is outside the trigger guard.
d. Disconnect any safety devices on the holster or handgun.
e. The pistol is drawn from the holster and brought forward.
f. The support hand joins the shooting hand and forms the two-handed grip.
g. If the pistol is a single action auto-pistol, the thumb safety is released.
h. The pistol is now brought into a shooting position and, if necessary, fired.
i. Before returning to the holster: if the pistol is double/single action, de-cock. If the
pistol is single action, apply safety devices.
j. When returning the pistol to the holster, keep the finger away from the trigger.
F. Trigger Management
1. Trigger control is extremely important in order to achieve accuracy.
2. When pressure is exerted on the trigger, it must be done in a manner that does not alter
the sight alignment or the position of the pistol.
3. The first pad of the trigger-finger is placed on the trigger.
4. Pressure is applied smoothly and straight back in one continuous motion.
a. Squeeze
1. The squeeze is used for long-range work.
2. The hammer should fall at an instant that cannot be predicted.
b. Compressed Break
1. Basically, the squeeze technique performed faster.
2. The time interval between start and completion of the action is shortened.
c. Double-Hammer (Tac-Tac)
1. A combat technique used to fire two rapid shots
2. Basically, a pair of compressed breaks

3. The first shot is fired and the second shot is fired while the handgun is still in
recoil.
4. The objective is to fire 2 rounds as quickly as you can, but only as fast as you
can guarantee hits.
G. Handgun Alignment
1. Before achieving accuracy with any handgun, the shooter must be able to align the
handgun with the intended target.
2. Factors to be considered when aligning the handgun with the target
a. The distance between the handgun and the target
b. The time factor involved
c. The available light in which to align the handgun
3. Different shooting situations demand different techniques.
4. There are two methods for handgun alignment.
a. Point Shooting
b. Sighted Shooting
H. Point Shooting
1. “Instinctive Shooting”
2. The pointing of the pistol without using the sights
3. The pistol becomes an extension of your arm.
4. The pistol is pointed at the target in the same manner as you would point your finger.
5. The eyes of the shooter are focused on the target and not on the sights of the pistol.
6. The top of the pistol barrel is in the peripheral vision of the shooter.
7. The pistol is pointed at the center mass of the target.
8. Point shooting is much faster than sighted shooting.
9. Point shooting can be accurate up to a distance of fifty feet.
10. Other than in hip shooting, the pistol should be brought up to eye level.

I. Sighted Shooting
1. The use of sights to deliver a well placed shot
2. Aiming is the alignment of the front-rear sight with the target.
3. Sight alignment occurs when the top of the front sight is even with the top of the rear
sight.
4. There should be an equal amount of light between the front sight blade and rear sides of
the notch in the rear sight.
5. As it is impossible to focus on more than one object at one time, your point of focus
must be on the front sight, not the target.
6. The greater the distance from the target, the greater need for precise alignment.
J. Scanning
1. “Scanning” is a term for “searching an area for additional threats.”
2. This relates to the shooter/pistol/eye combination.
3. This is an active search after the target has been neutralized.
4. Scanning is necessary to reduce the surprise at finding threats still active or additional
threats.
5. Scanning is “Active” threat analysis.
6. Throughout the scanning process the shooter remains READY
7. Scanning Process
a. After neutralizing known hostile targets
b. Keeping the muzzle pointed in the area of the last threat
c. The shooter remains ready for additional threats.
d. The arms remain in the shooting position.
e. The shooter sees the pistol in peripheral vision.
f. The upper torso slightly twists in a new direction.
g. Eyes, pistol, and torso move in unison.
h. After the shooter is sure the threats are over

i. The shooter returns to the ready position.
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:

HANDGUN AND RELATED EQUIPMENT
A. The purpose of this section of your training is to instruct you in the types of bullet designs
and nomenclature of:
1. The Revolver
2. The Semi-Automatic Pistol
3. The Center Fire Cartridge
B. Handgun
1. Defensive equipment must be selected with great care and consideration.
2. You must have confidence as well as competence with your equipment.
3. In a shooting situation, the reliability and effectiveness of the equipment may well be the
deciding factor of being a victor or a victim.
4. The defensive handgun
a. The purpose of the defensive handgun is to provide protection against attack.
b. The most important criteria of selecting the defensive handgun are:
1. Adequate stopping power
2. Practical controllability
c. It also must be capable of sustained rapid fire.
d. It must possess reasonable combat accuracy.
e. There are two types of defensive handguns
1. Double-action revolver
2. Semi-automatic pistol
a. Single action
b. Double action/single action
c. Double action only

C. Revolver
1. Definition: A revolver is any handgun with a revolving cylinder, holding a number of

rounds of ammunition, which mechanically brings each cartridge into line with the breech
of the gun barrel before firing, each time the hammer is activated or the trigger is pulled.
2. NOMENCLATURE OF THE REVOLVER
a. Frame
1. Is the chassis or basic structure of the revolver
2. It houses
a. The firing mechanism
b. The safety/transfer bar
c. The hammer block
d. The rear sight
3. Supports the barrel and stocks
b. Front Sight
1. Attached to the muzzle end of the barrel
2. Used in conjunction with the rear sight for aimed shooting
3. Non-adjustable
c. Rear Sight
1. Attached to the top of the frame nearest the hammer
2. Two types available, adjustable and non-adjustable
3. Use in conjunction with the front sight for aimed shooting
d. Cylinder
1. Is the part in which cylindrical holes are bored to house the cartridges
2. Known as charge holes
3. Smith & Wesson and Ruger cylinders rotate counterclockwise.
4. Colt and Dan Wesson cylinders rotate clockwise.

