Review – Armed Church Safety Team Member Course September 2025

 

Honestly, I find it disturbing that anyone even thinks there is a need for an armed Church Safety Team to begin with.  Yet, this course was conducted within a few weeks of an armed intrusion of a Mass in Minneapolis that resulted in the killing of two children.  A quick Grok3 search reveals that between 2020 and 2024 there were over 1,200 arson, gun related, bomb events aimed at the Christian community.  While looking at the deaths that resulted from these acts – and including Minneapolis in the mix – we’re looking at nearly 10 deaths in 5 years – not including injuries and the added effects of raw fear.  As I said . . . it’s disturbing.

That said, simply ignoring the violence will only lead to more tragedies – and that is simply unacceptable.  At the same time, church members simply strapping on a gun is no guarantee profoundly bad things won’t happen either.  What is needed is a “holistic” approach and that is exactly what Armed Missouri’s course approach was. 

At the highest level the overall area of responsibility was defined.  That typically means that area within the property line of the church.  It also focused on addressing potential threats before they entered the church – or containing it to a gathering space but stopping it before it entered the sanctuary.  It also included evaluating threats from tripping, slipping, fire, electrical hazards, natural disasters (especially things like tornados and floods in the Midwest) and a host of general hazards.  A security team’s responsibilities extend to all threats to the wellbeing of the parishioners.

I first met Chris Schofner in September of 2012 while going through the NRA Training Counselor Course in Kansas City, Missouri.  We just seemed to click and kept in contact from then on.  Eventually we became disenchanted with some of the NRA coursework and together with others established NAPSI and developed a specific set of coursework focused solely on personal defense.  We’ve maintained a close friendship and a good working relationship that remains strong today.  What I really like about Chris is his attention to detail, his willingness to truly go the extra mile and his consistent performance in the classroom as an instructor and on the range as a shooting instructor.

Chris Brooks was drawn into the NAPSI group and brought firsthand experience as a law enforcement officer and a medic as well.  His ability to bring this experience into the classroom has added a great deal to the coursework he teaches.

So, how does a single course introduce a team member to all the things that need to be touched on.  The answer . . . just plain hard work that, for this iteration of the course, took about 22 hours of range time and 12 hours of classroom time.  It was three days of very focused work that provided a good starting template for an armed safety team to return to their parish and take on the hard work of putting everything they learned into a SOP – Standard Operating Procedures booklet for their parish.  In other words, this course is simply the beginning of the work . . . it is a beginning and not the final destination.  So let’s start our review with the range work.

 

To pass this portion of the course you must shoot an 80% on the FBI Qualification Course of Fire.  It begins at 3 yards and ends at 25 yards.  Both a single hand grip and the use of both hands is covered.  It is a 50-round course of fire broken down into 3-yard, 5-yard, 7-yards, 15-yards and 25-yard elements.

The range work the first day began around 7:30AM and ended about 5:30PM and broke your engagement into micro-elements to begin with and worked through starting at the high compressed ready and ended with a complete draw from the holsters.  All distances from 3-yards through 15-yards were worked on.  There are just no shortcuts to the range part of the course.  All shooters were at different levels of competency.  That said, it is a tribute to the coursework that by the end of day two all 12 had successfully passed the FBI Qualification Course of Fire.

You would think after a solid 10-ish hours at the range it was quitting time . . . but you’d be wrong.  In stead it was time for the classroom and going through lesson 1 – The Areas of responsibilities of a Safety Team along with the multiple hazards that can be contained within that AOR and ways to mitigate them.  That added a couple more hours of time to the day with day one ending around 8PM.

The concept of data through a day-long firehose entered here . . . and remained for the rest of the course!

Day two again began on the range.  We spent more time at the various distances, especially the 15 and 25-yard lines.  And we worked on use of cover and concealment.  We worked on elements of room entry and room clearing and finished up with entering an area and working through various shoot/no shoot scenarios.  Once all things were rehashed, opportunities for questions were completed, it was time for the actual FBI qualification shoot.  This was done stage by stage with all shooters on the range.  We started at 3-yards, then 5-yards, then 7 -yards, then 15-yards and finally 25 yards.  My only problem with 25 yards is that after 2 hip replacements in the past year, my ability to kneel on one knee is simply not there yet.  The alternative was to shoot the two elements of this distance standing with ½ on the left side of my land and the other on the right.  I had 20 seconds to complete the COF . . . I took 19.97 seconds.  Chris called it a “good management of time!” 

Final grading of all targets followed with again everyone passing the best score were a couple 100% scores and there was one 80% on the nose.  My score was 90%.

