AAR - Viking Tactics Street Fighter 25-27 JUL, Smithfield, NC-Pics Up!!!

[30 cal slut]

1) Shooter ready

2) Make car noises

3) Contact front.

[JMW2]

Kyle Lamb of Viking Tactics conducted his three day Street Fighter class 25-27
July 2009 at the Johnston County Community College Range outside of Smithfield,
NC.

Kyle is a former member of US Army Special Operations with extensive real world
experience. His insight into what works and what doesn't when it comes to fighting
with a carbine is invaluable. Assisting Kyle was Dan Brokos. Dan also has a Special
Operations background and is the co-star in the Viking Tactics videos on YouTube. (http://www.youtube.com/user/VikingTactics)
Making a special appearance, straight from West Point for a short term engagement
was Jimbo. He was Kyle's range monkey. Made sure the targets were squared away
which helped the class run smoothly. Lieutenants are good for something besides
land navigation?

The class was a mix of law enforcement, civilians and contractors. They came from
as far away as California, Arizona, Indiana, Alabama, Massachusetts, Connecticut
and New Jersey for this rare opportunity to attend an open enrollment Street
Fighter class.


Day 1
Kyle started with an quick introduction and safety briefing, then right into
zeroing/reconfirming zeros at 50 and 100 yards. A few drills were run from 100yds
and in, using prone, seated, kneeling and standing positions. The drills were
repeated using both strong side and support side. Kyle is a huge proponent of
being able to fight from either side and gives examples why it is beneficial.
Picking up where Carbine 1.5 left off, we moved on to review various shooting
positions from cover and then applied them while working around vehicles.


DAY 2
Warm up began with a series of carbine drill to reinforce driving the weapon from
target to target, watching your sights, and trigger control. We also warmed up
with pistols doing forward and lateral movement on steel. These warm ups led to
the afternoon's activities where we engaged targets from inside a vehicle, then
bailed out and used the vehicle for cover while engaging additional targets from
locations around the vehicle. The drills emphasized weapons manipulation, use of
cover/positions, strong/support side shooting and movement.

After class, Kyle had us over to the Viking Tactics HQ for an NC BBQ dinner. We
all got to pick out a free VTAC shirt, do some shopping, and just socialize away
from the range. It was a great way to end the day. Special thanks to Melynda,
Kyle's wife, and Tom from the office for having chow all set up when we got there,
and for putting up with us while we invaded their work space and fondled the
VTAC products.


DAY 3
We started by testing various pistol and rifle ammunition against different areas
of the vehicles (side front, side rear, tires, rims, roof supports and windshields)
to see how they performed. Another longer drill to help reinforce weapons
manipulation, use of cover/positions, strong/support side shooting and movement
was performed. It included fighting from inside a vehicle, bailing out, using the
vehicle for cover while engaging additional targets from locations around the
vehicle, shooting on the move, and finally engaging targets inside a vehicle. The
final drill was to develop familiarity with strong side only and support side only
shooting to simulate an injured arm. The Jersey boys stole the day with their
Starsky and Hutch impersonations by sliding across hoods and diving through
windows.


GUNS/AMMO
The only issues I saw were ammo related.
- Three popped primers ended up inside uppers.
- One case failed to extract. It was Wolf. The rim was ripped off.
- XM193 (I think. If someone remembers, please elaborate.)


SUMMARY
There are not many opportunities to shoot from inside, around or at vehicles
unless you are on the two-way range. The Street Fighter class gives you that
opportunity. Kyle draws from his experience and gives you tools to help you
fight effectively with your carbine and pistol in and around vehicles. He pushes
you beyond your comfort zone but always emphasizes accuracy and speed.
I would highly recommend the class to anyone in the law enforcement, military
or contracting professions.



You can get the book: http://www.vikingtactics.com/book.html
You can can watch the drills: http://www.youtube.com/user/VikingTactics
But there is no substitute for the real thing: http://www.vikingtactics.com/instruction.html

[GLOCKMASTER]

1) Shooter ready

2) Make car noises

3) Contact front.

Dude you can do better than that!!!!:p

[Heavy Metal]

Dude you can do better than that!!!!:p

You know he has just gotten plain lazy since the vet fixed him!:D

[GLOCKMASTER]

;)Still working on my version of the AAR. In the mean time here are a few pictures to enjoy.

