tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20318194905723017562024-03-14T01:17:22.685-05:00e.IA.f.t. Eastern Iowa Firearms TrainingDedicated to the training of the new or inexperienced shooter.eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.comBlogger593125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-52806551242237337062024-02-06T19:10:00.003-06:002024-02-06T19:57:53.087-06:00 I’m new to rifle shooting – where do I start? <span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Like most avid shooters, I subscribe to a number of different Facebook Groups regarding firearms. This post deals mostly with the more advanced elements of shooting – precision shooting, use of Scout Rifles and precision rifles and the use of the 22LR rifle. It’s not unusual to see brand new shooters joining these groups a couple times a week. Their posts usually revolve around the rifle they purchased, and it’s associated “furniture” – bipod, scope, muzzle break, whether they need to change their stock to get better precision and accuracy . . . along with a host of other typical “beginner” questions. And many times, I respond to their questions coming from my experience in introducing new and inexperienced shooters to rifle shooting – everyone from kids with a new BB Gun, to Scouts working on their Rifle Merit badge, to adults learning to shoot a rifle for the first time, to patrol officers working to get better with their patrol rifle. But . . . it takes a lot of words to fully explain the things that I believe are important. It occurred to me, while my wife and I are traveling on a winter vacation, perhaps the easiest thing to do would be to simply post a comprehensive post for a new and inexperienced shooter to lend them a hand to get started. And that is the purpose of this post . . . where to start and how to start. Grab a sandwich, this could get to be a long puppy!!</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Let’s start out with expectations. If you’re a new shooter and have been watching YouTube videos of shooters nailing steel plates out to 500 to 1000 yards easy-peasy . . . you might be in for a bit of a wakeup call. The same holds for the shooter who went to the range for the day and posts a single photo of a target with a 5-round group all occupying approximately the same hole. Let’s be frank here – they’re only showing a single photo for a single reason – the rest of their groups just “may” be a bit more open – just sayin’. So, what is reality? We’ll over the past 50 years of shooting my experience is that most rifles are capable of a 1-MOA or less group – once in a while. Hence – their manufacturer will call them 1-MOA guns. That does NOT mean that they will shoot such a group every time you send 5-rounds downrange – but, if YOU DO EVERYTHING PROPERLY, if you use good ammunition, if you shoot when the wind is calm and if you purchase a reasonably good rifle – you too can shoot a 1-MOA group once in a while. <br /><br />Let’s also define a couple of other terms here. Accuracy – the rounds go where you are aiming. And, Precision – all the rounds go to the same place. My goal is to have all my rounds to land in a 1-inch group within a 2-inch circle at 50 yards. Moving out to 100 yards, I want all my rounds to land in a 2-inch group within a 3-inch circle. Honestly, this is where I spend most of my time – at 50 and 100 yards. It is where you can work on all your fundamentals, your shooting positions and learn about the need to do all the little things correctly. It is where you will learn to run your rifle. Where you will learn the discipline to do all the fundamentals exactly correctly each and every round to achieve your overall goals of Accuracy and Precision.<br /><br />So, let’s chat a bit about “DA RIFLE” . . . what to buy, what to buy. The reality of things is that you CAN buy precision by the rifle and ammunition that you purchase. You CAN NOT buy accuracy – that is squarely on the shoulders of the person you look at every morning as you brush your teeth. I usually recommend buying a “klunker” – an older, used, single shot, bolt action with iron sights only. Mine is shown in the photo of me behind the gun. It is a Stevens 53B 22LR. I have about a half dozen similar rifles that I use for firearms training for new shooters and Scouts. I’ve had hundreds of Scouts shoot their 5 qualification targets with such rifle and earn their Rifle Merit Badge. This is where I encourage you to begin. Your goal is to shoot a 1-inch group, within a 3-inch circle at 50 feet. My argument is that if you cannot do this on demand – with a 80% success rate – why spend money on a larger caliber gun? You learn the fundamentals while shooting ammunition that costs $.10 per round rather than $2.00+ a round. That just makes sense to me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39S4_-_4IcuKhdiHsL77mkjSn01__OZD1a21q4shBuvinuTyilm3pUVaMc2c9o2gemMwD96pPGeD4Z-rm5xlANfrb4Fwsr6k8vcr38sjgfQXhKBpbLILREkZR8kwR0AI0uBkw1wIgtTPwhuvHXTEytHfkIbUjT7yCnqiq6UTACgjzX0vdk-dJG7L733c/s2316/Screenshot_20221010-164102_Video%20Player.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2316" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39S4_-_4IcuKhdiHsL77mkjSn01__OZD1a21q4shBuvinuTyilm3pUVaMc2c9o2gemMwD96pPGeD4Z-rm5xlANfrb4Fwsr6k8vcr38sjgfQXhKBpbLILREkZR8kwR0AI0uBkw1wIgtTPwhuvHXTEytHfkIbUjT7yCnqiq6UTACgjzX0vdk-dJG7L733c/s320/Screenshot_20221010-164102_Video%20Player.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Your first step will be to zero your rifle. All rifles and aiming systems have their own quirks. You will need to learn each and become proficient in zeroing each rifle. For the Stevens 53B there is a screw on the rear sight that you can loosen and then move the sight left or right in the same direction you wish to adjust the “windage” on the rifle. If you want the bullet to hit 1-inch to the left, you move the rear sight notch slightly to the left. And visa-versa to adjust to the right. The movement is slight, even at just 50 feet. It’s even less at 50-yards. For elevation there is a movable, stepped bar that moves forward and backward under the rear sight. This is what you will move forward or back to elevate your point of impact or lower it. Zeroing is typically only done once, and seldom needs adjustment unless your hardware is loose or there is a drastic change in the performance of your ammunition. <br /><br />Next is mounting the rifle to your shoulder. I suggest you start shooting from a bench rest position until you have all the little things down like – mounting the rifle into the pocket of your shoulder, finding a good cheek weld on the comb of the stock, having a grip that does not affect the point of aim while you smoothly press the trigger straight to the rear. It is the place to learn sight alignment – the front blade is in the middle of the rear notch and the top of the front blade is even with the top of the rear notch. Finally, you can learn sight picture” – the above mentioned “sight alignment” is placed on the target in such a way that the top of the front blade lays just below the center dot of your target. If you do everything correctly, you point of impact will be in the center of the black dot on your target. Your goal should be that for 50-rounds, that is 10 targets at 50-feet with 5-rounds per target, your groups should be 1-inch in diameter or less and they should all lay within a 3-inch target. Your goal should be to be able to accomplish this 80% of the time. Again, if you cannot accomplish this, why spend money on an expensive rifle with expensive ammunition to learn and become proficient with the fundamentals.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8_mMccpRICs0tW-7Htg1BqH3c7AQFCIkWRU6thQhEOK5gb03aBMpFmLXrrzE4HSy3CVQkJuUKL2EnHF4nXkMEsUFWOC6U0dwbbGEmcGlHv8ow9bqITRxFta3GpYzpAUqNtE6ur5H1y92DiYrYxil7bv9l0LXKNsp87_DD7OJyhBO0QgI2YP0QwvkEEY/s4000/20230830_163250.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8_mMccpRICs0tW-7Htg1BqH3c7AQFCIkWRU6thQhEOK5gb03aBMpFmLXrrzE4HSy3CVQkJuUKL2EnHF4nXkMEsUFWOC6U0dwbbGEmcGlHv8ow9bqITRxFta3GpYzpAUqNtE6ur5H1y92DiYrYxil7bv9l0LXKNsp87_DD7OJyhBO0QgI2YP0QwvkEEY/s320/20230830_163250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Once you’re proficient with your “klunker”, think about “moving up”. I have two bolt action 22LR rifles that I purchased new. One is the Ruger American 22LR with a bipod and Vortex 2-7x Scout Rifle. And, I have a Ruger Precision Rifle in 22LR with bipod a Vortex Crossfire II Scope. Periodically, I will return to the Stevens 53B for a couple boxes of 22LR, but most of the range work, both at 50-yards and 100-yards is done with the Ruger Rifles.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JmKI5Py0rRMVBVq059asQMuEE9JIHU1WMbFhTiX_sN8DiWNRm6rpncRoxG5n7YzRobDhMogvxiPNhdP5cSxanaNiae38Oxn88rewzwBKATLRwxrQ_5h6qdgBv0YrsAFOXISoS3lNXKu4ReRoO_akOnhZKY8R-evbIDiGyuM01WeX8qMx2wAJlWr_K50/s4000/20231208_150754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JmKI5Py0rRMVBVq059asQMuEE9JIHU1WMbFhTiX_sN8DiWNRm6rpncRoxG5n7YzRobDhMogvxiPNhdP5cSxanaNiae38Oxn88rewzwBKATLRwxrQ_5h6qdgBv0YrsAFOXISoS3lNXKu4ReRoO_akOnhZKY8R-evbIDiGyuM01WeX8qMx2wAJlWr_K50/s320/20231208_150754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Livg4ruzqp3yfhktiqxTrHgZ9-RKfZgm2t2BgTTXpQlhV0A7d3jty1muNmXC1r6MAIOPt17m3ecc83PBrksRHm0e8ovpZdbVmDavo7qoZlB4zdxgejSHtzBnyZNvAERkErUlbCVNaAI1QMWKNSectnErPpBxEGfQKwteLGtAg_PHH4GceTDIrurcNs/s4000/20231118_153414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Livg4ruzqp3yfhktiqxTrHgZ9-RKfZgm2t2BgTTXpQlhV0A7d3jty1muNmXC1r6MAIOPt17m3ecc83PBrksRHm0e8ovpZdbVmDavo7qoZlB4zdxgejSHtzBnyZNvAERkErUlbCVNaAI1QMWKNSectnErPpBxEGfQKwteLGtAg_PHH4GceTDIrurcNs/s320/20231118_153414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I believe that many shooters believe that if they spend lots of money on the rifle and the scope and associated gear, they will shoot better. Honestly, again, most issues do not lie with the gun, but the shooter. <br /><br />I suggest you begin each session at 50-yards with a single box of 22LR. Each rifle will “like” a certain 22LR ammunition. Most of mine like Eley Club that runs about $10 per box. You can spend much more – and gain little in precision. But you can spend much less – and simply fail to come close to your precision goals. Eley Club is a good middle ground for me. <br /><br />My target is a 2-inch circle for 50-yards. I expect to shoot a 1-inch group that is within the 2-inch circle. And, I expect to do this for a minimum of 8 of the 10 targets I will shoot at 50-yards. This is typically my starting exercise for my range trip. <br /><br />Next, I’ll move to the 100-yard range. My target will change to a 3-inch circle for 100-yards. Here, I expect to shoot a 2-inch group that is within the 3-inch circle. I expect to do this for a minimum of 8 of the 10 targets I will shoot at 100-yards. <br /><br />I use the same targets with the same expectations with my Ruger Precision Rifle in 22LR for both 50-yards and 100-yards.<br /><br />I realize that everyone likes to shoot the big rifles - .308, .338 or maybe the lowly .223 but, but – the mechanics are exactly the same for each rifle (fully acknowledging the recoil mitigation is significantly between 22LRs and the larger calibers). Mounting the rifle, getting a good cheek weld, acquiring your sight alignment and sight picture, loading the bipod, using the rear bag, a smooth trigger press straight to the rear, running the bolt, reacquiring the target, and reengaging the target. If you successfully do all those things with the 22LR, you are wiring your neural pathways that will function exactly the same with your larger caliber rifles.<br /><br />For larger caliber rifles, I have a Ruger Precision Rifle in .308 with a Vortex Viper scope and bipod, a Savage 110 Scout in .308 with a Vortex Scout Scope and bipod, and a Ruger American Predator in .223 with a Vortex Crossfire II and a bipod. My experience is that if I do my work with the 22LR rifles, the transition to the larger caliber rifles is straight forward and I can consistently meet my shooting goals.<br /><br />One thing with the larger caliber rifles that I learned was to reduce my group sizes to 3-round groups with 5 minutes between each target. This is due to barrel heating. When I shot 5-round groups, by the time I got to the 4th target on up, the groups would open up because the barrel heated affecting the precision of the rifle.<br /><br />That pretty much wraps it up . . . if you are starting down the path of rifle shooting, I’d offer that you should begin “small”, work on and polish your fundamentals – then work your way up to the larger caliber rifle of your choice.<br /><br />Enjoy the journey . . . hit the range . . . and be safe!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpG-cBY6q7HHMmVahoOGeOj5hbU0aUbpphQVUtqyf-ApdTaU6W_EMxfsO3rTqf0LhyphenhyphennBBrAInYl2phRSQLpLAy9EKIk7aW1EVujbCckLJ4gKPjs0zsh2CVumGTg8eOe4ykQYnakkGCibQRGGDpYJXnwpQGjc9XAyn3LN09lMQu9CZqXNdyfKJGdqtCkM/s4000/20231023_174452.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpG-cBY6q7HHMmVahoOGeOj5hbU0aUbpphQVUtqyf-ApdTaU6W_EMxfsO3rTqf0LhyphenhyphennBBrAInYl2phRSQLpLAy9EKIk7aW1EVujbCckLJ4gKPjs0zsh2CVumGTg8eOe4ykQYnakkGCibQRGGDpYJXnwpQGjc9XAyn3LN09lMQu9CZqXNdyfKJGdqtCkM/s320/20231023_174452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje73PAeUyGimUaOoDzMI8gAS3OmzYVRL7-y2jkmJyp4V6tF0yhOVJAikHeU_uJyGcX4OrENy39wjZLAw-e2rrNEZE1tR9EsUFoY-RrWwWfPj6p5XxbpJvgJgAobOTbvgPb2YNWRTDy5hfBy89qENBwUL5Kjs-d4WiQ7Po1R8sXdz67WiaABQ4PvKgk_PQ/s4000/20231115_133155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje73PAeUyGimUaOoDzMI8gAS3OmzYVRL7-y2jkmJyp4V6tF0yhOVJAikHeU_uJyGcX4OrENy39wjZLAw-e2rrNEZE1tR9EsUFoY-RrWwWfPj6p5XxbpJvgJgAobOTbvgPb2YNWRTDy5hfBy89qENBwUL5Kjs-d4WiQ7Po1R8sXdz67WiaABQ4PvKgk_PQ/s320/20231115_133155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-51973113916606498602023-10-17T09:47:00.000-05:002023-10-17T09:47:12.885-05:00Designated Marksman Course October 14-15 2023 Beta Course<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">This past weekend I taught the “Beta” version of the
Designated Marksman course that I’ve developed.</span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">It incorporated the suggestions and changes from the “Alpha” version I
taught back in April.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I had one holdover
student that took the Alpha course and two newbies.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Day one morning was the lecture part of the course
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It defines terminology, the
purpose of a DM (in my opinion anyway) and the fundamentals of the skill set
that I will be working through on the range. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve included an image of the training flyer
that summarizes the course and equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_evW2o_C7mHOWDoZYdLF7Gz3B_Rflk0PjpxXK2MMKgiJS17bcy5a-OyT8hh5iYD41U0GDL_O-RJtaD_x5pipADIw4HtQrMUFVQppEgFz6OCjWjPhDkiRMlgz0uhNV5OT_BBCaiQE_1Bet46wonmboTC__p0DNpuJxtuUR0xcBabITniWJ1H557p3xo2U/s1650/Designated%20Marksman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_evW2o_C7mHOWDoZYdLF7Gz3B_Rflk0PjpxXK2MMKgiJS17bcy5a-OyT8hh5iYD41U0GDL_O-RJtaD_x5pipADIw4HtQrMUFVQppEgFz6OCjWjPhDkiRMlgz0uhNV5OT_BBCaiQE_1Bet46wonmboTC__p0DNpuJxtuUR0xcBabITniWJ1H557p3xo2U/s320/Designated%20Marksman.jpg" width="247" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">After lunch we moved to the 50-yard range and their 22LR training
rifles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll note that everyone in the
photo ended up with the Ruger American 22LR as their training rifle – it was
not purposeful but kind of interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One fellow brought a conversion kit for his scoped AR, but it simply
proved too finicky to use so he used my training rifle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V7F_7IY-l3q2ciJpZFt6L1rLy6CJBdLEatPW3Gsoo3QzmSFHR3rJMgQA4YPSbcYZJR91zPbreNXM94ZkaKIuBivwiEbKSyYG9hmaTGBtRBQ48kOeb2B8n11LfMdJzHxpDIcQBkGzBG2nE4Pxesx3yOSWie2rR3s32ikpZrapgmLffk93coh8XghDMfg/s4000/20231014_133518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V7F_7IY-l3q2ciJpZFt6L1rLy6CJBdLEatPW3Gsoo3QzmSFHR3rJMgQA4YPSbcYZJR91zPbreNXM94ZkaKIuBivwiEbKSyYG9hmaTGBtRBQ48kOeb2B8n11LfMdJzHxpDIcQBkGzBG2nE4Pxesx3yOSWie2rR3s32ikpZrapgmLffk93coh8XghDMfg/w214-h161/20231014_133518.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-T1MbBn_aZ6wHqKNaBblzn7sZA9MjNxGSs4GtJWyVocXkCq1IF43W2NsxJu17dSf8wTkG_zMxvSt8vv45R8iaY2hIPMeJNj95HOEPTO71PlKdsS-1ptlVZVfx1kZabyevker18ghva4Wwqy9UkS7mb3Wyc56RfHiCWSUTYuWhe5b5jPQOYr9VDR0NQo/s4000/20231014_135525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-T1MbBn_aZ6wHqKNaBblzn7sZA9MjNxGSs4GtJWyVocXkCq1IF43W2NsxJu17dSf8wTkG_zMxvSt8vv45R8iaY2hIPMeJNj95HOEPTO71PlKdsS-1ptlVZVfx1kZabyevker18ghva4Wwqy9UkS7mb3Wyc56RfHiCWSUTYuWhe5b5jPQOYr9VDR0NQo/w207-h275/20231014_135525.jpg" width="207" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">The goal of this portion of the course is to move the
shooter toward shooting 5-round groups on 2 inch targets at 50 yards with a 90%
consistency (Accuracy) and a group size averages of 2MOA – or 1-inch sized
groups (Precision) .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To get there, I
work them through all the fundamentals rifle shooting and simply work our way
through all the basics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see from
the three targets the Accuracy was reasonably achieved but work remains on the
precision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2lT6-xBD06UggK-SeVYX5DzxOeO_nt_Mkf_qAFaYssISw5GzriPT1MK_vivnEsKELvdJEX4X67YGqKPyZ4ecNc27L4NL6VNvJN8OCVbp9ZrIeUFljVgG6cu0Xp0Z57LDkdCpPtATSU73kHCGQ4z6GO-1Z12Url1Nt3miMNJyBOlnmGKmkjFkrxnmOa8/s4000/20231014_141923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2lT6-xBD06UggK-SeVYX5DzxOeO_nt_Mkf_qAFaYssISw5GzriPT1MK_vivnEsKELvdJEX4X67YGqKPyZ4ecNc27L4NL6VNvJN8OCVbp9ZrIeUFljVgG6cu0Xp0Z57LDkdCpPtATSU73kHCGQ4z6GO-1Z12Url1Nt3miMNJyBOlnmGKmkjFkrxnmOa8/s320/20231014_141923.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7w4EQYaQsy6AbRJQdyUmcC02lwoq7l0Rsm5p0FhkipczbtbS0W0Sb9DkSRryVpQBQDvALQL8uDIbFyoz8GUOXebnM6S7Ctekpcq2uy6sB7GVjNhVLRovDPJLDNuqRx-1xXGeBmvtNKSftOwI5Q1WC-Ftd4bIHxtnBYk7EHkk4PkMui2f2uJFi4EpHZQ/s4000/20231014_141912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7w4EQYaQsy6AbRJQdyUmcC02lwoq7l0Rsm5p0FhkipczbtbS0W0Sb9DkSRryVpQBQDvALQL8uDIbFyoz8GUOXebnM6S7Ctekpcq2uy6sB7GVjNhVLRovDPJLDNuqRx-1xXGeBmvtNKSftOwI5Q1WC-Ftd4bIHxtnBYk7EHkk4PkMui2f2uJFi4EpHZQ/s320/20231014_141912.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4FGzuRhxWlTfw8gbNOa6JxIpGDO4_uWMA_QCXPf5RAIfLBxTkP8UvAffKitMZZolsdxHG1EIHkQbKJBksnDuF3QPZ3KGE8_y6t0pVHri8jELpyAzPT_JO4zAbFSXUWbEG1_DjbBOOOmdjmdvKmndyhkv9apDgk6nMZfuESsVt8M0imsq9__VVwakUik/s4000/20231014_141902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4FGzuRhxWlTfw8gbNOa6JxIpGDO4_uWMA_QCXPf5RAIfLBxTkP8UvAffKitMZZolsdxHG1EIHkQbKJBksnDuF3QPZ3KGE8_y6t0pVHri8jELpyAzPT_JO4zAbFSXUWbEG1_DjbBOOOmdjmdvKmndyhkv9apDgk6nMZfuESsVt8M0imsq9__VVwakUik/s320/20231014_141902.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">At the end of Day One they all sent 5 rounds through their
