andy t
08-03-09, 00:09
I decided to take a rifle course this year. Based on my good experience at Sig Sauer Academy in Epping, NH, I decided to take their two day Defensive Rifle class on July 18-19 2009.
Unfortunately, this turned out to be a mixed experience.
I arrived on Saturday morning to find 12 other people in the classroom in addition to our two instructors. Our main instructor Scott R. has experience as SRT team member and assistant
team leader and is a full time firearms and tactics instructor for his PD.
The course consisted of a variety of people. There was a couple from TX that drove cross country, the Three Amigos - very sharp guys from Costa Rica that came over to attend training and do some sightseeing, a PMC from Australia and a number of engineers, as well as a gentleman from the Customs and Border protection.
After a brief intro in the classroom, we headed down to the range for a cold demonstration of basic fighting positions, rifle loading/unloading and basic malfunction clearance.
Engaging target with a pistol after transition (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kofpJfShUQ9ZS4fEwQlakw?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDUj8S29vvB0QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RqhmxgatMG0/SnZit7cOl4I/AAAAAAAACHQ/eKQcPge1TsQ/s800/CIMG1465.JPG)
About half of the class ran an AR15 variant while the other half used either theirs or borrowed Sig 556 with one exception - the gentleman from Customs using his M1 Carbine.
One of the loaner 556 rifles that was issued to a <span class="misspell" suggestions="Older,Oldie,Lode,Old,Olden">Olde</span> had a loose castle nut. It struck me as strange that the Academy would not stake their castle nuts - especially on loaner rifles
that are handed out to guests and potential future customers. The assistant instructor tightened the castle nut and we started dry drills.
I was a little surprised at that, since the class is labeled as "intermediate" on their site. I specifically did not want to attend a basic/introductory class since I already have these skills as well
as book knowledge. I needed a class where I would get a chance to practice my "theoretical" skills with live ammo.
Scott quickly went over basic fighting stance, malfunction clearance including failure to fire and double feeds, as well as different methods to load a rifle. After an hour of dry practice we headed down to the range.
There was a variety of field gear. I ran Wilderness instructor belt with 2 Ready Tactical AR pouches and 1 Ready Tactical Glock mag pouch. I also had a chest rig with me, just in case. However, I did not feel the need to wear it for this class. For the purpose of this class, one magazine in the rifle and two magazines on belt were more than sufficient. I experimented with running my magazines with bullets facing to the rear, but found that my wrist was too hyperextended and hurt after repeat reload. So I switched to bullets forward carry mode for the AR magazines and the reload became much more comfortable while still fast. The Three Amigos all ran a chest harness which had a spring loaded container for three AR mags. A few people carried spare magazines in the rear pockets while others wore tactical vests.
Setting up transition drill (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rYb6guBsZiGizC0h4UzvWA?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDUj8S29vvB0QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RqhmxgatMG0/SnZiw-UVkJI/AAAAAAAACHY/FynVJ0ilV0Y/s800/CIMG1470.JPG)
The first drill was a demonstration of the difference between between POA and POI at close range. Scott drew a circle about 2" above the headzone of a target and had us aim there while observing that the shots were getting into the head zone.
At this point several Sig mini red dots were experiencing issues. One was not holding zero. Another one had a wandering dot. They were taken off line and students were using the iron sights.
One 556 had to have its gas regulator adjusted to function with the ammo being used.
After a few revolutions of this, we finally zeroed our weapons. We used the 50 yard IBZ methodology. The zero was established by firing from the prone position. My rifle was already set for this zero and I needed no adjustments. However, some people had to move their sights, and all loaner guns had to be rezeroed as well.
Engaging targets after transition (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O_pT0jFaI6dXmJ8-PJPIRQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDUj8S29vvB0QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RqhmxgatMG0/SnZjiQwOwwI/AAAAAAAACIE/JIOOHiIT_6I/s800/CIMG1484.JPG)
After lunch we Scott demonstrated a few different kneeling positions followed by transitions to pistol. For transitions we started out with pistol only doing some basic draw and fire drills with no mention of tactical reloads. After doing a few tried, we got the rifles ready. We did a few different transitions. The first one being done with a rifle un slung. When it goes click, you simply hold the rifle across the chest while drawing the pistol with the strong side hand and engaging the target. This followed by transitioning with a slung rifle. Scott emphasized controlling the rifle all the way down instead of simply dropping it.