Kyle getting things started with a range a briefing.
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0001-1.jpg

Kyle giving some one on one instruction.
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0029-1.jpg

Dan the MAN watching a student during a drill on TD1.
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0035.jpg

Dan still watching...
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0048.jpg

Kyle making a point with Dan watching to make sure he does it right.:D

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0175.jpg

A student getting on the gas.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0041.jpg

Shooting through the passenger side glass.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0186-1.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0196.jpg

A student shooting from within the vehicle. This was a new experience for a lot of people in the class.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0724.jpg

Smashing the rear passenger glass with a muzzle strike.
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0715.jpg

Rifle round through the windshield.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0605.jpg

Car noises....BEEP!!!!! Then he loses his mind and forgets his plan.:)

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0214.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0215.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0218.jpg

Getting some with the shorty.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0282-1.jpg

[GLOCKMASTER]

Where the heck is a Trooper when you need one.:D

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0777-1.jpg

Dinner at Viking Tactics Corporate Headquarters. It was very nice of them to provide dinner and some social time for the students away from the range.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0516-1.jpg


A few more pictures will be posted later.;)

[30 cal slut]

Dude you can do better than that!!!!:p

sure, after i grab a few hours of shut-eye. :p

hit the road at 6 p.m., went straight to my desk at work at 6:00 a.m. :o:o:o

more pics coming.

My takeaways from this class:

This class was unbelievable. One of the best training events I have ever attended (as a lowly civilian).

It's my understanding this was the first open enrollment of the class (at least on the East Coast)

1) VTAC Carbine 1.5 (or equivalent) really is foundational for this class...to the extent that you are using different shooting positions to work around barricades. Definitely not a class for noobs.

2) Bullets do funny and unpredictable things when they go through cars and glass. Some of what I've read ... such as that great article on Box o' Truth ... was consistent with what I observed, and some of it was a little different.

3) Much of what I previously understood about the car as cover ... was proven totally incorrect.

4) If you're in a compact car and you're in a real hurry trying to get out in full kit with a rifle (or if you are a fatass like me), it's very easy to snag yourself on something. It's also real hard to get into one. Ergo: if you're going to get into a gunfight around your car, make sure you drive a big honkin SUV.

5) If you have no choice but to shoot an M4 with one arm, you will feel every single ounce of your rifle's weight.

6) I did not realize you could fire a carbine with your thumb. I can't wait to get thrown off the range when I practice that again. :D

7) As with VTAC 1.5, this was a physically demanding class, and it was conducted in hot, humid weather. I'm still sore (esp. my legs).

8) SWAT guys live up to the stereotype. :D:D

9) Eat NC BBQ, and you won't fit into your plate carrier the next morning.

I'll repeat what one of the bona fide HSLD guys attending the class said:

"Great Training."



Thanks to Kyle, AI Dan, and Jeff and Jack for putting this class together. Very well organized, well-run class in a great facility.

.
.
.
.

[30 cal slut]

You know he has just gotten plain lazy since the vet fixed him!:D

I'm glad you called me when you did, dude. I was starting to nod off on the way back from this class.

[GLOCKMASTER]

More pictures.

Jersey cop getting some with the pistol. The Jersey guys were very GTG and were hard as woodpecker lips. They all wore their kit for the entire class.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0235.jpg

Shooter attempting to engage targets but forget to compensate for the sight height over bore issue. Look at the sideview mirror.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0386.jpg

Shooter engaging steel targets around the rear corner of the vehicle.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0402.jpg

Kyle showing one of the Jersey guys some love. I really think Kyle was wanting and actually enjoyed the lap dance.:D

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0432.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0433.jpg
http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0441.jpg

Jack shooting through the side of the vehicle with an AK.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0699.jpg

This rifle locked up due to a blown primer. We had several instances where blown primers locked up rifles. Even though this was not XM193 it struck again during this class from blown primers to primers failing to detonate.

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0762.jpg

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0766.jpg

[qualityhardware]

This class was the best one I have taken. Ever.

Everyone in the class was a good shooter. Several in the class were some serious dudes that shot serious. Ask them no questions, and they'd tell you no lies.

