Robb I think you and I would get along extremely well as neighbors.
Another board member here, Reed503, and I took the Colt AR15/M16 Armorer's course this past November at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, Ks.
Really nothing has changed information wise regarding the course we took compared to what was posted a year ago in this thread. Like the others barrel work was only very briefly touched on the last day. It was more of an afterthought than a teaching portion of the class.
The guns were a mixture. M16A2's, M4's, 9mm smg's. I managed to keep the same M4 for each day of the class. Most all of them were well worn to the point pins would fall out. In fact the gun I had appeared to have never been fired. Despite that it was not what I'd really consider serviceable due to the way it had been taken apart over time. Also probably just the number of times.
Someone posted prior about a lot of attendees are lower common denominator parts changers, or something like that, and he's spot on. The rough condition of the poor carbine I had showed that numerous people prior to me had literally beaten the gun to death installing and removing pins. It was clear that more than once someone hadn't even attempted to center a punch correctly before they started hammering. Hell the main pin hole on the A2 sight was broken out.
Which reminds me. The A2 assembly was covered well beyond significantly.
I feel like I was at a distinct advantage over most of the other class members. The reason I feel that way was primarily because of this website and what I'll refer to as "the old TOS" from years back before they went AWOL on common sense. The technical information that's been provided here was invaluable to providing a foundation for me on the schooling at KLETC. I was fortunate to have years of building, headspacing, and barreling AR's under my belt as well.
As is evident in previous postings here they do still compare Colt's quality and parts to other makers and vendors. The instructor related one story of repairing a dept. gun that was brought to class by removing a part from Bushmaster and replacing a Colt part. Unfortunately I don't recall the part in question. But the story rings back after seeing the similar comments here.
They did cover headspacing in the class but limited it primarily to use of the FIELD gauge. They touched on a barrel straightness gauge. Ironic since the gun he randomly picked up in class failed the test when he dropped the rod down it.
Yes there was a bit of missing tools to pick from but it's easy to share with your neighbor at your table. Speaking of tools. If you go to this class expecting to see the plethora of specific task related tools that we're used to seeing written about, sold, and used here you'll be surprised. In fact the entire class time working and taking the guns apart was done with the most basic of hand tools. Small hammer, punches, etc. The only task specific tools I recall were the ejector removal tool for the bolt and the pin installation and removal tool for the front take down pin retaining pin. Compared to the work time spent on the A2 sight we only removed the ejector one time during the course.
Some small notations that take me back to information on this site compared to the actual class.
The instructor had never seen or heard of a MOACK's tool. I showed him mine out of my tool kit during a break. He did seem impressed with it.
At one point he informed the class to buy HK magazines as they are the most reliable magazine available for the AR/M15 weapons. During a break I visited with him about the HK mags history and he'd never heard of any problems with them.
The "that guys" in the class. Yes, you'll likely meet them. We had one guy that went on and on to everyone about every gun on Earth he knew about. From how much better his Mini 14 was than the AR series to how a 1911 was the only pistol in the world. Another fellow that almost failed the course. I mention this only as a footnote to the lowest common denominator statement previously. Some departments this really is what you have shoving things down your throat as firearms trainers or armorers.
In closing, take the class if you have an opportunity. There is a lot of great basic fundamentals and information covered. Hands on experience is always invaluable. There was a video presentation taken in the colt factory interviewing workers as well as a history of the weapons back to the beginnings with Armalite.
One note. They are updating the manuals that they give out with the courses in 2011 and they will now cost $50. To reflect that the cost of the LE course is going up $50 for both AR/M16 and 1911 this year. That may give you an idea of something to budget for.
Sig Sauer LE Armorer
Glock LE Armorer
Colt AR15/M16 Armorer
T.O.S.S. (Tactical Officer Survival School) inst. Tom Long
Vicker's Tactical Pistol 1 & 2 Carbine 1 Advanced carbine Inst. Larry Vickers
Intermediate pistol Inst. Ken Hackathorn
Combat Speed Inst. Dave Harrington
Performance Pistol Inst. Frank Proctor
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