e. Extractor
1. Is a wheel or star-shaped device on the rear face of the cylinder and is

connected to the extractor rod
2. Lifts the cartridge cases from the cylinder when the extractor rod is depressed
f. Extractor Rod
1. Connected to the extractor and must be depressed in order for the extractor to
remove the cartridges from the cylinder
2. Also part of the cylinder locking mechanism
g. Crane/Yoke
1. The section that supports the cylinder.
2. Attached to the forward end of the frame below the barrel, allowing the cylinder to
swing out for loading and unloading
h. Cylinder Thumb Latch
1. The thumb piece on either side of the frame which, when activated, allows the
cylinder to be released to swing open.
2. Smith & Wesson: push forward
3. Colt: pull to the rear
4. Ruger: push down (into frame)
5. Dan Wesson: in front by crane or yoke, pull down
i. Trigger Guard
1. Metal loop that protects the trigger from damage.
2. Aids in keeping the handgun from firing accidentally
j. Trigger
1. Curved metal bar that, when pulled rearward cocks the hammer and then
releases the hammer to permit it to fall, igniting the cartridge primer.
2. Triggers are available in various widths.
3. Only slight pressure on the trigger is required to fire the handgun.

k. Stocks/Grips
1. Portion of the handgun gripped by the hand when firing
2. Many styles and materials are used for stock/grips.
l. Hammer/Firing Pin Assembly
1. Hammer is released by pulling the trigger firing the round.
2. Some models have the firing pin attached to the hammer.
3. With other models, the firing pin is free floating and is activated by the use of the
transfer bar.
4. After the trigger is pulled and the hammer falls, the trigger is released and the
hammer moves backward slightly.
5. Allows the firing pin/hammer transfer bar to pull back from the firing pin hole
m. Barrel
1. Is the rifled tube attached to the front of the frame
2. The bullet passes through this when fired.
n. Hammer Block/Safety Bar
1. A device which prevents the hammer from firing the handgun
2. Should prevent the revolver from discharging if dropped
o. Transfer Bar
1. A metal piece that is placed between the hammer and an internal firing pin.
2. Transfer bar strikes the firing pin after being struck by the hammer.
3. When the revolver is not cocked the transfer bar is well below the hammer.
4. When the trigger is activated, the bar moves into position to fire the handgun.
5. This should prevent the handgun from discharging if it is dropped.
p. Stoppages/Malfunctions
1. Extractor rod bent/loose
a. If the rod is bent, it will make the rotation of the cylinder difficult.

b. If the rod is bent too much, the cylinder will not close.
c. If the rod is loose, the cylinder may not rotate.
d. The rod being loose may prohibit the opening of the cylinder.
2. Broken firing pin: handgun may not fire
3. Out-of-time: Cylinder is prevented from rotating by the cylinder stop.
4. Out-of-alignment: Cylinder is unable to make proper alignment with the barrel.
5. Defective ammunition
a. Bad primers: Handgun fails to fire
b. High primers: Prohibits cylinder from closing or prevents the cylinder from
rotating
c. Underloaded: Not enough power to propel the bullet out of the barrel
d. Over charged: Too much powder. Could damage handgun or injure the
shooter.
6. Dirt or lead build-up
a. Dirt under the extractor may prevent the cylinder from rotating.
b. May prevent the cylinder from closing
7. Loading the Revolver
a. Place the revolver in left hand.
b. Right hand releases the cylinder
c. Left hand opens the cylinder
d. Point the muzzle toward the ground.
e. Right hand inserts the ammunition into the charge holes
f. Left hand closes the cylinder
8. Unloading the Revolver
a. Place the revolver in left hand.
b. Point muzzle in a safe direction.

c. Release the thumb latch and open the cylinder.
d. The muzzle pointed straight up, the right hand is placed under the rear of the
cylinder to catch the cartridges
e. Depress the extractor rod.
f. Inspect the cylinder charge holes again to verify that all the charge holes are
empty.
g. Count the cartridges in your hand.
h. Check the cylinder charge holes again to make absolutely certain that the
revolver is empty.
9. Care and cleaning the revolver: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended

procedures.
D. Semi-automatic Pistol
1. Definition: A semiautomatic pistol fires a single round each time the trigger is pulled, the
ejecting the spent cartridge case and chambering another cartridge without shooter
effort. The operating force is derived from the expanding gases of the ignited cartridge
propellant forcing the breech block rearward to ejecting the spent cartridge case, a
spring compressed during the rearward movement of the breech block then expands,
forcing the breech block forward, loading and locking a cartridge stripped from the
magazine into the firing chamber of the pistol.
2. Cycle of operation of the Semi-Automatic Pistol
a. The first round is loaded manually.
b. Upon pulling the trigger
1. The round is fired.
2. The case is extracted.
3. The case is ejected.
4. The firing mechanism is cocked.
5. Another round feeds into the chamber from the magazine.
3. NOMENCLATURE OF THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL
a. Frame: The chassis or basic structure of the Semi-Auto Pistol
b. Slide Lock/Release Lever

c. Takedown Lever
d. Trigger
e. Trigger Guard
f. Magazine Release
g. Magazine
h. Hammer
1. Activated by pulling the trigger
2. Strikes the firing pin located inside the slide
i. De-cocking Lever
j. Stocks/Grips: Non-metallic portion of the Semi-Auto gripped by the hand when firing
k. Slide
1. Covers a portion or the entire barrel group
2. Recoil moves the slide to the rear
3. Spring action returns the slide forward
4. Slide houses the:
a. Bushing
b. Recoil Spring
c. Guide Rod
d. Locking Lugs
e. Firing Pin
f. Firing Pin Spring
g. Ejection Port
l. Barrel
1. Rifled tube located inside the slide
2. Rifling consists of the set of spiral grooves cut into the front of the barrel which
causes a spinning motion to be imparted to the fired bullet.

