mathematician
10-25-12, 22:35
The class began with the appropriate safety instructions and proper loading procedures. Next came the process of zeroing the weapons. Beginning at 25 yards and confirming at 100 yards. This was accomplished rather quickly as all students appeared to have zeroed prior to class. Always a time saver! Next came a four string exercise which involved 10 rounds at 100 yards in 60 seconds, 10 rounds at 75 yards sitting in 45 seconds, 10 rounds at 50 yards kneeling in 30 seconds, 10 rounds at 25 yards standing in 15 seconds. Throughout this exercise Stony emphasized the importance of the combat triad which includes markmanship, proper weapon manipulation and mindset. Needless to say it proved to be a difficult task hitting the black with the right amount of rounds in the right amount of time while also considering hold-overs (previously obtained at 15 yards). Accordingly students spent some time focusing on developing a natural point of aim. Stony examined each student's performance for each string fired. He was able to point out opportunities for improvement and issues to avoid. He has great technique for making corrections and speaks directly to the point while not overwhelming the student. As Stony pointed out, it is not going to help if he sugar coats the critique.
By now it was lunch which was provided by the staff at Rocky Creek Ranch. A great group of guys headed up by Chris. If you get a chance to venture into the Florida countryside, don't miss checking out Rocky Creek Ranch.
After lunch Stony stressed the importance of maintaining 360 degree awareness. All too often students focus on targets downrange but forget that we live in a 360 degree environment. To stress the importance of maintaining 360 degree awareness, Stony led us through a series of drills which included proper search and assessment. This was very interesting as some students had different ideas on when to take the finger off the trigger and when to place the weapon on safe. Stony was quite clear on stating that while on target then finger is on the trigger. When off the target, finger off the trigger. Sounds simple but sometimes old training scars showed up. Students were also drilled in proper reloads and maintaining awareness of when to reload. This was practiced several times to ensure it was done correctly and could become second nature.
Stony spent considerable time talking to each individual student about methods to improve their shooting. He offered tips and training exercises. By the end of the day the students had done fairly well. Stony had a bit of an extra treat. Plastic bottles once holding drinking water, now holding Tannerite, suddenly appeared placed in strategic places. They each had an orange sticker for aiming purposes. Stony then asked the students various questions about the history of weapons. The student who answered correctly got to take aim at the bottles. Needless to say it was a blast........literally!!
After training in the field, Stony led the class in takedown and cleaning of our weapons. He broke the components down and talked about their function. A lot of knowledge was imparted.
With all the interesting discussion and training, it is hard to envision a better basic class. Given Stony's personal experience, training, and being hand picked by Larry Vickers to teach, one could not ask for a better instructor. A big guy with a big smile and an eye for detail who will tell you straight up how to improve your shooting skills.
A final note and thank you goes out to Blue Force Gear, Daniel Defense, and Bravo Company who provided a generous amount of swag. Everything from mouse pads, to stickers, to patches and hats were included. MPro7 was also included and was truly appreciated by all. Thanks to all who took part in providing a terrific class and Dave for the pictures!!
By now it was lunch which was provided by the staff at Rocky Creek Ranch. A great group of guys headed up by Chris. If you get a chance to venture into the Florida countryside, don't miss checking out Rocky Creek Ranch.
After lunch Stony stressed the importance of maintaining 360 degree awareness. All too often students focus on targets downrange but forget that we live in a 360 degree environment. To stress the importance of maintaining 360 degree awareness, Stony led us through a series of drills which included proper search and assessment. This was very interesting as some students had different ideas on when to take the finger off the trigger and when to place the weapon on safe. Stony was quite clear on stating that while on target then finger is on the trigger. When off the target, finger off the trigger. Sounds simple but sometimes old training scars showed up. Students were also drilled in proper reloads and maintaining awareness of when to reload. This was practiced several times to ensure it was done correctly and could become second nature.
Stony spent considerable time talking to each individual student about methods to improve their shooting. He offered tips and training exercises. By the end of the day the students had done fairly well. Stony had a bit of an extra treat. Plastic bottles once holding drinking water, now holding Tannerite, suddenly appeared placed in strategic places. They each had an orange sticker for aiming purposes. Stony then asked the students various questions about the history of weapons. The student who answered correctly got to take aim at the bottles. Needless to say it was a blast........literally!!
After training in the field, Stony led the class in takedown and cleaning of our weapons. He broke the components down and talked about their function. A lot of knowledge was imparted.
With all the interesting discussion and training, it is hard to envision a better basic class. Given Stony's personal experience, training, and being hand picked by Larry Vickers to teach, one could not ask for a better instructor. A big guy with a big smile and an eye for detail who will tell you straight up how to improve your shooting skills.
A final note and thank you goes out to Blue Force Gear, Daniel Defense, and Bravo Company who provided a generous amount of swag. Everything from mouse pads, to stickers, to patches and hats were included. MPro7 was also included and was truly appreciated by all. Thanks to all who took part in providing a terrific class and Dave for the pictures!!