Course of Fire & Why It Matters

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) 3D Firearms Qualification is a rigorous test designed to measure a shooter’s proficiency with both rifle and handgun platforms. Using the B27 target, this course challenges participants with timed drills, movement under pressure, and transitions between weapons. Scoring is strict, requiring a minimum of 225 out of 250 points (90%) to qualify.

Firearms qualifications like this one are essential in law enforcement and professional security. They ensure that officers and operators maintain the skills necessary to accurately engage threats, manage stress under time limits, and transition safely between weapons.

Beyond tactical readiness, qualifications also set a standardized benchmark that agencies can use to uphold accountability, reduce liability, and promote safe handling practices.

That being said, our team at Medusa Targets is going to break down the TXDPS 3D Firearms Qualification.

Why Firearms Qualifications Are Important

You might think that firearms training is as simple as going to the range, hanging up your target, and letting lose. However, qualifications and challenges are largely important for improving proficiency for the following reasons:

• Accountability & Professional Standards: Agencies must confirm that personnel are competent with issued firearms. Qualification tests create measurable proof of proficiency.
• Real-World Readiness: Unlike static shooting, qualification courses simulate stress, movement, and weapon malfunctions to mimic real encounters.
• Safety Under Pressure: By incorporating time limits, transitions, and multiple shooting positions, shooters prove they can remain accurate while making fast decisions.
• Confidence & Skill Reinforcement: Regular qualifications help shooters maintain confidence in their weapon handling, which translates into better decision-making in the field.
• Legal & Liability Protection: In use-of-force incidents, documented proof of training and qualification is often critical in investigations and court proceedings.

TXDPS 3D Qualification Requirements

• Target: B27 silhouette target
• Maximum Score: 250 points
• Minimum Passing Score: 225 points (90%)
• Firearms & Setup

 

Rifle (Patrol Ready):

• 10 rounds loaded, plus one additional 10-round magazine (20 total)
• Appropriate sling required
• If an optic is mounted, shooters must also qualify with iron sights

Handgun (P320):

• 2 magazines, each with 15 rounds

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TXDPS 3D Course of Fire

Stage I – 50-Yard Line (22 Rounds)

• Rifle (10 rounds): From patrol ready, acquire rifle, choose standing/kneeling/prone, fire 10 rounds. (32 sec)
• Handgun (12 rounds): From holstered stance, draw and fire 12 rounds using various positions (standing, kneeling, prone, or barricade). (50 sec)

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Stage II – 50 to 25-Yard Line (7 Rounds)

• Sprint from 50 to 25 yards with rifle slung. Fire 2 rounds standing, 1 kneeling. (12 sec)
• Step left, fire 4 rounds standing with rifle. (10 sec)

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Stage III – 25 to 15-Yard Line (11 Rounds)

• Sprint with rifle slung to 15 yards, fire 3 rounds standing. (7 sec)
• Attempt rifle fire, transition to pistol, fire 8 rounds with an emergency reload while moving. (22 sec)

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Stage IV – 7-Yard Line (10 Rounds)

• Support-hand pistol fire (2 rounds): One-handed grip, support hand only. (3 sec)
• Strong-hand pistol fire (4 rounds): Transition from rifle to pistol, fire 4 rounds one-handed. (8 sec)
• Two-handed pistol fire (4 rounds): Transition from rifle to pistol, fire 4 rounds with a two-handed grip. (6 sec)

Wrap Up

The key takeaways from the TXDPS 3D Firearms Qualification highlight the importance of demonstrating accuracy, speed, and smooth weapon transitions under strict time constraints. With a demanding 90% passing requirement, only shooters who consistently maintain high levels of proficiency are able to qualify. Ultimately, firearms qualifications like the TXDPS 3D are not just about hitting a target—they serve as a vital measure of safety, accountability, and overall operational readiness.

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