selected DM rifles to confirm their zero at 50 yards and the day ended.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Day two saw us move out to the 100-yard range beginning with
their 22LR trainer rifles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe this
step is key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal here for both
rifles is that 90% of all their rounds fall within 3-inch targets (Accuracy)
and that their group size averages 2MOA – a 2-inch group (Precision).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My reasoning for starting with the 22LR
trainer is that it’s more cost effective to build and maintain a shooting skill
set with ammunition that costs $.09 per round rather than $2.00+ per
round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t meet these
requirements with a 22LR trainer, you won’t with a larger caliber DM rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The morning was spent working on all the
fundamentals that would allow them to meet these requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s at this point that folks begin to realize
phrases like <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . . “I can shoot ½ MOA
all day long” . . . may be a bit of a stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each target sheet contains 5ea. 3-inch targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After around 4 boxes of 22LR – 8 completed
target sheets – we chatted about what they had all learned, talked about how to
apply that to their DM rifle and broke for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGfkuRPycrnAbLOks3bTGiIZDhu_HJTCAOrIAOltXE4fR043VGe0b8U95Q9b_zuQl3wpC3C_Sq5SbXR8R08TqBGV68m8MbraBVoHaMFPPTUwOjHW_oWH9C-7lNpJGFbkay3GxqQ-u8W2TMBkjqxGqbkEFHltSWiN24bk1jM8rqA_ZUPvT-Pq2dLCEn4U/s4000/20231015_133619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGfkuRPycrnAbLOks3bTGiIZDhu_HJTCAOrIAOltXE4fR043VGe0b8U95Q9b_zuQl3wpC3C_Sq5SbXR8R08TqBGV68m8MbraBVoHaMFPPTUwOjHW_oWH9C-7lNpJGFbkay3GxqQ-u8W2TMBkjqxGqbkEFHltSWiN24bk1jM8rqA_ZUPvT-Pq2dLCEn4U/s320/20231015_133619.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">After lunch we moved to their individual DM rifles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a .223 scoped AR, a Ruger American in
6.5 Creedmoor (the best overall performer) and a Ruger M77 in .308.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, the same shooting standards were held
. . . and again the phrase . . . “I can shoot ½ MOA all day long” . . . took a
bit of a beating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All shooters ended the
day with work remaining to be done but with a solid training approach of how to
get there using a training rifle and their primary rifle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">We had a final debrief and the day ended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As is often said, shooting is a perishable
skill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is certainly true with rifle
shooting that needs to be both Accurate and Precise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all seemed happy with the process that
was taught, the elements of the skillset and the dual approach of a training
and primary rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A fine time was had
by all!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">This was the end of the primary testing of the course, I
will bring it live in the Spring of 2024.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you’re interested, drop me a PM.</span><o:p></o:p></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-43870255161521457232023-07-04T13:18:00.004-05:002023-07-04T13:18:40.344-05:00Range Trip 7-4-2023<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">4</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> of July 2023 . . . what better way to start
the day than with a range trip.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Susie
and the granddaughter – Lucy – are off to horse camp so I was left to my own
devices this morning.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The destination
was a pretty easy choice.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I took the Ruger American 22LR and a couple of boxes of
Eley Club to the 50-yard range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
been playing with the front bag a bit and am growing fond of Armageddon Gear’s “Game
Changer” bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had it a number of years,
but this is the first time I’ve worked my way through the front bags is a
systematic fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see I have
it strapped over my bipod and barrel resting on a bench rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also using a small rear bag as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was pretty darn happy with the results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbQK4Pwaz3YBREyn_nqI2lgGbWDTQH3WfSjsnyuadYny_gwrILaD25sn-eaYC5kwoWMpYusKzm5aquqzNyHR0DV58A1fXnmSC63P0mbfex-i-iqx97-9Y1Y7u6KwGBxaYt2DWk4p98qTl-nNVFO30A4SoJ4uZ5h8yo8_RapLsU94x-ladltfM-vtidBs/s4000/20230704_113652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbQK4Pwaz3YBREyn_nqI2lgGbWDTQH3WfSjsnyuadYny_gwrILaD25sn-eaYC5kwoWMpYusKzm5aquqzNyHR0DV58A1fXnmSC63P0mbfex-i-iqx97-9Y1Y7u6KwGBxaYt2DWk4p98qTl-nNVFO30A4SoJ4uZ5h8yo8_RapLsU94x-ladltfM-vtidBs/s320/20230704_113652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After the “Zero Target” I sent 95 rounds down range on 19
different 2-inch targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped 7
rounds (meaning they fell outside of the 2-inch targets for a Accuracy Score of
92.6%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the average group size was
1.65 MOA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both are well within my goals
of 90% and 2 MOA respectively.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigg94MDudTz6tng-jVKVPFkpGaMjabQtqxOBEvUiWtchskReFLiUL2wkDsvm9_qvA9s4W6-Y6yQKKrfs9wMYYoMMdS2NkSiW3x-D2LWU90G3v3RxapQ6pm0UbMuXv4HmwZnXXEtAWl7Nav3rjRdVFNjSg3ALZuaH6LW7YxH8A3ZrnGWqxqSuVUiqFx6yw/s2316/Screenshot_20230704_124811_Range%20Buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigg94MDudTz6tng-jVKVPFkpGaMjabQtqxOBEvUiWtchskReFLiUL2wkDsvm9_qvA9s4W6-Y6yQKKrfs9wMYYoMMdS2NkSiW3x-D2LWU90G3v3RxapQ6pm0UbMuXv4HmwZnXXEtAWl7Nav3rjRdVFNjSg3ALZuaH6LW7YxH8A3ZrnGWqxqSuVUiqFx6yw/s320/Screenshot_20230704_124811_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58mCgA5rQaqQyFFisixaM-ahZR1OjIMwg3mgwpCpK0m-B_Y7b4xpZ5KfC8IQlTa00LK3Y8MD79khgee9zzaMzLRyJdGZXmdpYc0DdHTa9f0aYbaiO9u-LPWU1oIOfXQ6bS44Hh00KC03KV6PWkDmNXq1yqZP6MfGH-nH7xHU1JSO36s-0JBNM-SMyL-k/s2316/Screenshot_20230704_123308_Range%20Buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58mCgA5rQaqQyFFisixaM-ahZR1OjIMwg3mgwpCpK0m-B_Y7b4xpZ5KfC8IQlTa00LK3Y8MD79khgee9zzaMzLRyJdGZXmdpYc0DdHTa9f0aYbaiO9u-LPWU1oIOfXQ6bS44Hh00KC03KV6PWkDmNXq1yqZP6MfGH-nH7xHU1JSO36s-0JBNM-SMyL-k/s320/Screenshot_20230704_123308_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27szGXQTcw-w2C8PToMbMlbQElHBWk5LgQ7JA5MtGnOlZMaYOkTtT7qLxUaRjnKfWcJIGbtr-zs-MvEGgI9oLWQor2w-_txHOtbw5rCOoVUHm7eh0-seYGdbbBOJbR5PPAIuVYoUaTBObdTLTUcXXaR1um-_fq1jm5r3kvsoNedi3l-tir-I1Bk23WC8/s4000/20230704_113602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27szGXQTcw-w2C8PToMbMlbQElHBWk5LgQ7JA5MtGnOlZMaYOkTtT7qLxUaRjnKfWcJIGbtr-zs-MvEGgI9oLWQor2w-_txHOtbw5rCOoVUHm7eh0-seYGdbbBOJbR5PPAIuVYoUaTBObdTLTUcXXaR1um-_fq1jm5r3kvsoNedi3l-tir-I1Bk23WC8/s320/20230704_113602.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv57X-0Waf0Os4ehTf00qsgGx7JIUACWis6EhJStVJK8wJ3VR6xwnbj0Rl8pz2xanE0V8g6-W2kU-_6tdIe1mNKwEXo5jNOYPMpoJOby5EpDGzwKTd3eox0ZuaqrcdS_ZLD0aiKiCZIFxS02qVjLkReaOaC0QUHjiWIvFiuTVGnOzZrpGelir-0OX6Zw/s4000/20230704_113552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv57X-0Waf0Os4ehTf00qsgGx7JIUACWis6EhJStVJK8wJ3VR6xwnbj0Rl8pz2xanE0V8g6-W2kU-_6tdIe1mNKwEXo5jNOYPMpoJOby5EpDGzwKTd3eox0ZuaqrcdS_ZLD0aiKiCZIFxS02qVjLkReaOaC0QUHjiWIvFiuTVGnOzZrpGelir-0OX6Zw/s320/20230704_113552.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve also taken to plotting my average “hold point” for
each of the 5 round engagements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used RangeBuddy
to size and evaluate that as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
down zero with a average group size of 2.03 MOA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use this to see how consistent my Point of
Aim is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a new parameter I’ve
been tracking; we’ll see over time if there’s any real value in it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdXcjlI-e_9NLZ5AmyoAeO172cj_rCKP_iGnsTHB8YC30Z7-L-WABBgfmy6JYpayFsglCMItlMy0Ec2GWnVRQkkwfq9rwosgC2b-ik1o1nOCv-RETAXnW2njuhp6ZgxV8xJP2WPt2vbK73ybubSgV1cPFp9xGs3-uai-fY8BMWCmlBKiTGWz-ak19SD0/s2316/Screenshot_20230704_124317_Range%20Buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdXcjlI-e_9NLZ5AmyoAeO172cj_rCKP_iGnsTHB8YC30Z7-L-WABBgfmy6JYpayFsglCMItlMy0Ec2GWnVRQkkwfq9rwosgC2b-ik1o1nOCv-RETAXnW2njuhp6ZgxV8xJP2WPt2vbK73ybubSgV1cPFp9xGs3-uai-fY8BMWCmlBKiTGWz-ak19SD0/s320/Screenshot_20230704_124317_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So there ya go, a fine time was had – both at the range and
at horse camp!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Enjoy your 4<sup>th</sup> folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our forefathers risked everything to give us
the chance to enjoy a day like today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s
do our best not to screw it up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-37443210696828825932023-06-24T14:14:00.002-05:002023-06-24T14:19:54.219-05:00Range Trip 6-23-2023<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6vkRbrGSkM192k1ZyqDMhsbSExo6vU4ZynSdmzLulWn_DKtRY7O2Pz7nObIAeptRIvObSTHq2_HIt2dfdRpno2tCVHhBitUbNwg8MV8cd21gnmioF6AHEYsVl-g-lPUGzxQ_64cEpzEHG2cl8ESrmxNLsk1XFnHU6ygB5E293Dp0jcZ9OoAPc-X03L4/s4000/20230623_131139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6vkRbrGSkM192k1ZyqDMhsbSExo6vU4ZynSdmzLulWn_DKtRY7O2Pz7nObIAeptRIvObSTHq2_HIt2dfdRpno2tCVHhBitUbNwg8MV8cd21gnmioF6AHEYsVl-g-lPUGzxQ_64cEpzEHG2cl8ESrmxNLsk1XFnHU6ygB5E293Dp0jcZ9OoAPc-X03L4/s320/20230623_131139.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I returned to the range the day following the 6/21 trip
because I was unhappy with the performance of the Frontier 75gr
ammunition.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">My purpose was to see if PMC
X-TAC 55 would work better.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I get to the
range, post a target, set up my rifle and send one round at the “zero target”.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Low . . . so I reach for the elevation turret
to adjust . . . and the scope “wiggled”.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Excuse me????</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">So, I grab the scope
and try to move it around – and I can do this easily.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Closer examination showed that the scope was
firmly attached to the rail . . . but the rail was NOT firmly attached to the
rifle.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Heavy sigh.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">As all good instructors claim – “Why I been
shootin’ guns since I was a little kid!!!”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Well, I have been – got my first scoped .22 when I was 12.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Used all types of rifles in the ensuing 61
years.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">And I have NEVER seen a rail on a
rifle lose.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">So, retrieved my target,
packed my gear, and headed to the office.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I disconnected the scope rings from the rail and removed
the rail mounting screws. I applied a
bit of Blue Loctite to each screw and then tightened them to the recommended 15
inch-pounds of torque. I tightened the 4
crews back, front, 2</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">nd</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> back and 2</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">nd</sup><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> front. Then I ran through the sequence one more time
and remounted the scope rings to the rail and tightened them to 15 inch-pounds
as well. I let things set overnight
and then headed to the range the next day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The course of fire today was to be 5 rounds per target, 20
targets, 5 targets per sheet with the first to confirm zero. My goal was all rounds within the 3” targets
and a group size average of 2MOA. I
posted one sheet with 5 targets at a time then changed out the sheet and
evaluated the target I removed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Sheet #1 I dropped 3 rounds and had an average group size
of 2.14 MOA.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZq3-SIN5ZT01GVYSvX9IiQLRf2bKA0Bq6aF-3bDPag00Jp6eXH2LO3qFDPtuIT-_Z8-zT0VfjNxGdX0xVGQfa_rsMtqK5OGvSbw5ofUQCWNXDkna1njse-tw4chZTkpfut0PgUzx6ucpw_IXoq5UYstaP3H6SjLvn-qiV0MPxWyKtAicqwa7ZtLfVjw/s4000/20230623_133154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZq3-SIN5ZT01GVYSvX9IiQLRf2bKA0Bq6aF-3bDPag00Jp6eXH2LO3qFDPtuIT-_Z8-zT0VfjNxGdX0xVGQfa_rsMtqK5OGvSbw5ofUQCWNXDkna1njse-tw4chZTkpfut0PgUzx6ucpw_IXoq5UYstaP3H6SjLvn-qiV0MPxWyKtAicqwa7ZtLfVjw/s320/20230623_133154.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7nvEOALJ2eKT0gQF0Lqu3AEUWfYs_YuAlbg26ctt7rNceXHomOp9OWC-kGvRWvkjr4JlfP6g2Tq7qtOQzSm8bKl2Xkb6cjrwjtIhZoLrSxaRc7Me-5sxj5bP_eo_M_giQXy0gpuSwGX2Iuu_HVzZOVg78uIj205Cfr-oeE5iYsUradyIUoQeX3uVEqQ/s2316/Screenshot_20230624_091931_Range%20Buddy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7nvEOALJ2eKT0gQF0Lqu3AEUWfYs_YuAlbg26ctt7rNceXHomOp9OWC-kGvRWvkjr4JlfP6g2Tq7qtOQzSm8bKl2Xkb6cjrwjtIhZoLrSxaRc7Me-5sxj5bP_eo_M_giQXy0gpuSwGX2Iuu_HVzZOVg78uIj205Cfr-oeE5iYsUradyIUoQeX3uVEqQ/s320/Screenshot_20230624_091931_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sheet #2 I dropped 2 rounds and had an average group size
of 2.17 MOA.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkYfmxXY4VSZdHfWaY0AHb-L0rnvrJuTytsHsqTUSg5SwgtTcIBURlsIZHo9Xx6JKpsH-BJSBXNe-Y2oT-qZ6GDo-ROt7OXoL2kvjIn14sl24tpv9GYX84_wXiw_kwBwSquSlKnQbzLTs4Iktejd_OEL7TozfzS9wSIcLlunthuE6EZzqf0w9niP_azs/s4000/20230623_131315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjkYfmxXY4VSZdHfWaY0AHb-L0rnvrJuTytsHsqTUSg5SwgtTcIBURlsIZHo9Xx6JKpsH-BJSBXNe-Y2oT-qZ6GDo-ROt7OXoL2kvjIn14sl24tpv9GYX84_wXiw_kwBwSquSlKnQbzLTs4Iktejd_OEL7TozfzS9wSIcLlunthuE6EZzqf0w9niP_azs/s320/20230623_131315.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-K2HA2ONJCYjPGjKkjNFfwiGVuG49ZTQwremQy3n4AAlF2wb1k-ZulZvcyCxqR_OhRuPoEgvanCUlwiuoEujvzyXTENUlMkxXs2pCRnarxhKAy-9YZnDhLH96MXj5Pjcd6Gwq6ZeMAB4L6q_nf90IHREPr4DFB1gofHonIYHA7zV7nRJV4xO8yEpUUBU/s2316/Screenshot_20230624_091943_Range%20Buddy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-K2HA2ONJCYjPGjKkjNFfwiGVuG49ZTQwremQy3n4AAlF2wb1k-ZulZvcyCxqR_OhRuPoEgvanCUlwiuoEujvzyXTENUlMkxXs2pCRnarxhKAy-9YZnDhLH96MXj5Pjcd6Gwq6ZeMAB4L6q_nf90IHREPr4DFB1gofHonIYHA7zV7nRJV4xO8yEpUUBU/s320/Screenshot_20230624_091943_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sheet #3 I dropped 5 rounds and had an average group size
of 2.3 MOA. 4 of the dropped rounds happened on Target #4 of the sheet. No idea what happened but I regained my focus
for the next sheet. It was obviously a
shooter issue and not a rifle or ammunition issue.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LXINj6uaQDKU9PqHFF1mzppG6-IRjSI73MRM-M1Ntb805eD_RP-GTSfx2DOfrGBXhcTHlAY7J-3pCCatfAfH6mm-yK328t6wi0N_M1yH291jo6e2PDj4kNmp-HlSqvE4DId7UAcK2Wau8NqdLu5XZoWM7ht1jXtcHOHzrOL4_Ynusq0JE1XFh9y1tJc/s4000/20230623_131256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LXINj6uaQDKU9PqHFF1mzppG6-IRjSI73MRM-M1Ntb805eD_RP-GTSfx2DOfrGBXhcTHlAY7J-3pCCatfAfH6mm-yK328t6wi0N_M1yH291jo6e2PDj4kNmp-HlSqvE4DId7UAcK2Wau8NqdLu5XZoWM7ht1jXtcHOHzrOL4_Ynusq0JE1XFh9y1tJc/s320/20230623_131256.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3TgRPr5dzAkz18QyunMEhjT9idaQF_HxlFd8Xgj6bOJ1q2gSALJE72TrTnmenJg08JiInGp3LwjaXVhIn2-Y1bih0XUysk39miET_tZq7IQIvOatAhDl-iBJ9P-_z3XBfIFohcpw9H_TQWmzO-77ksuIHB1hJc6fP_zRf943pk-716_NSrAj_ACikQI/s2316/Screenshot_20230624_091955_Range%20Buddy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3TgRPr5dzAkz18QyunMEhjT9idaQF_HxlFd8Xgj6bOJ1q2gSALJE72TrTnmenJg08JiInGp3LwjaXVhIn2-Y1bih0XUysk39miET_tZq7IQIvOatAhDl-iBJ9P-_z3XBfIFohcpw9H_TQWmzO-77ksuIHB1hJc6fP_zRf943pk-716_NSrAj_ACikQI/s320/Screenshot_20230624_091955_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sheet #4 I dropped 2 rounds and had an average group size
of 2.18 MOA. I also had by best target
of the trip – and the last target of the day.
My 5-round group size was .74 MOA.
It was a very nice way to end the range trip.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwGqT6Vqk-sxPUXeHuIuJKWDubKLEA32r64QjY97wX2GldevAhGVuURePoOC0v19RPReUj6NnJuzw4V9S-Lpt4sBAh0r1M0K1U1P1rpQo3EMOLMwsLHLSVS5ZFQOSBB-ZQrBZ6TuPK_6pGJRr7etYRTB-s9IeURX-wfirJ_zBxkkLpfI44UFSI7dAMi8/s4000/20230623_131224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwGqT6Vqk-sxPUXeHuIuJKWDubKLEA32r64QjY97wX2GldevAhGVuURePoOC0v19RPReUj6NnJuzw4V9S-Lpt4sBAh0r1M0K1U1P1rpQo3EMOLMwsLHLSVS5ZFQOSBB-ZQrBZ6TuPK_6pGJRr7etYRTB-s9IeURX-wfirJ_zBxkkLpfI44UFSI7dAMi8/s320/20230623_131224.jpg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-h4GCqbo_Eai-uCVIYTagjxQw3zSF13BC0rEzoRr9_eraHmbRXdVLpjdAjvsbg34QO-Hxr8T1mozwCDfgmQmqcy8hlBS_FRzKc7JCpB-GfSx84LlVq8l2BcjhWTdYmT0YjOq4Q9zTJmHBkKftD88U6dqAeoPb7_A0WHcEwJO2DV3HJk3QP7sO6Ti1zw/s2316/Screenshot_20230624_092003_Range%20Buddy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-h4GCqbo_Eai-uCVIYTagjxQw3zSF13BC0rEzoRr9_eraHmbRXdVLpjdAjvsbg34QO-Hxr8T1mozwCDfgmQmqcy8hlBS_FRzKc7JCpB-GfSx84LlVq8l2BcjhWTdYmT0YjOq4Q9zTJmHBkKftD88U6dqAeoPb7_A0WHcEwJO2DV3HJk3QP7sO6Ti1zw/s320/Screenshot_20230624_092003_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As you can see from the photo of the rifle and targets, I
was using an Armageddon Gear “Game Changer” front bag and a regular rear
squeeze bag. It provided a very stable
shooting platform.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Moving forward I will probably reduce my round count to 50
rounds per trip with the 5.56 ammo with one trip per month. I’ll probably run the same with the Savage
110 .308 that I chose as my DM rifle.
