Posted: 7/9/2005 7:31:02 PM EDT
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Just got home, and, have a lovely Baccardi and Coke right now, typing this. Course: Basic Rifle/Shotgun Course Venue: Strategic Weapons Academy of Texas Instructors: Richard Ray, Steve Moses Place: Tellico, TX Cost: 100.00 Temperature: Hot as BALLS! Students: About 19 The course started at 9 AM, 7/9/05. Some students were told to show up early if they were renting weapons for the course. Some didn’t show up at the appointed time, which hung things up a little. We started out with basic instruction on the AR-15. Four students were running AKs, and one was running a FAL. Richard didn’t spend much time on the AK or FAL, as they primary focus of the course was the AR, and, the people with the AKs were already familiar with their usage. We went over shooting positions, rifle functions, breaking it down, and basic things like that. Then, we got to shoot. We divided into two orders, and, rotated. We started out with basic zeroing, then, went to single and, multiple shot engagements. Body shifts and verbal communications for covering and reloading were emphasized. Gradually we moved onto transition drills with rifle and, handgun. After the rifle portion, we went to shotgun and covered basic combat shotgun stuff. Loads, ranges, and, applications were all discussed. Steve went over situations where shotguns were preferable to rifles, and, I know that will draw some heat on this board, but, I’ll take Steve's word for it, because, he kind of knows what he’s talking about for real. We did transition drills, and, speed shooting. Max demonstrated some techniques. We wrapped up at five with the gleeful brass call.  From left to right: Steve Moses, GoonBoss, Richard Ray Personal Views: I enjoyed the course a great deal. This is the second course I took from SWAT, and, they both have been of high caliber. Their EP course is outstanding and, they maintain training philosophies throughout all their courses that mirror each other. Steve and Richard are very personable and, engaging instructors that really want to see you learn, and, aren’t there on an ego trip, like some. I highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested. Don’t let the “basic” throw you off, you will probably learn something. Observations on Gear, etc. Blackhawk Tan Nomex Gloves: They worked great. Good gripping surface, and, they weren’t too hot, even though the weather was. After brass has been laying on the ground all day, it gets HOT. Those gloves were a lifesaver. Tactical Tailor Gear: I ran the TT Strike Plate Carrier and, eight single mag holders doubled up, with shotgun shell holders on the outer two carriers on the outside. Also, I used the TT drop leg panel, to which I attached a SPEC-OPS Utility Pouch, which I used to hold four mags, and, a TT Medium Utility Pouch, which I used for a dump pouch. Bottom line, TT is worth the money. His stuff is made in WA, for the most part, and, is of VERY high quality and versatility. The Medium Utility pouch worked like a champ as a dump pouch. The shotgun shell holders are fantastic. The SPEC-OPS pouch held up well for what I was asking it to do, which, wasn’t much. Lindsey Tactical Sling: Worked great. I love Lindsey stuff, and, they are made in the Austin area. Hatch Knee Pads: Worked real well. Don’t like that they are made overseas, but, they suited my need the best, so, I used them, and, they were fine. Misc. Commentary: It was a fun group. People looked at my rig, which was vastly too much for this course, but, I will be running it at my OSO course next week, so, I needed to break it in and, to show off all my cool-guy stuff. Some people said things like: “Reckon you got enough mags there Butch?” and stuff like that, and, I simply said : “When the zombies come, I will be ready.” This drew more than a few really hearty laughs. I used “When the zombies come” a few times to preface statements and by the end of the course the zombie idea seemed to be a hit. Maxpedition dump pouch: I saw one guy running their “Rolly Polly” I think it is……..I didn’t like it. The mouth seemed small, and, even the small Asian guy running it seemed to struggle to get his hands in and out of the opening. HYDRATE fellahs…HYDRATE! HYDRATE! If you are THIRSTY it is TOO LATE! You should be totally topped off with water in your body and, gear before setting foot on the training ground. |