The instructors were beyond serious dudes. Kyle is a 10,000 year old Jedi and Dan is his 8,000 year old sidekick.

Kyle and Dan took the time anytime you asked to help you get something right. They were proactive and would stop you mid-drill to get you going in the right direction. They made sure that you learned. I have new wrinkles in my brain and will never think the same about shooting again.

Have some new drills to practice and need to make a fancy barricade for the home range.

Here are my takeaways:

If you are a couch potato, get in shape before a class like this. It was VERY physical. Lots of explosive movements, sprinting, transitioning to cover, etc. I'm a runner and strength train three times a week, and I am still sore in the legs and thighs. If you are doing Crossfit, P90X, plyometrics or are forced by people with credentials to PT often, you'll be GTG. If not, do squats, jumpies, mountain climbers and sprinting days for several weeks. You'll need it.

The prerequisites for the course are good ones. I have had several courses from other instructors that were great, but would have been a better shooter if I had VTAC Carbine 1.5 under my belt. Saving my pennies and watching the schedule for that one.

Support side shooting is awesome. Nothing to be afraid of. Kyle teaches you to embrace this and excel at it. Dinging a steel plate CONSISTENTLY at 100 yards in some weird situations and weird positions from support side will confirm it. Plan on using 50% of your body 50% of the time.

Your carbine is evil and must be punished. This class proves it.

Scream like Bruce Lee and smash a car window by ramming your carbine through it sometime. It gets a good laugh.

VTAC slings rule.

Shooting the tires out of a car is more fun in meatspace than in Grand Theft Auto - except you can't run over the hooker and get your money back.

Armed firefighters can shoot. Really.

If the bad guys are shooting at you with a 7.62x39 gun, get your ass behind some significant cover.

The open enrollment was greatly appreciated.

I echo 30calslut. Kyle, Dan, Jeff F. and Jack - I thank you. Outstanding work by all.

----PICS----

Even carbines need naptime
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3770125729_d803d39eb0_o.jpg

Strong side
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3770932000_ea7bcc4ffa_o.jpg

[Heavy Metal]

I though it was common knowledge that Adcom 98 ammo popped primers like popcorn?

If you guys have any of that stuff, pull the bullets and throw away the powder.

Demil it or shitcan it.



VTAC slings rule.

I wonder how many people who take classes from both Kyle and Larry switch slings between classes?

[30 cal slut]

Your carbine is evil and must be punished....

Scream like Bruce Lee and smash a car window by ramming your carbine through it sometime. It gets a good laugh.



Here is the video, courtesy of the slutty carbine cam.

Crank up the volume, dudes.

Clicky here ... carbine, meet car window. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NVvPCsV8t8&feature=player_profilepage)

.
.
.
.

[Gutshot John]

http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n355/STR8SHTER/StreetFighter/DSC_0433.jpg


So that's what an SBR is for. :p

[30 cal slut]

A student shooting from within the vehicle. This was a new experience for a lot of people in the class.

Indeed, it was for me.

Here are some very short snippets of video, one from the outside of the car, the other from the inside (carbine-mounted camera).

Jeff, please let me know if this is too much, I will remove if you think it is.

Clicky here: Shooting through windshield at target. Yes, I got my all my hits, thank you. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY4djWiVt_4&feature=player_profilepage)

Clicky here: Carbine cam POV...sorry audio's a little off (http://www.youtube.com/user/rottencrotch1#play/all/uploads-all/0/mx_NCO0S-00)

.
.
.
.

[30 cal slut]

hmm. fender bender. nothing a little M4 can't fix. ;)

interesting license plate, eh?

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f15/30calslut/TD3SetupDrill2.jpg

[30 cal slut]

I wonder how many people who take classes from both Kyle and Larry switch slings between classes?

LOL. Several folks were running LAV's slings in the class, myself included.

[GLOCKMASTER]

I wonder how many people who take classes from both Kyle and Larry switch slings between classes?

I don't know but there was a mixture of both and they both performed as expected..

Slings were not really discussed during the class, especially the part that ours is better because of this or that or the other is bad because of this or that. The important part is to have a good sling, know how to use it and know it's limitations.

[Boss Hogg]

Looks like a great class.

Bummer that Dan didn't wear his Crocs to the after-class BBQ.

