Your point is well made, no offense taken at all. I have given this much consideration, I cover this well in the classroom.flintknapper wrote:txinvestigator wrote:As an instructor I am allowed to handle malfunctions as I see fit.
If the student has a malfunction and can clear it and continue in the time alloted, then they can. If they cannot, then when that phase is finished I will clear the weapon for them, but they lose any unfired rounds from that phase.
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I hope you won't take offense to a "non-instructor" making a suggestion.
It might be best if shooters are not allowed to clear malfunctions themselves. Unless you know for certain that each person there is competent to resolve the problem.... then I submit, it could pose a safety hazard.
Thankfully, most people who are not experienced, will simply stop and stare at the weapon anyway. But as you know, it can be a challenge just to keep all muzzles pointed down range, let alone have someone try to clear their weapon "in a hurry".
Just some food for thought, not trying to tell you how to run your range.
Flint.
I am a student as well as a teacher. I try to make at least 4 firearms schools a year, at least 3 pistol. I am also a former LEO who paid his own way to many officer safety and street survival classes.
I have seen too many pictures and film of dead cops who might have survived if they had 1) practiced as they wanted to perform and 2) knew how to clear a malfunction.
I have never had a CHL student fail because of a malfunction he/she could not clear, but they have all learned the importance of knowing what to do should one occur. Most students will not have an instructor on the street with then if they need to use deadly force and the weapon malfunctions. Having them "lose points" makes an impression without causing them to actually fail.
I actually walk up and down the line as they are firing, and offer ways to improve in those who are having issues. The biggest culprit is jerking the trigger, followed by heeling and thumbing. Revolver shooters tend to shoot high to try to see the sights.
My goal is to pass them,. I have had renewal students tell me that other instructors don't offer help. I guess I am not that hard nosed ;)
I also teach security students each week. Now THAT is scary.
I was not allowed to try again, and got 20 points taken off my score (-5 points per round not fired). However, I am proud of the fact that I still managed to get a score of 227 after the 20 points were deducted.