3. The bullet exits from the muzzle-end of the barrel.
4. The bullet is seated in the chamber-end of the barrel.
m. Front Sight: Located at the forward end of the slide
n. Rear Sight: Located on the rearward end of the slide
4. Types of Semi-Auto Pistols
a. Double/Double: The trigger pressure is the same for the first shot as for all
subsequent shots.
b. Double/Single
1. First shot is fired by just pulling the trigger.
2. The first pull of the trigger is a long, heavy pull, needed to cock the hammer.
3. The draw bar cocks the hammer and releases the sear and the pistol is fired.
4. All subsequent shots are fired from a single action condition and require a short
light trigger pull.
5. After firing and before holstering the pistol, some models must be de-cocked and
placed back into double action mode.
c. Single
1. Must be manually cocked before firing.
2. After firing, the rearward movement of the slide will re-cock the pistol.
3. When carrying the pistol with the hammer down, the hammer must be manually
cocked before the pistol can be fired.
4. The thumb safety blocks the sear so that it cannot release the hammer.
5. It is unsafe to carry the pistol cocked and not locked.
5. Malfunctions/Stoppages
a. Broken firing pin
1. The handgun will not fire.
2. The pin will protrude from the firing pin hole in the breach block and may fire the
handgun each time the slide goes forward.

3. During cleaning, check the firing pin and spring.
b. Extractor broken/chipped
1. May fail to extract the empty case from the chamber
2. Inspect the extractor during cleaning.
c. Sear/Hammer relationship out of sync
1. Two problems will occur
2. Trigger will be difficult to pull
3. Hammer may fall to half-cocked position
d. Defective magazines
1. Magazines must be well maintained.
2. Bent magazines may alter the angle of the bullet and prevent proper feeding.
3. The follower may become dirty and will not place the cartridge in proper
alignment for feeding.
4. Springs sometimes break.
5. Clean magazine regularly
e. Defective ammunition
1. Bad primers: Handgun fails to fire
2. Underloaded: Not enough power to propel the bullet out the barrel
3. Over charged: Too much powder may damage handgun or injure the shooter.
6. Stoppages and Immediate Action
a. Misfire
1. Cartridge failed to fire
2. Usually caused by a defective round
3. Tap the magazine and rack the slide.
4. Known as: “Tap & Rack”

5. This will make sure the magazine is seated, the bad rounds are ejected and a
fresh round chambered.
b. Improper feeding
1. Nose of the cartridge is over feed ramp, striking the hood of the barrel
2. Usually caused by defective magazine or defective ammunition
3. Remove the magazine, rack the slide.
4. Insert a fresh magazine and rack the slide, chambering a fresh round.
c. Unseated magazine
1. Magazine did not lock in place
2. Will act like a misfire
3. “Tap & Rack”
d. “Stove Pipe/Smoke Stack”
1. Empty case sticking up and blocking the side
2. Usually caused by a low power round
3. Can be caused by recoil flipping the muzzle up and this may change the inertia of
the side operation and is usually caused by shooter grip problem
4. Tap the magazine.
5. Rotate the handgun so the ejection port is facing the ground and rack the slide.
6. This will clear the chamber and insert a fresh round.
e. Double Feed
1. Cartridge of a spent round still in the chamber, new round is wedged behind the
spent round and the slide is stuck back
2. Usually caused by a single hand shooting with a weak wrist grip
3. The easiest way to clear is to depress the magazine release, and to rack the
slide back and forth. This will cause the magazine to drop out and the spent
casing to fall out.
4. Insert a fresh magazine, rack the slide to charge the chamber.

7. Loading the Semi-Auto Pistol
a. Loading the magazine
1. With the open end on top, grasp the magazine with one hand.
2. Place a round on the magazine follower with the base of the round just forward of
the retaining lips.
3. Press the round down and back until the base of the round touches rear flat edge
of the magazine.
4. Place the next round on top of the previous round and press down and back.
5. Repeat until the magazine is loaded.
6. Do not load the magazine beyond the manufacturers’ instructions.
b. Chambering a round
1. Insert loaded magazine into the magazine well.
2. Push the magazine until you hear and feel a click.
3. Gripping the pistol with the shooting hand, point muzzle in a safe direction.
4. With the non-shooting hand, grasp the slide and pull it to its rearmost limit of
travel.
5. Release the slide to feed the round from the magazine into the chamber.
6. If the pistol is not going to be fired immediately engage the safety device if the
firearm has one.
d. Unloading the Pistol (Method #1)
1. NOTE: The following explanation assumes a right-handed shooter. Techniques

will need to be adjusted for left-handed shooters.
a. Keep the trigger finger away from the trigger.
b. Grip the pistol in the right hand.
c. Point the muzzle of the pistol in a safe direction.
d. Push the magazine release.
e. Remove the magazine from the pistol.
f. With the left hand, grasp the slide firmly.