The high-volume work will continue to be done with the Ruger American
22LR or the Ruger Precision 22LR to maintain the fundamental skill set. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">It was a good range trip today. I was reasonably happy with by final
result - an 87.4% on accuracy and an
average group size of 2.2 MOA on
precision. A fine time was had by all!</span></p>
<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span> </p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-149259563831334312023-06-22T09:13:00.001-05:002023-06-22T09:13:18.262-05:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">6-21-2023 Range Day<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The range trip today involved the “intermediate” rifle in
my course development for a Designated Marksman Course – the Ruger American
Predator in .223.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t consider a
.223 large enough to fill a DM role, but it works fine to introduce the concept
of recoil mitigation since the .22LR trainers simply have no recoil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, when you move to this platform the
goals of precision and accuracy remain . . . 2MOA regardless of the distance
and all rounds within a 2” circle at 50 yards and a 3” circle at 100 yards.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHYYZ5raaBnusC_GWefzDRelleVWIPtf3hx4309I_J5_IO1OFp0Vdz6opvusRtBrraSLi_FJxLTQm9Lrf0ON6ibhDXhIumjcDaKMqdGOgFkstKHn5FuXJOBtPcXFbc9-dO0bb5HMRn0Xf1jFhVZDv96YDhn7NuhH5I7WG_u7baTkdyVFoiYNcG-agdZA/s4000/20230621_145636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHYYZ5raaBnusC_GWefzDRelleVWIPtf3hx4309I_J5_IO1OFp0Vdz6opvusRtBrraSLi_FJxLTQm9Lrf0ON6ibhDXhIumjcDaKMqdGOgFkstKHn5FuXJOBtPcXFbc9-dO0bb5HMRn0Xf1jFhVZDv96YDhn7NuhH5I7WG_u7baTkdyVFoiYNcG-agdZA/w400-h300/20230621_145636.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At 50 yards I reduced the round count to 3-rounds per
target and fired a total of 60 rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
dropped 1 round for an average accuracy of 98.3%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I had an average group size for 20ea 3-round
groups of 1.67 MOA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well within my
desired accuracy of 90% and my average group size of 2MOA.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOCsPRs0nmYkle6OzAK6PF_znluXoM6GIDI1dD2QKL0XIiPYBMz-5RrePvaEB3TkxZVwRs5RndAJELEX8ASVhsjXnKhEa5lcRzxqYVcj7xny2lmQ_utXw97dh-mMEM_kJeDcKn7fydA4Ztd8pNS9_1l2TizM8WraHC1BeFAoseQU2SlJhirbSzrTOMt0/s2316/Screenshot_20230621_174046_Range%20Buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOCsPRs0nmYkle6OzAK6PF_znluXoM6GIDI1dD2QKL0XIiPYBMz-5RrePvaEB3TkxZVwRs5RndAJELEX8ASVhsjXnKhEa5lcRzxqYVcj7xny2lmQ_utXw97dh-mMEM_kJeDcKn7fydA4Ztd8pNS9_1l2TizM8WraHC1BeFAoseQU2SlJhirbSzrTOMt0/s320/Screenshot_20230621_174046_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAnBLa8G8wpaH7uNpF7wry0cgTYkKv25OtzPz6DpQJU8orywaMa2Emh9XnbpZ3qeic97JS5QRDrWFluivvBIHRLyiFm-70gEJWuzJJKPIHRRpDeHzgAmaiQVbTnxVoYVLjk9K85srBE-DBtf8O_e4ytDyrsHISQ7H60Xv6w1vmTnfwP5LCXfOTPpl2Uk/s2316/Screenshot_20230621_174039_Range%20Buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAnBLa8G8wpaH7uNpF7wry0cgTYkKv25OtzPz6DpQJU8orywaMa2Emh9XnbpZ3qeic97JS5QRDrWFluivvBIHRLyiFm-70gEJWuzJJKPIHRRpDeHzgAmaiQVbTnxVoYVLjk9K85srBE-DBtf8O_e4ytDyrsHISQ7H60Xv6w1vmTnfwP5LCXfOTPpl2Uk/s320/Screenshot_20230621_174039_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ7KQrf7IF7jDa9nR2jbcSLdtjA_cdZD99neweAkcgAOyo9544vnVcqzvXIdGXmsBF9UfFo_jC2iDhlrpON8nA-KgM2is0tBl7iJoD_GXKESV2_xtFoO6gL2i8Z3OgDOFn_T2V9XdFDPHZjdGP5ngMzJ5F1KyphuMvHhb6x-jDS0YNdcscmjk61gEAPQ/s4000/20230621_140218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ7KQrf7IF7jDa9nR2jbcSLdtjA_cdZD99neweAkcgAOyo9544vnVcqzvXIdGXmsBF9UfFo_jC2iDhlrpON8nA-KgM2is0tBl7iJoD_GXKESV2_xtFoO6gL2i8Z3OgDOFn_T2V9XdFDPHZjdGP5ngMzJ5F1KyphuMvHhb6x-jDS0YNdcscmjk61gEAPQ/s320/20230621_140218.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsjrlBTGuBc4UzXpFIHo88Q93taYWb6R2nRT7yY36MwuESzhPiIFH_-bNSvHEDpp9Ts0uLUKplNWJdLuWvh-uF10tGiax3MEIRqPBfF8TNu89c-mojV0IDgpXvcm2hIDhk_CMMxg2gkQkUAGuGDd3utWSDCpT64zHsjzUf1aiTbed9a0_AdhRJVrp2dQ/s4000/20230621_140208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsjrlBTGuBc4UzXpFIHo88Q93taYWb6R2nRT7yY36MwuESzhPiIFH_-bNSvHEDpp9Ts0uLUKplNWJdLuWvh-uF10tGiax3MEIRqPBfF8TNu89c-mojV0IDgpXvcm2hIDhk_CMMxg2gkQkUAGuGDd3utWSDCpT64zHsjzUf1aiTbed9a0_AdhRJVrp2dQ/s320/20230621_140208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Just a side note, I was shooting Frontier 75gr Hornady BTHP
Match bullets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A characteristic I’ve
noted in the past carried through to this session, I had 2 Failure to Fire malfunctions
for the 60 rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, with today’s
ammunition, this is unusual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were
the last few boxes of my stock and I’ve moved on to PMC X-TAC as a replacement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Moving out to 100 yards, things did open up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheet #1, Target #1 was to check zero so not
counted in my average.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For 45 rounds, my
average group size opened to 2.26 MOA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, my dropped shots increased to 6 out of 45 for an average of
86.6%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I was “out of spec” for both
precision and accuracy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heavy sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to go back today and shoot the
100-Yards with the PMC X-TAC and see if things snug up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScWbx4Dp7QhCaQRixJ2ssPBeQxNSqwl8YMySZDF1AEI37kNukbAl7M-TYUMukfg3oSe1yGWcBPqfkpDGalWCPxjU_TZfbxNPZIUKsnra2rzvqoWQTOSauhwk_noEL1ix9yr5eFGOVPQEUTTHBnaoDyWCvc_hyNviRImSOqoIv_9dP4Wg5k_JAOpmCjyI/s2316/Screenshot_20230621_174101_Range%20Buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScWbx4Dp7QhCaQRixJ2ssPBeQxNSqwl8YMySZDF1AEI37kNukbAl7M-TYUMukfg3oSe1yGWcBPqfkpDGalWCPxjU_TZfbxNPZIUKsnra2rzvqoWQTOSauhwk_noEL1ix9yr5eFGOVPQEUTTHBnaoDyWCvc_hyNviRImSOqoIv_9dP4Wg5k_JAOpmCjyI/s320/Screenshot_20230621_174101_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3Z3RfwwtYajLpVlDLYdW-wCz5Bj8NvIPpzhuIE7ijUHnSuDavOFDeAGq4gkgqCi5hMFu6P4LdxTxftWD-BCxpYIsYuanIrJM8Toy7FNFYG-gmoo7O08Ewf-0Z3DgSuAsZk-SPuxATMlnhtt6_I9bz8uGTddmnpYDSCVoEP5QlXux1wCy55uum-J7jp0/s2316/Screenshot_20230621_174054_Range%20Buddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3Z3RfwwtYajLpVlDLYdW-wCz5Bj8NvIPpzhuIE7ijUHnSuDavOFDeAGq4gkgqCi5hMFu6P4LdxTxftWD-BCxpYIsYuanIrJM8Toy7FNFYG-gmoo7O08Ewf-0Z3DgSuAsZk-SPuxATMlnhtt6_I9bz8uGTddmnpYDSCVoEP5QlXux1wCy55uum-J7jp0/s320/Screenshot_20230621_174054_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy591VZMFek6Q2ClrkdIeLf-oNRdLBqdZJJPFRrbWpAV03L1sHth3SH78mQcBhvDIJomXXjWhrBHmNkQKAMbHdOTfcMQLtBLmkREenzM0VBMJm5yPnWytD2_2FeQW7moogzDt2kjfahJqRpsRoPTv9nBarzBQS7sko4Lox7MaF5d03FMBTK7LyL1tM1EA/s4000/20230621_145717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy591VZMFek6Q2ClrkdIeLf-oNRdLBqdZJJPFRrbWpAV03L1sHth3SH78mQcBhvDIJomXXjWhrBHmNkQKAMbHdOTfcMQLtBLmkREenzM0VBMJm5yPnWytD2_2FeQW7moogzDt2kjfahJqRpsRoPTv9nBarzBQS7sko4Lox7MaF5d03FMBTK7LyL1tM1EA/s320/20230621_145717.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37Lhv2RRPSH3utcGC_SGvtT56DNN5Mc_LAuW1i0bOWa6ApcE94qly6dH8OKpt2Qc6f_wxovhx3xf6J7ZdFZzjCnJVZ7HIgc5erohWbSS9GVH5JOcBqjLZvOF-uyqKw_wUQnn1CcyZe83JqOsq2wvV9QEdOmOMPunAq4ZJ5XWmBEXidGGgjp4XZd5HEQQ/s4000/20230621_145702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37Lhv2RRPSH3utcGC_SGvtT56DNN5Mc_LAuW1i0bOWa6ApcE94qly6dH8OKpt2Qc6f_wxovhx3xf6J7ZdFZzjCnJVZ7HIgc5erohWbSS9GVH5JOcBqjLZvOF-uyqKw_wUQnn1CcyZe83JqOsq2wvV9QEdOmOMPunAq4ZJ5XWmBEXidGGgjp4XZd5HEQQ/s320/20230621_145702.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Regardless, a fine time was had despite it being pretty
darn hot in the low 90s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep shooting,
take the time to do some self-evaluation and then fix all the little things
that keep you from being the shooter you want to be!<o:p></o:p></span></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-1969038695376181582023-06-02T07:16:00.002-05:002023-06-02T07:19:19.467-05:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://eiaft.blogspot.com/2023/06/range-trip-6-1-2023-first-trip-this.html">Range Trip 6-1-2023</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">First trip this year with the Ruger American 22LR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very pleased with the results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fired a total of 100 rounds on 20 separate 2”
targets, 5 rounds per target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goals
for the trip were an average group size of 2MOA or 1.0-inches and all rounds
with the 2-inch target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">My smallest group was .42-inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My largest was 1.3-inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The average group size for all 20 groups was .85-inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">My first shot – a Clean Bore/Cold Bore shot was outside of
the target (#1 on Sheet #1) as well as one additional round on #10 on Sheet
#1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, all rounds were within
that target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This yielded a 98% for 100
Rounds, so pretty happy here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The ammo was Eley Club (Lot # 3122-30072).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particular round continues to perform
well within my desired specifications, so I’ll probably continue to use it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As could be expected, I did a “deep clean” before the trip
considering the use this firearm took last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect that had something to do with
tightening things up as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll make
sure it has a deep clean before each range trip this year and see if it holds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As I explained last year, this is a “trainer” for a Designated
Marksman course I teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The actual DM
rifle is a Savage 110 in .308.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
very good match in physical size to the Ruger America 22LR and both have the
Vortex Scout 2-7 LPVO mounted to them with the triggers set to 2.5 LBS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Next range trip will push things out to 100-Yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal again is groups of 2MOA or less but
the target changes to a 3-inch target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ll get that done this week.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_um6GskgrfJcDb0iEgnQw9M_NEwhR86GV14r2QnTFnQEhXr3_Chr9Sr-r4SGENK2_1hrcloA2aI7YFwf_YompBggMXD0AHdbBZqSmCMRbvYJEeMd6HLxq2GHdXnZ0VDg4ilyrQWok0Zakcc5qhCWPdfBHXAYuKNxuaQHnJjJlziNs2q4U49Eak3U2/s4000/20230601_140313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_um6GskgrfJcDb0iEgnQw9M_NEwhR86GV14r2QnTFnQEhXr3_Chr9Sr-r4SGENK2_1hrcloA2aI7YFwf_YompBggMXD0AHdbBZqSmCMRbvYJEeMd6HLxq2GHdXnZ0VDg4ilyrQWok0Zakcc5qhCWPdfBHXAYuKNxuaQHnJjJlziNs2q4U49Eak3U2/s320/20230601_140313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lWTL4VvhjnM-PW87RjOeiTMt9V2_B3Gcy2csOkhjBC0JVFwensrSZVFflt5ZJeZV9-jolUj5FIRu_g22TsdJFnibXj3VGvk-K82-i5Cio7poDML8GfoHzyjjI-eWgztNqDIPN80cUR44aJjxDgH8EIx16cZoD3wzdgaE3lHAsXSt0qXyXaXSX_Jc/s4000/20230601_140048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lWTL4VvhjnM-PW87RjOeiTMt9V2_B3Gcy2csOkhjBC0JVFwensrSZVFflt5ZJeZV9-jolUj5FIRu_g22TsdJFnibXj3VGvk-K82-i5Cio7poDML8GfoHzyjjI-eWgztNqDIPN80cUR44aJjxDgH8EIx16cZoD3wzdgaE3lHAsXSt0qXyXaXSX_Jc/s320/20230601_140048.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbyiCu46-0KCnf67oglIejwywhIb7rcpYmVQbXdC6SxIvsMWG5iYnbqTRf6R5WYZTDDk--MCBuacMqZziAHjPJtZ9MnAzpaPYLoglsPkJ8KHIyxU6r7IeVpOzOGOAcub42nh45WNalSqWXc5mOOQVggbm1szP78z8YXoEbr2BAJ9QFwrvOG6FJ6tp/s4000/20230601_140107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbyiCu46-0KCnf67oglIejwywhIb7rcpYmVQbXdC6SxIvsMWG5iYnbqTRf6R5WYZTDDk--MCBuacMqZziAHjPJtZ9MnAzpaPYLoglsPkJ8KHIyxU6r7IeVpOzOGOAcub42nh45WNalSqWXc5mOOQVggbm1szP78z8YXoEbr2BAJ9QFwrvOG6FJ6tp/s320/20230601_140107.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwcJb8jIddiH8FrVEskER3Q7xE2h8hWzn6nd2pgUdGDDqwEgbQPwoYJV9UOHdH0LlM2pNfMAQZ81Fx42qQnUKvs9LKrJDOfnr_v8yHO5d3h5_Aj-Qnw6BLOpz6NwFtjnG6usngPA2LQ1s2f7eULJ8D7iZzM0aQu3IEIkBhuQqQ5PTm-QHrPitsq3K/s2316/Screenshot_20230601_161030_Range%20Buddy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwcJb8jIddiH8FrVEskER3Q7xE2h8hWzn6nd2pgUdGDDqwEgbQPwoYJV9UOHdH0LlM2pNfMAQZ81Fx42qQnUKvs9LKrJDOfnr_v8yHO5d3h5_Aj-Qnw6BLOpz6NwFtjnG6usngPA2LQ1s2f7eULJ8D7iZzM0aQu3IEIkBhuQqQ5PTm-QHrPitsq3K/s320/Screenshot_20230601_161030_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhjrP_iXOPl-G6l7mpRASFBNAcjt7ASaehClMugYrh5ifOp3gw3d1NKDnYLsGPmVeCofadMFY2VI0QXgFaTNiI8qR17KzfCP_oJh0cDU0qXe7Rw5NKZKcFc8MzTpNL2HVOisw9Hv4_-abOmUF2KIs7oA3IbE8zBm0xUdhGDUXp0b8g2cJ4znspyVG/s2316/Screenshot_20230601_161038_Range%20Buddy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhjrP_iXOPl-G6l7mpRASFBNAcjt7ASaehClMugYrh5ifOp3gw3d1NKDnYLsGPmVeCofadMFY2VI0QXgFaTNiI8qR17KzfCP_oJh0cDU0qXe7Rw5NKZKcFc8MzTpNL2HVOisw9Hv4_-abOmUF2KIs7oA3IbE8zBm0xUdhGDUXp0b8g2cJ4znspyVG/s320/Screenshot_20230601_161038_Range%20Buddy.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-9881557579399267902023-05-26T16:34:00.003-05:002023-05-26T16:41:10.912-05:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://eiaft.blogspot.com/2023/05/range-trip-may-25-2023-there-are-number.html">Range Trip – May 25, 2023</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There are a number of reasons to go to the range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are the common ones.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Training:</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> This is participating is a structured set of
course work. Typical examples would be
various NRA courses, Rob Pincus courses, Tom Givens, Gun Site, various local
instructors, our coursework developed by NAPSI – to name just a few. These can run from a 4-hour safety course to
a 3-day+ in-depth course on an AR, a shotgun or a pistol. Round counts can vary from a hundred or so to
1,000+.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In these courses you are typically learning a new skillset
or perhaps just doing a refresher from a new instructor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bottom line – you’re learning something new.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Practice:
</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Shooting skills – be it with rifles, pistols or shotguns –
are perishable. Left unused your ability
to perform with the firearm diminishes.
Rapidly. My typical rule-of-thumb
is that for every firearm you wish to maintain a proficient level of skill –
you need to send 1,000 rounds downrange.
Have a carry gun you carry every day?
1,000 rounds to maintain proficiency.
Have a defensive AR you rely on for home defense? 1,000 rounds to maintain proficiency. Have a home defense shotgun? 1,000 rounds to maintain proficiency. If you set up a schedule for 100 rounds per
month for each platform, it becomes much more manageable to think about and to
accomplish. With a half day at the range
each month, you can easily work your way through a maintenance set of drills.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Zeroing my Rifle:</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Man, I hear this one a lot. “Why you here today?” “Gonna zero my rifle!” Ah.
Honestly the last time I zeroed my AR – both optic and iron sights – was
probably over 5 years ago. If your AR or
rifle is not holding it’s zero – something is wrong with the scope. Or, most likely, the way you mounted it. Once it’s zeroed, short of being dropped, you’re
zero should hold. That’s not to say you
shouldn’t check your zero – I do that every range trip. But adjusting it – nope, should not need to.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">There are exceptions to this.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Should you be shooting precision rifle and
you move to a new ammunition lot number – yeah, some tweaking may be
needed.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">But TWEAKING .</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">. . not major changes.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Checking my Proficiency:</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><b> </b>
</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Am I maintaining my skill set?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">That was the purpose of my range trip on 5/25/2023 and I worked with two
firearms.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The first was my “Patrol Rifle”.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I carry this in a vault in my Jeep with two
28 round magazines.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I also grabbed a
couple extra boxes as well.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">MY second
was my carry Glock 17 and I had a box of 50 rounds.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">To declare myself “proficient” a minimum score
of 80% is required.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Let cover the rifle first, they I’ll do the same with the
G17.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The target I shot was LATargets SEB target.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">This is THE TARGET I use for all my
coursework and Practice.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">In this case I
added two “splash” targets in the lower left and lower right target.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I bagged my rifle at 50 yards and shot 5
rounds on the left splash target to check the zero on my Vortex Strikefire II
and I shot 5 rounds on the right Splash target to check the zero on my Magpul
pop-up backup sights.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">At 50 yards the
Dot in the Strikefire completely covered the target.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">It is co-witnessed with my iron sights with
the dot resting just on top of the front blade with I look through the irons.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The results were acceptable in both cases so
I continued on.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Note, the engagement
distance of the AR Rifle is 10 yards or 30 feet.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">This is a typical engagement distance
equivalent to the width of your home, the length of a hallway, twice the length
of your car – just to get some idea of the distance I was working with.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Another thing to keep in mind is that for a
standard 55gr bullet, at that distance the POI is just under 2-inches low.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I have my rifle zeroed for 50 yards.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGGW6aQBDphqUZov2tbSVgZKxvB1yzb5zghrVEbPE2PzyFH2uAqUtqfeySUtVG2JDTZ_aYt8eGgn-EAfczdi_zaSnMWZHYa6KCAnPxb7rza-9zhpGsuXRZ_pvHDcxiYt-xhF-JGoL8hZt6A-kAMg9uLE_kWK1pVggOUUOVcEBJzkKE8-DtrGLlVkd/s4000/20230525_151315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGGW6aQBDphqUZov2tbSVgZKxvB1yzb5zghrVEbPE2PzyFH2uAqUtqfeySUtVG2JDTZ_aYt8eGgn-EAfczdi_zaSnMWZHYa6KCAnPxb7rza-9zhpGsuXRZ_pvHDcxiYt-xhF-JGoL8hZt6A-kAMg9uLE_kWK1pVggOUUOVcEBJzkKE8-DtrGLlVkd/s320/20230525_151315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Drill 1 – Mount-touch-press</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> (5
rounds)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is shot on the “1”
circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The process is that on the
beeper you “Mount” the rifle from low ready and establish your aim point, you “Touch”
the trigger and the “Press” the trigger smoothly to the rear then perform your
follow through and return to the low ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You repeat this a total of 5 times.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Drill 2 – Single Round Engagement</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> on
the “2” circle (5 rounds). The process
is that on the beeper you execute a single round engagement on the “2” circle
with follow through and then return to the low ready. You repeat this 5 times. You do this and all follow-on drills “at
speed” with a goal of less that 3 seconds for the first round.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Drill 3 – Single Round Engagement in the “Head”</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> (5
rounds). The process is that on the
beeper you execute a single round engagement on the “Head” with follow through
and then return to the low ready. You
repeat this 5 times. You do this and all
follow-on drills “at speed” with a goal of less that 3 seconds for the first
round.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Drill 4 – “Hammer” </span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">on the
“4” box (10 rounds). This is a 2-round
engagement on the “4” box. You do this 5
times with follow through.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Drill 5 – “Hammer”</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> on
the High-Center-Mass box (10 rounds).