Again, you’d think at with the time being 5:30-ish o’clock it’s time to pack it in . . . but you’d be wrong!  Back to the classroom for lesson block on Conflict Avoidance and De-escalation.

Day three – the final day was classroom time only beginning at 7:30 AM with a lesson on Equipment Selection, OC Spray and Responding to Medical Emergencies.  A great deal of time was spent on a second-by-second analysis of the West Freeway Church of Christ shooting that occurred on December 29, 2019.  It was used to evaluate the use of all the skills we had learned and practiced during the previous two days.

OC Spray was covered in depth.  Both methods and tools for practice as well as a recommended product for daily carry.  The symptoms of a person’s response to being sprayed were – let’s just say dramatic and would definitely impede a pending threat.

Once the classroom portion on the OC spray was completed, it was off to the range to practice individually with encountering a threat (Chris with a protective mask) and working through deploying the OC spray TRAINER from its concealment in a front pocket and using it to “paint” Chris’s face.  That took some time, but the experience and watching others as well was invaluable.

This was followed by the response to a Medical Emergency including typical elements of a Stop the Bleed course including wound packing, equipment choices and the use and application of a CAT Tourniquet.

Next was a review of some of the legal issues regarding use of force, use of deadly force, definitions of the Reasonable Man Standard, different types of encounters, disparity of force, the duty to retreat and the displaying and brandishing of weapons. These follow closely the teachings of Massad Ayoob.  It covered some elements of speaking with police as well as use of an attorney.   

And that was that . . . on to the final 25 question test.

The test was taken, corrected and percentages were given.  I received a 100%.

So, at 3:30 PM on Sunday, it was done.  Man, honestly I was really beat!  But what a great way to spend a 3-day weekend.

A few take-aways . . .

The joining of an ARMED Safety Team for your church should be taken with a great deal of soul searching and seeking out solid and CERTIFIED training.  Should you ever be involved in an actual response with fatalities that might occur at your hand . . . you and you alone are responsible for the bullet that left your gun.  You will need to convince a court you did everything you could do to be up to such an incident.  You also owe it to yourself to be well trained as well.  And none of that is easy or inexpensive.  Good training, good firearms and continual range training on your own is expensive but very necessary.  And, if you are looking for a good place to start, I cannot recommend this course highly enough.  It is well thought out, exceptionally complete and very well taught.

Chris . . . and Chris . . . thanks for your hard work, it was tough, exhausting and exceptional!

Thank you!

Bill Keller

President, Eastern Iowa Firearms Training

Range Trip 4-11-2025 RPR-22LR 50-yards and 100-yards

 

I’ve been in the hunt for awhile for a 22LR round that can do solid work at 100 yards and not cost an arm and a leg.  I believe I’ve found one that will due . . . the Ely Semi-Automatic Benchrest Precision round that I purchased from Luckgunner.  They came in at $13 per box so I bought a couple 500-round bricks to tide me over for a bit.

 

On 4/11 I did an extended range trip.  The first part was 50-rounds at 50-Yards.  To restate my goals – 2MOA group average, all rounds within their respective 2-inch targets.  For this round my hit rate was 100% and my average group size was 1.89MOA.  Pleased with this performance but I’ve matched or exceeded it with my favorite round for the 22LR rifles – the Eley Club.  However, the Club does not hold up at 100-yards so I was curious how the Eley Semi-Automatic Benchrest Precision would hold up. 

 

I used Target #1 on Sheet #1 as my zero target.  My adjustment was essentially dialing in for a 4.5-inch drop.  Once that was done, my elevation held solid for the whole 100-rounds I sent down range.  You can look at the individual target sheets and the scored sheets as well.  My Average Group Size for Sheet #1 was 1.58-MOA, Sheet #1 was 1.56-MOA, Sheet #3 was 1.63-MOA and Sheet #4 was 1.91-MOA.  The last sheet was probably pushing things a bit – I had a Hit Rate of 100% on the first 3 sheets but dropped 3 on the third sheet for and overall hit rate of 92/95 or 97%.

 

The way I view this is that I can now work on the fundamentals with the RPR in 22LR for around $26 for 100-rounds rather that $100 for 100-rounds for the .308 rifles.  I like that.  I admit it doesn’t give training for recoil mitigation . . . but if I loose concentration anywhere, it’s on the fundamentals.  And, it’s just a bit more fun to shoot at 100-yards rather than 50-yards.

 

So, there ya go . . . is was a fun day at the range.