g. Push forward with the right hand, opening the slide.
h. Lock the slide back.
i. Inspect the chamber to verify it is empty.
d. Unloading the Pistol (Method #2)
1. Keep the trigger finger away from the trigger.
2. Grip the pistol in the left hand.
3. Point the muzzle of the pistol in a safe direction.
4. Push the magazine release.
5. Remove the magazine.
6. Position the pistol in hand so the left index finger is touching the slide release
lever.
7. Position the hand so that the ejection port is facing downward towards the
ground.
8. With the fingers of the right hand held together on one side of the slide and the
thumb on the other, grasp the slide.
9. Place the left index finger at the base of the slide release lever.
10. With the right hand, push back the slide to the rear lock lever and push the lock
lever into the notch on the slide.
E. Ammunition
1. The sole purpose of defensive ammunition is to stop an assailant by stopping his/her

action immediately.
2. However, it may not stop this person from continuing his/her aggression.
3. Bullet Designs (See Handout #4)
a. Wadcutter – lead or jacketed used for target shooting
b. Round Nose – (ball) lead or jacketed
c. Semi-Wadcutter – lead or jacketed
d. Hollow Point – (controlled expansion) lead or jacketed

4. Components of a Cartridge
a. Case
1. A cylinder closed at one end, containing the other three components
2. It has a rim which positions it in the chamber or cylinder.
b. Primer
1. Contains very sensitive explosive compound
2. When struck, the compound changes chemical structure and disintegrates

completely causing a spark that ignites the powder charge.
c. Powder Charge
1. Burns when ignited by the explosion of the primer
2. The burning creates a great quantity of gas which expands very rapidly.
d. Bullet
1. The projectile is made of lead or lead jacketed with a harder metal.
2. The expanding gases push the bullet from the barrel.
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:

HANDOUT #1 – PARTS OF A REVOLVER

HANDOUT #2 – PARTS OF A SEMI-AUTOMATIC

HANDOUT #3 – PARTS OF A BULLET

HANDOUT #4 – BULLET DESIGNS
WADCUTTER SEMI-
WADCUTTER
ROUND NOSE HOLLOW

POINT

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
½ Hip or ¾ Hip Live Round

Action Locking Lugs
Aiming Low Ready, Chest Ready, 3rd (Third) Eye
Ammunition Magazine
Armorer Magazine Release
Back Strap Magazine Well
Barrel Malfunction
Bullet Muzzle
Bushing ORC
Case Out-of Alignment
Cocked Position Out-of-Time
Commercial Cable Lock Point Shooting
Commercial Firearms Safe Powder Charge
Commercial Trigger Primer
Crane/Yoke Range
Cylinder Rear Sight
Cylinder Thumb Latch Recoil
De-cock Recoil Spring
De-cocking Lever Reholster
Down-Range Revolver
Draw Round Nose
Dry-Fire Rounds
Ejection Port and Lock Scanning
Extractor Semi-Automatic Pistol
Extractor Rod Semi-Wadcutter
Firing Line Sight Alignment
Firing Pin Sighted Shooting
Firing Pin Spring Sights
Firing Point Slide
Frame Slide Lock/Release Lever
Front Sight Smooth Draw
Guide Rod Stance
Gun Locks Stocks/Grips
Gunsmith Stoppage
Hammer Stoppages/Malfunctions
Hammer/Firing Pin Assembly Takedown Lever
Hammer Block/Safety Bar Transfer Bar
Handgun Trigger
Hollow Point Trigger Guard
Jam Wadcutter

½ Hip or ¾ Hip Shooting – Hip Shooting is defined as shooting with the firearm held in
the vicinity of the waistline of the shooter. It has also been referred to as “speed-rock”
shooting which may be required at “contact” range. ½ Hip Shooting is where the
shooter places the firearm ½ the distance between the holster and the actual locking of
the elbow at the hip with the firearm pointed directly at the intended target. ¾ Hip
Shooting is where the shooter places the firearm ¾ the distance between the holster
and the actual locking of the elbow at the hip with the firearm pointed directly at the
intended target.
Action – The mechanism or working and moving parts of a firearms by which it

accomplishes such functions as firing, extracting, ejecting, feeding or aligning cartridges
for firing, and locking into battery.
Aiming – To align a weapon’s sight(s) with the object or target to be hit, as opposed to
merely pointing the weapon without the use of sights. To point or direct a weapon that
propels a projectile towards an intended target with the specific intent to hit the object or
a particular point on the target.
Ammunition – One or more loaded cartridges consisting of a primed case and

propellant charge, with or without one or more projectiles, which is also referred to as
fixed or live ammunition. The projectiles and the compressed gas cylinders used in “air”
guns as a means of propelling the projectiles.
Armorer – A trained or certified person who maintains and performs limited repairs on
small arms.
Back Strap – The rearmost portion of a pistol or revolver frame which curves downward
between the grips.
Barrel – The tubular portion of a firearm through which a projectile or shot charge
travels under the impetus of combusting powder gases, compressed air or CO2, or other
means. The interior of the barrel may be rifled or smooth.
Bullet – A non-spherical projectile for use in a rifled barrel.
Bushing – A removable lining, for reducing the effect of friction on moving parts or for
decreasing the diameter of a hole.
Case – Common shorthand for a cartridge case.
Cocked Position – To place a firing mechanism under spring tension. To draw the
hammer, striker, firing pin or cocking piece back into firing position either manually or by
pressure on the trigger; also, to set the trigger for immediate firing.

