ARM 23.13.805. FIREARMS PROFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED SERVICE

(1) Each agency that appoints a public safety officer who is authorized to carry firearms during the work assignment must: (a) require the officer to complete successfully the firearms proficiency requirements provided in this rule at least once a year, for any manufacture and model of firearm customarily carried by that officer while the officer is on duty; (b) designate an employee of a public safety agency, who is operating within the employee’s official capacity, to act as the agency’s firearms instructor to conduct or oversee and document annual firearms proficiency. The instructor need not be a POST-certified instructor but must have attended a minimum 40-hour POST-approved firearms instructor course or its equivalent, which includes the following topics: (i) firearms safety; (ii) role of the instructor; (iii) civil and criminal liability exposure; (iv) instructional techniques for firearms instructors; (v) operation of the firing line; (vi) range preparation; (vii) handgun; (viii) disabled officer techniques; and (ix) low light shooting techniques. (c) keep on file in a format readily accessible to the council a copy of all firearms proficiency records, which must include: (i) date of qualification; (ii) identification of the officer; (iii) firearm manufacture and model; (iv) results of qualifying; and (v) course of fire used. (2) The minimum standards for annual firearms proficiency are: (a) Primary duty handgun – a minimum of 30 rounds, fired at ranges from point-blank to 15 yards with a minimum of 15 rounds at or beyond seven yards; (b) Shotgun – minimum of five rounds fired at a distance ranging from point-blank to 25 yards; (c) Precision rifle – a minimum of ten rounds fired at a minimum range of 100 yards; (d) Patrol rifle – a minimum of 20 rounds fired at a distance ranging from point-blank to 50 yards; (e) Fully automatic weapon – a minimum of 30 rounds fired at a distance ranging from point-blank to ten yards, with a minimum of 25 rounds fired in full automatic (short bursts of two or three rounds), and a minimum of five rounds fired semi-automatic; and (f) Secondary or backup handgun – a minimum of 12 rounds fired at a distance ranging from point blank to at or beyond seven yards, which includes a minimum of six rounds fired at or beyond seven yards. (3) The minimum passing score for annual firearms proficiency is 80% for each firearm on an IPSC Official Target or dimensional equivalent. (4) The MLEA sets the passing score for the Montana Law Enforcement Basic Firearms Qualification. (5) Before carrying a firearm or making an arrest, a misdemeanor probation/pretrial services officer must successfully complete the firearms proficiency requirements provided in this rule.