Range Trip – 4-9-2025 Ruger Precision 308 100Yards

 I’ve had the Ruger Precision in 308 for a number of years but, honestly, it’s aways been a bit of a disappointment to me.  Obviously, for really stretching its legs, you need very good ammunition.  I had tried PMC 147gr X-TAC and Hornady 168gr Match.    For 50 rounds of the PMC XTAC 147gr Ball the average group size was 1.91 MOA.  For 50 rounds of  Hornady Match 168gr the average group size was 1.73 MOA.  Add to that the cost of Match grade ammo . . . well, obviously my range time with the rifle plummeted.  I know . . . I know . . . RELOAD your fool.  Well, two things – honestly the cost wasn’t that much lower . . . and reloading just isn’t my thing.  I enjoy the process of shooting and the concept of marksmanship . . . I just can’t get into the reloading process.  I’ve tried . . . just can’t do it.

 

I picked up a Remington 700 308 5r stainless, Milspec from a friend of mine.  Man . . . what a rifle.  It’s a “civilian version” of the Marine’s M24 sniper system.  (I’ll post a link to my Range Trip report of this rifle in the comments.)  So, my interest in 308 was reborn – but with the same considerations as before – cost of ammunition and my dislike for reloading – I went in search of “affordable” yet precise 308 ammunition.  My desires were answered by American Marksman and their Bullets 1st .308 WIN 168 gr Sierra MatchKing HPBT - 400 ct cartridge.  A BUCK a round . . . yep, a buck a round.  I ordered a 400 round case and hit the range with my new Remington 700.  The results were exceptional – at least to me.  My first group was .71MOA and my average group size for 50 rounds was 1.22 MOA.

 

Which led to my curiosity on just how this ammunition would work for my RPR in 308.  For a scope I have a Vortex Viper 6x24 in Milrad.  Yesterday I got my answers on the range.   I use a custom target sheet with 5ea 3-inch targets on the sheet along with a full Dope grid at the tip.  I expect to have 90% of my rounds impact within the given 3-inch targets and I expect my average group size to be 2.0MOA or less.  I was not disappointed.  First on Target Sheet #1,  Target #1 my Cold Bore Shot was at 1 o’clock and within the black of the target’s center.  Gotta say, I was pleased with this.  The last time I touched this rifle was on 10/23/23 – it’s been cased since then.  You can look at the targets.  My average group size on Target Sheet #1 was 1.44MOA and I had 11 Xs.  On Target Sheet #2 my average group size was 1.19MOA with 16Xs.  Averaged together for 50 rounds my average group size was 1.37 MOA.  This result was from ammunition priced at $1.00 per round.  It says a lot about the manufacturing process of American Marksman, and I suspect their use of Sierra MatchKing HPBT 168 gr bullet has a lot to do with it as well.

 

I do have a range that I can visit a few miles from my home that reaches out to 800 yards, I suspect visits with both the Remington and the Ruger will be in the offing this shooting season.  I’ll post the results when I polish off that trip.

 

Range Trip 3-29-2025 Ruger American Predator 223 100Y

 

Nice day, little wind . . . what to do, what to do. 

I decided to repeat my last range trip with my Ruger Predator shooting STRYKER 5.56 62gr rounds.  One thing I did different was to allow a full 5 minutes between 5-round groups.  This allowed for a bit of barrel cooling.  In the end it made absolutely no difference from the last trip.

It should probably be a whole separate post but let me throw out a few words about the “why” of my shooting parameters.  At 100 yards my target is a 3-inch circle.  That comes from the size of the ocular cavity being right at 3.5inches.  I use this rifle in a Designated Marksman course for small police departments.  Most LEO engagements are less than 75 yards.  So worst case, a 100-yard shot to the ocular cavity should cover things well.  My expectation is that in the course they have a 80% success rate which is typical for scored courses.  For myself, I expect a 90% success rate just because that is typical for instructor course work.  Any round within the 3-inch circle will enough to end the threat.

That said, I do want the group size to be 2MOA or less – regardless of the distance.  So, on the 50 yard range and the 2-inch targets, I want 1-inch group average while at the 100 yard range and 3-inch targets, I want a 2-inch group average.  The word “average” accounts for larger groups that are still within the target’s boundaries. 

The ammunition manufacturer is new to me, but the quality and cost are excellent.  I purchased it from “The American Marksman” and it is 5.56 M855 factory “seconds” – meaning there are small blemishes on the brass – 62gr.  Here’s a link . . . Factory 2nds: Stryker 5.56 M855 Steel Core 62 gr FMJ - 400 ct. . . . The price is exceptional and as you will see, the performance is well within my expectations.