[adh]

Even carbines need naptime
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3770125729_d803d39eb0_o.jpg



Sweet class photo

I really hope that Viking Tactics or some other quality carbine/pistol class(es) makes it's way down to San Antonio some time in the not too distant future.

[advracer]

Enjoyed shootin' with everybody....great class....couple centerfold shots......

[GLOCKMASTER]

Here is the video, courtesy of the slutty carbine cam.

Crank up the volume, dudes.

Clicky here ... carbine, meet car window. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NVvPCsV8t8&feature=player_profilepage)

.
.
.
.

Dude I think I saw a piece of finger meat lying on the backseat at the end of that video.:eek:

BTW.....that was a good verbal wind up......:D

[RogerinTPA]

Good stuff guys! I can't wait to take this course when Kyle cycles back through Florida.:cool:

[Heavy Metal]

I don't know but there was a mixture of both and they both performed as expected..

Slings were not really discussed during the class, especially the part that ours is better because of this or that or the other is bad because of this or that. The important part is to have a good sling, know how to use it and know it's limitations.

Sorry Jeff. I shoulda put a simley. That was more whimisical than serious:D

[30 cal slut]

Dude I think I saw a piece of finger meat lying on the backseat at the end of that video.:eek:

BTW.....that was a good verbal wind up......:D

nah, i took my finger meat home. it fell off at work. :D

that heat was something else, went straight to the part of my head that normally makes me put my gloves back on.

[redzonepsd]

This was my first training experience with Kyle and VTAC and it certainly won't be my last. I'd been looking forward to this one all year and it didn't disappoint. One of Kyle's greatest strengths as an instructor is that he draws from an incredible wealth of real-world experience, i.e. he and his buddies have shot a whole of bunch of bad guys and been shot at in the process. There's no substitute for that. Kyle's teaching style is first rate and there's no ego getting in the way of his ability to communicate with the students.

This class has taken my ability to fight with the carbine to a new level. As a patrol/SWAT guy the information I gained is invaluable to my job performance. The amount of time spent shooting support side is something I'd never done. Kyle ran some great drills that I'll take back to my department and use as an instructor.

Many thanks to Kyle, his AI Dan and our host, Jeff. Outstanding job by all.

Chris

[GLOCKMASTER]

Chris thanks for the kind comments. Jack and I strive to be good hosts so everyone can actually enjoy the class.

It was good to visit and shoot with you again also I look forward to training with you again in the near future.

Be safe!!

[redzonepsd]

Holy cow! Almost forgot about Jack, sorry Brother! Again, it was a great class and I can't wait to see you guys again in November for Night Fighter. Stay safe.

Chris

[Treehopr]

This was my first time training with Kyle Lamb and it was an excellent class. Many of the other students had previously taken the Viking Tactics Carbine 1.5 and all the students had completed courses from other well known instructors.

Round count for the class was less than advertised, I don't think I shot so much as 1,000 rounds of carbine for all 3 days. I didn't keep track of pistol ammo. Fortunately, many of the students are planning on coming back for the open enrollment Night Fighter class in November so they were able to leave the ammo for the next class.

We covered different shooting positions and Kyle explained the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Instead of just using barricades the class had 3 vehicles for us to shoot out of, in to and around which helped bridge the gap between square range training and reality.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb184/treehopr/VTAC%20Street%20Fighter/JunkyardProne.jpg
AI Dan watching over RedzonePSD shooting Junkyard Prone

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb184/treehopr/VTAC%20Street%20Fighter/KyleDemoKneeling.jpg

Kyle emphasizes that because of his background and experiences, everything he teaches has been validated in real world gunfights.

Because of that experience he also spends a lot of time teaching things that most students don't train enough such as shooting carbine one handed. He's had friends and team mates who've been shot and only had the use of their dominant or support hand to continue the fight.

As others have stated there was quite a bit of lecturing and demonstrations on the effects of different types of bullets on different parts of the car. Everything from the tires to the hood, to the C-pillars and glass were specifically shot to show the students what may happen once the bullets start flying.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb184/treehopr/VTAC%20Street%20Fighter/BulletSkipHood.jpg
Shooting a round off to "skip" on the hood in to the target

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb184/treehopr/VTAC%20Street%20Fighter/BulletSkipTarget.jpg
Kyle discussing shots on target.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb184/treehopr/VTAC%20Street%20Fighter/GlassEntry.jpg
View from inside of vehicle after being shot with single round.

