In a recent class with ToddG of Pistol-Training.com I had the opportunity to shoot the FAMS TPC, the old qualification the Air Marshalls used to use in the pre-9/11 days. To pass it generally requires someone to be a fairly skilled handgunner.

I'm sort of upgrading this to a challenge. Lots of people carry concealed and think that their skill level is adequate to the task, but in my experience few have ever tried to actually quantify their skill level by comparing themselves to a reasonable standard. Here we're presented with what is admittedly a very high standard that was actually used by a federal LE organization that operates entirely from concealed carry. While I don't necessarily think this is the ultimate benchmark of someone's suitability for handling a firearm in a critical moment, it's still a useful exercise to have people compare themselves to a published standard to see how they fare.

So the challenge is to try the drill using either of the "challenge approved" targets (only one is the real qual target) according to the rules and post up the scores in the format presented. Also post the equipment used in the same format.  

Target:
http://www.letargets.com/estylez_item.aspx?item=FBI-QITCB



The actual Q target used, AFAIK.

Also acceptable:

http://www.letargets.com/estylez_item.aspx?item=IALEFI-Q



Because targets seem to be an issue, I'll expand the rules to basically be anything that qualifies as an FBI Q target, since that's basically what these targets are based on. If you can get your hands on 1 FBI Q target and use it as a template to draw or paint or otherwise produce targets with the same dimensions, that's fine. One possible method is find an FBI Q target, cut out the bottle-shaped Q section, and then use it as a template to paint something like an IDPA target or paper target with cheap spraypaint to produce a challenge-worthy target.

All shots taken at 7 yards. (No closer under any circumstances)

Course of fire:

1. Draw from concealment and fire one round on target. Run twice. Time for both runs added together cannot exceed 3.30 seconds.

2. From the ready position, fire two shots into the target. Run twice. Time for both runs added together cannot exceed 2.70 seconds.

3. From the ready position, fire six shots into the target. Time between shots cannot exceed .6 seconds, overall time cannot exceed 3.0 seconds.

4. From the ready position, one shot, a speed reload (slide forward on loaded chamber, drop mag, replace mag) and another shot on target. Run twice. Time for both runs added together cannot exceed 6.5 seconds.

5. From the ready position, one shot fired on two targets set 3 yards apart. Run twice. Time for both runs added together cannot exceed 3.30 seconds.

6. Face 180 degrees away from the target. From concealment, turn, draw, and fire one round on each of three targets. Run twice, turning to the left on one run, and to the right on the other run. Time for both runs added together cannot exceed 7.0 seconds.

7. From the ready position, one shot then drop to one knee and execute a reload from slide lock, then one shot on the target. Run twice. Time for both runs added together cannot exceed 8.0 seconds.


Scoring:

Each shot within the white on the pictured target is multiplied by 5 to yield the number of points. Each shot outside the "bottle" or that touches the line is multiplied by 2 to yield the number of points. Anything that misses the shilouette is a miss and gives zero points.

Maximum score of 150 points. 135 points and meeting all time standards required to pass.



....so can you do it?

My run at the class resulted in a score of 139. I was over by .12 seconds on drill 4. (Had a malfunction) When I can find my sheet I'll post my full scores. Those brave enough can do the same if they like.

As promised, my times:

Drill - Run 1 - Run 2                                  


1 - 1.47  - 1.63

2  - 0.87 - 0.80

3 -  1.67

4 -  2.64 - 3.98

5 - 1.16 - 1.07

6 -  2.50 -  2.51

7  -  3.23 -  3.63

Total score 139: PASS
Time standards: FAILURE, drill 4. Total time 6.62 seconds.
Comment: Over by .12 seconds due to a malfunction on run 2.

Equipment used:

Pistol: S&W M&P 9mm
Holster: Safariland ALS belt holster carried strong side on the belt.
Mags: Carried in Raven Concealment double magazine holder
Concealment: Light Oakley casual jacket


Please post your results in a similar format, that way we can compare.

To the best of my knowledge it's the target pictured in my post. Remember that quals have evolved in the FAMS since the old days (by "evolved" I mean dumbed down somewhat) and the target you linked to may be what they use for the current qual.

I'd take a run at it... doubtful that I'd pass on runs 1-  ....  uhm ......  15ish.




Wait, can I use a .22?  


Please?

Two runs means you run that drill twice.



Getting a shot on target from the draw in < 1.65 seconds twice from concealment is certainly a challenge for a lot of folks. So is doing a ~ 2 second reload. The difficulty is ameliorated somewhat by the BAT....Big Ass Target.

Remember that after you shoot the first hostage the rest of them just become witnesses...so game on.

This is very interesting.  Tagging it for future range trips.

Keep in mind that back in the day the FAMS had to show up and shoot that qual cold before every international flight.

Somewhere on the premises of every international airport, at least.



I have that on the word of a guy who oversaw the FAMS handgun contract.

PACT Club Timer III here. One of the better timers on the market, used by most of the pro instructors I've trained with.

...so you'll post your scores, right?

Edit:

I've decided to change this and turn it into a challenge thread. The goal here is for people to be inspired to go out and try it in an effort to quantify where they are with handgun skills that would prove useful in a real life concealed carry scenario. Obviously this is going to be done on personal honor. My scores are somewhat different as they were recorded in front of a group of witnesses in a class centered around the concept of stress inoculation. Obviously it's best if you shoot this course of fire with a couple of other folks to keep it honest, but it's not absolutely necessary. Lying in the thread is nothing more than lying to yourself, which is ultimately just going to bite you in the end.