So, these are my expectations of myself and the ammunition.  The reason for the trip is to maintain “proficiency”.  I have a very strong belief that to maintain minimum proficiency a shooter needs to send 1,000 rounds downrange for each platform they want to remain proficient on.  My only “give” on this is that it need not be “duty” ammunition because that could run the shooter many thousands of dollars each year.  And “training platforms” can be used to bring the range time with your duty rifle down to a 20 round box per month while maintaining the fundamentals of shooting.  Still pricey, but much more economical.    And really, the biggest hurdle is typically just the “TIME” required to hit the range.  I have no answer for that, simply the expectation that a disciplined and focused shooter will get the job done.

The day went well, I’ll post the targets and the scored targets.  I dropped one round out of 50 meaning that it was not within its designated target leaving me with a score of 98%.  And my average group size was 1.69MOA.  For my last trip with this ammo and weapon my average group size was 1.68MOA.  I’m good with that as well.  It is the type of consistency I expect myself to have.

Bottom line to all this, if you’ve taken over the responsibility for a particular position whether a DM or an Instructor . . . do the work.  There are no short cuts and no excuses.  Just do the work until you’ve reached the level of performance you have demanded of yourself.  And then do the work to stay there. 

Easy – Peasy . . .

 

 

Range Trip 3-13-2025 Remington 700 100-Yards Amer Marksman Ammo

I gotta say that this was the most satisfying range trip I’ve ever had, bar none.  ALL my shooting goals were met.  I shot 10 5-round groups.  All were less than 2MOA.  4 were sub-MOA.  My average group size, for 10 5-round groups was 1.145MOA.  49 of the 50 rounds were within their respective 3-inch targets.  And to add the cherry on top, my very first group – target 1 on sheet 1 was my best coming in at 0.73MOA.  Yep . . . a pretty good day on the range for me.  It was the most accurate and precise target set for me personally ever with a .308 rifle.  And I believe that is to in large part to the ammunition I used – American Marksman F-BF-308-168SMK-SECONDS-C-20.  Let’s chat about that specific round and how I found it a bit.

I picked up a new-to-me Remington 700 5S with a 6x18 Burris scope in January of this year.  I’ve done one range trip with it then shooting PMC X-TAC 147gr bullets.  The results were uninspiring averaging 2.325 MOA for 10 5-round groups.  I made that range trip on January 16^th.  On January 29^th I went in for a full hip replacement of my right hip.  That took me off line until the beginning of this month when I spent a bit of time with my Ruger Precision in 22LR.  I’m back to pretty much 100% not so I went work looking for a new round to use.   I knew the rifle liked heavier bullets and would perform best with Match Grade ammunition . . . but . . . I’m a cheap bastard (just sayin’) . . . so I went in search of a “good” practice round.  Factory Match ammunition ran between around $1.80 and $2.50 per round.  For someone like me – that’s more than a little “stiff”. 

“Reloading!!!  That’s the way to go!!!”  Well . . . honestly, it’s not a lot cheaper.  Bullets’ - say SMK - run .50-1.00 . . . Brass runs .50-1.25 per cartridge . . . Primers are .1 . . . and Powder runs close to $60 per pound . . . provided you can find it.  So, we’re right back at $1.25 to $2.50 per round – provided you can actually find the components.  I find I’m too impatient for that.  My enjoyment comes from making the “bang” and seeing the result . . . not building the stuff that goes “bang”. 

Just a refresher on my goals at 100-yards.  I want 2MOA groups within 3-inch targets.  I shoot 5-round groups.  And based on an outing count of “1”, it seemed unlikely that PMC X-TAC was going to get the job done.  So, the search was on.

I ran across a video that evaluated “The American Marksman’s” “308 Seconds Bullets First” round.  This is a round with a 168gr Serria Match King bullet, slightly blemished Lake City brass, Military grade primers and I have no idea what powder.  Yet, during his evaluation of 5 rounds the velocity of the round was consistent within a couple handfuls of feet per second and the precision was 1MOA-ish.  The kicker was that the round – including free shipping to your door – was $1.00 per round.  Yep . . . a buck a round.  Really???

I had to try it so that very night I placed an order for 400 rounds of American Marksman F-BF-308-168SMK-SECONDS-C-20.  $400.  That showed up on my doorstep 4 days later (I ordered them on Saturday night.)  Yesterday, 3/13/2025 was my first range trip with the ammunition.  And, as I said earlier, I was more than pleased!

