In this post, I’ll layout how I conduct the CPL range qualifications in Michigan at least. When I conduct the qualifications, I don’t allow the use of red dots or laser sights because I started out training with only iron sights and the student must know how to operate their firearm without the use of accessories that may require a battery. Plus, I’ve seen bad habits developed from the use of laser sights. I have other reasons but that sums it up.

Please note that the information in this post is based on what I require to qualify for your CPL / CCW as it varies from instructor to instructor and state to state.

I’ll provide the drills that I conduct and their distances below.

Drills

• Both Hands at 7 yards
• Only Right Hand at 7 yards
• Only Left Hand at 7 yards
• Two Hand Right Barricade at 7 yards
• Two Hand Left Barricade at 7 yards

I have the student shoot one handed for a few reasons: 1) to get the student out of the mindset of needing both hands to shoot, 2) if the student was holding a child, phone, bag or injured, then they still have one hand free to shoot and 3) depending on the caliber that the threat is using, I have the student bring their support arm across their chest to act as a semi-protective layer as that bullet has to go through the arm before it reaches the chest.

For the first 5 drills, I require a minimum of 70% accuracy in the circle at the high-center chest area to pass; anything outside isn’t counted unless it breaks the line. The reason I conduct the majority of the drills at 7 yards is because of the Tueller Drill and the majority of defensive situations occur within 7 yards (technically 3 – 5 yards on average).

Once those 5 drills are completed, I’ll bring the target into the 3 yard mark for point shooting. It involves both hands, right hand and left hand. This is an alternative to physically drawing from the holster where the student will utilize unsighted fire – where their trigger finger is pointing and where they’re staring at is where the bullet will go as long as they have a proper grip and trigger pull among other factors. Unlike the first 5 drills where the student is taking their time, point shooting requires the student to shoot fast yet accurately at the same time as I give the student a number – 1, 2 or 3 – and they will need to shoot that number of rounds upon the command of “Threat”.

With all of that said, what will affect a passing score for the student?

Areas That Affect a Passing Score

The areas that can affect a passing score include the following:

• Poor accuracy
• Not following instructions
• Not following the universal safety rules

Furthermore, if the student moves the muzzle in an unsafe manner (ex: points the muzzle at the RSO, instructor or another student), it’s an automatic fail and they must take a new shooter course before re-attempting at their qualification as long as they haven’t used up their 3 attempts within a 6 month period. Since the range qualification is technically the student’s final exam, it’ll be an automatic fail for the current attempt if I have to provide a “basic” class during a qualification. This is why I strongly recommend that students take a basic handgun course prior to attempting to qualify. The student is limited to 1 attempt per day but can take the new shooter class if they fail their first or second attempt on the same day as long as time allows for it.

Conclusion

I hope that this post provides you with a basic idea of how I conduct CPL / CCW qualifications. Regardless of where I teach and a state’s requirements, my standards are the same – they’re high! Not only for my CPL classes but in every single one of the courses that I offer. I’m not going to guarantee a passing grade to a student regardless of accuracy, etc in exchange for money. Any “instructor” that conducts their classes that way – regardless of affiliation – deserves zero respect. They’re not real instructors! With that said, do your research before you decide on an instructor and choose only the best…Brooks Defense!

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