With these drills done, TD1 was over.
Since we were not able to use the range until after noon, TD2 started in a classroom with a presentation about AR maintenance, accessories, ammo selection and ballistic information. While the information presented was good, there was nothing new for me since I got it from other sources. However, some other students found it interesting.
After the lecture we headed down to the cleaning room for the "clean your rifle" part of the course. It amazed me that in a class labeled as "intermediate" about 50% did not know how to properly field strip and clean their OWN weapon. For some reason there were NO chamber brushes in the cleaning room! Considering that a clean chamber is one of the keys to a reliably functioning AR, I was surprised to say the least. Luckily, I brought my field cleaning kit and we passed around my chamber brush.
After grabbing a quick bite to eat we met up at the range. Once again, a loaner 556 had a loose castle nut. It had to be taken off line while the assistant instructor tightened it down. We started off with a quick zero confirmation at 50 yards from the prone position. Followed by a drill where we got into the prone position, engaged the target with 3-5 shots and stood up. This is where a quick adjust sling - be it VTAC or VCAS is golden. I was able to quickly lenghten my sling before going prone. I used magazine supported prone which gave me great accuracy with NO malfunctions.
During this day whenever we ran dry we were free to transition to the pistol. I hate to admit but I did a rifle speedload at the 10 yard line. After mentally congratulating myself on the smoothness of its execution, I realized that instead I should have just transitioned...
We then set up steel targets and poppers for 200 yards engagements. We fired prone from 200 yards and almost everyone was getting consistent hits on the steel as well as knocking down the poppers.
After returning from the 200 yard line, Scott wanted to show us what it was like to engage targets with elevated heart rates. To do that, we assembled at the 75 yard line and had to run as a group to the 50 yard line. Because there were so many people of varied physical ability and the short distance, my heart rate was barely elevated. I was not the only in that opinion. Overall, this attempt to elevate our heart rates failed miserably for me and at least a few others.
We did a few multiple target engagement drills and the zipper drill. In the zipper drill you start shooting at the low part of the target, letting the recoil move the rifle up.
Another interesting drill we did was the stop/threat. Based on the instructor's command we had to either yell "Stop" or engage the target.
Barricade, center (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0nD0hbrUG5QUezlYseZ6Ig?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDUj8S29vvB0QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RqhmxgatMG0/SnZj92k4kWI/AAAAAAAACII/MK5LZ4loegw/s800/CIMG1519.JPG)
Finally time came for our last drill. We were supposed to engage to targets behind the barricade at 100 yards. We did standing and kneeling positions. Due to range limitations we could not do prone/urban prone behind the barricade. Scott briefly explained how to transition from one shoulder to another and to use the barricade for support. However, not much time was spend on finer details of transition, and no mention was made how to grip the rifle with the non-dominant hand. Here again, a quick adjust sling becomes very useful. One student with a standard two point sling decided that it was faster to unsling the rifle before transitioning.
Barricade, support side kneeling
Very few people had any issues hitting the steel from either side of the barricade.
This marked the last drill for the class. We policed the brass and met back in the classroom for wrap up/ issue of certificates.
We went through about 500 rounds of rifle and 100 rounds of pistol.
Equipment:
My Rifle (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EVV0SzH0PP9pmPieMlG4gg?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDUj8S29vvB0QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RqhmxgatMG0/SnZizwXey3I/AAAAAAAACHg/1_1DQeYeRE4/s800/CIMG1494.JPG)
The class was a mix of ARs, Sig 556s with one gentleman using M1A carbine.
I ran a Colt 6920 upper with KAC free float rail,Aimpoint M2 in OEM mount. I had VLTOR E-Mod stock with VCAS padded sling. I used Wolf 55gr ammo.
I had zero malfunctions, since the carbine was cleaned and well lubricated before each day and the round count was mild.
I did not notice anybody having malfunctions except for the Texas' couple Aimpoint moving in Larue mounts due to improper torgue.
The Sig Sauer mini red dots should be avoided at all costs.
One student had his 556 setup with a single point sling on day 1. However, he switched to a two point because the rifle was hanging too low on single point, and he had little control when it was slung.
My ready tactical pouches performed great as well.
Overall I have mixed feelings about this course. I took it specifically because I wanted an intermediate level class where the students could spend more time practicing skills instead of being taught them. Unfortunately, the class ended up being an introductory level instead of intermediate level course which was a major disappointment for me.