Commercial Cable Lock – A lock designed specifically for firearms. The lock is to keep
the weapon safe and secured so that it will not fire when not being used. All pistols
when purchased from a gun store have a “commercial cable lock” included by the
manufacturer.
Commercial Firearms Safe – A safe where the firearm may be secured when not
being used. They come in all shapes and sizes from a simple small box that holds one
firearm to a large box that holds many firearms.
Commercial Trigger – Is the same definition as “trigger” except it is provided by the

manufacturer as part of the firearm.
Crane/Yoke – The part of a solid frame revolver on which the cylinder is swung out to
accomplish loading and ejecting.
Cylinder – The round drum-shaped metal (usually steel) part of a revolver which is
bored with multiple chambers to hold the cartridges. As the revolver trigger is pulled or
the hammer is manually cocked, the cylinder rotates to align the next changer (or
unfired cartridge) with the barrel (for firing).
Cylinder Thumb Latch – A device which permits the swinging out for access (for
loading, unloading, cleaning) of the cylinder from the frame of a revolver.
De-cock – A term used with firearms training. It means to manually operate the “de-
cocking lever” to lower the hammer.
De-cocking Lever – A manually operated lever, typically on a semi-automatic pistol,

which serves to de-cock the hammer. A dual-function manually operated lever, typically
on a semi-automatic pistol, which serves to de-cock the hammer but which can also be
positioned to serve as a safety, preventing the pistol from being fired if the trigger is
pulled.
Down-Range – A term used in firearms training. It means to go forward after the firing
line is safe to pick up items that may have been dropped, i.e. magazines, live
ammunition, or to score the targets.
Draw – A term used in firearms training. It means to remove the firearm from the holster
and bring it up on the intended target.
Dry-Fire – Practice conducted with an assuredly unloaded firearm or a firearm loaded

with dummy rounds only, intended to help the shooter become familiar with a new
technique or to develop or maintain specific skills such as trigger control, proper grip,
sight picture, etc.
Ejection Port and Lock – An opening in a firearm’s receiver through which the empty
cartridge case is ejected.

Extractor – A mechanism for withdrawing a cartridge or cartridge case from the
chamber. A part in a gun for removing spent shells or live cartridges from the chamber.
Extractor Rod – Connected to the extractor which must be depressed in order for the
extractor to remove the cartridges from the cylinder.
Firing Line – A line at which the shooters are stationed for firing.
Firing Pin – Generically: a rod or plunger in a gun, mine, bomb, shell, or the like that
strikes and detonates a sensitive explosive or ignition device (or primer) in order to
effect combustion of the main propellant charge.
Firing Pin Spring – A spring that encompasses or surrounds an internal firing pin. The
spring pushes the firing pin back into position after the round has been fired.
Firing Point – A firing station on a firing line.
Frame – A receiver.
Front Sight – A nomenclature of the revolver that is attached to the muzzle end of the
barrel. It is used in conjunction with the rear sight for aimed shooting and is non-
adjustable.
Guide Rod – Part of the internal workings of a semi-automatic pistol. The guide rod is
encompassed or surrounded by a spring. As the round is fired and the vented gasses
from the round force the slide backwards and eject the casing of the fired round, the
guide rod/spring pull and guide the slide back into position to fire the next round.
Gun Locks – Any lock designed to keep the weapon safe and secured so that it will not
fire when not being used.
Gunsmith – A person who makes, repairs and/or modifies small arms.
Hammer – A spring-driven part of a firearm or a gun’s firing mechanism which gives

impulse to the firing pin or which directly strikes the primer (or percussion cap) or which
otherwise actuates the propulsion system of a gun.
Hammer/Firing Pin – A hammer which has the firing pin attached to it and mainly found
as part of revolvers.
Hammer Block/Safety Bar – A safety device which restricts hammer movement.
Handgun – A firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand.
Hollow Point – A projectile with an open cavity in its point, intended to aid expansion
on impact, especially in animal tissue.

Jam – The stoppage of a firearm in which the action sticks or seizes and cannot be
operated, or is otherwise rendered inoperable, especially a stoppage which cannot be
remedied by normal “immediate action” or malfunction clearance procedures, or which
cannot be cleared without the use of tools or without disassembly of the firearm.
Live Round – Round is a commonly used term for cartridge. Cartridge is a single round
of fixed ammunition, typically consisting of a case, primer, propellant charge and
projectile pre-assembled into an integral unit. Therefore the term live round means the
round or cartridge has not been fired.
Locking Lugs – One or more projections from the breech bolt which serve to lock it into
place when closed.
Low Ready, Chest Ready, 3rd (Third) Eye – The typical ready position on the firing line
is the “low ready” position, in which the weapon is held with the muzzle pointed
downrange and down at the ground (not on the target) well in front of the shooter
approximately 45 degrees from the horizontal so that an unintentional discharge of the
weapon will impact in the ground or berm a safe distance ahead of the firing line; of
course, the trigger finger is registered securely outside the trigger guard.
Magazine – An ammunition feeding device consisting of a container for cartridges

which has a spring and follower to feed those cartridges one-by-one into the chamber of
the firearm. The magazine may be detachable or integral part of the firearm.
Magazine Release – The device that retains or releases a detachable magazine in a

firearm.
Magazine Well – That opening in a firearm’s frame or receiver which receives a

detachable magazine.
Malfunction – The improper operation (or failure to operate) of any part of a weapon or
ammunition that may or may not stop it from firing.
Muzzle – The end of a gun barrel from which projectiles emerge.
ORC – Ohio Revised Code.
Out-of-Alignment – Cylinder is unable to make proper alignment with the barrel.
Out-of-Time – Cylinder is prevented from rotating by the cylinder stop.
Point Shooting – Any deliberate firing of a firearm at an intended target employs some
index or points of reference for aligning the firearms and thereby the trajectory of the
projectile(s) with the intended point of impact on the target, whether consciously or
subconsciously. A firearm can be aligned with a target by visual indexing, body
indexing, or a combination of both.

