Training of cadets of departmental universities in executing the first shot as the foundation for successful mastering of pistol shooting techniques (based on the example of the VYUI FSIN of Russia)

Ovchinnikov Oleg Andreevich PhD in Pedagogy Deputy Head of the Department of Fire and Tactical Special Training; Vladimir Law Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia 67e Bolshaya Nizhegorodskaya str., Vladimir, Vladimir Region, 600020, Russia Salary25@yandex.ru Other publications by this author     Kaznacheev Valerii Aleksandrovich PhD in Psychology Associate Professor of the Department of Physical, Fire and Tactical Special Training; Samara Law Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia 443022, Russia, Samara region, Samara, Industrial district, 24B Rylskaya St. KaznacheevVA@mail.ru Zverev Andrei Vladimirovich PhD in Law Associate Professor of the Department of Theory of State and Law, International and European Law; Academy of Law and Management of the Federal Penitentiary Service 390000, Russia, Ryazan region, Ryazan, Sennaya str., 1 Zver_AV@mail.ru Bondarenko Viktor Anatol'evich Teacher; Department of Fire Training; Volgograd Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation 400075, Russia, Volgograd region, Volgograd, Dzerzhinsky district, Historichesky str., 130 ViktorBond1221@gmail.ru

Dudin Vladimir Sergeevich Senior lecturer; Department of Special Tactics and Fire Training; Ryazan Branch of the Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia named after V.Ya. Kikot 18 1st Krasnaya str., Ryazan, 390043, Russia, Ryazan Region DydinVS@yandex.ru

introduction

The training of cadets in departmental universities in pistol shooting begins with the study of: safety measures; tactical and technical characteristics of weapons; techniques and rules of shooting. Only after successfully mastering the theoretical part, cadets are allowed to practice techniques and methods of firing military weapons.

The relevance of the research topic is due to the fact that all actions related to the rules and techniques of using firearms are strictly regulated by the legislation of the Russian Federation and departmental legal acts. The lawful and effective use of firearms is the key to maintaining law and order, preserving the life and health of citizens. However, at present, it is not uncommon for problematic moments to arise in the transition from theoretical training to firearms shooting. As part of the training, cadets have difficulty applying the theoretical knowledge they have gained in practice, which is why their shooting is ineffective. Therefore, in the framework of the educational process in departmental universities, firearms training is of key importance.

In the process of learning the technique of pistol shooting, the teacher is faced with a number of typical mistakes made by trainees, for example:

- focus on showing the best result, not on doing everything right.;

- lack of knowledge of the order of actions on the firing line when performing a particular shooting exercise;

- fear of recoil or loud sound;

- focus not on the aiming device, but on the target;

- pressing the trigger sharply or processing it too slowly;

- excessive compression of the pistol grip (holding);

- tightness, stiffness of the upper shoulder girdle when aiming.

All these mistakes are quite common, and many cadets encounter one mistake or another at the initial stage of learning shooting techniques.

In this regard, the teacher at the initial stage of shooting training should: firstly, voice the possible causes and errors that occur when shooting; secondly, practice actions on the firing line with training weapons and blanks, in order to eliminate incorrect actions with weapons.

The process of learning the first shot has a great impact on the quality of shooting and its effectiveness, since, as part of the use of firearms, the average point of impact is formed in the area of the first shot, due to the fact that all elements of shooting techniques are performed automatically, at the level that they were studied and fixed. In this regard, when teaching shooting techniques, great attention should be paid to the elements of shooting (stance, grip, aiming, trigger handling), in particular their uniformity and correctness. Since it is not always possible to think about the correctness of actions in the process of shooting, as well as in conditions of increased stress, due to the fact that all exercises differ from each other and, in some cases, the shooter does not have time to think about his actions and all actions are performed automatically.

As noted by Melnichuk V.A., shooting correlates with such negative emotions as fear, excitement and anxiety, especially in its initial stages ^[7]. Therefore, psychological training is fundamental in the framework of shooting training.

Also in his article, R.V. Pakhomov concludes that when conducting classes in the discipline "Fire training", the teacher should model quasi-professional conditions that will contribute to the formation and development of knowledge, skills and abilities that affect the ability to further use firearms if necessary ^[9].

Moreover, in the conditions of official activity, if necessary, to use weapons in accordance with federal laws, laws and departmental regulations (hereinafter referred to as the NPA), this need is accompanied by a lack of time for high-quality aiming, smooth handling of the trigger, that is, for all those actions that create comfort for the shooter. So, in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, this NPA is Federal Law No. 3-FZ dated 07.02.2011 (as amended on 11/28/2025) "On the Police", and in the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, the Law of the Russian Federation dated 07/21/1993 No. 5473-I "On Institutions and bodies of the Penal System of the Russian Federation" acts. If it is necessary to use weapons, everything happens quickly, due to actions brought to automatism, psychological readiness. If one of the conditions does not meet the required level, the result can be tragic for both the employee and others.

