#303 The Truth About Cop Firearms Training: Myths, Failures, and Real Stories

Guns Podcast US

In this episode, Brent Wheat and Roy Huntington bust one of the biggest myths about law enforcement: that every police officer is a firearms expert.

Drawing from decades of service as cops, trainers, and gun writers, they pull back the curtain on the reality of police firearms proficiency — or the lack thereof. From shocking stories of rusted-in revolvers and mismatched ammo to the harsh truth about agency qualification standards, they reveal why most officers fall far short of public expectations. And more importantly, they explain what this means for concealed carriers, why complacency is so dangerous, and how regular, disciplined training — not a badge — defines true firearms expertise.

Key Takeaways

• The Big Myth: The public assumes cops are gun experts, but most only meet the bare minimum standards. • 10-80-10 Rule: About 10% of officers are experts, 80% do the minimum, and 10% should not carry at all. • Agency Reality: With 15,000+ mostly small agencies nationwide, qualifications are often just 25 rounds once or twice a year. • Horror Stories: Real cases include a revolver rusted into its holster, a “one-shot” SWAT 1911, and a detective’s revolver loaded with random desk-drawer ammo. • Complacency Kills: Shooting is a perishable skill—both officers and armed citizens must avoid complacency and train consistently. • Dry Fire Works: Tools like Mantis X10 make home practice effective for maintaining fundamentals. • Personal Responsibility: Unlike officers, private citizens can’t fall back on minimum standards—your life depends on your training.

EPISODE SPONSOR

The Guns Podcast is presented by Ruger Firearms. Ruger has been trusted for generations to deliver rugged, reliable firearms built in America. From hunting rifles to everyday carry handguns, Ruger sets the standard for durability and performance. Explore the full lineup and discover what makes Ruger a name shooters trust at Ruger.com.

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