Powder Charge – The amount of powder by weight in a cartridge case or chamber.
Primer – A sensitive explosive device that responds to percussion, friction, electrical

impulse, or some other disturbance to set off a propellant or an explosive; an initiator.
Range – An area equipped or designated for shooting firearms or other projectile

weapons, of which a shooting (also: firing) range is one type, as is an archery range; or
the distance between the firearm and the target.
Rear Sight – Located on the rearward end of the slide.
Recoil – The rearward thrust or movement of a firearm resulting from firing, as the
equal and opposite reaction to the projectile’s acceleration.
Recoil Spring – The spring which returns a semi-automatic firearm to battery.
Reholster – A term used in firearms training. It means to return the firearm to the
holster and secure it.
Revolver – A firearm, usually a handgun, with a cylinder having several chambers so

arranged as to revolve around the cylinder’s axis and be discharged successively by the
same firing mechanism.
Round Nose – An elongated projectile with a radiused nose. Technically, the radius of
the narrowest cross section of the bullet’s nose is half that of the bullet’s base.
Round – A single set of all the components that are required to fire one shot from a
firearm that uses other than fixed ammunition.
Scanning – Scanning is a term for “searching an area for additional threats”. This
relates to the shooter/pistol/eye combination. Scanning is an active search after the
target has been neutralized.
Semi-Automatic Pistol – A firearm in which the gas pressure and/or the blow-back
recoil force from a fired round is used to unlock the mechanism, to extract and eject the
empty shell casing, and to reload by stripping (or releasing) and feeding another
cartridge from the magazine into the chamber.
Semi-Wadcutter – A projectile with a distinct, short truncated cone at the forward end.
A bullet with a distinct bore-diameter shoulder, ahead of which is a truncated-cone
nose.
Sight Alignment – In the case of firearms that have more than one sighting index (for
example, front and rear sights), sight alignment is one component of a proper sight
picture or the proper use of a firearm’s sights, whereby the front and rear sights are
properly aligned with one another as viewed by the shooter.

Sighted Shooting – The use of sights to deliver a well placed shot.
Sights – Any of a variety of devices, mechanical or optical, which are attached to a

firearm (usually atop the firearm’s barrel or receiver) and designed to assist in aiming
the firearm.
Slide – A part of a firearm attached to and reciprocating with the breechblock.
Slide Lock/Release Lever – The condition of a semi-automatic pistol in which the slide
is locked to the rear, for example when the pistol has been fired until empty.
Smooth Draw – Is being able to remove the firearm from the holster, place it into
action, and make a controlled accurate shot as easy as pointing your finger. It is fast
and quick if done right, smoothness and economy of motion being the key to success. It
may be hard to accomplish, due to different levels of holsters, but with time and
practice, it can be achieved.
Stance – A clearly demarked firing position or otherwise designated station for a single
shooter on a firing line or tactical course of fire.
Stocks/Grips – The component of a firearm (especially a shoulder weapon), usually

constructed of wood or synthetic material, which enables the shooter to hold the
weapon and to which a barreled action is attached.
Stoppage – Any interruption of the cycle of operation of a firearm.
Stoppages/Malfunctions – Failure of a firearm to function as designed because of a

mechanical defect or malfunction, as opposed to a stoppage caused by shooter error.
Takedown Lever – A catch device found on many firearms to facilitate disassembly.
Transfer Bar – An intermediary piece of metal which usually reciprocates with the
trigger or hammer of a revolver to transfer the energy of the hammer to the firing pin.
Trigger – That part of a firearm mechanism which is moved manually to cause the
firearm to discharge.
Trigger Guard – A rigid loop which partially surrounds the trigger to prevent accidental
discharge or damage to the trigger.
Wadcutter – A term used to describe a lead bullet of cylindrical shape, having a flat or
virtually flat nose of full bore diameter which cuts a clean full-diameter hole through a
paper or cardboard target upon impact.