The scientific novelty of the study is due to the need to train cadets to perform an effective first shot, since this skill is a key element in shooting training. In particular, thanks to this skill, the foundations are laid for the further development of shooting techniques and the formation of confidence among cadets. In the context of modern challenges and threats faced by employees, it is important not only to transfer theoretical knowledge, but also to develop practical skills.

The object of the study is the process of teaching cadets of departmental universities the technique of pistol shooting.

The subject of the research is methodological approaches and pedagogical aspects that contribute to the successful execution of the first pistol shot.

The purpose of the study is to identify and analyze the key aspects of cadets' preparation for the first shot, which serves as the basis for further development of shooting techniques.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In the course of the research, the authors conducted a pedagogical experiment on the basis of the Higher Educational Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, and also applied methods for summarizing the materials obtained.

THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY

The training of cadets of departmental universities, such as the Higher School of Economics of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, in pistol shooting is an important aspect of the training of future specialists working in law enforcement agencies, where skills in handling firearms are important. In this context, teachers should pay special attention to the first shot. It is important to understand that pistol shooting is not only a physical process, but also a psychological one, requiring cadets to have a high degree of concentration, confidence in their actions, and the ability to control their emotions under stress.

The pedagogical experiment was conducted on the basis of the Vladimir Law Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia. For the experiment, two study groups (control and experimental) of one year of enrollment were selected, numbering 22 cadets each, who are undergoing training in law enforcement. During the pedagogical experiment, classes in the academic discipline "fire training" were conducted in accordance with the discipline's work program. However, in the experimental group, as part of the training, each lesson began with practicing the technical elements of shooting (stance, grip, hold, aiming, processing), with a gradual reduction in the time required to complete actions and deliver the first shot, from the moment of the initial position to the reproduction of the shot at idle for a while.

The teachers in the experimental group: firstly, they practiced with each cadet the correctness of actions when handling weapons; secondly, after correctly formed actions from the trainees, they brought them to automatism, gradually reducing the time for their execution.

The psychological readiness of the cadets is of great importance in teaching shooting and the use of firearms. To this end, psychological training was conducted in the experimental group with cadets, in particular, the teachers clearly and intelligibly explained the mechanics of the interaction of all parts and mechanisms of the pistol, the features of the firing process, and the method of the "shot" game was used, which consisted of the following: at the first practical lesson, all cadets were informed that when they were With an unloaded weapon in a holster, the teacher can give the "fire" command at any time, in which case the cadets have 4 seconds to: draw a weapon; turn to the target, if necessary; aim; fire a blank shot.

This game was played under the following conditions:

- selectivity. That is, not at every training session, in order to distract cadets from this requirement.;

- surprise. The teacher would give a command, for example, in the middle of explaining a phenomenon;

- control. After each command, the teacher entered the results in the table.;

- commitment. The teacher built the system so that each cadet executed this command 5 times.

As a result, the cadets were evaluated as follows: 4-5 successful attempts – excellent; 3 successful attempts – good; 2 successful attempts – satisfactory; 1-0 successful attempts – unsatisfactory (Table 1).

Table 1

The results of the game "shot"

During the experiment, both groups paid attention to error analysis. The cadets were shown their mistakes, pointed out possible options for their commission and ways to eliminate them. The cadets were trained to analyze their actions before, on time, and after firing a shot, which allowed them to identify weaknesses in shooting techniques and work on correcting them.

At the beginning of the pedagogical experiment, the cadets of the two groups passed the current control (Table 2), namely, they completed the fifth shooting practice exercise (hereinafter referred to as the UUS) in accordance with the Order of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia dated 06/13/2023 No. 382 "On Approval of the Procedure for organizing training for positions in the penal system of the Russian Federation", which is characterized by the following indicators:

- the target is a waist figure (target No. 7), mounted at the height of the shooter's eye level, motionless;

- the firing range is 25 m.;

- number of rounds – 3;

- shooting time – 4 seconds for each shot;

- shooting position – standing;

- the exercise is considered completed if the shot is fired within the allotted time.;

- rating: excellent – three hits; good – two hits; satisfactory – one hit, otherwise;

The order of the exercise: at the command of the firing supervisor, the employee enters the firing line and equips the magazine with one cartridge, loads the weapon; after the employee reports on readiness to fire, the firing supervisor gives the command "Fire" and simultaneously turns on the stopwatch; the employee assumes a firing position, removes the pistol from the holster, turns off the safety, sends the cartridge into the chamber and fires a well-aimed shot at the target; after the time has elapsed, the firing leader gives the command "Stop". All actions are repeated until all cartridges are used up. It is allowed to equip three magazines with one cartridge each.