As I said, I’m shooting a Remington 700 5S with a 6x18 Burris scope.  I shoot off a front bag with a rear squeeze bag.  I find a bag gives me just a tad more “quiet” on the rifle than a bipod does.  I do have a MAGPUL bipod mounted on the rifle, but the front bag produced better results.  I set aside 10 rounds for initial zero . . . I didn’t need them.  My first group was within Target 1, on Target Sheet 1 and was 0.73MOA.  Two rounds were hole in hole – the bottom two.  I changed nothing and continued with the remaining 4 groups.  1.12MOA, 0.93MOA, 1.96MOA (all on me, honestly I was getting a bit excited) and finally 1.37MOA for an average group size of 1.22MOA for Target Sheet 1.

After looking at the bullet placement of the 25 rounds I adjust Right .3MIL and Down .2MIL before moving to Target Sheet 2.

The adjustments were spot on with my group sizes being (in order 1-5) 0.9MOA, 0.81MOA, 0.91MOA, 1.03MOA and finally 1.71MOA – again the last group was all on me.  The placement was great but the opening up with the round at 3 o’clock was all on me.

I hand loaded each round and probably walked down and check the target a couple times per sheet.  While I didn’t actually measure barrel temp, I could grab it and hold on to it with out a problem.  I did not chrono the rounds so I have no idea as to their consistency, but I suspect the final results speak for themselves.

Once fired virtually all brass was reloadable should I ever decide to go that route.  Right now, provided this ammunition remains available, I suspect I will continue to shoot it for a good long time.

I’ll add raw and scored target sheets to this post as well as photos of my setup.

Bottom line, I’m pretty darn happy with the ammo and the result.  As I said, it was one of the most enjoyable range trips that I’ve had over the years.  I would fully encourage you to give the American Marksman ammunition a look-see and see if it fits into your shooting goals, I think it’s a genuine bargain!

Range Trip 3-3-2035

 

When you have an early Spring day approaching 60*F,  you’re retired with nothing on your plate to do and you have plenty of ammunition . . . there is only one thing to do . . . Range Trip!!!  I already had my Ruger Precision in 22LR on top of the vault in my Jeep Wrangler so there was only one other thing to do – head for the range.  Let’s talk about the “why” of a range trip for a bit.

An obvious reason is simply enjoyment.  The range is typically quiet, not very crowded, and set away from what little Hussle and Bussel a small town of 5,500 can generate.  Second are the 3 “Ms” made popular by Gunsite – Mindset, Manipulation and Marksmanship.

Mindset – is your head clear as to the purpose of the practice.  In my case simply maintaining a skillset I use in teaching my Designated Marksman course.  It’s imperative that I be able to demonstrate and meet the expectations I have of the students who come and take the course.  Is my “head in the game”.  Second is Manipulation – can I run the gun without conscious thought from mounting it, finger and hand placement on the trigger and grip, acquisition of the target, understanding the POA with this rifle and the ammunition I have in it and trigger press.  Can I run the bolt and re-acquire the target easily. And can I clear any malfunctions pretty much without thought.  And the final is Marksmanship.  The precision of the shot is defined by the precision of the rifle and the precision of the ammunition.  The shooter has little to do with the precision of the shot.  They do, however, have everything to do with the accuracy of the shot.  If I am consistent in my POA, and if I am consistent in the manipulation of the gun – then my accuracy will be consistent as well.  My personal goal for a 22LR at a distance of 50 yards is – FIRST – all the rounds (typically 5-round engagements) are within a 2-inch target.  And SECOND, I want a 2MOA group size.  Group size is, indeed, a function of ammunition.  So, there is a balance between the grade of ammunition and the price I am willing to pay.  Frankly, it is more important to shoot more and work on Accuracy than it is to demand a very high level of precision.  I expect to have 90% of my rounds impact within their 2-inch target.  I can accomplish this with a $10 box of ammunition.  So that is what I do.  I’m fond of Eley Club.  On this particular day I shot 96% - 96% of all my rounds went where they were supposed to.  Most qualification courses look for an 80% for students and a 90% for instructors.   I shot an average group size of 2.32 MOA for one box of 50 on target #1 and an average group size of 2.82MOA for the second box of 50 on target #2.  I dropped 2 rounds per sheet.  These results are well within my goals.

A 22LR is an important tool that I recommend for my Designated Marksman course because it allows you to maintain your 3-Ms – Mindset, Manipulation and Marksmanship – without breaking the bank.  I recommend a minimum 100 rounds per month with a 22LR as I believe it’s the minimum number of engagements to maintain a skillset – 1200 rounds per year. 

Next would be range trips with your Designated Rifle.  I recommend a .308 bolt action with either a forward mounted Scout Scope or a Low Power Variable Optic – 1-8.  Rifles I have outfitted to demonstrate a DM rifle is a Savage 110 Scout Rifle in .308, a Ruger American in .223 with a Vortex Crossfire II and finally a LWRC IC A5 in .223 with a Bushnell LPVO.