My Blog (http://intro2guns.blogspot.com/)
Unfortunately, this turned out to be a mixed experience.
I arrived on Saturday morning to find 12 other people in the classroom in addition to our two instructors. Our main instructor Scott R. has experience as SRT team member and assistant
team leader and is a full time firearms and tactics instructor for his PD.
The course consisted of a variety of people. There was a couple from TX that drove cross country, the Three Amigos - very sharp guys from Costa Rica that came over to attend training and do some sightseeing, a PMC from Australia and a number of engineers, as well as a gentleman from the Customs and Border protection.
After a brief intro in the classroom, we headed down to the range for a cold demonstration of basic fighting positions, rifle loading/unloading and basic malfunction clearance.
Engaging target with a pistol after transition (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kofpJfShUQ9ZS4fEwQlakw?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDUj8S29vvB0QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RqhmxgatMG0/SnZit7cOl4I/AAAAAAAACHQ/eKQcPge1TsQ/s800/CIMG1465.JPG)
About half of the class ran an AR15 variant while the other half used either theirs or borrowed Sig 556 with one exception - the gentleman from Customs using his M1 Carbine.
One of the loaner 556 rifles that was issued to a <span class="misspell" suggestions="Older,Oldie,Lode,Old,Olden">Olde</span> had a loose castle nut. It struck me as strange that the Academy would not stake their castle nuts - especially on loaner rifles
that are handed out to guests and potential future customers. The assistant instructor tightened the castle nut and we started dry drills.
I was a little surprised at that, since the class is labeled as "intermediate" on their site. I specifically did not want to attend a basic/introductory class since I already have these skills as well
as book knowledge. I needed a class where I would get a chance to practice my "theoretical" skills with live ammo.
Scott quickly went over basic fighting stance, malfunction clearance including failure to fire and double feeds, as well as different methods to load a rifle. After an hour of dry practice we headed down to the range.
There was a variety of field gear. I ran Wilderness instructor belt with 2 Ready Tactical AR pouches and 1 Ready Tactical Glock mag pouch. I also had a chest rig with me, just in case. However, I did not feel the need to wear it for this class. For the purpose of this class, one magazine in the rifle and two magazines on belt were more than sufficient. I experimented with running my magazines with bullets facing to the rear, but found that my wrist was too hyperextended and hurt after repeat reload. So I switched to bullets forward carry mode for the AR magazines and the reload became much more comfortable while still fast. The Three Amigos all ran a chest harness which had a spring loaded container for three AR mags. A few people carried spare magazines in the rear pockets while others wore tactical vests.
Setting up transition drill (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rYb6guBsZiGizC0h4UzvWA?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDUj8S29vvB0QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RqhmxgatMG0/SnZiw-UVkJI/AAAAAAAACHY/FynVJ0ilV0Y/s800/CIMG1470.JPG)
The first drill was a demonstration of the difference between between POA and POI at close range. Scott drew a circle about 2" above the headzone of a target and had us aim there while observing that the shots were getting into the head zone.
At this point several Sig mini red dots were experiencing issues. One was not holding zero. Another one had a wandering dot. They were taken off line and students were using the iron sights.
One 556 had to have its gas regulator adjusted to function with the ammo being used.
After a few revolutions of this, we finally zeroed our weapons. We used the 50 yard IBZ methodology. The zero was established by firing from the prone position. My rifle was already set for this zero and I needed no adjustments. However, some people had to move their sights, and all loaner guns had to be rezeroed as well.
Engaging targets after transition (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O_pT0jFaI6dXmJ8-PJPIRQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDUj8S29vvB0QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RqhmxgatMG0/SnZjiQwOwwI/AAAAAAAACIE/JIOOHiIT_6I/s800/CIMG1484.JPG)
After lunch we Scott demonstrated a few different kneeling positions followed by transitions to pistol. For transitions we started out with pistol only doing some basic draw and fire drills with no mention of tactical reloads. After doing a few tried, we got the rifles ready. We did a few different transitions. The first one being done with a rifle un slung. When it goes click, you simply hold the rifle across the chest while drawing the pistol with the strong side hand and engaging the target. This followed by transitioning with a slung rifle. Scott emphasized controlling the rifle all the way down instead of simply dropping it.
With these drills done, TD1 was over.
