AAR: VSM 2 Day Carbine July 16/17 2011 at RockCastle

[chuss]

VSM 2 Day Basic Carbine Class
July 16-17 2011
http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=82129

Instructor: Joe Barnsfather
Location: RockCastle Shooting Center

Total in attendance: 5 + instructor

Range conditions:
It was beautiful Kentucky backwoods country. Gently rolling hills and fields as a backdrop. We had to drive a ways on a dirt road to get back to our range. It was similar looking to the lower range at Knob Creek, minus the mud. It was very hot and humid, but we all brought water and had 2 canopies setup for shade in between shooting. Lunch was brought to us by one of the RockCastle owners. It was nice not having to leave the range.


Equipment:
Almost everyone had an AR with the exception of an AK. There were some Glocks, M&P's, and 1911 variants.
I ran the 14.5" Noveske on day 1, and the 16" Daniel Defense on Day 2. The Noveske has a T-1 Micro, and the DD has a Trijicon Accupoint 1-4x. Three others has the Aimpoint Micros on their ARs, and the AK just had iron sights.


Class and Drills:
We started out with the safety briefing, then zeroed our weapons at 50 yards in the prone position. Everyone was zeroed within 2-3 volleys.

If you've taken this class before, then you're familiar with most of the drills that Joe runs us thru. Read any previous AAR, and you'll have a good understanding of what we do here.

I've taken this class from Joe at least 4-5 times now, and each time, I get something out of it. Little tweaks here and there, begin to add up to better results on the target. My groups are getting better, but I still struggle at the longer distances, pistol or carbine. Joe teaches us one thing, I focus on that, and forget the other important basics from time to time, like scanning and assessing, finger straight, finger on register, lean into the weapon and bear down...etc.

I suffered from carbine trigger finger when we transitioned to pistol and dropped 2-3 shots. It was shameful, when in the previous class last month, I thought I had transition drills mastered. It goes to show how perishable of a skill this is, and also how the elements play a role in this as well.

I know that hydration and hunger affect my performance on the range. Even just standing in the heat and humidity play havoc on a person's focus abilities...not to mention sweat getting into your eyes, glasses, and hands. It gives you alot more respect for those who do this for a living.

Call it foo-foo, but I think that wardrobe and footwear selection can be almost as important as equipment selection. In each class, I've been tweaking that too, and found out what works and what doesn't during these various elements.


Conclusion:

kwelz wasn't there this time, but he was certainly there in spirit. We love to pick on him, but he is a great guy with a big heart. Stu was missed as well. When you come to one of Joe's classes regularly, you begin to grow and develop with these guys, challenging each other, competing with each other and yourself, and encouraging one another.

I hope to see them and other familiar faces...and new faces in the next class.

Thanks again Joe and LAV!

Chris

[Mr. Smith]

[Zhurdan]

Bolt over? Was this staged for a drill?

Z

[Mr. Smith]

It was a drill that we set up.

[Zhurdan]

Figured. With a metric shit ton of rounds fired, the only time I've ever seen one is when it's set up for a drill. (Now that I said that... guess what will happen next range trip.)

[Mr. Smith]

Figured. With a metric shit ton of rounds fired, the only time I've ever seen one is when it's set up for a drill. (Now that I said that... guess what will happen next range trip.)

That is how it is

[SnapOn man]

I would highly recommend this class to anyone who either needs to sharpen their skills, or wanting to learn the carbine and how to run it correctly. Joe does an excellent job of teaching within the skill level of the class, and stops to answer any and every question asked. I personally had never had any type of formal carbine training, and came away from that class completely saturated with information and a new respect for those who operate it effectively. For me, the two day class is the only way to go, because you get to come back in the second day and continue to hammer home the basics and drills that you ran the day before, but if you just need a refresher or an intro to carbine you can't go wrong with the one day class because just when you think you're getting good, Joe can run you through another drill to let you know that there is always more to learn, and always room for improvement, and the instruction is administered in a way that is respectful and fair, with an extreme emphasis on safety.

[Mr. Smith]

I would highly recommend this class to anyone who either needs to sharpen their skills, or wanting to learn the carbine and how to run it correctly. Joe does an excellent job of teaching within the skill level of the class, and stops to answer any and every question asked. I personally had never had any type of formal carbine training, and came away from that class completely saturated with information and a new respect for those who operate it effectively. For me, the two day class is the only way to go, because you get to come back in the second day and continue to hammer home the basics and drills that you ran the day before, but if you just need a refresher or an intro to carbine you can't go wrong with the one day class because just when you think you're getting good, Joe can run you through another drill to let you know that there is always more to learn, and always room for improvement, and the instruction is administered in a way that is respectful and fair, with an extreme emphasis on safety.

Thanks
I could not ask for a better student you always bring you’re A game.

[kwelz]

I was sad that I had to miss this class. Looks like you all had a great time. I can't wait till August.

kwelz wasn't there this time, but he was certainly there in spirit. We love to pick on him, but he is a great guy with a big heart.

I think I got a little misty eyed. LOL.

By the way. By saying I was there in spirit do you mean everyone was snatching the trigger like a Mofo!

[chuss]

There was plenty snatching of the trigger. We just asked WWKD (what would Kevin do) throughout the day when it happened.

Chris