This is a 2-round engagement on the “4” box. You do this 5 times with follow through.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Drill 6 – “Failure Drill”</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> on
the High-Center-Mass box and “Head” (15 rounds). Two rounds HCM and One round on the “Head”. You do this 5 times with follow through.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The total round count for zeroing and shooting the drills
is 60 rounds or 3 boxes of ammunition.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">That’s
a fairly efficient use of your ammo while gaining solid information on how your
proficiency is.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I shot my two 28-round
magazines so I actually sent an extra 6 rounds down range.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I had 7 misses for a 49 out of 56 or a 87.5%m
well within my desired goal of 80%.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvp5zQuQHO7XwDMcGqnMtaCLOWZTQabT1F_6orVBUumu5q4DSE-oKpEvIdlSPgkIcGf5IXElzv0U_P10uTNmJq7S1HgC2OqnCt4EDsmZcxJccQN9lyfFos9YGiDhrzajNnXaYeNoqx7KQ6s7rZcd8KrVRxDAO4ltS1ROsZzbqse1L0KqF87BrMPc2/s4000/20230525_145902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvp5zQuQHO7XwDMcGqnMtaCLOWZTQabT1F_6orVBUumu5q4DSE-oKpEvIdlSPgkIcGf5IXElzv0U_P10uTNmJq7S1HgC2OqnCt4EDsmZcxJccQN9lyfFos9YGiDhrzajNnXaYeNoqx7KQ6s7rZcd8KrVRxDAO4ltS1ROsZzbqse1L0KqF87BrMPc2/s320/20230525_145902.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The IDPA target for the G17 came about because I did not
have a 2<sup>nd</sup> SEB target in the Jeep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, I slapped a Splash target in the upper left and made due with what I
had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rounds are shot from 7 yards.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">DTP Target – Drive Touch Press on the Splash target – 10 rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were unscored and just used to check
out the pistol and the sights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You start
at High-Compressed-Ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You Drive the
front blade to the target, get the sight alignment and sight picture you want,
touch the trigger and then smoothly press the trigger to the rear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a warmup for the rest of the target.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Drill 1 – Single Round Engagement on</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> the
center circle. 10 Rounds. On the beep you draw from concealment and
send a single round with follow through and scan. The goal is 2 seconds to the round, for the
entire drill set I average just under 2.5 seconds for the first-round
engagement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Drill 2 – “Hammer”</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> 5 ea
on the beep (10 rounds). On the beep you
draw from concealment and engage the center circle with two rounds as quickly
as you can.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Drill 3 – Single Round Engagement on the Head
Box</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
(5 rounds). On the beep you draw from
concealment and engage the Head Box with a single round.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Drill 4 – Failure</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Drill
(15 rounds). On the beep you draw from
concealment and send 2 rounds to the center circle and a single round to the Head
Box.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAWjtRTTH-fchLe1tBqlC5HS1dwOW_PgZf6hGFFpx7XCLtKE-3xisXgw5Q8AFO1ZVA6ynDPtjNoVod01PA2zaufKsyZsaHOb6ocSuMg5x4cw1FqX5VdTMoyiTe43JqhuKNzKUa3ChC3b4mq_EKiFlYAw1RM9p7xwyJ2DqH4PLt-MbcaJzR1Qovgas/s4000/20230525_145948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAWjtRTTH-fchLe1tBqlC5HS1dwOW_PgZf6hGFFpx7XCLtKE-3xisXgw5Q8AFO1ZVA6ynDPtjNoVod01PA2zaufKsyZsaHOb6ocSuMg5x4cw1FqX5VdTMoyiTe43JqhuKNzKUa3ChC3b4mq_EKiFlYAw1RM9p7xwyJ2DqH4PLt-MbcaJzR1Qovgas/s320/20230525_145948.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">That is a total round count for all 4 drills of 40
rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped 3 for a 37/40 or a
92%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than happy with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Counting the DTP target’s 10 rounds and the 40 rounds for
the 4 Drills, this is a single box of ammunition and provides a good indication
of where you are as a shooter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The raw reality of Training is that it’s pricey – yet you
need to learn a solid set of skills from a trained shooter.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Please, pick a course and go.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">You will be surprised at how much</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">you learn regardless of your current skill
set.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">You also need to practice.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">If you took a basic course a few years ago and have not been to the
range since, please – get to the range.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">If you can’t reliable use you defensive firearm – should a bad guy show
up, it will not end the way you expect it to.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Remember, 1,000 rounds per year or around 100 per month.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Finally, use these drills to evaluate yourself.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Be honest with yourself.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Find your week spots and fix them. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">We do not get to pick the time or place.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Please, do the work and be ready.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-8278962891675085642022-05-26T16:15:00.007-05:002022-05-26T16:18:36.764-05:00 Range Trip - 5/26/2022<p>A busy range trip today.
I ran through my 4 major platforms today: 22LR Ruger Precision, .223 Ruger American
Rifle Predator, Savage 110 Tactical in .308 and my carry Glock 17. 180 rounds total, I was down a total of 9
rounds across all the platforms for a 171/180 or a total of 95%. I’ll take it!</p><p>Let talk about the rifles first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My intention with the 3 different calibers is
to build a viable Designated Marksman program for small police
departments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The majority of the range
work is completed with the 22LR Ruger Precision and is used to develop and
maintain the basics of marksman ship at a considerably lower cost that say
doing all the work with a .308.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cost
difference is $.11 for 22LR vs $2.15 for a Hornady 168 Grain ELD Match cartridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The DM can send 19 rounds downrange for every
1 Match cartridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite a
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>That said, the DM must work through the larger caliber round
and the recoil mitigation as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do
that, I encourage a substantial amount of work in a .223 Cartridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have chosen the Ruger American Rifle –
Predator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This offers more recoil,
offers an “easier reach” out to 100 yards and still costs substantially less
that a .308 Match Cartridge.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Still, the DM must end up at the actual rifle use for the DM
function and I’ve chosen the Savage 110 Tactical with a Vortex 7x Scout Scope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Data shows that the average distance for such
an engagement is 51 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This rifle/scope
combination is more than up for the task.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>As an aside, for this trip I used either a bipod or a bag
for the front rest and a simple palm hold for the rear – no rear bag on this
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I saw little change in
performance for the trip.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Still, you have to periodically test yourself on the range
with these platforms and that’s what I did today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began with the 50 Yard, 12-Target, target
and a 5-round engagement with the 22LR Ruger Precision on the first 10 targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A “hit” is a round within or touching the 2”
circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Passing is a 90%, I shot a 96 –
I’ll take it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a DM these targets
should be shot weekly – 50 rounds a week.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhaeNKnFg8h0XQsdvwKH83CT1XAIhvi6Zy9Bdm4CVof5l9rsxPQ0SiVgP2OZDvUqc61pRmYME-9USS9xd3up9CI5gLX5n3zIZsqp4hxmYhYXMxEwtDFqT-4B6GK9dOuPAO8XiJA5E9COWE3QPPMOyW1tdyu27_xfPtR5UQ2ZTdbVeGmB9dPBrIRIz/s4000/20220526_124350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhaeNKnFg8h0XQsdvwKH83CT1XAIhvi6Zy9Bdm4CVof5l9rsxPQ0SiVgP2OZDvUqc61pRmYME-9USS9xd3up9CI5gLX5n3zIZsqp4hxmYhYXMxEwtDFqT-4B6GK9dOuPAO8XiJA5E9COWE3QPPMOyW1tdyu27_xfPtR5UQ2ZTdbVeGmB9dPBrIRIz/w492-h370/20220526_124350.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3RfHomV8BTzPkFPVJiwvUx9DE62uim4lt1tfZUwNyaek-Mv6vzS3SncSwAHp-gc32uqPGkxJwgL5JjK4qFDaRGT40gzOZ0SNNXSC1VdIt8OXQTjkeb_9vacZN6QO0wcOI3s9HRVAZJD_OoWXwla25iL58-79lTQzbGweKMVxMJ7objxGwa-WYO2b/s4000/20220526_135509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3RfHomV8BTzPkFPVJiwvUx9DE62uim4lt1tfZUwNyaek-Mv6vzS3SncSwAHp-gc32uqPGkxJwgL5JjK4qFDaRGT40gzOZ0SNNXSC1VdIt8OXQTjkeb_9vacZN6QO0wcOI3s9HRVAZJD_OoWXwla25iL58-79lTQzbGweKMVxMJ7objxGwa-WYO2b/w397-h529/20220526_135509.jpg" width="397" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Next was a switch to LETargets SEB target and the Ruger
American Rifle – Predator in .223 with a Vortex Crosfire II scope. A total of 40 rounds were fired. Passing
is 90%, I shot a 100%. More than
pleased.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy-HvQaLKm6sEhvtxe0MEvE7uSkoZ9LOb9073rioqWgvf-KCahGH_xgyQnm5w0ki_1NxXCL3XC2D_6lE0GRdzfeq14akaN4E8Mk6i4e77boypyrIdF1k1fVbjjSdE5jSK2fsYdwhtFj6Nkd4kGmKHqKytD8pwxqAyV3WpwotisSX5tWWL3szkMW9T/s4000/20220526_124552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy-HvQaLKm6sEhvtxe0MEvE7uSkoZ9LOb9073rioqWgvf-KCahGH_xgyQnm5w0ki_1NxXCL3XC2D_6lE0GRdzfeq14akaN4E8Mk6i4e77boypyrIdF1k1fVbjjSdE5jSK2fsYdwhtFj6Nkd4kGmKHqKytD8pwxqAyV3WpwotisSX5tWWL3szkMW9T/w485-h364/20220526_124552.jpg" width="485" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGYR9q3DJ1jz6rjJNPgio2hjkx6dzrgnH4WZpzVK95HszOM2s0cCTL9NMWFYCdDa1zjQU0QAGkL2T5tihmcXvUPdCXl37XhFXDjEkwWx5fBJWGtueTnTnpMD5dD60tACRSLyZNBBmq4vYH9-xIe1nJV1gTdONEUl5wtnTdUpdirhPIWAuq9QWGasp/s3004/20220526_140421-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3004" data-original-width="2188" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGYR9q3DJ1jz6rjJNPgio2hjkx6dzrgnH4WZpzVK95HszOM2s0cCTL9NMWFYCdDa1zjQU0QAGkL2T5tihmcXvUPdCXl37XhFXDjEkwWx5fBJWGtueTnTnpMD5dD60tACRSLyZNBBmq4vYH9-xIe1nJV1gTdONEUl5wtnTdUpdirhPIWAuq9QWGasp/w380-h522/20220526_140421-2.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><br />The final rifle was the Savage 110 Tactical in .308. I used a front bag here. A total of 40 rounds were fired. Passing is 90%, I dropped 1 round for a
97.5%.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01mf4P2-PH6YVv4Smb1yIs_lrgIwh6OWVPiyiAS4kl1QuOvs-Xbd3WHerxdkkRkVuQ5npAHIYRIdQTfSxOS5De8z1GJuNzVbUxzMaK5LpwHoEQoo-gn4PeLBec9CIizn9OHaTI9hF2Ib9qpGmWdDMtk8SijtFcBAKaM8nxKnkai4K3Ws9LCkf-esX/s4000/20220526_132401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01mf4P2-PH6YVv4Smb1yIs_lrgIwh6OWVPiyiAS4kl1QuOvs-Xbd3WHerxdkkRkVuQ5npAHIYRIdQTfSxOS5De8z1GJuNzVbUxzMaK5LpwHoEQoo-gn4PeLBec9CIizn9OHaTI9hF2Ib9qpGmWdDMtk8SijtFcBAKaM8nxKnkai4K3Ws9LCkf-esX/w475-h357/20220526_132401.jpg" width="475" /></a></div><o:p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX6l0-kI8fFFRa81kQVqEBiLuE9cLv0ZpFGG4gU36xDct5yhXkQkFfwDcuXydX42P_ZxFWiiCoDdT1AP80UuORbJVgXLZJ02XEGpTM-gPm5qkI7SAPBsy67bLu5zUjzG94E7UUX13HbNoOyMcayB-WWIiQBgkEqAkK0VX9f_QjZE3L0bw022IZ5jM/s4000/20220526_140312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX6l0-kI8fFFRa81kQVqEBiLuE9cLv0ZpFGG4gU36xDct5yhXkQkFfwDcuXydX42P_ZxFWiiCoDdT1AP80UuORbJVgXLZJ02XEGpTM-gPm5qkI7SAPBsy67bLu5zUjzG94E7UUX13HbNoOyMcayB-WWIiQBgkEqAkK0VX9f_QjZE3L0bw022IZ5jM/w355-h472/20220526_140312.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><br />The last firearm exercised was my Glock 17 defensive carry
gun. I ran a box through it. The first 5 rounds were fired from a High
Compressed Ready position – the remaining 45 rounds were with a draw from
concealment. The first 45 rounds were
fired from a distance of approximately 7 yards, the last 5 were from
approximately 10 yards into the pelvic girdle box. Passing is 80%, I shot an 88%. Again, I’ll accept that.</o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQuzS-TjJD0C_oYD9QOt2guuFHCfyKplhWQ6eST4QEQ3DgrVVhRscdCBg1Sl7UjtKgBgJcAeAG5C2_uHBlYPo1-sMseI0bQR4dBFeS8N-RGqKMmfqXHr5LEAOHkfIc5Jmjl9wROfps-_iZ3MPU-phMeodDOZfAUdgRPNWBLtIy4yhxgB2HM5fFpfz/s4000/20220526_143554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQuzS-TjJD0C_oYD9QOt2guuFHCfyKplhWQ6eST4QEQ3DgrVVhRscdCBg1Sl7UjtKgBgJcAeAG5C2_uHBlYPo1-sMseI0bQR4dBFeS8N-RGqKMmfqXHr5LEAOHkfIc5Jmjl9wROfps-_iZ3MPU-phMeodDOZfAUdgRPNWBLtIy4yhxgB2HM5fFpfz/w380-h507/20220526_143554.jpg" width="380" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">So my take aways from today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe the results verified that consistent and solid work with the
22LR Ruger Precision does, indeed, help maintain a solid foundational skill
set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, that skill set carries forward
to larger caliber platforms like the .223 and the .308.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either the Ruger American Rifle – Predator or
the Savage 110 Tactical in .308 would make a viable Designated Marksman rifle
with the final nod being given to the Savage because its larger caliber, the
ability to “punch through” more barriers and it’s compact carbine format with a
Scout Scope providing good visibility for the DM and his/her environment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Maintaining such a perishable skill set simply requires time
and consistent effort. For the officer
who chooses this role, given the budgetary limitations many departments
struggle with – I believe the use of the 22LR with intermittent confirmation
with their actual DM rifle is a solid option.
Of course, the cost of the 22LR rifle and ammunition will typically be
on the officer’s shoulders. That said,
at a on going cost of about $11 per box - $44 per month – I believe this falls
within the realm of possibility for a DM to fund his/her own training costs. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Regardless, let me know with you all think – always looking
for ideas to improve things.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-76257137233042686312021-10-29T14:41:00.002-05:002021-10-29T14:41:28.020-05:00Commentary - Fear – the Democrat’s tool of choice<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It’s a powerful emotion that can allow a person to recall a
single instant in time . . . It can turn them into a quivering mass of flesh .
. . It can make them cower . . . It can “change their mind” . . . it can
destroy a person.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We all have such
moments in our past.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A few of mine would
be . . .</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">That
moment when my teacher said . . . “If you don’t change your behavior, I’ll call
your mother!!”</span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">My
very first homecoming dance with Susie and my mom saying something like .
. . “Do you know what you’re
doing??” </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">My
first rocket attack and the real realization that I was truly “in country”.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Hearing
the doctor say . . . “She has inoperable cancer; I’ll be back in a couple hours.”
. . . as I slid to the floor along the wall of the waiting room.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Hearing
yet another doctor say . . . “Bill, the answer isn’t what we wanted – you have
cancer!”</span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">These are just a few of my moments – we all have them.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">A few still make me cringe as a small part of
my memory curls up into a little ball.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The raw power of fear . . .</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We have been undergoing a long-term experiment on the part
of our government and most around the world about just how long fear can
control a population.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We’ve gone from
“Two weeks to stop the spread!” to two years . . . and no end in sight.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Rahm Emanual – Obama’s Chief of Staff –
coined a fitting phrase to our current situation . . . “You never want a
serious crisis to go to waste.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, what
has this crisis wrought through the actions of our government?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here’s a few of things.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“Mandatory”
vaccination with an experimental vaccine.</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A “get
the jab or loose the job” atmosphere.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Lockdowns
that have destroyed whole segments of the economy.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
idea of “vaccine passports”. Yellow
stars anyone?<br /></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A
separation of our population in “vaxers” and “antivaxers”.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Mandatory
mask mandates with masks that make virtually no difference in our ability to inhale
or pass on the virus.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Losses
of doctors, nurses, police officers, fire fighters, military members simply because they refuse to take the vaccine or because they will prescribe certain medicines. Numbers are running as high
as 25%.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The
replacing of science with superstition.
Viable medical mitigation is replaced by a single, solitary phrase . . .
“Get the shot!”<br /></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In
some countries – Australia comes to mind – a true, fascist system of governance has emerged based solely around trying to “manage” covid that goes so far as to authorize police to shoot their citizens with rubber bullets should they be
found outside their homes and mask-less.</span></blockquote><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What began as a “fear the virus” approach to controlling
the populace has evolved into a “fear your government” movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you disobey your government will take away
your job, confine you to your home and condemn you to a life of poverty. As Joe
said . . . “We’ve been patient, now get the shot!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “fear” that we responded to initially has
been successfully transferred to our government bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And sadly, our society has been going along
with this “we are the mighty and powerful OZ” routine of folks like Biden, DeBlasio,
Cuomo, Witmer, Newsome, Inslee, Murphy, Pritzker . . . to name just a few, for
nearly two years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These folks now decide
if you work, when you work, where you work, where you eat . . . by simple fiat.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Large gatherings are carefully monitored as well and
“winners” and “losers” are chosen.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In
the leadup to the 2020 elections cities burned – Chicago, New York, Portland,
Seattle, Atlanta and more.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Billions in
damage.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We were told . . . “tut tut,
it’s understandable with all the racism”.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Millions in damages to DC were simply justified as being
“understandable” and were written off – no arrests.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then, “magically”, with Trump’s declared loss
. . . all the concerns went away and the majority of the “troubles” simply
disappeared. Until the infamous January 6</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “insurrection”.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You know the one, where those evil Trump
supporters stormed the capital – through barricades removed by the capital
police, through the doors opened by the capital police and through windows
broken by government operatives.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amazingly,
except for these few broken windows, no damage was done to the capital . . .
none, zero, zip . . . yet this has been declared an event greater than 9/11.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Only a
single life was lost – an unarmed veteran was murdered by a Capital
Policeman.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">And yet, the administration
has used this event mercilessly to show that if you stand against them, the
FBI, the DOJ and every other governmental agency will hunt you, jail you and
forget about you.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Have any come to
trial?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">No.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Have any trial dates been set? NO.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Have they been beaten and abused in prison?