Since we were not able to use the range until after noon, TD2 started in a classroom with a presentation about AR maintenance, accessories, ammo selection and ballistic information. While the information presented was good, there was nothing new for me since I got it from other sources. However, some other students found it interesting.
After the lecture we headed down to the cleaning room for the "clean your rifle" part of the course. It amazed me that in a class labeled as "intermediate" about 50% did not know how to properly field strip and clean their OWN weapon. For some reason there were NO chamber brushes in the cleaning room! Considering that a clean chamber is one of the keys to a reliably functioning AR, I was surprised to say the least. Luckily, I brought my field cleaning kit and we passed around my chamber brush.
After grabbing a quick bite to eat we met up at the range. Once again, a loaner 556 had a loose castle nut. It had to be taken off line while the assistant instructor tightened it down. We started off with a quick zero confirmation at 50 yards from the prone position. Followed by a drill where we got into the prone position, engaged the target with 3-5 shots and stood up. This is where a quick adjust sling - be it VTAC or VCAS is golden. I was able to quickly lenghten my sling before going prone. I used magazine supported prone which gave me great accuracy with NO malfunctions.
During this day whenever we ran dry we were free to transition to the pistol. I hate to admit but I did a rifle speedload at the 10 yard line. After mentally congratulating myself on the smoothness of its execution, I realized that instead I should have just transitioned...
We then set up steel targets and poppers for 200 yards engagements. We fired prone from 200 yards and almost everyone was getting consistent hits on the steel as well as knocking down the poppers.
After returning from the 200 yard line, Scott wanted to show us what it was like to engage targets with elevated heart rates. To do that, we assembled at the 75 yard line and had to run as a group to the 50 yard line. Because there were so many people of varied physical ability and the short distance, my heart rate was barely elevated. I was not the only in that opinion. Overall, this attempt to elevate our heart rates failed miserably for me and at least a few others.
We did a few multiple target engagement drills and the zipper drill. In the zipper drill you start shooting at the low part of the target, letting the recoil move the rifle up.
Another interesting drill we did was the stop/threat. Based on the instructor's command we had to either yell "Stop" or engage the target.
Barricade, center (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0nD0hbrUG5QUezlYseZ6Ig?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDUj8S29vvB0QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RqhmxgatMG0/SnZj92k4kWI/AAAAAAAACII/MK5LZ4loegw/s800/CIMG1519.JPG)
Finally time came for our last drill. We were supposed to engage to targets behind the barricade at 100 yards. We did standing and kneeling positions. Due to range limitations we could not do prone/urban prone behind the barricade. Scott briefly explained how to transition from one shoulder to another and to use the barricade for support. However, not much time was spend on finer details of transition, and no mention was made how to grip the rifle with the non-dominant hand. Here again, a quick adjust sling becomes very useful. One student with a standard two point sling decided that it was faster to unsling the rifle before transitioning.
Barricade, support side kneeling
Very few people had any issues hitting the steel from either side of the barricade.
This marked the last drill for the class. We policed the brass and met back in the classroom for wrap up/ issue of certificates.
We went through about 500 rounds of rifle and 100 rounds of pistol.
Equipment:
My Rifle (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EVV0SzH0PP9pmPieMlG4gg?authkey=Gv1sRgCPDUj8S29vvB0QE&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RqhmxgatMG0/SnZizwXey3I/AAAAAAAACHg/1_1DQeYeRE4/s800/CIMG1494.JPG)
The class was a mix of ARs, Sig 556s with one gentleman using M1A carbine.
I ran a Colt 6920 upper with KAC free float rail,Aimpoint M2 in OEM mount. I had VLTOR E-Mod stock with VCAS padded sling. I used Wolf 55gr ammo.
I had zero malfunctions, since the carbine was cleaned and well lubricated before each day and the round count was mild.
I did not notice anybody having malfunctions except for the Texas' couple Aimpoint moving in Larue mounts due to improper torgue.
The Sig Sauer mini red dots should be avoided at all costs.
One student had his 556 setup with a single point sling on day 1. However, he switched to a two point because the rifle was hanging too low on single point, and he had little control when it was slung.
My ready tactical pouches performed great as well.
Overall I have mixed feelings about this course. I took it specifically because I wanted an intermediate level class where the students could spend more time practicing skills instead of being taught them. Unfortunately, the class ended up being an introductory level instead of intermediate level course which was a major disappointment for me.
My Blog (http://intro2guns.blogspot.com/)