Lesson #F02: Handgun Safety, Terminology, and Manipulation Practice

A firearm is a mechanical device, or a tool, requiring experienced and trained operators. Firearms can be extremely dangerous if used in an improper or unsafe manner. However, when operated within the design parameters and in accordance with sensible safety procedures, firearms are inherently safe tools. Injuries from a bullet can easily be fatal, especially in the hands of an untrained person. The operator’s first mistake may cost a life. Armed police officers have a tremendous responsibility to understand and prevent such mistakes. Although the term “accidental discharge” is often used, in reality all unintentional discharges of a firearm are “negligent discharges.”

The goal of this lesson is to provide students with practice in applying the Four Cardinal Rules of Firearms Safety to loading, unloading, disassembling, cleaning, and re-assembling the issued CZ 99 pistol. In addition, students will practice diagnosing and remedying various handgun malfunctions.

At the conclusion of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. State the four (4) Cardinal Rules of Firearms Safety in numerical order.
2. Cite four (4) limitations of police handguns.
3. Identify the type of firearm the police use and its component parts.
4. Demonstrate proper placement of police officer equipment on the utility belt.
5. Demonstrate the four (4) step “draw stroke”.
6. Demonstrate the physical fundamentals of marksmanship through dry fire practice.
7. Demonstrate tactical loading, unloading, kneeling positions, and malfunction clearance procedures using the police handgun.
8. Identify primary methods of stopping a human with a handgun.
9. Demonstrate disassembly and assembly of the CZ 99.
10. Demonstrate how to clean and maintain the CZ 99.