Vickers/Hackathorn Centennial 1911 Class AAR

[wilsoncombatrep]

Originally Posted by WAR1911

What a time for my first post here....I got to go to this class because my son saw the notice and said "dad we have to do this one",,,so I jumped on board for what was a really cool ride.

I would like to echo what the others said about the class overall...I have done other classes but this one was special on all fronts, histroy, two top instructors at once, the knowledge of Mr. John Miller and the inspiration of Colonel Tim....(the rest of us have no excuses...what a man, what an attitude).

A little aside to Bprice...when I was your age I couldn't begin to afford to travel, pay for class and ammo and hotels etc. to have even considered attending a class like this...but thanks for your service and keep the wind beneath your wings. All good things come to he who waits and acts.

As to malfunctions, I saw a few but the ones I saw were mostly ammo or operator error enduced. I ran a brand new Colt rail gun with a factory 6lb. trigger and less than 100 rounds through it before the class...my only malfunction was my first mag on day 2 when I didn't get the mag seated...other than that, I had no issues other than a really stiff trigger and timer shock.

The only drawback was the sudden loss of lights in the classroom on day 3...I guess the Wilson professionals didn't need as much illumination as the rest of us....(lol....and i have since changed my shorts)

Finally...thanks to everyone who attended....great group of people and a special thanks to Wilson for all of their contributions and to Ken's gun club guys who did a great job helping at the range, LAV who ground on my gun and showed me how to improve my trigger control...this was kind of a special treat for some of us regular citizen type people.

We don't need no stinkin lights! LOL Nice to meet you all!

[Mark71]

Grant thanks for the detailed AAR and great pics. I wish I was able to attend.

[wilsoncombatrep]

I don't know how fast you have to launch a recoil spring plug to make major, but a 18lb spring will definitely get it going fast enough to take out a light bulb

Guys, the WC group had a blast, and we were honored to be part of this special class! We always have an enlightening time with The LAV and "Uncle Ken". The class as a group was enthusiastic, and it always does your heart good to be around fellow shooters, especially 1911 lovers.

If you ever need motivation to enjoy everyday on the range, you simply need to watch "The Colonel" from his wheelchair, .... Without anyone helping with the chair. I'm talking full "EL Presidente" drills! Hat's off to you Colonel!

I'm still traveling, and will get more up soon....BTW, it was great to finally meet you Grant!

[YVK]

Can anybody tell an approximate round count?

[WAR1911]

somewhere in the 425 area

[CommackBoy]

Awesome

[C4IGrant]

Originally Posted by YVK

Can anybody tell an approximate round count?

400-500 I think.

C4

[stony275]

This truly was a once in a lifetime event and I'm really glad I carved out the time to attend. As a VSM I've taken a number of Ken and Larry's courses, but there is always something to be learned. There is something about the synergy of Ken and Larry together that really adds to a class.

It was intersting to hear some of the students who have had classes from other instructors comment about how some of what they were taught was new to them. This is one of the many reasons why I'm a huge advocate of the Vickers Shooting Method and of Ken and "The LAV" as instructors.

Getting to meet John Miller after hearing Larry mention numerous times the "Miller Hard Fit Method" for fitting a 1911 barrel was an honor.

It was truly humbling to meet LTC Tim (I'll leave out his last name). Talk about keeping a positive attitude.

Finally, a sincere thanks to the Wilson Combat crew.

[Johnny Rico]

Sounds awesome! Thanks for the detailed write-up. Too bad the California class is already filled up.

How helpful/valuable do you consider the 3rd day of instruction? Like you I choose to run a 1911 (Les Baer Concept II). And while I think I am proficient with it, I do wish I knew more about its inner workings. John Jardine offers a class every few months that covers material similar to the 3rd day of the LAV/Hackathorn Centennial offering. I'm thinking of taking it and then following up with Yavapai Firearms Academy (Louis Awerbuck) handgun course.

I do want to take a couple of classes with LAV, especially the 1911 operator and carbine courses. The problem is that I have to stay local for the foreseeable future as I have a young family. Thankfully there are good training options in the area (at least for pistols).

[C4IGrant]

Originally Posted by Johnny Rico

Sounds awesome! Thanks for the detailed write-up. Too bad the California class is already filled up.

How helpful/valuable do you consider the 3rd day of instruction? Like you I choose to run a 1911 (Les Baer Concept II). And while I think I am proficient with it, I do wish I knew more about its inner workings. John Jardine offers a class every few months that covers material similar to the 3rd day of the LAV/Hackathorn Centennial offering. I'm thinking of taking it and then following up with Yavapai Firearms Academy (Louis Awerbuck) handgun course.

I do want to take a couple of classes with LAV, especially the 1911 operator and carbine courses. The problem is that I have to stay local for the foreseeable future as I have a young family. Thankfully there are good training options in the area (at least for pistols).

Get in on the wait list for the CA class as there is usually someone that backs out at the last minute.

Day 3 was worth it X 10 if you really want to know about how your 1911 goes together.


C4

[eternal24k]

this looks like a fantastic class. Thanks for the writeup. A 1911 class is a must on my list

[wilsoncombatrep]

LAV is famous for saying that "if you treat your fighting handgun like you treat your Lawnmower, get a Glock(not a 1911)". If you aren't comfortable with all the details of really maintaining(including detail stripping) and trouble shooting your 1911, day 3 is vitally important....don't miss it

[VA_Dinger]

Originally Posted by wilsoncombatrep

LAV is famous for saying that "if you treat your fighting handgun like you treat your Lawnmower, get a Glock(not a 1911)". If you are comfortable with all the details of really maintaining(including detail stripping) and trouble shooting your 1911, day 3 is vitally important....don't miss it

I could not agree more.

[bprice01]

Dave running his Vickers pistol in the shoot house



My Springfield Armory Mil-Spec

Ken doing some filing on my frame

[bprice01]

Dozier Drill

[Odglock]

I learned a lot from the class. I'm a glock guy but I am learning to appreciate the 1911 more and more. My Wilson cqb makes it easy. That gun is flawless. Thanks to Larry Ken Bill, Joe, Stoney and everyone else for making this class a huge success.

[seanmac45]

Hello;

Just wanted to thank everyone involved in this class. It was a fun time and a truly exceptional opportunity for the 1911 aficionado. Larry and Ken were generous with their knowledge and pistol collections. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience and can definitely bring out the best in a shooters' capabilities. The skill levels displayed by the shooters in the group were impressive, and humbling.

I was absolutely bowled over by the incredible support offered the students by Wilson Combat. From their comprehensive goody bags to their willingness to help others with product testing and gunsmithing, they were exceptional sponsors. Getting to know the people behind the company was a real treat and engendered customer loyalty for sure. It is obvious when someone takes pride in their product as these people do.

Thanks also for the pictures being shared, I brought my camera and didn't take a single pic. Shooting, stuffing mags, listening to lectures and hydrating took all of my time. If anyone is willing to share picture files just let me know.

Best Regards,

Sean McMahon