SIGHTED SHOOTING EXERCISE
TARGET: 1 Target
NUMBER OF ROUNDS: 16 Rounds
DISTANCE: 10 Feet & 20 Feet
LIGHT CONDITIONS: Normal
MODE OF CARRY: Low Ready, Chest Ready, 3rd (Third) Eye
PROCEDURE:
• At 10 feet with the handgun loaded with 5 rounds, assume any of the following: Low Ready, Chest Ready
or 3rd (Third) Eye. On command, raise the pistol, acquire a sight picture and fire 1 round at a designated
spot in the center of the target.
• Repeat the exercise 5 times.
• Reload the firearm and on command fire 5 rounds in a row at the same spot.
• Move to 20 feet, reload the firearm and on command, repeat the exercise with 5 rounds in a row into the
same spot.
- 51 -
POINT FIRE OR TARGET FOCUS SHOOTING EXERCISE
TARGET: 1 Target
DISTANCE: 10 Feet & 15 Feet
PROCEDURE:
or 3rd (Third) Eye. Stare at the circle, concentrate on target. On command, raise the pistol, fire 1 round at
the center of the target as soon as the pistol is up.
• Reload the firearm with 5 rounds and repeat the exercise.
• Reload the firearm with 5 rounds and repeat the exercise ONE-HANDED.
• Move to 15 feet, reload the firearm with 5 rounds and repeat the drill.
- 52 -
MULTIPLE SHOTS EXERCISE
TARGET: 1 Target
DISTANCE: 10 Feet
PROCEDURE:
or 3rd (Third) Eye. Stare at the circle, concentrate on target. On command, raise the pistol, fire 2 rounds
as quickly as possible (Tac-Tac) into the center of the target.
• Reload the firearm with 6 rounds and repeat the exercise 3 times. Reload the firearm with 6 rounds. On
command, raise the firearm and fire 3 rounds into the center of the target.
• Repeat the exercise 1 time.
• Reload the firearm with 6 rounds and repeat the exercise 2 more times.
• Reload the firearm with 6 rounds. On command, fire 4 rounds into the center of the target, return to Low
Ready, Chest Ready or 3rd (Third) Eye. On command, raise the firearm and fire 2 rounds into the center
of the target.
• Reload the firearm with 6 rounds. On command, raise the firearm and fire into the center of the target
until the handgun is empty.
- 53 -
EXTREMELY CLOSE RANGE SHOOTING EXERCISE
TARGET: 1 Target
DISTANCE: 5 Feet
MODE OF CARRY: 1/2 Hip or 3/4 Hip
PROCEDURE:
• At 5 feet with the handgun unloaded/empty, assume any of the following: 1/2 hip or 3/4 hip. Dry fire
practice hip shooting until the instructor feels the student is ready. Once the student is ready.
• At 5 feet, load the firearm with 6 rounds. Assume a hip shooting position.
• On command, fire 2 rounds into the center of the target.
- 54 -
STOPPAGE/MALFUNCTION EXERCISE
TARGET: 1 Target
NUMBER OF ROUNDS: 13 Live Rounds/3 Dummy Rounds
DISTANCE: 10 Feet
PROCEDURE:
• NOTE: For revolvers, the students will do reload drills. For semi-autos, the students will do stoppage/malfunction
drills.
• The instructor will load the student’s magazine with 3 live rounds and 3 dummy rounds and return the firearm to the
student. This will simulate a misfire or unseated magazine. On command, raise the firearm and fire 1 round into the
center of the target.
• When stoppage/malfunction occurs, the student will clear the stoppage/malfunction with the tap and rack technique
and fire the next round into the center of the target.
• The instructor will assist the student in setting up a stove pipe or smoke stack stoppage. The firearm will then be
loaded with 2 rounds. On command, raise the firearm and attempt to fire a round.
• When the round fails to fire, the student will clear the stoppage with the tap and rack technique and fire 2 rounds into
the center of the target.
• The instructor will assist the student in setting up a double feed stoppage. The firearm will be loaded with 2 rounds.
On command, raise the firearm and attempt to fire a round.
• When the round fails to fire, the student will clear the stoppage by removing the magazine, racking the slide, re-
inserting the magazine, charging the firearm, and firing 2 rounds into the center of the target.
- 55 -
DRAWING WEAPON FROM CONCEALMENT EXERCISE
TARGET: 1 Target
NUMBER OF ROUNDS: No Live Ammunition
DISTANCE: 10 Feet
MODE OF CARRY: From Concealment
PROCEDURE:
• This exercise will be done as dry fire practice only. The reason for not doing this exercise as live fire is
due to the different modes of carry by the students. The modes of carry become a safety issue.
• The student will place an unloaded/empty firearm in a holster where they intend on carrying the weapon
in compliance with their CCW Permit.
• On command, the student will draw the weapon from concealment and engage the center of the target by
dry firing 2 times.
• The exercise will be repeated 10 times.
- 56 -
BARRICADE EXERCISE
TARGET: 2 Targets
DISTANCE: 20 Feet
PROCEDURE:
• At 20 feet, the student will position themselves behind the barricade on their dominate side. With the
firearm loaded with 4 rounds, on command, raise the firearm, fire 1 round from a standing position into
the center of the target. Then go to an alternative shooting position and fire 1 round into the center of the
target.
• Move to the non-dominate side of the barricade and repeat the exercise with the non-dominate target.
- 57 -
MULTIPLE TARGET EXERCISE
TARGET: 2 Targets
NUMBER OF ROUNDS: 18 Rounds/15 Rounds for 5 Shot Revolver
DISTANCE: 15 Feet
SHOOTING SEQUENCE: 1 Round, 3 Rounds & 2 Rounds or 2 Rounds, 3 Rounds &

