The Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission, or the MPOETC, is the organization in Pennsylvania that creates and oversees the training required for law enforcement in Pennsylvania. This includes the firearms quals the police must pass. I’ve looked at tons of police officer qualification shoots, and the MPOETC always stands out as having the best firearm quals out there. Their handgun, rifle, and shotgun quals are tough to beat.
With that in mind, why don’t I share the MPOETC quals I love so much with you? You might not be a police officer, but the quals present you with a unique training opportunity. If you want to go to the range with a plan, these quals provide you with several types of drills and challenges that will spice up your training routine. As far as police quals go, these can be a real challenge and are worth a spin.
The MPOETC Daylight Patrol Rifle Qual
The MPOETC Patrol rifle qual is more or less designed around an AR-15. It’s the most common patrol rifle. However, you can get away with using any of the semi-auto rifles with a detachable magazine. You’ll need at least two magazines and 50 rounds of ammo. A shot timer is also required because each qual has a time limit and accuracy standard.
The range goes out to 100 yards, so you’ll need at least that much range. Part of the qual involves an instructor yelling headshot, so if you have a friend, they can help make the qual all the better.
The MPOETC Shotgun Qual
Most police shotgun quals are at the bottom of the barrel. The MPOETC stands out as one of the best. It involves both slugs and buckshot phases. The qual requires a repeating shotgun, be it a pump or semi-auto. Shooters will need five slugs and eight rounds of 00 buckshot.
You’ll need up to 50 yards of range and a barricade to use as cover. Pay close attention to the condition of the shotgun during a stage.
The MPOETC Handgun Qual
The handgun qual is probably the most relevant for most people. It’s designed for a duty rig and gun, but why not shoot it concealed for more of a challenge? The qual requires a handgun, two magazines, and sixty rounds of ammunition. You’ll need something to act as cover as well. The qual goes as far as 25 yards, so you’ll break out of that seven-yard mindset. Don’t forget a holster and shot timer.
Why Are These Quals So Good?
First, they challenge real-world firearm handling skills. They make use of cover, range beyond the norm, and challenge the shooter in a variety of ways. They have tight times and good accuracy standards. They all use the TQ-21 target, but you can obviously use your own and make it work. These are not checking a box quals like the State of Texas’ shotgun qual. These will be challenging, and if it’s challenging, it’s fun. These quals will help you build skills shoot straighter and faster at the same time.
What’s not to love?
