RDS Handgun Instructor

This Red Dot Sighted (RDS) Instructor course is an intensive three-day program designed for law enforcement officers seeking to effectively integrate RDS-equipped pistols within their agencies. Participants will gain practical skills and instructional techniques to improve accuracy, understand red dot sight dynamics, and enhance operational performance in law enforcement environments.

Students will develop proficiency in sight acquisition, recoil management, movement, and decision-making while using RDS-equipped handguns. The course also addresses common challenges associated with red dot optics and provides proven methods to overcome them in both training and operational settings.

Upon successful completion of the qualification standards and instructor teach-backs, students will receive a certificate of completion. This is a fast-paced course that includes approximately 9–10 hours of live-fire training each day.

Note: This is not a beginner-level course. Attendees must already be proficient in firearm handling and safe weapon manipulation.

Topics Covered

• Safety briefing and medical plan
• Fundamentals of marksmanship to increase accuracy and proficiency
• Drawing from the holster and presentation leading to sight acquisition
• Tracking the dot through recoil and understanding dot behavior
• Shooter diagnosis and corrective-action drills
• Common RDS challenges and methods to improve performance
• Malfunction manipulation, inclement weather considerations, and RDS failure solutions
• Weapons flow and earning the shot principles
• Practical movement drills
• Utilization of cover and barriers
• Multiple-target engagement drills
• Low-light applications
• Mechanical offset considerations while using RDS
• RDS zeroing procedures
• Teaching principles and course implementation

Equipment Requirements

We will not provide optics or handguns. Students must bring their own equipment.

• RDS-equipped pistol (mounted by agency armorer)
• RDS-capable holster
• 1,000 rounds of pistol ammunition
• 50 rounds of duty ammunition for zero confirmation
• Extra batteries for the RDS
• Sight adjustment tool specific to the student’s optic
• Handheld flashlight and weapon-mounted light
• Long pants
• Long-sleeve shirt recommended but not required
• Hat, eye protection, and hearing protection
• Tourniquet
• Lunch and hydration supplies