1 Round or Instructor’s Discretion.
PROCEDURE:
• At 15 feet, load the firearm with 6 rounds. On command, raise the firearm. On command, fire the
shooting sequence of choice (refer to shooting sequence above) into the center of the targets.
- 58 -
DISTANCE SHOOTING EXERCISE
TARGET: 1 Target
DISTANCE: 30 Feet
PROCEDURE:
or 3rd (Third) Eye. On command, raise the firearm and fire 5 rounds at your own pace into the center of
the target.
• Repeat this exercise 1 time.
- 59 -
COMPETENCY EXERCISE
TARGET: 1 Target
NUMBER OF ROUNDS: 30 Rounds - Semi-Auto or Revolver/18 Rounds for 5 Shot Revolver
DISTANCE: 15 Feet &10 Feet
PROCEDURE:
• Student will demonstrate the ability to load the firearm by loading the firearm with 6 rounds. At 15 feet, assume any
of the following: Low Ready, Chest Ready or 3rd (Third) Eye. On command, raise the firearm and fire 2 rounds into
the center of the target.
• Repeat the exercise 2 times. [5 shot revolver: 2 rounds once & 1 round once]
• At 15 feet, reload the firearm with 6 rounds. Assume any of the following: Low Ready, Chest Ready or 3rd (Third)
Eye. On command, raise the firearm and fire 3 rounds into the center of the target. Bring the firearm back down and
on command, fire 3 rounds into the center of the target for a total of 6 rounds.
• Repeat the exercise 1 time. [5 shot revolver: 3 rounds once & 2 rounds once]
• At 15 feet, load 6 rounds. Assume any of the following: Low Ready, Chest Ready or 3rd (Third) Eye. On command,
raise the firearm and fire 4 rounds into the center of the target.
• At 10 feet, assume any of the following: Low Ready, Chest Ready or 3rd (Third) Eye. On command, raise the
firearm and one-handed fire 2 rounds into the center of the target.
• Repeat the exercise 1 time.
• Student will demonstrate the ability to unload the firearm and make it safe.
- 60 -
(OPTIONAL) LOW-LEVEL LIGHT EXERCISE
TARGET: 1 Target
NUMBER OF ROUNDS: 12 Rounds/5 Rounds for 5 Shot Revolver
DISTANCE: 15 Feet
LIGHT CONDITIONS: Low-Level Light
PROCEDURE:
• This exercise is optional and will only be used if time permits and the range has the ability to give the student a low-
level light option.
• At 15 feet in low-level light conditions, load the firearm with 6 rounds. Assume any of the following: Low Ready,
Chest Ready or 3rd (Third) Eye. On command, fire 2 rounds into the center of the target.
• Repeat the exercise 2 times (5 shot revolvers: 2 rounds and then 1 round).
• Reload the firearm with 6 rounds and repeat the exercise again.
- 61 -
OHIO’S CONCEALED
CARRY LAW
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Concealed Carry Weapons Curriculum

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CCW

Model Training Course

Copyright © 2007, Attorney General of Ohio / OPOTC

TITLE: CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPON (CCW)

TEACHING AIDS (CHOOSE ALL THAT APPLY):

_____ Chalkboard and chalk _____ Flip chart

_____ Whiteboard and markers _____ VCR/DVD player

_____ Computer and mouse _____ TV

_____ PowerPoint projector _____ Overhead projector

_____ Lectern or table

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES (CHOOSE ALL THAT APPLY):

_____ Lecture _____ Group work

_____ Discussion _____ Scenario-based training

_____ Individual exercise _____ Hands-on techniques (i.e.

Handout #1: Parts of a Revolver

OHIO PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COMMISSION

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE

Applicant will be disqualified if any of the following applies:

2) If applicant has been CHARGED or UNDER INDICTMENT for:

a. A misdemeanor offense of violence (Except resisting arrest, assault on peace officer,

Misdemeanor Crimes of Violence:

OHIO PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COMMISSION

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE

14. Conspiracy 2923.01

15. Attempt 2923.02

16. Complicity 2923.03

OHIO PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COMMISSION

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE

7) If applicant is or has been:

a. Adjudicated mentally incompetent

9) If applicant is subject to:

a. Temporary protection order

10) “R.C. 2953.32(D)(10) requires a sheriff to inspect sealed/expunged court records

311.41(A)(1) – sheriff shall conduct records check

OHIO PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COMMISSION

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE

OHIO PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COMMISSION

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE

1. An applicant must be a legal State of Ohio resident.

8. During the application process:

a. The application will be reviewed for completeness.

f. Once it is determined that an applicant has a background with a criminal charge, no

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE

OHIO PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COMMISSION

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE

PREFACE: CARRYING A CONCEALED HANDGUN IS A PRIVILEGE THAT DOES NOT

A. Use of Force Issues

1. A handgun is a deadly weapon.

b. ORC. 2923.11 (A) (B) (C)

a. If deadly force is NOT justified, criminal charges may result.

b. ORC. 2901.01(A) (1) (2)

a. The accused must prove self-defense with a preponderance of evidence.

b. State v. Cassano (2002), 96 Ohio St. 3d 94

4. Ohio Supreme Court Conditions for Deadly Force Usage

OHIO PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COMMISSION

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE

2. If you escalate a confrontation by throwing the first punch, attacking, or drawing

b. Condition 2: Reasonable and Honest Belief of Danger

3. Important is the defendant’s belief that he is in immediate serious danger. The

OHIO PEACE OFFICER TRAINING COMMISSION

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE

c. State v. Williford (1990), 49 Ohio St. 3d 247

d. YOU ARE NOT A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. DO NOT ALLOW THE

CCW MODEL TRAINING COURSE

_ Chalkboard and chalk _ Flip chart

_ Whiteboard and markers _ VCR/DVD player

_ Computer and mouse _ TV

_ PowerPoint projector _ Overhead projector

_ Lecture _ Group work

_ Discussion _ Scenario-based training

_ Individual exercise _ Hands-on techniques (i.e.

You do not enter the school building, premises, or activity;

To private property not part of the school grounds