Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 17,880
- 6,549
Four guys came to my class, "AR-15 Operator, Level 1" the other day. We had a BLAST at the range. Three were seasoned shooters, one young fellow is 18 years old, and his grandfather sponsored him. Turns out that the young man is headed for the Army and his grandfather wanted to make sure he had some good, basic understanding of the AR-15 rifle before he got to boot camp. I like that!
Everyone told me that I'd had them doing things they'd never done with an AR-15, or any other rifle for that matter. We did a lot of CQB drills, from 7 - 25 yards. They told me that as soon as I put time limits on and mentioned the word "qualification" that heart rates rose, and they started getting all worried and stressed.
Good.
Stress is a vital part of training, when you're training for combat. These guys were looking for training in how to use the AR-15 for fighting, not for zapping prairie dogs. :mrgreen:
These guys had quite a few "goodies" bolted on their rifles. I wasn't surprised, that seems to be the common thing anymore with AR-15 rifles; bolt on as many accessories as possible. Especially if they're black and look mean. :grin:
I did go into my philosophy of "less is more" when it comes to a gun for fighting, be it rifle or pistol. Simplicity and reliability rule.
After burning through a lot of ammo, shooting and moving and having a LOT of fun, we retired to the 100 yard rifle range, where the seasoned varmint shooter showed everyone how it was done, prone.
No bipods. No rests. Just riflemen and rifles.
Have to admit, though I didn't fire a single shot, I thoroughly enjoyed the training. It was GREAT seeing the light go on and watching these guys stretch to their limits... I hope they get even better, and I really hope that young man has a great career in the Army.
Guy
Everyone told me that I'd had them doing things they'd never done with an AR-15, or any other rifle for that matter. We did a lot of CQB drills, from 7 - 25 yards. They told me that as soon as I put time limits on and mentioned the word "qualification" that heart rates rose, and they started getting all worried and stressed.
Good.
Stress is a vital part of training, when you're training for combat. These guys were looking for training in how to use the AR-15 for fighting, not for zapping prairie dogs. :mrgreen:
These guys had quite a few "goodies" bolted on their rifles. I wasn't surprised, that seems to be the common thing anymore with AR-15 rifles; bolt on as many accessories as possible. Especially if they're black and look mean. :grin:
I did go into my philosophy of "less is more" when it comes to a gun for fighting, be it rifle or pistol. Simplicity and reliability rule.
After burning through a lot of ammo, shooting and moving and having a LOT of fun, we retired to the 100 yard rifle range, where the seasoned varmint shooter showed everyone how it was done, prone.
No bipods. No rests. Just riflemen and rifles.
Have to admit, though I didn't fire a single shot, I thoroughly enjoyed the training. It was GREAT seeing the light go on and watching these guys stretch to their limits... I hope they get even better, and I really hope that young man has a great career in the Army.
Guy