Table 2

Current control of cadets of the control and experimental groups

Based on the results of the current control:

- average score: control group – 3.2; experimental group – 3.1;

- 17 times the cadets of the control group and 20 times the cadets of the experimental group missed the time.

The pedagogical experiment lasted for 1 month and included 5 training sessions.

In the first lesson, the cadets repeated the material they had studied earlier (safety measures when handling weapons and ammunition, the material part of small arms), tested the elements of shooting techniques, the rules of the game "shot" were explained in the experimental group, and the cadets of both groups performed the current shooting of 5 UUS.

The second practical lesson was devoted to practicing actions on the firing line. The cadets of the groups practiced the manufacture, grip, aiming, breathing and trigger handling.

Further training sessions were aimed at practicing actions on the firing line, both at idle and with live ammunition. In particular, bringing all shooting actions to automatism, when performing the first shot, directly performing 5 UUS. At the beginning of each lesson, the cadets of both groups worked on practicing actions with firearms (reducing the time for manipulating a pistol from the moment it was removed from the holster to firing a shot). The experimental group used a game method.

At the end of the pedagogical experiment, the cadets of both groups completed the final firing of 5 UUS (Table 2).

Table 2

Final control of the cadets of the control and experimental groups

The results of the pedagogical experiment:

1. Average score: control group – 3.8; experimental group – 4.0;

2. 86% of the cadets in the control group and 100% of the cadets in the experimental group completed 5 UUS grades satisfactory and higher, in particular: 23% of the cadets in both groups – excellent; 32% of the control group and 55% of the experimental group – good; 32% of the control group and 36% of the experimental group – satisfactory;

3. 6 cadets of the control group did not meet the deadline.

Thus, it can be concluded that when teaching cadets the technique of performing the first shot, the use of methods such as practicing the correctness of actions and bringing them to automatism, as well as the use of a game form in classes like the game "shot" can help improve the quality of shooting, mastering the skills of the first shot and further improving the quality of shooting from a gun.

conclusion

In the course of the work, the peculiarities of training cadets of departmental universities, pedagogical aspects of training, practical stages of mastering shooting techniques, as well as an assessment of the effectiveness of training and an analysis of the experience of the Military Educational Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia were considered.

The specifics of training cadets of departmental universities in pistol shooting are determined by the specific requirements that are imposed on law enforcement officers. Each employee of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation passes monthly fire training tests in order to constantly practice actions with weapons. Therefore, during the training period, fire training classes should be aimed not only at mastering the technical aspects of shooting, but also at developing psychological stability, the ability to make decisions under stress and uncertainty. It is important that cadets understand that shooting is not only a physical action, but also an element of professional activity that requires high responsibility and accuracy ^[1].

The practical stages of mastering pistol shooting techniques should be clearly structured and logically consistent. Training should begin with theoretical foundations that will help cadets understand the mechanics of shooting, the operation of firearms and safety measures when handling weapons. Only after mastering the theoretical part can you move on to practical exercises. It is important that each stage of training is carefully planned and adapted to the level of training of cadets, which will avoid excesses and increase the effectiveness of training.

Thus, it can be concluded that training cadets of departmental universities to perform the first shot is an essential element of training specialists working in the field of law enforcement agencies. Successful mastery of pistol shooting techniques requires a comprehensive approach that includes both theoretical and practical training, as well as attention to the individual characteristics of each cadet. It is important that the training process is adapted to modern realities and requirements, which will allow us to train highly qualified specialists who are able to effectively perform their duties in real-life service.

The results of the conducted research emphasize the need for further improvement of cadet training methods in educational organizations of law enforcement agencies. The conducted research can serve to update the work programs of the disciplines and teaching materials on the disciplines of fire training. This will not only improve the level of training of cadets, but also ensure the safety of all participants in the shooting.

The article is published in its final version as approved following the last positive peer review recommending acceptance for publication. It incorporates revisions made by the author in response to prior negative peer review reports that did not recommend publication. All peer review reports, including initial negative reviews, are published in open access alongside the article. All versions of the author’s revisions are archived in the publisher’s repository and may be made available upon reasonable request in accordance with Elsevier’s editorial policies and applicable data availability requirements.
Read all reviews on this article