Yes.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Just one more lesson of this whole
saga . . . OBEY!!!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, what does this all mean to us as a nation?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Nothing good.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It means those in power have little to no respect for you.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It means that the words you say, the
positions you take, the policies you expect, the Constitution you revere mean
nothing to them.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You might gain some
traction if you go “all in” with the new regime but only so long as you are
“all in”, so long as you are in agreement with their path, so long as you are
obedient – otherwise you are just one of the unwashed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It means that this administration and its minions across
the country simply DO NOT FEAR YOU!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Period.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You are chaff in the
wind, a speck of dust to be brushed aside.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">All that stuff about a Representative Government guided by the
Constitution is a thing of the past.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our
future lies with the rule of an all-knowing and all-powerful central
government.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our future lies in Marxism.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This path, this direction, this fondness for ultimate and
complete power must end!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">They must be
taught to fear you. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">They must be
reminded that THEY are in service to YOU, and not the other way around. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">They must be confronted, resisted, challenged,
questioned and removed and replaced.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As the phrase goes – “We can do this the easy
way . . . or the hard way!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I’m hoping for the best.</span></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-60627937712275445852021-08-30T12:55:00.002-05:002021-08-30T13:01:07.939-05:00Review - Savage 110 Scout Rifle - Evaluation Review<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I picked up my 110
Scout in March of this year. I then
chose and mounted the “furniture” and did a preliminary range trip to zero
it. That, and the purpose of choosing
this particular rifle and it’s “job” were covered in my post - ”</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><a href="http://eiaft.blogspot.com/2021/04/review-savage-110-scout-rifle-in-308.html"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Review
– The Savage 110 Scout Rifle in 308”</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">. Since that time I’ve spent time becoming
comfortable with it and coming up with a course of fire to fully evaluate the
110 Scout for its real job – that of a Designated Marksman.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let’s work through my overall impressions
first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is probably the “lightest”
shooting .308 I’ve ever handled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of
that is due to its weight – 9.72 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s well over LtCol Cooper’s desired weight of 6.6 to 7.7 pounds for
a Scout Rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to Savage’s
“AccuStock” with an adjustable comb and a “plush” butt plate adds to its
ability to reduce the recoil of the 110.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The trigger breaks consistently and cleanly at 3.5 pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it’s adjustable, I’ve left it at its
factory setting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I installed the <span style="background: white;">Vortex
Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout scope, a forward mounted, low power variable
optic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I did notice the oft
complained about blurring on full power along the outer edges of the image, it
did not affect the effectiveness of the optic at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The longer eye relief enhances the ability of
the shooter to keep both eyes open to evaluate their immediate surrounds while
still being able to quickly and accurately engage a threat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3><div><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bolt was smooth and easy
to run and the top mounted safety immediately below the rear of the bolt was
simple to operate and allows quick confirmation of the condition of the rifle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><div><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’ve employed VTAC slings
for a number of years and it felt “at home” to me on this rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While most Scout rifles seem to be carried
either American or African carry, I carry it slung over my head and with my
support side arm through the sling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
reasoning is that should you need to transition to a sidearm you can simply
“drop” the Scout and get on with business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If a person would choose American or African carry you would either have
to engage a threat dominant side only or you would literally have to drop the
rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither represent a good choice
in my opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><div><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Next has been simply sending
“rounds down range” and getting familiar with “running the gun”. It has operated flawlessly though admittedly
I am just nudging 500 rounds. Not too
high a volume but enough for me to begin to get a feel for the 110
overall. Frankly, I like it! It just feels nice in my hand, on my shoulder
and it’s just satisfying to experience its accuracy and how it runs.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNMPmN8Weib0hnZ6-ISw3ZbfYvEaihZlE0pVrNy08mmW3kSJW4N08iz_Aiy0lQi5QJl9_8LL72F1Ir3DJlugA6tQIqH-L-n7-hAO1apoKRDEmPJmOomrTAkaP2nxzjufWXpAm1wzlhtU/s2048/20210715_134418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNMPmN8Weib0hnZ6-ISw3ZbfYvEaihZlE0pVrNy08mmW3kSJW4N08iz_Aiy0lQi5QJl9_8LL72F1Ir3DJlugA6tQIqH-L-n7-hAO1apoKRDEmPJmOomrTAkaP2nxzjufWXpAm1wzlhtU/s320/20210715_134418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UIULVZRWTKo-EV0C2j85jrnmzM3KHiH_z3-WqQck2Gdu43HTYytpSGCcrlYGU9ltzA43M9I5eKNABCNCbbRPmsbrczW-DwcI8xvOmHq6b0IBVFv_dpH84McjiETkHzFgn6YJMdPLZeA/s2048/20210715_152444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UIULVZRWTKo-EV0C2j85jrnmzM3KHiH_z3-WqQck2Gdu43HTYytpSGCcrlYGU9ltzA43M9I5eKNABCNCbbRPmsbrczW-DwcI8xvOmHq6b0IBVFv_dpH84McjiETkHzFgn6YJMdPLZeA/s320/20210715_152444.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><br /></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m not much for putting
holes in paper. My only exception is my
50 yard “working” target to work on my fundamental shooting skills with my .22
trainer, a Ruger Precision in .22 long rifle.
A box of quality .22 ammunition is always part of a range trip with a
goal of around 150 rounds per month. My
main argument for this is that if a shooter can’t shoot a ½ inch-ish group
consistently (5 rounds on each 2 inch target) then why waste a $1.50 round for
your .308? Master and maintain the
fundamentals and then send a couple 20 rounds boxes of quality .308 downrange
per month to maintain the skillset with your .308 – be it a scout rifle or a
precision rifle. Obviously that dynamic
can change by going all in on reloading . . . but you can get a tremendous
amount of good work done with a good .22 long rifle. For range work I shoot either Eley Club or
Winchester T22 with good results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The use of a .22 trainer is,
in my opinion, a great use of time while you continue to refine your position,
your use of bags, your use of various support, your standard positions, how you
grip your rifle, where you position your trigger finger, your trigger press and
follow through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the little things
that go into making an accurate shot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But, but . . . does all that
work transition to a larger caliber rifle?<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The only way to resolve that
is to, again, do the work on the range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I put together a 40-round
course of fire to evaluate just where I am shooting wise with my rifles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do this against a LETarget’s SEB target and
my primary distance is 50 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?? Because
a study of police involved engagements by LEO Snipers found that the average
distance of their shots was 51 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did push this COF out to 100 yards as well, I’ll discuss that separately in a
bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the following is my recommended
COF.<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3><div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeLETs9I00yA0REOF5I80H9HeS2sOOHgk9zSZYUjrB2HHNeVWt3e5K836BXw5pxXTUfbx2MdIeaAlrQnGWfeNC7HA0snOxaZUkhbvtcAx2yCWP5x8jo-JVK6Z1cDtMFzGkCcdij2etPk/s320/SEB+Target.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeLETs9I00yA0REOF5I80H9HeS2sOOHgk9zSZYUjrB2HHNeVWt3e5K836BXw5pxXTUfbx2MdIeaAlrQnGWfeNC7HA0snOxaZUkhbvtcAx2yCWP5x8jo-JVK6Z1cDtMFzGkCcdij2etPk/s0/SEB+Target.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><br /></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Evaluation Course of Fire</u><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 Rounds - #1<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 Rounds - #2<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6 Rounds - #3 Accelerated Pairs<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">4: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 Rounds – Head<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">5:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>15 Rounds – Failure Drill x5<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">6:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 Rounds - #4<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Total Rounds = 40<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The limited round
count is simply because of expense.
Obviously reloading can greatly reduce these costs yet to simply work on
raw mechanics it’s very hard to beat $11 for a 50-round box of Eley Club
ammunition. That allows me to get considerably
more range time while keeping my costs down – provided that the skills transfer
from the .22 Trainer to the 110 Scout.
Do they?</span></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXogubRMn7hVrjwYhrJDyDIne4WlEb_b-UkqkEl8BoolR4PZJwW0H0zaOPAaUTVGsG_XshEC8HPXztTe8d4Bg8hOwkbx9hFPQBoU30cEs4luM43FeuL6LSHj_J51cPG4M46kMllPPUy8/s2048/20210721_100607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXogubRMn7hVrjwYhrJDyDIne4WlEb_b-UkqkEl8BoolR4PZJwW0H0zaOPAaUTVGsG_XshEC8HPXztTe8d4Bg8hOwkbx9hFPQBoU30cEs4luM43FeuL6LSHj_J51cPG4M46kMllPPUy8/s320/20210721_100607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwjtMOCsnDcwTD0Tmijo5gd7thgXfDNpFtsSWjFQ7wecLxSGpCTt-GoQSR0WOZ04FwfLXqBKYVDinQBxAj8KOvFukuHAnX-xHRoIhae7QZwqfftW6nLJbwF270Hjp33pqfLWWuAwwRXk/s2048/20210721_104731.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwjtMOCsnDcwTD0Tmijo5gd7thgXfDNpFtsSWjFQ7wecLxSGpCTt-GoQSR0WOZ04FwfLXqBKYVDinQBxAj8KOvFukuHAnX-xHRoIhae7QZwqfftW6nLJbwF270Hjp33pqfLWWuAwwRXk/s320/20210721_104731.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><br /></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">While I varied the mix
just a tad you can see that for 40 rounds, I was down zero. In my scoring approach you need to be within
a defined target element or touching the element’s outline. This specific target was my very first “formal”
range trip with the Scout 110. Honestly,
I was quite pleased.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Again, due to simply
the cost of ammunition, I have also integrated a .223 “trainer” into my rotation
in the form of a Ruger American Rifle – Predator in .223.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For both the Savage and the Ruger I am fond
of PMCs X-TAC round in .308, 147GR and .223 62gr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I push that rifle out of 100 yards regularly
and the following target with the above COF yielded a range trip score of
90%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find it’s a nice intermediate step
up between the .22 and the .308.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use
the same SEB target for the .223 that I do for the .308.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">So . . . how did it
go with the Ruger Predator in .223</span>?</span></h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQYnWFyRwkh7Ds8DvW2BYimpNN5id3kxozW848O-WGyI-k63AofTF7WXPqG6IdBY_z1KCKYv1dvFbOoeWEvWPFgfUXCXk9WE_0AYIqcNGn48Cwepkpdpw5l-xN3AL314G0rsSwBVJSQg/s2048/20210715_144904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQYnWFyRwkh7Ds8DvW2BYimpNN5id3kxozW848O-WGyI-k63AofTF7WXPqG6IdBY_z1KCKYv1dvFbOoeWEvWPFgfUXCXk9WE_0AYIqcNGn48Cwepkpdpw5l-xN3AL314G0rsSwBVJSQg/s320/20210715_144904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s2PD7rahjVAs-Ehx1UQ_VYYZ-A82NnFYcayQAj9Dj4c7hj2G6CqGdgUrqEtdET3RleyKf06c8U0p833t8xtQK9qm6-eCvudOGMHnvVCzzCn57Uoad8o0yXnH0U4QIJCKKuBNxjSwZUQ/s2048/20210728_154341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s2PD7rahjVAs-Ehx1UQ_VYYZ-A82NnFYcayQAj9Dj4c7hj2G6CqGdgUrqEtdET3RleyKf06c8U0p833t8xtQK9qm6-eCvudOGMHnvVCzzCn57Uoad8o0yXnH0U4QIJCKKuBNxjSwZUQ/s320/20210728_154341.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">All of the rounds went to their desired location with the exception of 4 rounds of the head shots. So, dropping 4 rounds yields a 90% - right at where I want to be.</span></span></h3><div><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So how does this 50 yard work with the .22 trainer, the 50 yard work with the Savage Scout 110 and the 100 yard work with the Ruger Predator in .223 translate to 100 yard work with the Savage 110 Scout Rifle? Let's take a look.</span></span></div><div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4UY9ddJqZneTI-TQggZzpkxRsKXZHU3DTQS3OjUHIQqWRbavs-wU9fVep5txGXjmGHW1evr1i0EUdNljIrtw36NCnjgihFIie6bwJ3jXMsLn7z5T16Uwi3PFiZnoP0j-sNuMjSgG2Js/s2048/20210721_100607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4UY9ddJqZneTI-TQggZzpkxRsKXZHU3DTQS3OjUHIQqWRbavs-wU9fVep5txGXjmGHW1evr1i0EUdNljIrtw36NCnjgihFIie6bwJ3jXMsLn7z5T16Uwi3PFiZnoP0j-sNuMjSgG2Js/s320/20210721_100607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4BAXveGcOxzQFg-jfz2AZCtY95i8jMXNEacm9VvgDFQ_cWee_s2WT8xy9w0iLpGhAQm75bABGY63TsS-oJCRu3Q2lmOzLW7sks3ze8NaloITUMFYNFTBzjqsTXhL58S7DjkLfS2rVdI/s2048/20210824_111817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4BAXveGcOxzQFg-jfz2AZCtY95i8jMXNEacm9VvgDFQ_cWee_s2WT8xy9w0iLpGhAQm75bABGY63TsS-oJCRu3Q2lmOzLW7sks3ze8NaloITUMFYNFTBzjqsTXhL58S7DjkLfS2rVdI/s320/20210824_111817.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The first 5 rounds
went into #1. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The Cold Bore shot and its
follow-up are labeled.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I do this on each
and every trip.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">All 5 rounds fell within
a 3 ½ “ circle at 100 yards.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">After that,
the misses are strictly on me.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I threw two
on #2, two on the Accelerated Pairs box - #3 and then five on the head
box.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The most difficult rounds on the
head were five from the Failure Drill (two rounds high center mass, one head
shot) though a photo taken between the original five to the head and the Failure
Drill show that I missed three of the first five and two from the Failure
Drill.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Total misses – 10 for a score of
75%.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">80% is passing from my POV so not
real good for my first 100 yard range trip.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Heavy sigh.</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">However, as an
evaluation of the rifle, I am afraid I need to split the “fault” at about 1%
rifle and 99% shooter which I find is typically the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The accelerated pairs and the Failure Drill took
their toll which comes down to continued work on my gun handling skills regarding
the Savage 110 Scout Rifle.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">That said, since the
data would indicate that the majority of the work that would be done by a
Designated Marksman happens at around 50 yards, the first 50 yard target would
indicate that the Savage 110 Scout is more than capable of getting the job done
should the need arise if it’s in the hands of a trained officer.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Am I satisfied with
this rifle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said earlier it’s the “lightest”
shooting .308 I’ve encountered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its
trigger is VERY nice and when combined with the Vortex Cross Fire II LPVO it
makes a potent package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does it fit my
parameters as a rifle for a Designated Marksman for Law Enforcement – again, I
find that a firm “Yes!”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A post from
that particular POV is upcoming.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Final lesson – there is
simply no substitute for range work – realistic, consistent and rigorous range
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll roll my methods into my DM
post that I am slogging through right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, it doesn’t do any good to take coursework, learn a skill and then
simply assume that since you “did it” once, you can do it on demand when the
need is great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every month. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, score yourself against a consistent
Course of Fire so you can pick up any deficiencies that may arise and get them
corrected.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Simply put . . . Do
The Work.</span></span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 9.0pt; margin: 9pt 0in 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></h3>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-3083846642417700602021-05-01T12:48:00.003-05:002021-05-01T12:50:03.337-05:00Review - Ruger Wrangler .22LR<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">There are many things that, in my mind, I NEED . . .
another gun really isn’t on the list.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Yet, there it was, in the case sitting atop its box.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">A brand-new Ruger Wrangler .22LR pistol.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“WALK AWAY!!!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">WALK
AWAY!!!”</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My mind yelled . . . as I
filled out the paperwork and passed across my legal tender . . . going out the
door the proud owner of what has quickly become one of Ruger’s most popular
firearms, the Wrangler.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEj43DVdUooCOkRu5EMtitm_pT3HBPW0dOpwavstGY6VyUa4mwzVbTfrFtQqFVe8YxllkXm6Y7Jv7QotnTSjMK-fdOPZJjtN2eMRAUuWIAiNhRASdGwFznRHm2d_DFKRXVHF9m3K673A/s1500/Ruger+Wrangler-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1500" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEj43DVdUooCOkRu5EMtitm_pT3HBPW0dOpwavstGY6VyUa4mwzVbTfrFtQqFVe8YxllkXm6Y7Jv7QotnTSjMK-fdOPZJjtN2eMRAUuWIAiNhRASdGwFznRHm2d_DFKRXVHF9m3K673A/w473-h262/Ruger+Wrangler-1.jpg" width="473" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Its specs are solid and listed below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s fit in my hand was very comfortable and
satisfying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s suggested <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MSRP of $249 puts it within the range of
virtually anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pricing I am
seeing in stores in my area is right at $200.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Grips</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - Checkered Synthetic</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Capacity</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - 6<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Front Sight</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - Blade<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Barrel Length</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - 4.62"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Cylinder Frame Finish</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - Plum Brown
Cerakote®<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Cylinder Frame Material</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - Aluminum Alloy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Rear Sight</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - Integral<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Overall Length</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - 10.25"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Weight</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - 30 oz.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Twist</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - 1:14" RH<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Grooves</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> - 6<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you compare the finish of the Wrangler to Ruger’s Single
Six you’ll notice that rather than a polished and blued frame the frame of the
Wrangler - as well as the barrel - </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">has a
Cerakote finish and is made of and aluminum alloy.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This reduces weight as well as cost.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That said, the cylinder and the cold-hammer
forged barrel are still made from a carbon steel alloy ensuring the Wrangler’s
accuracy and durability.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A transfer bar safety and a loading gate interlock ensures
a high degree of safety if the Wrangler is dropped and does not allow the
hammer to be cocked if the loading gate is open.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Checkered grips provides a great surface that provides
a solid surface for a reliable grip on the Wrangler.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are no adjustable sights.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The rear sight is a groove milled down the
top of the frame and the front sight is a simple blade. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The surface of the milled groove and the front
sight are the same color and that made picking up a solid “sight alignment” and
“sight picture” difficult for me.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It became
easier as I worked through my range session simply because I became used to the
firearm – but it took real focus to pick them both up.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ll see how that goes as time goes on.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Loading was simple and easy though the fit of the cartridge
was snug.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When ejecting spent casings,
the ejector rod was necessary for each chamber.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In one chamber for one round, I had to tap on the rod a bit with my
Leatherman Juicer to dislodge the casing.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In looking at the casing it was a bit deformed along a part of the
rim.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No idea why and it was not repeated
during this session.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The size of the Wrangler is the same as the Single Six so
the same holsters can be used.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For me I
purchased a DeSantis “Wild Hog” holster and am very happy with the fit.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So how does this little fella do on accuracy???</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I posted one of my custom targets.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It has three 4” targets with a 1” center dot
on each.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I shot a total of 24 rounds on
each target.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One set of 24 was from 3
yards, one for 7 yards and the final set was at 10 yards.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A “hit” was within or touching the target’s
edge.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A total of 72 rounds.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I dropped 2 rounds for a score of 97% . . . I’ll
take it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFB6VSBG6JGVDYQoXfx77L8lKg906CJBcdiTDzOfPsedkLnYOtN1ym16IOwWE_E7UtytDu3c97mEi1rbjcPeRmZJv04JSZQacXCRAeajzgzsXxpd8BTm-waeOzYwwBXAulwLEPQxS3Btk/s2048/20210430_112816.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFB6VSBG6JGVDYQoXfx77L8lKg906CJBcdiTDzOfPsedkLnYOtN1ym16IOwWE_E7UtytDu3c97mEi1rbjcPeRmZJv04JSZQacXCRAeajzgzsXxpd8BTm-waeOzYwwBXAulwLEPQxS3Btk/w517-h388/20210430_112816.jpg" width="517" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So where does this SA pistol fit in the scheme of
things??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would put it solidly in the “plinker”
category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe there would be
real value in it for hunting small game – say squirrels or rabbits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not see it as a defensive firearm either
though as the saying goes . . . “Any gun is better than no gun!”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, if you just want something to plink with
– steel, cans, different target shapes, spinners, blocks across the ground – I think
the Wrangler fills that square just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, I had originally though I’d just run one cylinder on each
target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the darn thing was just so
much fun to shoot I ended up running 4 on each target.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s a fun and satisfying pistol to shoot.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If you’re looking for just such a handgun, I
will gladly point you towards the Ruger Wrangler .22LR</span></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-46089547860683180002021-04-09T15:48:00.006-05:002021-04-09T16:11:55.774-05:00Review – The Savage 110 Scout Rifle in 308<p> <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">So just what is a “Scout Rifle”??</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Well the short answer is something like . . . “If you could
pick up just one firearm as you were going out the door – a firearm that can do
everything from defending your family to putting food on the table – what would
it look like?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Past that . . . just what is a “Scout”?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Over history these were the trail blazers, the person that
went first, evaluated what was coming and informed those that were following
him just what to expect.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What kind of
firearm would a scout use?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And in military organizations these were people who spent most
of their time in the field, evaluating the enemy, evaluating the route that was
being taken.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They could be operating in
virtually any type of terrain, for long periods of time and may well need to
act decisively to defend themselves should the need arise.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What kind of firearm would a military scout
use?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the early 1990 Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper took up the task of
bringing such a firearm to life.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It was
one of his passions for the remainder of his life.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In general, it had several characteristics:</span></p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Overall length of 39 inches or less<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Unloaded weight – including optic and sling –
6.6 to 7.7 pounds<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Magazine fed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Bolt action<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Forward mounted low power scope<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Ghost ring auxiliary iron sights<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A “Ching” Sling<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Chambered in .308 Winchester or 7mm-08
Remington<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Accuracy of 2MOA at 200 Yards for a 3-round
group (4 inches)<o:p></o:p></span></p></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So why did I go in search of one??</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Honestly, I’m not a “gun guy” in that I
purchase a firearm for a purpose and not because of the “coolness factor” or as
an item for a collection.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I had a
specific purpose to look for a Scout rifle.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">During a conversation with a fellow trainer I was asked if I thought I
could put together a “Designated Marksman” set of coursework.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My response was . . . sure, depending on what
you mean by the words “Designated Marksman”.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In this particular case it meant coursework for a small core of officers
that would be able to respond quickly with a firearm that was a larger caliber
than a handgun or the typical 5.56 patrol rifle that had more stopping
power.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Designated Marksman fits – at least in law enforcement
IMHO – between the patrol officer that is trained on a patrol carbine and a
SWAT Sniper.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The job was recently
demonstrated to me by a video of an officer intervening in the taking of a
child from a car.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The officer</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">exited his vehicle, took a supported position
behind the squad’s door with the window down and quickly and accurately engaged
the threat, ran to and rescued the child and took them to safety.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Quick, smooth and decisive.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It implied much about the training of the
officer and his ability to respond with his patrol rifle.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The SWAT sniper is typically trained for a much broader
range of tasks and at greater distances.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The reality though is that per a 2005 study of 897 law enforcement SWAT
sniper engagements over a 20-year period the average range of engagement was 51
yards.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The typical round used was a .308
with a 168-grain Match King bullet.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
longest engagement that was documented was 187 yards.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Given this data, could a Scout Rifle with Cooper’s
designated specifications provide a viable option for officers tasked with the
assignment of Designated Marksman?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Answering that question became my reasoning for the purchase of a “Scout
Rifle” that closely matched Lt. Col. Cooper’s specifications.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">During my research I narrowed my search to two versions –
the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle and the Savage 110 Scout Rifle.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Availability made my decision for me.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After months of finding empty shelves across
the country a friend of mine who owns a gun store in Texas found a fellow
dealer who has a single solitary Savage 110 Scout Rifle in .308 in stock . . .