Kyle places a strong emphasis on being able to make the best of your position so he has students go through various drills where they won't have an "easy" shot. On TD3 we shot our carbines strong hand only, to include a mandatory reload, the strong hand only included not just weapons manipulations but also things like opening the car door. Then we had to do it all again using support hand only.

His adherence to realism and thorough training also carries over to clearing malfunctions one handed. By running students through drills from inside the vehicle the class also gets a self correcting lesson on what type of gear works and what doesn't.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb184/treehopr/VTAC%20Street%20Fighter/RightSideBulletSkip.jpg

We did several drills with multiple targets at both longer ranges (steel)a nd shorter (cardboard) ranges using different types of targets.

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb184/treehopr/VTAC%20Street%20Fighter/VTACStreetFighter317.jpg
Kyle showing the S&W M&P VTAC with the new Troy Extreme Battlerail along with Troy BUIS and Troy composite VFG. Note also the Multicam VTAC 2 pt sling.

I look forward to training with Viking Tactics again in the future.

Thanks to Jeff and Jack for hosting, to Kyle and Dan for the excellent instruction and to Melynda for setting up the dinner and warehouse tour. Each student who attended the BBQ dinner also got a free VTAC t-shirt.

Thanks to 5.11 for the free schwag- each student also received a coupon code for 30% off of an order from 5.11.

[30 cal slut]

My round count for this class: 700 rounds 5.56 mm and 250 rounds 9mm

This compares with 1,100 rounds 5.56 and 10 rounds 9mm in last April's VTAC Carbine 1.5.

[CarlosDJackal]

My round count for this class: 700 rounds 5.56 mm and 250 rounds 9mm

This compares with 1,100 rounds 5.56 and 10 rounds 9mm in last April's VTAC Carbine 1.5.

Hey Ben,

Glad you guys had a good time. I wish I had been in that class with you guys but I had to play Soldier down in Arkansas. Are you planning on attending the "Night Fighter" course? I'm already signed up!! :D

[30 cal slut]

Hey Ben,

Glad you guys had a good time. I wish I had been in that class with you guys but I had to play Soldier down in Arkansas. Are you planning on attending the "Night Fighter" course? I'm already signed up!! :D

Carlos, it's my understanding that the Night Fighter class in November will include a few cars to shoot from and at. In the dark, too.

;)

[JMW2]

Carlos,
We really had to twist Ben's arm to convince him to come back in NOV for Night Fighter. Just don't let his wife know :D

[30 cal slut]

OPSEC dude! how do you know my wife ain't browsing this forum?

:eek:

[CarlosDJackal]

Tell her that you're going down to NC for an Asian-American Heritage Festival. For a price I'll give you my number so when she calls I can confirm that you're registered to attend. For an additional price I'll even state that you're the Keynote Speaker. :p

I'm really looking forward to November's class. :)

[Norone]

Hey Carlos!
That is too funny!
Wish I could have made that class too. Treehopr is a pal of mine and he said it was great.

[rob_s]

Good stuff guys! I can't wait to take this course when Kyle cycles back through Florida.:cool:

In talking with Irv a couple of weeks ago, I think it will be pistol in early 2010, carbine 1.5 in late 2010, and then hopefully a nightfighter/streetfighter/whatever-they-call-it in early 2011.

[GLB]

Great AAR, VTAC is on my short list for training. Do you know what model M&P pistol Kyle was using? Also it seems that he use a absolute co-wittness on his rifle, did he talk about that during the course? Thanks again for the AAR it was well done.

[GLOCKMASTER]

Great AAR, VTAC is on my short list for training. Do you know what model M&P pistol Kyle was using? Also it seems that he use a absolute co-wittness on his rifle, did he talk about that during the course? Thanks again for the AAR it was well done.

Kyle is shooting an M&P 9mm. He did not discuss co-withnessing or for that matter gear in general unless your gear failed you or got in the way. I suspect the reason why is this class is considered one of his advanced/specialty classes so he expects you to show up ready to shoot with gear that is proven and works.

FWIW...This was a very fast paced class from the first minute we stepped onto the range.