My expectations do not change at 50 yards – all rounds within a 2-inch target with a group size of 2MOA.  And that is maintained simply because the average engagement distance for a law enforcement officer with his/her patrol rifle is just over 50 yards.  That said, pushing out to 100 yards the target increases to 3-inches but the 2MOA average group size holds.  And I am still looking for a minimum of 90% of my rounds to be within the 3-inch target.  To date, the longest shot for a law enforcement officer that I’ve been able to see documented was 173 yards.  The average “long distance” engagement is around 71 yards.  So that is where I expect officers to spend their time – at the 50- and 100-yard lines.  You can also push your 22LR out to 100 yards, but you’ll need to be pickier with your ammunition selection – I like SK Extreme Long-distance 22LR – if you can find it.

I do recommend 25 rounds per month on a target sheet with 5ea 3-inch targets.  The ammunition needs to be good quality – I’m fond of PMC X-TAC 62gr.  That meets my requirement.  For duty ammunition I recommend Hornady Critical Defense in .223 73gr.  This is the ammunition I recommend you set your zero with on your duty rifle and that you carry in your rifle and its magazines.  You may need to adjust it a bit for your target ammunition but make sure you return the rifle to zero when you finish your practice session.  I’d recommend a box of your duty ammunition every other month to check your zero.

So there ya go.  I had a nice range trip, got some good work done and hopefully explained by thoughts on my practice sessions.  Remember, the 3 “M”s are all on you – Mindset, Manipulation and Marksmanship.  They will determine if your engagement is successful and may well determine if you make it home at the end of the day.

Time for a new rifle.

 

As you can tell by this blog, I’ve been working on a “Designated Marksman” course focused on law enforcement officers in small communities for the last little while.  And while I culminated that coursework with the selection of a Savage 110 in .308 – the reality is that most officers end up with their patrol rifle in hand when the need for an accurate and precise shot is needed.  To accomplish this, you need a rifle capable of making such a shot.  While virtually all ARs that are selected as patrol rifles can make a “combat effect hit” – in other words the “hit” degrades the threat’s ability to do the officer harm, a rifle capable of “better” accuracy and precision is needed for a DM role.

So first, let’s talk about Accuracy and Precision.  Accuracy is the ability of the rifle – along with its inherent accuracy, sighting system and ammunition - to place a round within a defined area on a threat.  Precision is the ability of the rifle, again along with its inherent accuracy, sighting system and ammunition to place multiple rounds – typically 5 consecutive rounds – in close proximity to previous rounds fired.  The “standards” I’ve chosen are a target area of 2-inches at a distance of 50-yards, 3-inches at 100-yards and 6-inches at 200-yards.  Statics show that the average engagement distance for an officer is 51 yards.  To date, the longest shot sits right at 170 yards.

The size of the target is based on the average size of the ocular cavity – about 3-1/2 inches.  So, if a DM can keep their rounds within a 2-inch circle at 50 yards and a 3-inch circle at 100 yards . . . at least 80% of the time, I will consider their efforts successful.  Tighter is, of course, better.  The goal I want a DM to work towards is a 2MOA group regardless of distance.  At 50-yards I typically put 3-5 rounds on 10ea 2-inch targets.  I will then use an app called “RangeBuddy” to score each target.  The app then will average all 10 targets giving me my average group size.  I am looking for an average over the 10 targets of 2MOA. 

At 100-yards I will put 5 rounds within a 3-inch target with 5ea targets to a target sheet.  Again, I will score each target and look for an average of 2MOA over 5 targets.

If I look at priorities, the priority is to have 80% of the rounds within the specific target for all targets on the target sheet.  The second priority is to achieve the 2MOA average group size over all targets on the target sheet.

Ammunition also plays a part – a big part.  If you look at the variance between standard “ball” ammunition and “Match Grade” ammunition it can easily be 1/2MOA or more.  That said, from simply cost point of view, I would encourage the use of a good quality ball ammunition for practice while a high quality defensive ammunition is carried while on duty such as Hornady’s Critical Defense.  Zero the AR for the Critical Defense ammunition, set the zero stops on your scope’s turrets.  Then, for range sessions, set new offsets for the practice ammunition and then return to the zero stops at the end of the session.  While a bit of a hassle, I think the cost savings will make it well worth your while.

So, now we have some fundamentals when looking for an AR that will meet my accuracy and precision requirements.  I ran across an excellent article at AccurateShooter.com that listed 14 key items to be considered.  To me the ones I considered as “Primary” were Great Barrel, Rigid Upper, a Rigid Free-Float Handguard, Component Quality and Quality Ammunition. 