SOLD!!!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Eb2WdbSk3d5AGGUjZlnxKn5GPOCXv50TT4PPQHRBdxSai5pfuXqYF3M1-b2v0BqK2StBOLS1i8yXev14NQpB77eNUPNvsY1QDcEpWKc1VzRyFEMm_Gnb3Sa6CHDwoyU13xc0eLAe5Qo/s2798/Savage+110+Unboxed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="2798" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Eb2WdbSk3d5AGGUjZlnxKn5GPOCXv50TT4PPQHRBdxSai5pfuXqYF3M1-b2v0BqK2StBOLS1i8yXev14NQpB77eNUPNvsY1QDcEpWKc1VzRyFEMm_Gnb3Sa6CHDwoyU13xc0eLAe5Qo/s320/Savage+110+Unboxed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course there is always “furniture” that goes with this
kind of purchase regardless of which rifle I purchased.</span><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">My scope of choice was the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Scout
scope.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">What sets it apart from
traditional scopes is its long eye relief – nearly 10 inches.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Contrary to Cooper’s </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">standard it is not fixed but provides a smooth transition
from 2 to 7 power.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It has a simple
V-Plex reticle.</span></div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyP_T6LV1MfpqMD6GXypf9FE0cv9SW5gqQYY4N_50Yd2MatRawRiK9t5I1_HVkEOtFqUBec_eo5782pnbR4RGesmik8KszFLpG7hjyKUMlt-_GiYkHM4cvarf-pOaSxyqmqw6WAkb4s8/s1500/Vortex+Crossfire+II+2-7+x+32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyP_T6LV1MfpqMD6GXypf9FE0cv9SW5gqQYY4N_50Yd2MatRawRiK9t5I1_HVkEOtFqUBec_eo5782pnbR4RGesmik8KszFLpG7hjyKUMlt-_GiYkHM4cvarf-pOaSxyqmqw6WAkb4s8/s320/Vortex+Crossfire+II+2-7+x+32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">To mount the scope, I used Vortex’s Pro Series Rings in
MEDIUM height . . . and that’s important . . . medium height.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">To tighten the rings to the scope and the
picatinny rail I used a Wheeler Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">16 inch/pounds on the scope mount side and 30
inch/pounds on the rail side.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s worth
it to purchase this type of wrench to ensure that you scope is securely
mounted.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ve just seen a bunch of folks
that zero their gun only to discover that their mount is loose at some
point.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Spend the money, do it right.</span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaytttUDugkjAYGxaHX0mNktRxwM8HYIP5E1of8n46LyLmAkmiPv9ZZwErbLNlVFs_3JVFRY4KrIxkpKXLsKysLFSeT2RT-JxgjncWo4ykKYjzS2LaWns_jhv_dQ2qQxkSGSFT__rWjZc/s1500/Vortex+Optics+Pro+Series+Riflescope+Rings+-+1+inch+-+Medium.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaytttUDugkjAYGxaHX0mNktRxwM8HYIP5E1of8n46LyLmAkmiPv9ZZwErbLNlVFs_3JVFRY4KrIxkpKXLsKysLFSeT2RT-JxgjncWo4ykKYjzS2LaWns_jhv_dQ2qQxkSGSFT__rWjZc/s320/Vortex+Optics+Pro+Series+Riflescope+Rings+-+1+inch+-+Medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcCAR8Ce1YQy-Z_6WHux1Yh1DXCwUiWOjvJ1RwoAWLy31qcO1cA0dGEjet1qU3zFiG9_QqdT6nbeScmrC_TS-2bXWsnbieYB-R0BmeRHddTeb7lDtVUnSY01XhEnxV17TZbp-SfQvUf8/s514/Wheeler+Firearms+Accurizing+Torque+Wrench.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcCAR8Ce1YQy-Z_6WHux1Yh1DXCwUiWOjvJ1RwoAWLy31qcO1cA0dGEjet1qU3zFiG9_QqdT6nbeScmrC_TS-2bXWsnbieYB-R0BmeRHddTeb7lDtVUnSY01XhEnxV17TZbp-SfQvUf8/s320/Wheeler+Firearms+Accurizing+Torque+Wrench.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">For a sling I am very fond of Larry Vickers slings.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">His quick adjust slings just can not be
beat.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">He has a couple different
configurations but for this rifle I chose the Viking Tactics VATC 2 point sling.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">This allows for a quick adjustment to tighten
it to your body should you need to transition to your sidearm.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcWxNY78mA4GESiVHCBkgzJWXfoA2G8G2_FRy4Hk4Z7cOXMYCy-12OUoiq9RYAgyessQWfMuOe1WpGR8oTITBvVY90mf74FYAxblmf1dybyAVvInz7pS1Y13DECWwUHKdXI_jzLbL3i0/s1500/Viking+Tactics+VATC+2+point+sling.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcWxNY78mA4GESiVHCBkgzJWXfoA2G8G2_FRy4Hk4Z7cOXMYCy-12OUoiq9RYAgyessQWfMuOe1WpGR8oTITBvVY90mf74FYAxblmf1dybyAVvInz7pS1Y13DECWwUHKdXI_jzLbL3i0/s320/Viking+Tactics+VATC+2+point+sling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The swivels I used to attach the sling to the sling points
were a pair of Braudel 1.25 Tri-Lock Sling Swivels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On an important note, make sure you use some
BLUE LocTite on the threads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t,
I absolutely promise they will come loose, and you will find yourself with one
end of the sling swinging in the air.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpveu88BpOv0SPg2vr-YYZY4anbxQEIKIHjLJzoH05MseBQxWDZq6wTbuEGifEQ3hwaIgD9vw677z9Bv0aAuinrsle_F4ff3T7XT8dBTYvgpk0Jfz6CLBk594axu2fRmnRUwvwsFqdU4/s1431/Braudel+1.25+Tri-Lock+Sling+Swivels.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpveu88BpOv0SPg2vr-YYZY4anbxQEIKIHjLJzoH05MseBQxWDZq6wTbuEGifEQ3hwaIgD9vw677z9Bv0aAuinrsle_F4ff3T7XT8dBTYvgpk0Jfz6CLBk594axu2fRmnRUwvwsFqdU4/s320/Braudel+1.25+Tri-Lock+Sling+Swivels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8UG3_NN7JnABXsum6DV7DT0R1jS_99ihSBgaHnDPVpg9ZDd5N1MWgMt5AZX8iWSP2PifdIKf5lsHis-Z5mDPNkeEJsyTWiV41Pqs87jMfL26Uck0thT8WBa8CyTgya2ubvnCNXywG_g/s1500/Blue+Loctite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="882" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8UG3_NN7JnABXsum6DV7DT0R1jS_99ihSBgaHnDPVpg9ZDd5N1MWgMt5AZX8iWSP2PifdIKf5lsHis-Z5mDPNkeEJsyTWiV41Pqs87jMfL26Uck0thT8WBa8CyTgya2ubvnCNXywG_g/s320/Blue+Loctite.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Let’s see how the Savage 110 Scout Rifle matches up with
Cooper’s desires.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Overall length of 38.5 inches<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Unloaded weight – including optic and sling – 9.72
pounds<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Magazine fed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Bolt action<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Forward mounted low power scope<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Ghost ring auxiliary iron sights<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Viking
Tactics VTAC Original 2 Point Sling<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Chambered in .308 Winchester or 7mm-08
Remington<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Accuracy of 2MOA at 200 Yards for a 3-round
group (4 inches)<o:p></o:p></span></p></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">We’ll chat about the accuracy in a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We meet the specifications with the exception
of weight – we blew that by nearly 2 pounds on the high side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, what I found was that none . . .
absolutely none of the “Scout Rifles” met them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lt. Col. Cooper never found one that fully
met all his expectations – even the one developed for him, with him by
Steyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such is life, compromise is all
things.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The Savage 110 Scout has a couple of very nice features –
an adjustable Comb on the stock and an adjustable length of pull via butt plate
inserts.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Both are easily installed.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">For me I left it as is out of the box.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">These are known as their AccuFit and
AccuStock feature.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It also comes with a 10 round </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">AICS-style
detachable box magazine.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">It comes with the Savage AccuTrigger that is
adjustable from 2.5# to 6#.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The pull
weight measured 3.5# out of the box and I have left it there.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">A Williams rear sight is provided giving the
shooter either a small diameter hole as a peep site or a larger diameter
opening providing a rear ghost ring.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The
rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">The front site is a crisp center post with
protective wings on either side.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyXTCMvFPCDPuuOI2uDBJDwuEqVu0CRu5Y0L-VTpDUomcYodnDvKb9519sbAGQYRrv6_Io-uECU0De6Njnv2TolBRNoPpn1bFi6_Mew32taWPpWNEyBViaao8v4aWT8F49YuIjE1YqdM/s705/Williams+rear+peep+site.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="705" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyXTCMvFPCDPuuOI2uDBJDwuEqVu0CRu5Y0L-VTpDUomcYodnDvKb9519sbAGQYRrv6_Io-uECU0De6Njnv2TolBRNoPpn1bFi6_Mew32taWPpWNEyBViaao8v4aWT8F49YuIjE1YqdM/s320/Williams+rear+peep+site.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A large and effective flash hider is mounted via 5/8x24#
threaded muzzle making it suppressor ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The design also offered a fair amount of recoil relief as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflWdt4g6hoLljCWvdl1G2lt9VjMB9WvA56I6lRin3wdN6WcXGEp7LU05IdRC836XQ0tzbFQBc5wdSK6jo8G5idRp5eOv2xA6iUyxPQpNYbUz5Fqbzcobss0J902B_fd6gi5Xe_NK5w8M/s614/Savage+110+Muzzel+Break.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflWdt4g6hoLljCWvdl1G2lt9VjMB9WvA56I6lRin3wdN6WcXGEp7LU05IdRC836XQ0tzbFQBc5wdSK6jo8G5idRp5eOv2xA6iUyxPQpNYbUz5Fqbzcobss0J902B_fd6gi5Xe_NK5w8M/s320/Savage+110+Muzzel+Break.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Zeroing the Savage 110 Scout proved fairly simple.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I am fond of an initial 10y zero.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I bagged the Scout with Armageddon Gear’s “Game
Changer” in the front and a small bag in the back.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The round I was shooting was a PMC 147gr X-TAC
.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">BC 0.402</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2800 fps.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Running it through the JBM ballistics calculator the drop at 10 yards
for a 200 yard zero is right at 1 inch.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When doing a 200 yard zero on a 100 yard range with this specific cartridge,
the scope needs to be adjusted to impact 1.9 inches high on the target.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I placed the target, removed the bolt, bagged the rifle and
sighted down the barrel.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I positioned
the center of the target in the barrel and then adjusted the windage and
elevation to put the crosshairs in the center of the target.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I reinstalled the bolt and sent the first
round down range.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As you can see by the
target, by the 4</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> round I was 1 inch “low”.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-WnLPEjx8fJIrUfDadFb_YZ0BeklhjaVF3Ir_1nmo9Kma5UyKH62XquBBQGaEI4ir8BAKjiH_Rq8G0J_v8n4LHvYX_goVBxzCdoETmDY0w-tz_gzUpogqF_3VXCNLfJYTbGyySy2WeM/s2048/20210313_151801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-WnLPEjx8fJIrUfDadFb_YZ0BeklhjaVF3Ir_1nmo9Kma5UyKH62XquBBQGaEI4ir8BAKjiH_Rq8G0J_v8n4LHvYX_goVBxzCdoETmDY0w-tz_gzUpogqF_3VXCNLfJYTbGyySy2WeM/s320/20210313_151801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbJV8kWrMaw18d4xYU0NZvOokxZ42D3FmOfdTVlGH5iI9FdOnUVJwbQcYtnlYg92jJrW3i4YG4wngYXS9rvxFJbYSdqQ1TN6y8GpyT6LuLfnWaYh3N4MbTL0Ace845GnKEEG41qsDtu4/s2048/20210313_135216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbJV8kWrMaw18d4xYU0NZvOokxZ42D3FmOfdTVlGH5iI9FdOnUVJwbQcYtnlYg92jJrW3i4YG4wngYXS9rvxFJbYSdqQ1TN6y8GpyT6LuLfnWaYh3N4MbTL0Ace845GnKEEG41qsDtu4/s320/20210313_135216.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Pushing out to 100 yards I polished the zero and then shot
two more rounds of 5 each to confirm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
this point I called the Scout 110 “zeroed”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I shot a final box of 20 rounds on 5 targets, each 3” in
diameter, 4 rounds per target.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">These
were my “official” evaluation rounds to see how well the Scout 110 was shooting.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The average group size was right at 2.5” – which
I’ll lay in my lap.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I expect that once I
am more comfortable with the gun and the scope, these groups will tighten
up.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That said, the gun is rated as a
2MOA firearm.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Other evaluations I read, depending
on the ammunition they were using, ran around 1.5”.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So I’ll take what I got and then work on my
mechanics as well as finding a load that will shoot better.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh156iQShwU0oZ0cyt9p_5ewJZ-MOcBCnu00fILT68lvEGyMfsJVPeeFqutn77jBm0jNK5wNAnPb7Vm0tB1e2-lTG8XZAD2dPm7h5kyII4HankWIA8aeidAGpTuQ4GgMNIObS5bvvvO__g/s2048/20210313_154234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh156iQShwU0oZ0cyt9p_5ewJZ-MOcBCnu00fILT68lvEGyMfsJVPeeFqutn77jBm0jNK5wNAnPb7Vm0tB1e2-lTG8XZAD2dPm7h5kyII4HankWIA8aeidAGpTuQ4GgMNIObS5bvvvO__g/s320/20210313_154234.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Just a quick though on accuracy and precision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Precision revolves around small, consistent
sized groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accuracy revolves around
putting those groups where you want them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being able to be precise and accurate is dependent on the gun, the
shooter and a very consistent round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
most commonly used sniper cartridge is the 168 grain match grade round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless of the round, it is incumbent on a
Designated Marksman to fully understand how his/her weapon responds to the
specific cartridge and bullet weight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That chosen round, and that chosen round alone
is what the shooter should practice with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll do another post addressing the mechanics of actually shooting which
I consider to be essentially the same regardless the rifle or round.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, to sum things up, I’m pleased with the performance the
Scout 110 so far.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ve not sent near
enough rounds down range yet, but first blush it’s very promising as a solid
choice for a DM role in the law enforcement community.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ll have more thoughts by the end of the
summer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Comments and questions are always welcome, just leave them
below.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Links that may be of interest to you . . . </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.ammoman.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-the-scout-rifle/">A Brief
History Of The Scout Rifle - AmmoMan School of Guns Blog</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/10/13/coopers-scout-rifle-literally-fantastic-gun/">Cooper's
Scout Rifle - A (Literally) Fantastic Gun -The Firearm Blog</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.steyrscout.org/scouthis.htm">A History
Of The Steyr Scout</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57026">110
Scout | Hunting and Target Rifle | Savage Arms</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.gunsite.com/about-lt-col-jeff-cooper/">History
of Lt Col Jeff Cooper - Gunsite Academy</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://homedefensegun.net/the-scout-rifle/">The
Scout Rifle <span style="font-family: "Cambria Math",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Cambria Math";">⋆</span> Home Defense Gun</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.policemag.com/339408/swat-snipers">SWAT
Snipers - Special Units - POLICE Magazine</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/5/9/review-savage-arms-110-scout-rifle/">Shooting
Illustrated | Review: Savage Arms 110 Scout Rifle</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://gunsmagazine.com/guns/rifles/savage-arms-110-scout/">GUNS
Magazine Savage Arms 110 Scout - GUNS Magazine</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmtraj_simp-5.1.cgi">JBM Ballistics
Calculator</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-83131426263952666002021-01-16T19:14:00.007-06:002021-01-16T20:01:29.849-06:00Training - LEO Proficiency Review<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> I’ve chatted a couple of times about “Proficiency” . . .
the links are here . . .</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><a href="https://eiaft.blogspot.com/2020/10/range-trip-10-24-2020-maintaining.html" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Range
Trip - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maintaining Proficiency</span></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><a href="https://eiaft.blogspot.com/2015/05/training-are-you-proficient.html" style="font-family: arial;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Training
– Are You Proficient</span></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">So what more can be said . . . well, how about some
thoughts on how to go about a fairly rigorous review of either your own
proficiency . . . or the review of the proficiency of an organization.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">And that is the focus of this particular post
– the proficiency of our local PD in the use and deployment of their duty
weapon.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s that time of year for “Qualification” . . . the trip
to the range to shoot the ILEA handgun course of fire.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s roughly equivalent to the old FBI
handgun qualification and is the standard for officers in Iowa.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The dirty little secret about cops, training
and range time is that it is last on the list for a typical officer.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Frankly, they simply don’t have the time
while filling all the other training squares to meet a very long list of civil
training requirements.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Add to that the
fact that their training ammunition budget is very, very slim – the average
officer sends less than 500 rounds down range each year – and about 20% of that
is shooting up their carry ammunition in preparation for the qualification
shoot and shooting the actual qualification COF.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Anything over this is done on the officer’s
own time and at the officer’s personal expense.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">There are some regions of the country where the round count falls to 200
or less – including the officer’s qualification round.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The point is not to bang away on the officers or their
agencies – but just to point out that with low round counts – proficiency suffers
and suffers badly.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">And an officer may
not even realize it until “that moment” arrives – and they struggle to meet the
threat.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Honestly, that’s a hell of a time
to find out they need to spend more time on the range.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">I was contacted by the local training officer to see if I
could conduct a couple half day range seminars to work with officers prior to
this fall’s qualification round.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">So,
over 2 days I conducted 4ea, 4-hour “Proficiency Reviews” with a total of 14
officers attending.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In the context of
the review the word “Proficiency” meant could they run their gun, get both
rapid, multiple round hits AND very precise hits as well.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Were their fundamentals solid – stance, grip,
sight alignment, sight picture, trigger press and follow through?</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Were their emergency reloads solid?</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Was their muzzle discipline good?</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Did they make good use of both high cover and
low cover?</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Could they move rapidly and
engage a threat from multiple distances?</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">Could they quickly and accurately engage a target from 5 yards to 25
yards?</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">And could they do all this in
their full duty gear – they wore either a fully kitted out duty belt or plate
carrier.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">All officers wore a Level 3
vest.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">This was NOT a training course . . . but an evaluation
course.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I made a few tweaks throughout
for officers struggling with precise shots that typically revolved around
either adjusting their grip or their sight alignment.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">There was a fondness for not maintaining the
“equal height” between the front sight and the rear notch.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This resulted it the “windage” of the round
being fine, but the “elevation” was typically low.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">As soon as they dialed in “equal height,
equal light” . . . all was fine.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">I evaluated their stance, how they drove their weapon to
the target, their follow through, their ability to draw during movement, their
movement to cover and use of cover.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">Honestly, for some they had not actually done any of this stuff since
their academy days.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">So, it was well past
time they take a hard look at themselves – and that’s what we did.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Let me review my expectations of the officers.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I have a true fondness for LETargets SEB
target.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It allows for a wide range of
drills, from rapid multi-round engagements to single round precision
engagements.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It allows for cognition
drills calling out either individual numbers and shapes.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">You can get a tremendous amount of good work
done on these targets and it is my go-to choice for individual practice as well
as coursework.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It is also an unforgiving
target.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Let’s talk about scoring
individual drills.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRFYR2-LFKVtbUxM3yRyJLXwb2tzcZnrXI6pDb98hh2OkLg6jDqUNQ-dqFBTgXYljBP0A5jbSPFKlHwHCJAW2qXM3xKgaTMln5lskeeNQP6RyqUSWycRassiVyLqLs7NTvScy29G2U2U/s400/SEB+Target.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRFYR2-LFKVtbUxM3yRyJLXwb2tzcZnrXI6pDb98hh2OkLg6jDqUNQ-dqFBTgXYljBP0A5jbSPFKlHwHCJAW2qXM3xKgaTMln5lskeeNQP6RyqUSWycRassiVyLqLs7NTvScy29G2U2U/s320/SEB+Target.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv0aMK6NlLVDjJyx6wlTjg4kI_sTih-X-F6yRUsNNRQDLTzgxpxNsoYETtbm-4Ck4GjXLH0fx-cOrGKl7jXC9F110ge-4pW0VZYaBrZOW4xXdfyiqJ8NOOhb1oMJJ5cRJql9eD0SOEEI/s1440/20201121_134444+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv0aMK6NlLVDjJyx6wlTjg4kI_sTih-X-F6yRUsNNRQDLTzgxpxNsoYETtbm-4Ck4GjXLH0fx-cOrGKl7jXC9F110ge-4pW0VZYaBrZOW4xXdfyiqJ8NOOhb1oMJJ5cRJql9eD0SOEEI/s320/20201121_134444+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%; text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">For the individual officer used to shooting their ILEA
course of fire – the target of choice is a “Q-Traget” – a single silhouette
with a “Q” where the heart is imagined to be. </span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Any round that is touching the outline or
within the outline of the silhouette is considered a “hit”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">A round touching the outline where the
threat’s right ear would be . . . carries the exact same weight a center mass
direct hit on the “Q”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">I take a significantly
different view.</span></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the SEB target you must be touching or within the shape
you are required to engage for the specific drill.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">So, while you have an entire silhouette,
within that you have an “Ocular Cavity” triangle, a “High Center Mass” box and
a “Pelvic Girdle” box.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Add to that two numbered circles, two numbered
squares and two numbered triangles . . . you end up with a real playground for
challenging the officer.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I like it!!!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">As for the officer load out, each of their three magazines
are loaded to 10 rounds each.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This
provides a larger number of emergency reloads and allows me to evaluate the
officer’s technique.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">So let’s put it all together – the full evaluation through
a set of 20 drills.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Yeah, this is going
to be a long post, take what value from it that you wish.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I use a lot of these posts as a reminder of
what I did, why I did it and how well it worked – my After Action Report if you
will – my AAR.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">So here we go . . .</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;">Drill 1 – Drive, Touch, Press . . . 7-yards, 10
rounds</span></u></b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"> . . . Single round engagement<o:p></o:p></span></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This drill begins at the High Compressed Ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the command “DRIVE! the shooter drives the
front blade to the designated target – in this case the Circle with a #1 in
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point I am evaluating their
stance, their grip, how their arms are extended, the position of their head,
are they leaning slightly “into the gun”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This process allows me to see all of this in a static position rather
than trying to catch it all on the fly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">On the command “Touch!” the shooter touches the
trigger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allows me to evaluate how
their finger is placed as well as reviewing the overall stability of their
stance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the command “Presssssssss!” I ask them to smoothly press
the trigger straight to the rear, complete their follow through and then return
to the High Compressed Ready.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">This drill is the foundation of shooting to me.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It covers the entire physical process from
bottom of foot to the return to High Compressed Ready.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It is the ideal drill to fine tune, detect
problems, to teach and explain little tweaks it their stance, grip, evaluation
of their sight alignment and sight picture, their follow through process . . .
