Pistol Qualification Course (M9/M18)
Navy service members qualify with the M9 (and increasingly the M18) pistol under the Small Arms Training and Qualification program (OPNAVINST 3591.1 series), engaging E-type silhouettes at handgun distances from standing, kneeling, and barricade positions under time pressure.
Military (representative)
30 rounds
~70% minimum (representative)
Read this first
Representative structure based on the general publicly known shape of Navy small arms qualification (OPNAVINST 3591.1 series). Exact strings, timing, and scoring are set by current Navy standards and revised periodically — confirm with your command before a record attempt.
Course of Fire
| Distance | Rounds | Position | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 yd | 6 | Standing, two-hand | 10 sec (3 x 2-rd strings) | Close-range baseline |
| 7 yd | 8 | Standing / kneeling | 20 sec | |
| 15 yd | 8 | Barricade, strong & support hand | 30 sec | |
| 25 yd | 8 | Barricade, kneeling, slow fire | 60 sec | Longest distance, precision |
Scoring Tiers
| Tier | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Expert | 90-100% |
| Sharpshooter | 80-89% |
| Marksman | 70-79% |
| Unqualified | Below 70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many rounds are fired in the U.S. Navy Pistol Qualification Course (M9/M18)?
- This course of fire totals 30 rounds across 4 stages, fired at 3 yd, 7 yd, 15 yd, 25 yd.
- What score do you need to pass the U.S. Navy Pistol Qualification Course (M9/M18)?
- The minimum passing standard is ~70% minimum (representative). Higher hit percentages earn higher classifications: Expert (90-100%); Sharpshooter (80-89%); Marksman (70-79%); Unqualified (Below 70%).
- Is this the official course of fire?
- Representative structure based on the general publicly known shape of Navy small arms qualification (OPNAVINST 3591.1 series). Exact strings, timing, and scoring are set by current Navy standards and revised periodically — confirm with your command before a record attempt.
Practice toward this standard
Log shot groups, check your stance, track drills, and print practice targets built for qualification-style scoring — free in the Range Coach app.
Open Range Coach Printable Targets