I received my first M16 in August of 1968.  Pretty much qualified on them every year for 20+ years.  I’ve owned a number AR-15 variants myself for the past 20 years taking them to numerous courses from Gunsite, Rob Pincus, NAPSI as well as the Patrol Rifle course taught in the state of Iowa and an instructor course for “Patrol Rifles”.  I also completed the AR Armorer course to gain a better understanding of the platform and to be able to maintain my own ARs.  What I learned is that, in my opinion, it’s a great 6MOA gun.  That’s what it’s designed for.  It is, in no way a “precision” firearm.  The military set the spec and so it has been since the M16s introduction.  The government began a search for a replacement for the M-16 and designated a specification of 4MOA.  During that search Land Warfare Resources Corporation International – LWRC – was born to develop a competitive model.  Despite their efforts and the efforts of a number of other companies, the government closed that competition in 2013 and decided to continue with the Colt contract and a slightly heavier barrel.  However, LWRC did not simply pitch all their hard work in the trach.  Rather they introduced the variant they developed and the LWRC IC-A5 was born. 

While filling the square of “Armorer” for our community PD the Chief of Police purchased an LWRC a number of years back.  I would periodically run PMs on all patrol rifles and I have to say I was very impressed with the LWRC IC-A5.  It was a sturdy, beefy and well-built rifle.

So recently, I decided to add the semiautomatic carbine to my options for a DM rifle just to see how it would hold up to a bolt gun.  And, I simply could not find a better option than the LWRC IC-A5 rifle.  Money changed hands and presto-change-o, I was the proud owner of a new AR rifle.

Next came additional “furniture”.  My standard sling is the Vickers VTAC Padded sling – no better sling on the market.  I added a MAGPUL Bipod, a Streamlight TR-1 flashlight and then a scope.  Since this was to be used for more precision shooting out to 100-yards, a Red Dot was not on my list to add.

I have a fondness for Scout Scopes for DM rifles.  They will provide magnification up to around 7 and the long eye relief provides better situational awareness in my opinion.  Since I have a Vortex 1x7 Scout Scope on my personal DM rifle 

I decided to add one to the LWRC.  Let’s just say the results were mixed.  It’s a big scope and bulky.  My results at 50-yards were fine – not so much at 100-yards.  A had any number of folks point out that I was “bridging” my rings meaning that the rear ring was on the lower and the front was on the handguard that was a separate component.  The theory goes that when the gun fires the barrel sends harmonics through the handguard and will affect the accuracy of the scope.  Honestly, I’m not sure how that happens since the barrel free floats and entire weapon is at “rest” when you pull the trigger – I would think the same forces would act on the bullet regardless how the scope is mounted.  Setting all that aside, the whole thing was just plain too bulky to be workable, so I scrapped the idea and looked at LPVOs.  I eventually settled on the Bushnell 1x8 LPVO with the BTR-1 illuminated reticle . . . it was a great choice.  Of course, there’s always something.  The rear bell is very big – so big that even with “high” rings it still rubbed on the rear BUS (Back Up Sight).  So, I removed it and configured it for a comfortable eye relief.  This is 3.5-inch-ish but there’s lots of play so mounting the rifle is very easy.

This is the final configuration as it stands today – we’ll see if it stays going forward.  Winter is moving in hard, and I have some hospital time coming up next month (I have a new hip on order) so I suspect “she’s” put away until things begin to warm up in March.

I’ll post photos from both range trips, I suspect you’ll pick up on the difference the new configuration with the Bushnell scope made.  But I found the first trip disappointing.  There were two issues – first was accuracy at 100-yards and second was a “spongy” and long trigger.  Let’s talk about accuracy first.

The spec for the government contract was a 4MOA rifle.  My average group size 7 targets, 5 rounds per target was 2.59 inches.  Well within the 4MOA spec.  That said, it’s well outside my desired 2MOA spec.  Granted, this was just ball ammunition – but for practical practice – no shooter can afford match grade ammo for all his range work.  So, somehow it needs to work with ball ammunition.  All that said, remember my expectation of accuracy is to be able to place all the rounds within a 3-inch target at 100 yards.  Here things failed in a fairly spectacular fashion shooting a 73% on one target and a 68% on the second. 

As far as 50-yards were concerned there were no real issues.  My average group size across 10 targets, 3-rounds per target was 2.01MOA – I’ll take it and I shot a 97%. 

