The course instructor is Mike Heath. Any feedback on his classes?
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The course instructor is Mike Heath. Any feedback on his classes?
Last edited by Iraqgunz; 04-02-09 at 13:12.
Owner/Instructor at Semper Paratus Arms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SemperParatusArms/
Semper Paratus Arms AR15 Armorer Course http://www.semperparatusarms.com/cou...-registration/
M4C Misc. Training and Course Announcements- http://www.m4carbine.net/forumdisplay.php?f=141
Master Armorer/R&D at SIONICS Weapon Systems- http://sionicsweaponsystems.com
Ha Ha yes. He is a Marine and he WANTS YOU TO KNOW IT!! He knows his business inside and out. Kept my attention very well. I recommend him as an instructor.
p.s. He carries a vintage WWII era Colt .45 (when he can) and there is no reason to carry anything else or change anything about it. I have a Kimber TLE II for a range gun and just to mess with him I carried it to class one day. Hilarity ensued.
I would recommend doing the course with Dean Caputo. He covers everything including staking the BCG and reaming the chamber with tools made by Ned Christiansen. Dean is also entertaining as well.
In Colt's training the potential for good course content was there, but certain [I feel] important elements are glossed over while other, less vital ones are covered ad nauseum.
For example, we were shown barrel removal/installation being accomplished once as the final day wrapped up, with no mention of headspace checking procedures. On the other hand, we completely disassembled/reassembled the A2 rear sight a countless number of times.
If your outfit primarily uses optics all that practice on this sight was wasted after about the third trip. It's good to have some hands on time with this, but being capable of performing this in your sleep isn't required in most of the student's real world.
Considering the tuition they're charging, I'd also expect Colt to have their act much more together as far as equipment is concerned.
To give you an idea, many of the tool kits used were missing necessary items. Students were constantly having to wait for others to finish and pass tools from table to table due to shortages.
It's understandable that the rifles used are so loose as to be unrealistic when compared with what the students will be dealing with in the field, but having bolt catches held on by firing pin retaining pins as a shortcut was a bit much. In other words, students received zero practice in their realisitc removal/installation. Somehow, one rifle we used even had a Bushmaster upper.
Alongside other manufacturer's armorer schools I'd say instructor experience, knowledge and dedication was good. Someone just getting into working on the AR/M16 can learn a lot from them, but IMHO course structure/content and [especially] factory support for this program is lacking.
I've heard nothing but good about Ken Elmore's schools at SA. Their offering of both basic and advanced armorer training also sounds good for new gun techs. First learn to walk, take a few trips around the block, then learn to run.
IIRC the criticisms you speak of have been the same for the last few years. The impression that I got is that Colt Management doesn't see the need to replace worn parts with good ones to make the point. I definitely agree that they need to hit on the re-barrel thing because in this day and age. They should have covered the headspace issue as well. Another thing that would be good is more troubleshooting stuff.
I plan on taking Ken's advanced course whenever I end up back home.
Owner/Instructor at Semper Paratus Arms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SemperParatusArms/
Semper Paratus Arms AR15 Armorer Course http://www.semperparatusarms.com/cou...-registration/
M4C Misc. Training and Course Announcements- http://www.m4carbine.net/forumdisplay.php?f=141
Master Armorer/R&D at SIONICS Weapon Systems- http://sionicsweaponsystems.com
I took it from Ken a few years ago, and thought it was good, but would be better had we gone over removing/installing barrels.
As mentioned it is a good class, especially if it is your first one. You will learn a lot. Since we are issued Colts we pretty much only attend the Colt class. Liability wise we are required to keep our certs updated since the Colt certs require a re-cert every 3 years. I have been to Ken's class and twice with Bob Gawe. Also from the Colt class you get the option to buy certain Colt weapons at a discounted price upon completion of the course.
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