just a ton of basic, foundational pistol shooting information.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">For me as a shooter it is where I return to
fix any problems that creep into my performance as well.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Or if I change shooting platforms or evaluate
a new platform.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This is “Home” and it
needs to be as perfect as it can be before you move forward to the next drill.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQDhiGOyehoElciXqbpXBAwQ2E9Ls0A3uxr_lVUz8lr5cz5f3jnV4Ew3KHb12bdA-PVKqtkQmbgWKfaBdn3uSlbmB2tYCbOyHZWALog6sTZN1pPWwd7qV6xmPhwwHsHHReTby4d38H1o/s2048/20201119_141345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQDhiGOyehoElciXqbpXBAwQ2E9Ls0A3uxr_lVUz8lr5cz5f3jnV4Ew3KHb12bdA-PVKqtkQmbgWKfaBdn3uSlbmB2tYCbOyHZWALog6sTZN1pPWwd7qV6xmPhwwHsHHReTby4d38H1o/s320/20201119_141345.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 2 – From High Compressed Ready . . .
7-yards, 10 rounds . . . Single Round Engagement</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The drill begins from the High Compressed Ready.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “UP!” command the shooter drives out,
places a single round in the Circle with a #2 in it, completes a follow through
and returns to the High Compressed Ready.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">With this drill I am evaluating the whole flow of the shooter’s
engagement.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m checking shot placement,
grip stability (does the shooter reset their hands between rounds), muzzle
discipline – does it remain straight and level for the whole engagement, is
their trigger press smooth (no slapping the trigger), are they consistently
doing a deliberate follow through after each engagement.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 3 – With a Draw from the holster . . .
7-yards, 10 rounds . . . Single Round Engagement</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The drill begins with a loaded weapon in the shooter’s
holster.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “UP!” command they draw
and fire a single round on in the Square with a #3 in it, they complete a
follow through and scan and holsters their weapon.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This allows the shooter to evaluate their
engagement in detail and do a self-evaluation of things they may need to work
on.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The instructor can also use this
time to fully evaluate the shooter’s draw stroke and engagement as well as
their follow through and scan and offer suggestions if needed.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 4 – With Movement and a Draw from the
holster . . . 7-yards, 10 rounds . . . Single Round Engagement</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">One survival technique is to simply move “off the X” as you
draw – forcing the threat to try and follow your movement.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The drill begins with a loaded weapon in the
shooter’s holster.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “UP!” command
the shooter takes a giant step left or right while drawing and extending
towards the threat.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">As they “plant” they
engage the threat with a single round in the High Center Mass box.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This drill allows the shooter to evaluate
their draw-stroke during their movement as well as how rapidly they can plant
and engage a threat as well as their accuracy and precision.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 5 – “Hammer” . . . 7-yards, 10 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">A “Hammer” is a two round engagement just as fast as you
can pull the trigger.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The drill begins
with a loaded weapon in the shooter’s holster.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “UP!” commander the shooter draws and places a “Hammer” in the
High Center Mass box of the threat.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This
enables the shooter to see how reliable their follow-up shots are and allows
them to make any adjustments to their grip and stance they might need to
increase their accuracy and precision.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 6 – With Movement - “Hammer” . . .
7-yards, 10 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The shooter adds movement to the “Hammer” by taking a large
step either left or right as they draw their weapon on the “UP!” command.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">They then plant and engage the threat.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This allows the shooter to evaluate their
performance as dynamic movement is introduced to the drill.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 7 – Failure Drill . . . 7-yards, 15
rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The “Failure Drill” is comprised of a “Hammer” followed by
a single round to the Ocular Cavity.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It
began life as the “Mozambique Drill” at Gunsite but became known as the
“Failure Drill” after it was adopted by LA SWAT.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It pushes the shooter on two fronts – the
first is pure speed, getting two combat effective hits as quickly as possible
and then it demands an immediate switch to a precise shot.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It allows the shooter to evaluate their ability
to handle both the requirement for speed as well as extreme precision.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 8 – With Movement – “Failure Drill” . . .
7-yards, 15 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The introduction of Movement with a large step left or
right during the draw and then planting and delivering a Hammer and a precise
head shot allows the shooter to evaluate everything from their movement to a
fast and smooth draw, their accuracy of a very rapid pair of rounds and then a
precise headshot.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This is probably as
close to an actual response to a gun fight as you can get . . . “moving off the
X”, a rapid 2-round engagement followed by a single precise shot.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This allows you and the shooter to evaluate
their ability to quickly and accurately neutralize an active threat.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The use of cover is an important skillset – both the
shooter’s actual movement to cover and then their use of cover in an effective
manner.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The next five drills cover the
review of this skill set.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Three drills
evaluate the movement to low cover and its use both to the right, the left and
over the top.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The drill starts 5 yards
or so rearward of cover.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “UP!”
command the shooter moves to cover and engages the threat using a “Hammer”.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The next two drills has the shooter repeat this engagement
but through the use of high cover, first to the right and then to the left.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">These five drills allows the shooter to evaluate their
ability to move to cover, take a solid shooting position and then quickly and
accurately engage a threat.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Drill 9 – Movement to Low Cover . . . Hammer .
. . Right Side . . . 7-yards, 10 rounds<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">You begin this drill about 10 yards behind the
“Cover”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “UP!” the shooter moves
to cover and then “rolls” out to the right to engage the threat with a
“Hammer”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Things to evaluate are their
movement to cover, their final position behind cover – make sure they don’t
crowd the cover, there should be enough distance to for easy movement, firearm
manipulation and that they can fully extend towards the threat.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">When they “roll” out to the right it should
expose a minimum amount of their body to the threat.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 10 – Movement to Low Cover . . . Hammer .
. . Left Side . . . 7-yards, 10 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSU4l2KOPmQzYk1xFBmjPQ1pVFm1pg9Qc8KXrol6BjNL4nzBKyeq7sWpCxv0zCA61XenCekByGoJg4n2Z9bt0c9veco2RfPa779XOYJWxiUXcs9TaYbwL4zmp0A2WPRk8uCXlrPVF6RAI/s2048/20201121_085033.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSU4l2KOPmQzYk1xFBmjPQ1pVFm1pg9Qc8KXrol6BjNL4nzBKyeq7sWpCxv0zCA61XenCekByGoJg4n2Z9bt0c9veco2RfPa779XOYJWxiUXcs9TaYbwL4zmp0A2WPRk8uCXlrPVF6RAI/s320/20201121_085033.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">You begin this drill about 10 yards behind the
“Cover”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the “UP!” the shooter moves
to cover and then “rolls” out to the left to engage the threat with a
“Hammer”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things to evaluate are their
movement to cover, their final position behind cover – make sure they don’t
crowd the cover, there should be enough distance for easy movement, firearm
manipulation and that they can fully extend towards the threat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they “roll” out to the left it should
expose a minimum amount of their body to the threat.<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 11 – Movement to Low Cover . . .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hammer . . . Over the Top . . . 7-yards, 10
rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">You begin this drill about 10 yards behind the
“Cover”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “UP!” the shooter moves
to cover and then rises above the cover to engage the threat with a
“Hammer”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Things to evaluate are their
movement to cover, their final position behind cover – make sure they don’t
crowd the cover, there should be enough distance for easy movement, firearm
manipulation and that they can fully extend towards the threat.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">When they over the top it should expose a
minimum amount of their body to the threat.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMwTdOT4gUJcBFfWNeIehdlW5hwY9AIO39iyO8NgY4VaXK4Iloz3JZRkXfTxF4ss1HQjWdxfRNxOs8DbvxoQJ30dfE7gl39BQhm3dtOIwkZYpFECpTWs6Rgns3SMoTnqnp1tp3kpV8v0/s2048/20201121_085250.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMwTdOT4gUJcBFfWNeIehdlW5hwY9AIO39iyO8NgY4VaXK4Iloz3JZRkXfTxF4ss1HQjWdxfRNxOs8DbvxoQJ30dfE7gl39BQhm3dtOIwkZYpFECpTWs6Rgns3SMoTnqnp1tp3kpV8v0/s320/20201121_085250.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 12 – Movement to High Cover . . . Hammer
. . . Right Side . . . 7-Yards, 10 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">You begin this drill about 10 yards behind the
“Cover”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “UP!” the shooter moves
to cover and then “rolls” out to the right to engage the threat with a
“Hammer”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Things to evaluate are their
movement to cover, their final position behind cover – make sure they don’t
crowd the cover, there should be enough distance for easy movement, firearm
manipulation and that they can fully extend towards the threat.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">When they “roll” out to the right it should
expose a minimum amount of their body to the threat.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZiVeJR9opUs1r8flPba-0P8m6KnSBHjUJ6js-ldYFQlchlYLyCEJsaiZW5aIJiOO39Gz7V31qfDo7hr1CNBgUrh-Zn5DUcXIfOhdcjxrzDb4RDAU2f47v1yp1EtHMJAEmhB-4qqK9eM/s2048/20201121_085915.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZiVeJR9opUs1r8flPba-0P8m6KnSBHjUJ6js-ldYFQlchlYLyCEJsaiZW5aIJiOO39Gz7V31qfDo7hr1CNBgUrh-Zn5DUcXIfOhdcjxrzDb4RDAU2f47v1yp1EtHMJAEmhB-4qqK9eM/s320/20201121_085915.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wDii2A7h68UmDQ6EMYBgITsH8O8kA_QofjRrTjzJDjNW8wg2HoVWrCfHO4g-ONZjV4iQV5I430ElVlvs6Aa4BTK5lQCUBHYlpBsVzjJI5cQIFebZ46tEadSOut8EkE5Dz8Azn_p2l3k/s2048/20201121_085919.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wDii2A7h68UmDQ6EMYBgITsH8O8kA_QofjRrTjzJDjNW8wg2HoVWrCfHO4g-ONZjV4iQV5I430ElVlvs6Aa4BTK5lQCUBHYlpBsVzjJI5cQIFebZ46tEadSOut8EkE5Dz8Azn_p2l3k/s320/20201121_085919.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 13 – Movement to High Cover . . . Hammer
. . . Left Side . . . 7-yards, 10 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">You begin this drill about 10 yards behind the
“Cover”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “UP!” the shooter moves
to cover and then “rolls” out to the left to engage the threat with a “Hammer”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Things to evaluate are their movement to
cover, their final position behind cover – make sure they don’t crowd the
cover, there should be enough distance for easy movement, firearm manipulation
and that they can fully extend towards the threat.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">When they “roll” out to the left it should
expose a minimum amount of their body to the threat.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMHz-9SfOlisGaubsXl_ExD220nL4dZMQRkfURcJgQB-jFhyphenhyphenwol8Tlg-6IZ4oyonmabRQjyzLUvNWIOgGtHk-MizfGeUQDWQc5C4ixTDHqctM1n7x-z3Pg66aNwn_zBmehNWP3f9uLxo/s2048/20201121_090130.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMHz-9SfOlisGaubsXl_ExD220nL4dZMQRkfURcJgQB-jFhyphenhyphenwol8Tlg-6IZ4oyonmabRQjyzLUvNWIOgGtHk-MizfGeUQDWQc5C4ixTDHqctM1n7x-z3Pg66aNwn_zBmehNWP3f9uLxo/s320/20201121_090130.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 14 – Combat Effective Hits . . . Single
Round Engagement . . . 7-yards, 10 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">A concern of many shooters revolves around not being able
to hold their handgun perfectly steady.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course that is a near impossibility and attempting to accomplish that
while dealing with a lethal threat moves it to the fully impossible arena.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">So, how can a shooter be shown that they can
accomplish Combat Effective Hits (hits that diminish a threat’s ability to do
you harm) even though their handgun isn’t completely stable?</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the drill I’ve come to rely on.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">With a 10-round magazine have the shooter draw, extend and
get a good sight alignment/sight picture on the high center mass box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then have them move their firearm in a figure
8 pattern with the cross over in the entire silhouette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have them continue to do this until their
magazine runs dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While moving in the
figure 8 each time you call out “UP!” they press off a single round as they
cross the high center mass box – but the handgun never stops moving . . .
never.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they continue their figure 8
movement continue to periodically call out “UP!” and they will engage the
target with a single round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue for
all 10 rounds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Typically the shooter will place the majority of their
rounds will within the high center mass box.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">This will help them see that even though their weapon is moving, they
can still attain solid combat effective hits on their threat.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 15 – Balance of Speed and Precision . .
.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7-yards, 30 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Begin the drill with three magazines, each loaded with 10
rounds.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Remember, you are shooting on an
LE SEB target.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This drill forces you to
balance speed against precision as well as being a cognition drill – shoot exactly
what is asked of you.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On an “UP!”
command the shooter moves, draws and delivers a “hammer” to the high center
mass box.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “HEAD!” command the
shooter moves, draws and delivers a single precise round to the ocular cavity
triangular box.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “1!” or “2!” or .
. . . “6!” command the shooter moves, draws and delivers a single precise round
to the designated shape.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “Circle!
Or “Square!” or “Triangle!” the shooter moves, draws and delivers a single
round to designated shapes.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The shapes
within the silhouette are ignored for these commands.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Besides the obvious purpose for this drill,
balancing speed and precision – it also brings out the importance of being a
thinking shooter.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The next few drills are used to have the shooter evaluate
their overall marksmanship at three common distances – 10 yards, 15 yards and
25 yards.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 16 – 10 Yards . . . Draw, With Movement .
. . Hammer . . . 10 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">On the “UP!” command the shooter moves, draws and engages
the threat with a “hammer”.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This begins
to push the marksmanship element of the shooter’s skillset.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">At 10 yards the speed of the 2-round engagement
should approach the speed of a “hammer” but getting the hit takes precedence.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The 2-round engagement is repeated 5 times.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 17 – 15 Yards . . . Draw, With Movement .
. . 2-round engagement, slow fire . . . 10 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The evaluation of the marksmanship element of the shooter’s
skillset at 15 yards. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The speed of the
2-round engagement should such that it insures the shooter “gets the hit” as rapidly
as possible but accuracy is the primary concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2-round engagement is repeated 5 times.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 18 – 25 Yards . . . Movement to Low Cover
. . . 2-round engagement, supported, slow fire . . . 10 rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARGA7lFN_CwPxZbK2Fr2H3CJLt-ebs0yrUBium2bb6etKR5U0mRKJmlCHz96Dsnf1TdVqsID-awEwAGVr04E1gPeZKraZVskV0FInGLtVE_lRnq2zPk6-C3trF04iv5zBzcwu2h7-Xd8/s2048/20201119_141011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARGA7lFN_CwPxZbK2Fr2H3CJLt-ebs0yrUBium2bb6etKR5U0mRKJmlCHz96Dsnf1TdVqsID-awEwAGVr04E1gPeZKraZVskV0FInGLtVE_lRnq2zPk6-C3trF04iv5zBzcwu2h7-Xd8/s320/20201119_141011.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally, at 25 yards the shooter moves to cover and uses it
to engage the threat from a supported position with a slow-fire, 2-round
engagement.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This should be repeated 5
times.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">At the end of these three drills the shooter should have a
better understanding of the area of his marksmanship that needs more attention.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 19 – 7 yards, 10 yards, 15 yards . . . 2-round
engagement . . . random distance . . . 10-rounds, slow fire</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCZTdCbXmXG_aBC2_XXDoxu8dUV6cu0wEMDzpozeCT5WbAFosWYl06XO2qHaWIk67fww0MCWCJ4kFm0u4KA-8NLzYWMsbu1v76BbRG0TR8bY4PD7G2Mla4N0E0RsO47iGv0q-uZWBMF8/s2048/20201119_141429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCZTdCbXmXG_aBC2_XXDoxu8dUV6cu0wEMDzpozeCT5WbAFosWYl06XO2qHaWIk67fww0MCWCJ4kFm0u4KA-8NLzYWMsbu1v76BbRG0TR8bY4PD7G2Mla4N0E0RsO47iGv0q-uZWBMF8/s320/20201119_141429.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeSZg10SbnsMhe_BoFf0BVogrBDAoSOBHmJtZzyTKIRN5tk4h3HqpS_6bw_3Tpm1xLdc795G_OsGZAMCcAVss9_h6kQIdZoHeUIXJunYuH4F95baHb1va4PIKGIFhAu_1U55mXvqeMsw/s1440/20201119_141011+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeSZg10SbnsMhe_BoFf0BVogrBDAoSOBHmJtZzyTKIRN5tk4h3HqpS_6bw_3Tpm1xLdc795G_OsGZAMCcAVss9_h6kQIdZoHeUIXJunYuH4F95baHb1va4PIKGIFhAu_1U55mXvqeMsw/s320/20201119_141011+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></o:p></span></p> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Rapid movement is a very common element of a lethal
engagement.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This drill begins at the
5-yard line with the shooter facing the threat.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">A distance of either 7, 10 or 15 yards is called out and the shooter
moves as fast as they run to the called distance and then engages the threat
with 2 rounds.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The speed of the
engagement should be as fast as possible yet one that insures a solid hit.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This 2-round drill is repeated 5 times.</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drill 20 – Figure 8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . . 2-round engagement . . . 10-rounds</span></span></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The final drill is one that brings the whole review together.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I first experienced the Figure 8 drill in
coursework I took from Rob Pincus.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It is
a way to simulate a 360-degree range on a traditional 90-degree-ish range.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">My drill for this overall evaluation has been
modified so the shooter only shoots their own target.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It is run one shooter at a time.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The shooter walks a figure 8 around both a high-cover
element and a low-cover element.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the “UP!”
