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Virginia regulations · Through 2026 Regular Session (effective July 1, 2026)

6VAC20-174-390: Entry-level shotgun training and range qualification

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Where this section sits in the code
  1. Title 6. Criminal Justice And Corrections
  2. Agency 20. Department of Criminal Justice Services
  3. Chapter 174. Regulations Relating to Private Security Services Registered Personnel
  4. Part IX. Firearms Training Requirements and Exemptions

A. Shotgun classroom training. Individual must first successfully complete entry-level or security officer handgun training. The entry-level shotgun classroom instruction will emphasize but not be limited to:

1. Shotgun handling techniques

a. Identification of shotgun parts

b. Slings – traditional sling, single point sling, 3 point sling

c. Cruiser carry conditions

d. Cruiser safe

e. Chambering

f. Reloading

g. Transition from handgun to shotgun/shotgun to handgun (if applicable)

h. Malfunctions

(1) Immediate actions procedures

(2) Remedial action

i. Proper care and maintenance

j. Shotgun retention

k. Ammunition management and identification

l. Range safety

m. Dim light/low light

2. Fundamentals of shotgun marksmanship

a. Grip

b. Stance (position)

c. Sight alignment

d. Sight picture

e. Trigger control

f. Breathing

g. Follow through

3. Written examination

Total hours (excluding examination) - 3 hours

B. Range qualification (no minimum hours). The purpose of the range firing course is to provide practical shotgun training and qualification to those individuals who carry or have immediate access to a shotgun in the performance of their duties.

1. Familiarization: Prior to the qualification course, all shooters are required to fire a familiarization exercise consisting of 5 rounds using 12 gauge, double aught "00" buckshot or rifle slug ammunition and 6 rounds minimum of handgun rounds. The exercise shall include transition drills from handgun to shotgun and shotgun to handgun. This exercise is not scored and the distance is at the discretion of the instructor.

2. Fire 5 rounds of shotgun rounds (buckshot, rifled slugs, or both, if issued) on a daylight course using B27 single/multiple targets with 70% accuracy.

C. Course: Virginia private security course of fire for shotguns.

Distance

Position

No. Rounds

Target

Time

Combat load & fire 15 Yds.

Standing/Shoulder

3

B-27 Silhouette

20 sec.

Combat load & fire 25 Yds.

Kneeling/Shoulder

2

B-27 Silhouette

15 sec.

D. A certified firearms instructor must be present on the range directly controlling the firing line during all phases of firearms range training. There shall be a minimum of one certified firearms instructor per five shooters on the line.

Collected 2026-09-14T04:46:50Z. Source file · JSON

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