Pistol Mounted Optics Instructor Certification and Development Course – $600

Time: 8:00 AM – ~5:00 PM daily

Course Length: 24 hours | 3 days

Level: Instructor Development

Course Overview

The Pistol Mounted Optics Instructor Certification and Development Course is a 24-hour, three-day program open to both law enforcement and civilian instructors who want to sharpen their own pistol-mounted optics — commonly known as red dot — skills and expand their ability to teach and evaluate red dot use. Candidates will leave with the technical knowledge, coaching framework, and qualification credential to deliver competent PMO instruction — and with a meaningfully improved personal skill set.

Day 1 covers red dot fundamentals and zeroing. Day 2 is intensive range work: trigger mechanics, presentation, recoil management, shot calling, and visual confirmation levels. Day 3 completes the framework with degraded and failed optic response, follow-through, instructor-led drill blocks, and the live fire qualification, scored by hit factor.

This course is Missouri POST approved. Candidates who meet the continuous observation standard across all three days and pass the live fire qualification will receive a Missouri POST certified PMO Instructor certificate.

Topics Covered

Red dot (PMO) operational benefits, limitations, and purchasing considerations for agency procurement
Optic mounting, torque specifications, co-witnessing configurations, and maintenance protocols
Addressing common apprehensions regarding red dot adoption
Zeroing standards and administration — zero and 25-yard confirmation
Recoil management — reading the dot as a grip diagnostic instrument
Shot calling — maintaining visual presence through the firing cycle
Visual confirmation and trigger input — three-level framework matched to target difficulty
Presentation mechanics — working the draw backwards as a corrective coaching progression for shooters who struggle to find the dot consistently
Degraded and failed optic response — what to do when the red dot is compromised
Follow-through and transitions
Instructor preferred drills — speed and accuracy, diagnostics, manipulation, and timed standards
Live fire qualification — scored by hit factor

Who Should Attend

This course is best suited for candidates who:

Are current firearms (pistol) instructors — law enforcement or civilian — looking to better their shooting and teaching
Work within or support a department actively transitioning from iron sights to red dots, or preparing to do so
Can demonstrate safe, professional firearm handling on a live fire range
Are prepared to function as both a shooter and a coaching partner throughout the course

This is not an introductory course. Candidates are expected to arrive with solid pistol fundamentals and professional experience on a range. No prior red dot experience is required.

Required Equipment

Bring the following items to participate:

Duty or training pistol with a properly mounted, zeroed red dot (pistol-mounted optic) in working condition
Holster — OWB strong side, or IWB/appendix per the Drawing from Concealment Addendum requirements. Holster must:

Be rigid and non-collapsible
Properly fit your specific firearm
Maintain its shape when the firearm is removed
Allow re-holstering with the strong hand only
Be securely mounted to a quality belt system that prevents shifting during the draw

Quality gun belt
Minimum of 4 magazines with the ability to carry 60 rounds on your person at all times
800 rounds of handgun ammunition
Eye and ear protection
Closed-toe shoes or boots

Optional but Recommended

Backup pistol with compatible red dot
Notebook and pen for notes and drills
Small toolkit for gear maintenance or optic inspection

Safety Protocols

Do not handle or unholster your firearm unless directed by an instructor
Firearms must arrive holstered or secured in a closed gear bag
Muzzle and trigger finger discipline are non-negotiable throughout all range activity
All candidates are expected to function as safety officers for the duration of the course
Unsafe behavior will result in immediate dismissal with no refund or future course eligibility

Bring This Course to Your Range

Law enforcement agencies and training facilities interested in hosting the Pistol Mounted Optics Instructor Certification and Development Course at their own range are encouraged to reach out. We will work with you to schedule and deliver the full course at your location. Contact us at Training@therangestl.com or 636.220.1300 to start the conversation.

Mindset Matters

Come ready to work. This course demands focus, self-honesty, and professional engagement across all three days. Candidates who treat the coaching role as seriously as the shooting role will get the most out of this program — and will leave better equipped to develop the shooters they train.