It was at this point that I flushed the Scout Scope and replaced it with the Bushnell AR 1x8 and did a “rinse and repeat” for a range trip at 50-yards and 100-yards.  I was still shooting PMC Bronze – I am a cheap bastard and I believe more reps are important.  The results were much more satisfying.

Without match grade ammunition I backed off and just focused on the Accuracy component, getting the rounds within the 2-inch target at 50-yards and a 3-inch target at 100-yards.  Honestly the results were much better.  I shot a 100% at 50-yards shooting 3-round groups.  And I shot a 84% at 100-yards shooting 5-round groups.  80% passes the course for students . . . but as the instructor I like to hit 90% - just did not happen this time. 

 

The other thing I commented on earlier was that the trigger was “spongey” – and it’s “long”.  And while I didn’t measure it, I suspect it’s 3+pounds as well.  Honestly, for a military grade and LEO grade rifle, I expect that.  “Hair” triggers really have no place in the workplace.  However, that said – by working the trigger reset – the trigger weight was significantly reduced, and the “spongey-ness” was completely eliminated.  What I mean is that after sending the first round down range I held the trigger hard to the rear, reacquired a proper sight picture, eased forward on the trigger until it reset and then pressed off the next round. This significantly increased accuracy as well.  And yes . . . match grade would bring things in as well – but no, not going to use match grade for practice ammunition.

Of course, such a weapon is typically used off-hand and at much closer distances.  I use a 50-round evaluation course of fire to see where a shooter is at with both their handgun and their rifle.  To do this I utilize a SEB target from Action Target and is divided into 6 engagements shot from a distance of 10-yards for the rifle.

Engagement #1 – Mount – Touch – Press Drill - 5ea single round engagements (5 rounds total)

On the command “UP!” and starting from the low ready you Mount the rifle and acquire the target – Target #1.  (Remember you are much closer to the target and at this distance your POI will be about 2-inches below your POA).  You confirm your  POA and smoothly press the trigger – then return to the low ready.  Your primary goal is to get the hit – time is secondary.  There is balance in the timing between speed and accuracy – but getting the hit takes precedence.

Engagement #2 – Single Round Engagement – 5ea single round engagements. (5 rounds total)

On the command “UP!”  and starting from the low ready to send a single round into Target #2 and return to the low ready.  This will be repeated for a total of 5 engagements.

Engagement #3 – Head Shot – 5ea single round engagements.  (5 rounds total)

On the command “UP!” and starting from the low ready you send a single round engagement into the Ocular Cavity of the head-box.  Again, remember the 2-inch difference between the POA and the POI.  This will be repeated for a total of 5 engagements.  (5 rounds total)

Engagement #4 – Hammer – 5ea accelerated pairs. (10 rounds total)

On the command “UP!” you engage Target #3 with an accelerated pair – going as fast as you can while still getting the hit.  This is repeated for a total of 5 engagements.

Engagement #5 – High Center Mass Hammer – at Max Speed – 5ea accelerated pairs. (10 rounds total).

On the command “UP!” you engage the High Center Mass box with two rounds as fast as you can drive the gun.  The obvious goal is that your rounds go in the box, but in this specific engagement speed is the driving force. 

Engagement #6 – Failure Drill – a combination of a Hammer in the HCM box and a single round in the ocular cavity.  (15 rounds)

On the “UP!” command you engage the High Center Mass box with two rounds and then transition to the Ocular cavity for a single round engagement.

The minimum score for this set of evaluation drills is 80%.  When I shot this for the evaluation shoot with the LWRC IC-A5 I shot a 92%.  I think this does a good job of wringing out some basic shooting skills anyone running an AR should have down solid.

To wrap this up, regardless of the final changes in equipment and methodology I’m satisfied for the time being and will continue to work with the rifle come this spring.

So, will this rifle “fill the squares” for a DM rifle?  Yes, I believe so.  The reality is that most small departments do not have DM.  Many will send an officer to “Sniper School” but that is such a unique and specialized skillset that I do not believe most officers or departments will spend the money required to maintain the sniper skills.  And the likelihood of taking a shot past 200 yards in a community is minimal.  If an officer works hard and consistently on their marksmanship with their patrol rifle, that can go a long way to fulfilling a DM role especially if they choose a patrol rifle and outfit it to do just that job. Frankly, I prefer a larger caliber – read .308 here – rifle and a bolt gun for the DM role.  And that’s how I teach the course.  That does not stop from folks bringing their ARs though.  Most come to realize that it can be hard to meet the accuracy expectations with a standard AR and red dot.

Bottom, bottom line – I find the LWRC IC-A5 a superior AR option and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a solid AR rifle.