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Thread: Weekly/Bi-weekly lessons learned

  1. #21
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
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    Sorry about the hiatus, I was a bit turned off of forums in general due to some various events and a change of employers kept me busy.

    Anyways, I'm back and hopefully have things to contribute or at least spur some ideas.

    My latest thought: How many of us are "fair weather" field folks?
    When's the last time you tried to use your gear or shoot in foul weather?
    What made me think of this is running some drills at a buddy's house the other weekend. We ran carbines, pistols, and I test drove some new mods to a scattergun. Oh yeah, it was -2 F according to the Kestral.
    Things to consider:
    How does your weapon/lube combo act at freezing temps?
    Did your zero change?
    How does your weapon fit with multiple layers (wicking/warming/weather)?
    Do you have manipulation issues with gloves?
    Do your optics have issues in rain or in freezing temps?
    Did you remember to keep back up batteries close to your body to stay warm?

    This is only the tip of the iceberg. There's all sorts of variables with gear and clothing. Plastics snapping, metal on skin contact, etc.

    Even those of you farther south than I experience temps that tip below the freezing mark. I encourage you to make a point to get out to an outdoor range on those days. You may learn a thing or two about you and your gear...and at the very least, you'll avoid the crowds.

    Don't forget the cold (or heat) when it comes to survival items. We don't have the opportunity to choose the weather when things go sour.

  2. #22
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    The Socialist Utopia of CA
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    Here's a basic: Know your equipment ... obviously, right? Well, sometimes the most obvious things are the easiest to overlook.
    1st case in point: I went packing with my brother a couple of years ago, he brought his new tent but neglected to run even one setup drill before hitting the trail. He spent 4X as long as he should have to get it pitched, (along with slinging a barrel load of profanities).
    2nd case in point: When my CCW class started, two of the students had yet to fire a single round through the sidearms that they had brought to qualify with, they hadn't even read the operators manual! So the class had to wait while they were given instruction on how their weapons functioned; and they never did seem very comfortable with them.
    Bottom line: Being familiar with one's equipment is essential to be able to operate it properly and efficiently. Without practice the potential for frustration, failure and injury is greatly increased.
    If you like your Constitution you can keep your Constitution; if you like your guns you can keep your guns, period.

  3. #23
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
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    Somewhere in the Sierras
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    Sanitation and cleanliness. Insects.

    Those three things will cause a lot of grief if not proply cared for.

    Your hands are in bacteria, fungi and microbial pests all day long.

    I recall one buddy who got worms from eating a MRE with dirty hands. Turns out the bugs were under his fingernails.

  4. #24
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    Yuma County, AZ
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    Lesson learned

    Situation: Bug-out test with pack and weapons

    Narrative: I tested my bug-out bag and weapons on a little 6 mile hike in the desert as a test run. Wanted to see if I could handle the weight, see what I would and would not use, and see if my rifle and pistol setup was good.

    Lesson learned: I learned to move things I used or most likely would use close to the top or outside of the pack for quicker and easier access (sun block, bug spray, compass, etc). I moved my AFG2 closer to the magazine on my rifle because hiking with it all the way out was uncomfortable and hurt my arm. Full extension is good when you are doing operator-style cqb all of the time, but sucks when you actually hike/hunt with the rifle. Had to lock-tight my screws on my holster as the bouncing around loosened them.

    Overall: Exercise your gear. Fire your weapons to confirm zero and setup. If it is bug-out gear, bug-out! (for a short duration) to test it. This all also determines your over-all fitness and determines if the food you stuffed in your pack will actually sustain you for a full day, or 3 days, of actual bug-out movement.

  5. #25
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grayling14 View Post
    Here's a basic: Know your equipment ... obviously, right? Well, sometimes the most obvious things are the easiest to overlook.
    1st case in point: I went packing with my brother a couple of years ago, he brought his new tent but neglected to run even one setup drill before hitting the trail. He spent 4X as long as he should have to get it pitched, (along with slinging a barrel load of profanities).
    2nd case in point: When my CCW class started, two of the students had yet to fire a single round through the sidearms that they had brought to qualify with, they hadn't even read the operators manual! So the class had to wait while they were given instruction on how their weapons functioned; and they never did seem very comfortable with them.
    Bottom line: Being familiar with one's equipment is essential to be able to operate it properly and efficiently. Without practice the potential for frustration, failure and injury is greatly increased.
    My first live fire ccw class was a train wreck. Several people had never fired their weapons. They couldnt hit a target at 3yards. Instructor told us to empty our weapons, so to me that meant drop the mag and clear the chamber. Simple, right? WRONG!! The lady next to me, she decided it meant to empty it rapid fire into her target, and miss it of course. We all just stood there and stared in awe.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  6. #26
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
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    The Sticks, TN
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    Quote Originally Posted by ubet View Post
    My first live fire ccw class was a train wreck. Several people had never fired their weapons. They couldnt hit a target at 3yards. Instructor told us to empty our weapons, so to me that meant drop the mag and clear the chamber. Simple, right? WRONG!! The lady next to me, she decided it meant to empty it rapid fire into her target, and miss it of course. We all just stood there and stared in awe.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    I'd like to say that's a surprise, but it really isn't. But hey, at least she is getting some training.
    Philippians 2:10-11

    To argue with a person who renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead. ~ Thomas Paine

    “The greatest conspiracy theory is the notion that your government cares about you”- unknown.

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