NLEFIA - Variable Power Optics for Patrol Rifles

ADVANCING THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF PROFESSIONAL FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS

"Excellent overview of crucial skills and concepts officers need to learn when employing a VPO in police applications, especially if they do not have experience with using magnification. The discussion about policy and program design considerations was also instrumental in getting my agency’s VPO program approved by our executive administration and up and running in short order."- Lance W, AZ

More reviews below...

Variable Power Optics (VPO) for Patrol Rifles

$400

Magnified optics in police work have traditionally been reserved for precision rifle and sniper programs. However, variable power optics, commonly known as Low Power Variable Optics (LVPOs), are increasingly being adopted in agency patrol rifle programs across the nation. These programs are similar to military Designated Marksman (DM) programs, though there are some key differences. Lower power optics allow for close-range engagements, akin to most red dot or unmagnified optics, while also providing the capability to increase magnification for precision shots, long-distance shooting, and intelligence gathering.

This 2-day, 16-hour instructor development course is designed to equip firearms instructors with technical knowledge related to variable power optics, mounting options, and backup iron sight (BUIS) considerations. The course will also cover training methodologies, potential training scars, and policy considerations. The foundation of this course is based on the experience of several large agency patrol rifle programs, which collectively have nearly twenty years of expertise with variable power optics.

This course is approved by the NRA LE Division for 16 hours of continuing education credit.

Pre-requisite: A law enforcement Rifle Instructor certification from a reputable organization.

Topics include:

VPOs for patrol rifles vs. a dedicated marksman (DM) program
VPO nomenclature and features
Best features for duty use
Mounting options and considerations
BUIS considerations
Response to optic failure
Avoiding training scars associated with VPOs
Policy considerations
Using VPOs like a red dot optic (both eyes open)
Using VPOs for precision and distance shooting
Using VPOs for intelligence gathering

Student Required Equipment:

Patrol rifle with VPO, tactical sling, and magazines
VPO must have 1x power minimum
250 rounds of duty rifle ammo (match grade)
250 rounds of practice rifle rounds
Pistol with two mags and holster
50 rounds of pistol ammo
Binos or spotting scope
Hat with a brim
Eye & ear protection
Knee & elbow pads or shooting mat
Weather appropriate gear
Hydration fluids and snacks

Hosting Requirements:

Classroom (for 16-20 people) with projector & white screen or monitor
200 yard range minimum / 300 yard range maximum
Eight (8) portable target stands
Five silhouette style rifle grade steel targets (AR500 / AR550)
Two portable barricades / cover stands (VTAC style preferred, must be able to shoot braced)
Traffic or sport cones (8-10)

Organizations hosting this course will receive a minimum of two (2) FREE spots in the course. Organizations interested in hosting a course should contact us at training@nlefia.org

"The VPO instructor development course was excellent, as is all the training I have attended with NLEFIA. The instructors were extremely knowledgeable and very well versed in the use and real world application of the VPO. The range training was concise and very well ran. The course gives the instructor first hand experience with the VPO. The pros and cons of the system, proper set up, and how to approach training in its use and application." - Dave S, CO

"VPO for Patrol Rifles is an excellent course for development of your LVPO program. The program was developed around the "KISS" principle and relates optic use to what the end user needs versus complicating things with endless details that won't be retained." - Steve L, AZ

"This was a great class, just enough shooting, just enough instruction, and a great amount of knowledge to hold onto. It was my first NLEFIA class and it was very well put together. Thank you to all the instructors." - Paul G, CO

"For a strictly iron sight platform shooter (zero optics) the instruction was easy to follow and added to my knowledge base to bring what I learned to confidently instruct the department. Well worth the price of admission!" - Thomas G, AZ

Phone: 800-930-2953

Email: office@nlefia.org

Mailing Address:

Box 17063

Tucson, AZ 85731

Hours of Operation: (AZ time)

Monday - Friday | 9am - 4pm

Closed: Weekends & Holidays