Used in: Police Qualification
Source: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police SWAT
Stage 9 is the final and most demanding stage — it repeats the Stage 8 format (draw, 2 standing, kneel + reload, 2 kneeling) but pushes the distance to 25 yards and doubles the volume with 2 repetitions. Eight rounds total, 12 seconds per rep.
At 25 yards, every technical flaw is magnified. The IPSC A-zone is roughly a 6-inch circle at this distance from the shooter’s perspective. A slight trigger jerk, a rushed sight picture, or an unstable kneeling platform will cost points. This is where the 90% qualification standard is hardest to maintain.
Stand facing a USPSA/IPSC target at 25 yards. Primary magazine loaded with 2 rounds. Spare magazines with 2+ rounds each. Pistol holstered. Timer set to 12 seconds per rep. Ensure clear space for kneeling.
IPSC scoring: A/B = 5, C = 4, D = 3. Max per rep: 20 pts. Stage total (2 reps): 40 pts. This stage carries 16% of the total qualification score.
At 25 yards, the kneeling position is your advantage — use it. Brace hard, let the sights settle, and accept a slower rate of fire for the kneeling shots. Standing shots require a rock-solid grip and trigger press.
Master Stage 8 at 15 yards first. Then push to 25 yards with no time limit. Only add the timer once you can keep 4/4 in the A-zone consistently. Goal: 36+ points (90%) on this stage alone.
Six steel plates, eight inches each, twenty inches apart. The competition steel benchmark — freestyle, strong hand, and weak hand…
Three large steps, two targets, two seconds. The benchmark for moving fire on open targets — and the wall between…
Six shots, cross a one-yard box, two more shots. The smallest movement drill in the standards, and the perfect test…