command the shooter moves to the closest cover and engages their target with 2
rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should the shooter run “dry” it
is expected that they will use cover while reloading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should a malfunction occur, it would also be
expected that cover would be used while the malfunction is cleared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Their three magazines start with 10-rounds in each
magazine.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The drill is run until all
three magazines are empty.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIVopHlnydZq1BWonHGiSx8zp2tFctsDQDTd407z_jw8l9s4q-T8R8jsFksLJ1c5_wuI7sVvNiTtgiM_rKcBYNHp2PBqtIgEPWYU3g2W0MGc35IlEDGc-qthlBypmegF7j1zOaj_yZZk/s2048/20201121_143418.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIVopHlnydZq1BWonHGiSx8zp2tFctsDQDTd407z_jw8l9s4q-T8R8jsFksLJ1c5_wuI7sVvNiTtgiM_rKcBYNHp2PBqtIgEPWYU3g2W0MGc35IlEDGc-qthlBypmegF7j1zOaj_yZZk/s320/20201121_143418.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM_E2MXvz22jFQNvZ2BqSeSkUynJtUX7vfMp_cy8GXv76GVm3Uf_eie9-HcjOrmHSvzc2kUQI53F_C_-AEqsSGlQSNk_llELIimLvxVagsp1QT9TgVzwwwOI0gEeZgktyRlPohlrlVDA/s2048/20201121_143233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM_E2MXvz22jFQNvZ2BqSeSkUynJtUX7vfMp_cy8GXv76GVm3Uf_eie9-HcjOrmHSvzc2kUQI53F_C_-AEqsSGlQSNk_llELIimLvxVagsp1QT9TgVzwwwOI0gEeZgktyRlPohlrlVDA/s320/20201121_143233.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqMkRcQI9njLNiNeqgVZIey6uQ9FaXjyQNSyqiQwuEJMqrovXUt8rrMLYj6vWXgBPPPtUgdCmEhM6qKK0KZbkKi5HSJvuFS-zL9YVjmx__SolQLNeeMR8XzovwpInrsLL_tuZ23lc5AY/s2048/20201119_141729.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqMkRcQI9njLNiNeqgVZIey6uQ9FaXjyQNSyqiQwuEJMqrovXUt8rrMLYj6vWXgBPPPtUgdCmEhM6qKK0KZbkKi5HSJvuFS-zL9YVjmx__SolQLNeeMR8XzovwpInrsLL_tuZ23lc5AY/s320/20201119_141729.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZotZdiSyUoVPnk58rMKaowqgcpfMQGW0YUysUPeaLxWdm_BnyaZcSxxkBMj5aMkDXfvN1sfpw2_vJTe_PSSDRYp5PzeBUNg0DqIXZgjG_r4FDB8cOEgzX6_JPPAas0MTn2WRzCNaXUw/s2048/20201121_093734.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZotZdiSyUoVPnk58rMKaowqgcpfMQGW0YUysUPeaLxWdm_BnyaZcSxxkBMj5aMkDXfvN1sfpw2_vJTe_PSSDRYp5PzeBUNg0DqIXZgjG_r4FDB8cOEgzX6_JPPAas0MTn2WRzCNaXUw/s320/20201121_093734.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The total score possible is 220 – meaning that all rounds
are within the designated area called for the drill.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The expected score is 80%.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">If the shooter is an instructor, the expected
score is 90%.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">So how did the department
do??</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">There were 17 officers . . . the
high score was 90% . . . the low score was 57% and the average for the entire
department was 70%.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">That said, at the
end of my portion of the day the officers each shot their qualification round
using the ILEA COF as defined by the state of Iowa.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">As stated earlier, a “hit” is a round inside
or touching the outside of a silhouette of a standard Q target.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Passing score is 80% and all officers easily
passed their qual course.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZj7GgdGwLsfr8Y90_eItNm_ImDPY7ZTRMdhVh1LEgOfmkeMxie8N5ICQkNNHektKC8ttyYZu1ctcVRCkQmOMbyBYWVNADhyphenhyphenCJXKSe3feW4BtZfbiJEWFZ63N8SKq4czb1gl0Gy_P7JM/s2048/20201119_093100.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZj7GgdGwLsfr8Y90_eItNm_ImDPY7ZTRMdhVh1LEgOfmkeMxie8N5ICQkNNHektKC8ttyYZu1ctcVRCkQmOMbyBYWVNADhyphenhyphenCJXKSe3feW4BtZfbiJEWFZ63N8SKq4czb1gl0Gy_P7JM/s320/20201119_093100.jpg" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">So what to take away from this all.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">First and foremost range time is a necessity
if you plan to remain proficient.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">My
recommendation is a MINIMUM of 1000 rounds a year, roughly 100 rounds a
month.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Taking coursework annually is should
also be considered a necessity.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">One day
coursework at a minimum . . . multiday if at all possible.</span><span style="font-family: arial; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">There is always something to learn, to
improve, to finetune.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: arial;">So, take the challenge – shoot the 20 Drill evaluation and
let me know how it went.</span></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-22680550989087623112020-10-26T16:27:00.002-05:002020-10-26T16:34:23.704-05:00 Range Trip – 10-24-2020 – Maintaining Proficiency<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Practice with purpose . . . I say this to my students over
and over.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Do not go to the range just to
make holes in the paper. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">A range trip
should focus on a specific skill set, provide practice for an issue the shooter
may be having or . . . it may be just to maintain proficiency.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">So, let’s chat about that specifically –
maintaining proficiency.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Proficiency in
what exactly???</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In a number of areas that Gunsite would call the Combat
Triad – mindset, gun handling and marksmanship.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Mindset</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> – your mindset encompasses
the entirety of your defensive skill set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do you take the idea of personal responsibility for your safety, the
safety of your family or someone in your charge seriously??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you carry every day everywhere you can
legally?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you maintain a “Condition
Yellow” – are you observant of your surroundings?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you understand that there are genuinely
folks out there that would do you harm given a chance?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, yeah – I understand . . . we’re in Iowa
for Pete’s sake, relax . . . That is, of course, your choice . . . but Murphy’s
a bitch . . . just sayin’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as how
a range trip helps maintain your Mindset – the fact that you take the maintenance
of your skillsets serious enough that you do consistent range trips goes a long
way towards maintaining a Mindset of being aware and understanding that you’re
responsible for your personal defense.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Gun Handling</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> – Can you “run your
gun”??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This includes loading, clearing,
managing malfunctions and clearing them quickly, use of a light and sling,
mounting it to your shoulder, remembering holdovers at multiple distances, us
of accessories like backup sights, your optic of choice, checking your weapon
zero, cleaning, quickly and smoothly drawing your pistol <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . . honestly it’s not a long list . . . but
it is an important list.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Marksmanship</span></b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> . . . can you hit what
you need to in a timely manner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
a true balance between speed and precision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For my range work I’ve settled on rapid single round engagements – a must
to refresh the mechanics of mounting your weapon or drawing your pistol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spend some time on what Gunsite calls “hammers”
– two rapid fire rounds to the high center mass area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And finally some time on “failure drills” . .
. a “hammer’ followed by a single round to the head box.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As for time for me, start to finish is typically an hour to
an hour and a half.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I try to keep a
modest round count – 3ea 20 round magazines for my AR and 3ea 15 round
magazines for my Glock 17 – and that is my every day carry weapon.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Total round count for the trip is 105
rounds.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Is this enough to learn a new
skill set?? No.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Is it enough to maintain
a skill level?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Yes, provided you mix in
some dry fire as well outside of the range.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I accomplish this work with a SIRT pistol in a Glock format.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course, I try to maintain proficiency with other weapons
as well.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, monthly, I try to shoot
courses of fire that consumes . . .</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">50 Rounds of .22 cal for my Ruger 22 precision rifle – I use
Eley Club</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">40 Rounds PMC XTAC .223 for my Ruger Predator<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">40 Rounds PMC XTAC .308 for my Ruger Precision <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">100 Rounds 9mm for my Glock 17 – usually in two separate 50
round trips<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">60 Rounds of .223 for my “Duty” AR that I use for personal
defense.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Here’s an image of a 3-month loadout for range work.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggncMS0mpQmq1QjIAHxD9shBUIPhwVYBM0YTtrAvR49e031AJdOZaFCLl4U-cMNM_l350JgBTTvS2CSVZ9uHnEus95o8P8kOOjcreE-yrd76LG-bTujA6c1JYdFILnLYZ4VprJ4EfxgoI/s1440/20200903_154418+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggncMS0mpQmq1QjIAHxD9shBUIPhwVYBM0YTtrAvR49e031AJdOZaFCLl4U-cMNM_l350JgBTTvS2CSVZ9uHnEus95o8P8kOOjcreE-yrd76LG-bTujA6c1JYdFILnLYZ4VprJ4EfxgoI/s320/20200903_154418+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bottom line it’s not a high round count annually – but it
is enough – in my opinion – to maintain a skill set.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now, if I want to improve my skill set, or learn a new one
this will typically involve taking a course of some type typically from 1 to 3
days and typically in the neighborhood of 250 to 1200 rounds of
ammunition.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That is where you learn and
cement in a new skill set.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The work
listed above is where you work to maintain your skill level.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The trick here – other than actually finding
enough ammunition to pull this off – is the individual discipline to actually
do the work.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And, with the typical pace
of life, that can also be a challenge.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Find
the time.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Do the work.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maintaining this skill set is simply too
important.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The next part of this is evaluation of the work you’re doing.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are tons of ways to “score” our
targets.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I score it pretty simply – if the
round is “in” or touching, it’s a hit . . . if it isn’t you “drop one”.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I used a bit of a different target this time –
a standard IDPA target with two 3” “stickies” I stuck near the shoulders.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I engaged the left “stickie” from 25 yards with my AR,
single round engagements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hanging my
head in shame . . . I shot a 10%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Holdover is a real thing, just sayin’ . . .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I engaged the right sticky with my Glock
17 and shot a 50% - when using a combination of a Trijicon High Vis front sight
and “The Claw” rear sight (which has a BIG rear notch) it should be obvious
which rounds I took the time to get a good sight alignment on . . . and which I
did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is another purpose of
maintenance trips – to remind you that the details matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you last took a carbine class a year ago .
. . do you remember all the little details you learned???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Range trips are necessary . . . just sayin’ .
. .<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The remaining 85 rounds were split between the headbox and
the High Center Mass box . . . 20 rounds for the head – I dropped 5.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">65 rounds for the HCM box – I also dropped
five.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I dropped a total of 10 rounds out
of 85 for a score of 88%.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I accept 80%
as a minimum score on the range . . . so I’ll take it.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTATBu7Z8EOOWxkiHBo_VPBtcrFUEgyEH6VzrzElhx-U1vjC2R0lfg2oUSYOhA43wArX7YOuPIw1bDCInVIjFBQ7IRzk4nB1MiNP_fYMfV1HoTpeiPwBAmR-6JbDp8SU04Obu9D1QtvE/s1440/20201024_135948+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTATBu7Z8EOOWxkiHBo_VPBtcrFUEgyEH6VzrzElhx-U1vjC2R0lfg2oUSYOhA43wArX7YOuPIw1bDCInVIjFBQ7IRzk4nB1MiNP_fYMfV1HoTpeiPwBAmR-6JbDp8SU04Obu9D1QtvE/s320/20201024_135948+%2528Large%2529.jpg" /></a></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There was one other element I added on this day that I’ll present
as a separate post . . . but I’ve added a “battle belt”.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It’s about a 6” tall, padded belt with molle loops
and a belt running through it’s center to secure it over my regular belt.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It allows me to position two mag carriers for
my G17 mags, 3 mag carriers for my PMAGS, allows me to secure a blowout kit in
the center of my back and I added a SERPA holster with Molle attachments at around
4 o’clock.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Honestly, I just can’t get
into tac vests . . . just not my thing.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I “grew up” with the LBE rigs of the late 60 and I found this similar
but more flexible.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My reason for adding
this is that my range work going forward will include both my AR and my pistol
and this seemed the best way to go about it.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ve taken high volume pistol and carbine coursework before and tried clip
on mag carriers as well as using my pant’s pockets . . . and it just seemed
like it was time to move on.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Honestly,
not sure how this experiment will end, but I’ll stick with it for 2021 and then
reassess at the end of the year.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaU0h1Gf4C2OZ7_H7CPbtdq1P5yYmLeRHTgQOwZhvvCHU1pbfDTsvJ_tKqPlalvTIXy2kTXozciwGdUC70rsCbhNFvFa7GbouhS9yVDaJIw1e4eiVPHQp74G1b6Z9WmZsibSSb-zwkGB8/s795/LBE+Vietnam+Era.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaU0h1Gf4C2OZ7_H7CPbtdq1P5yYmLeRHTgQOwZhvvCHU1pbfDTsvJ_tKqPlalvTIXy2kTXozciwGdUC70rsCbhNFvFa7GbouhS9yVDaJIw1e4eiVPHQp74G1b6Z9WmZsibSSb-zwkGB8/s320/LBE+Vietnam+Era.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWjKpgC1yr8lWtS7aEn_ZBYT1PIsfnByOx1SkQfr_dBOQsEDId77b8aKsegK7yrV4mCJ8BHWUVovKPqQO1WBFQc4QnaSsx_DdjNSmpWbC5xLBKWLuQVlXOLsGaAkje9Zr5qEI4CFZkXU/s1440/20201024_140103+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWjKpgC1yr8lWtS7aEn_ZBYT1PIsfnByOx1SkQfr_dBOQsEDId77b8aKsegK7yrV4mCJ8BHWUVovKPqQO1WBFQc4QnaSsx_DdjNSmpWbC5xLBKWLuQVlXOLsGaAkje9Zr5qEI4CFZkXU/s320/20201024_140103+%2528Large%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So, I took a lot of words to say . . . go to the damn
range, do it consistently, be diligent, take your ability to run your gun and
hit what</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">you need to hit seriously . . .
because . . . honestly . . . when you call 911 . . . the person that will need
to respond to the immediate threat is . . . YOU!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The cops will just bat “clean-up” and put
down crime scene tape and chalk lines . . .</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You, and you alone are your first responder.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-73668221633571824922020-10-13T14:04:00.008-05:002020-10-13T17:07:57.217-05:00AAR - Home Defense Shotgun - Beta Course<p> <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Course development is not, and should not be, a trivial
task.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Yep, I sat down this weekend and wrote a whole new training
course about shotguns!!!”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No! That’s not how real life works . . . (I new phrase of
mine that seems to have bubbled out of late, but it’s accurate in many cases,
including this one).</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ve discussed this
before when NAPSI was developing our initial sets of course work and I
detailed that process over three posts.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ve included those links at the end of the article for those that might
be interested.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">However, a short review
is in order of how NAPSI goes about it and how it applies to our new Foundations
of Home Defense Shotgun course that I beta tested this past weekend.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The basic concepts of the course were actually put together
as fellow trainer Chris and I drove out to Cleveland, Ohio to conduct a Beta
course on our Foundations of Defensive pistol nearly 6 years ago.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Much has happened in the interim, much has
been learned, much has been incorporated in our 4 current sets of coursework
revolving around the handgun . . . it was time to move forward with coursework
for a whole new platform</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There were two obvious directions – AR/Carbine platform . .
. or Shotgun.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The “glitz” is obviously
down the AR/Carbine path . . . however the more valuable path in our opinion
was the shotgun path.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Why??</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The percentage of families that have shotguns
tucked away somewhere versus those that have and AR/Carbine are significantly higher.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Heck, in the Midwest and most states with a
significant rural area darn near every rural home has one tucked away
somewhere.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It was obvious which path to
chose – that of the Foundations of Home Defense Shotgun.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Actually, the course has been under discussion for nearly
two years.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Decisions were made about
which common elements could be rolled in, which unique ones needed to be added,
what drills would make sense, what types of rounds would be used in the course
and a dozen more sets of details and items were discussed.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Over the summer that boiled down to a set of
coursework that could be reviewed and discussed by NAPSI’s core instructors and
allowed some elements to be wrung out on the range.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This led to the last and final draft and the
release of the “Foundations of Home Defense Shotgun”- Beta release ready for
field testing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Field testing can be challenging simply because of the
amount of time required by the “students” – a number of students with a range
of shotgun experience that are willing to invest a full day – the coursework
will run about 9 hours with a full class – and the additional time required to
have them write up their After Action Report (AAR) to give us feedback and
suggestions.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Fortunately for me I met
most of these folks at the shooting course offered by Jim Erwin that I reviewed
just awhile back.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I also picked up a few
others as well.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When all was said and
done I had two LEOs – one of which is a trainer – both for officers as well as
civilians – a shooter friend at Jim’s course, the local gun shop owner and his
employee and a new-to-me fellow that had never attended a formal set of
firearms coursework.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That’s a pretty
darn good mix of experience to help us wring out our FHDS course work.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For me, it’s standard to create a power point of said
coursework.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I hate to keep poking my
nose into and out of a course outline book.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That took an additional couple of days before I was ready so this past
Saturday, October 10</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> was class day.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I also like to bring a full lineup of
firearms, a full range bag and my two first aid kits – the Boo-Boo Kit and the
Blow Out Kit.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Firearms included a break
action, a bolt action, a semi-automatic, and two pump actions that I have equipped
as defensive shotguns.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I fired up the
coffee – opened the box of donuts (there were cops on premises ya know) and we
got underway right at 8AM.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Beta coursework is taught as though each and every shooter –
for the FHDS course – is a new or inexperienced shooter.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Even if they were experienced bird hunters,
the defensive use of a shotgun bears little resemblance to knocking down a
pheasant or duck.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So . . . you start
with the paperwork.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I begin each course
with sign-in sheets, hold harmless agreements, media releases and collecting
the money.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Of course, in this case the
course work was paid for by their willingness to act as beta testers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Introductions were made, a review of the facility was given,
and a medical brief was also given.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
always identify four people – the one with the most medical training and
experience (most of the time myself, but not in this case).</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Their job will be to respond to the medical
emergency.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Second is someone with a good
cell signal – their job is to call 911 and let them know that aid is
needed.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Third is the person to go to the
end of the driveway to make sure the ambulance knows where to go and fourth, a
note taker to list everything as it happens.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I also take inventory of any known medical conditions or prescriptions that
may cause problems throughout the day.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This out of the way a short bio helps introduce me to the
folks and lets them have some idea of my qualifications and experience.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Finally a short descriptions of the lessons
to come that cover the different types of shotguns, fundamental gun safety,
specific ways to outfit a home defense shotgun, we cover shotgun ammunition,
key elements to home defense and the use of a shotgun to accomplish them, range
safety and specific range protocols, live fire training, use of cover and
concealment, a final exercise to evaluate the application of newly learned
skills, a written exam, my final thoughts and a course debrief and After Action
Review.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have a fondness for a Range Shooting Sheet – a spreadsheet
that details each drill as far as dry/live, round count, distance to target,
and specific times that might need to be met.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This Range Sheet was five single sided pages and covered 16 unique
shooting drills, both dry and live fire.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The range work ended up being two flights of three and took around 2-1/2
hours.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Just flat out – it’s a very busy day.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Taught as a Beta course, where I have never
put my words to the course outline . . . it becomes even more challenging.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">All that said, I made the call to my wife at
5:12 PM that it was a wrap and I was headed home.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The fact that I was giving the course to
experienced shooters easily shaved an hour off the course.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The fact that I have now actually let the course
“words” flow out of my mouth at least once should go a long way to make sure I
stick within the 9-hour window.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bottom line, after 6 years of using this process to develop
coursework, this Beta class simply reinforced that THERE . ARE . NO .
SHORTCUTS.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">PERIOD.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As for what’s next for this coursework, we’ll wait to see
what the individual student after action reports look like, make any final
tweaks . . . but honestly . . . it went well enough that I consider this
coursework to be “Live” and will probably schedule one or two classes before
our year runs out.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Good job to all the “students”
your participation and feedback truly do make a difference in turning out the
very best in coursework for future shooters.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And, if you’re an instructor that’s developing coursework
of your own, I will continue to strongly recommend the use of Beta testing throughout
the course development – from little chunks as you are putting it together – up
to a couple before you finally pronounce it “Live” and ready to be taught.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If anyone every has a questions about this process you’re
more than welcome to give me a call for a chat, more than happy to help.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><u>Past posts on course development and it’s process.</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://eiaft.blogspot.com/2014/11/review-defensive-handgun-training-get.html" target="_blank">First Review - Cleveland Trip</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://eiaft.blogspot.com/2014/12/training-course-development-part-2.html" target="_blank">Second Review with Iowa Trainer Friends</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://eiaft.blogspot.com/2015/01/training-course-development-part-3.html" target="_blank">Third Review - Sucking it Up and Reading the AARs</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxdU8NEh-9-D1UEIhriZm_z1Uc04UHCNNWoVx4kRsV7T7DXkAmgC2QUbDaBpGthn-D31o-ggUin1RO-C7DYsSqCrKuNkSI_lcTj4NC_YOQE8pqnXGTYgGxuySIBrgodCwo2AMUNsdMOM/s960/HDS4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxdU8NEh-9-D1UEIhriZm_z1Uc04UHCNNWoVx4kRsV7T7DXkAmgC2QUbDaBpGthn-D31o-ggUin1RO-C7DYsSqCrKuNkSI_lcTj4NC_YOQE8pqnXGTYgGxuySIBrgodCwo2AMUNsdMOM/s320/HDS4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33PHyHPjGizB76tgPn8HbD1LtejCq-z0uwyikVNglFs4mkYP7aa93hKHaFDFkjfs7_Rn0-mlwnI2HnvY-WbajTFl_cIljmUVKMZe_ph8K8IsedvE60SwnCcHkRdmTN4gLgQC4ueKYAzY/s960/HDS5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33PHyHPjGizB76tgPn8HbD1LtejCq-z0uwyikVNglFs4mkYP7aa93hKHaFDFkjfs7_Rn0-mlwnI2HnvY-WbajTFl_cIljmUVKMZe_ph8K8IsedvE60SwnCcHkRdmTN4gLgQC4ueKYAzY/s320/HDS5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6WqZrAJ8KeffdswDv-h2CJ6e77rTNnmFRhudHx2TzRPAene1CxqNN1ln0dmsYHo5lC-LhjpW5_xY9OXoHT5ixvj94MHkeSGb_HtUPRKkDi3ygOn0NhBE6jnKRok-UD_aI-o-bmi_Ehw/s960/HDS6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6WqZrAJ8KeffdswDv-h2CJ6e77rTNnmFRhudHx2TzRPAene1CxqNN1ln0dmsYHo5lC-LhjpW5_xY9OXoHT5ixvj94MHkeSGb_HtUPRKkDi3ygOn0NhBE6jnKRok-UD_aI-o-bmi_Ehw/s320/HDS6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDqY_DRPwkbuFspHOU9zdD3MC-prOJnCA36NrqykJbPEKInuLOpPPc-eNl9s1Cv9eOQrr310Zk-d4DGs-WqGuII4WufUjXPYnuR_3CBFdNH2zcfMP6tK33_eqEBNB4T64yQlPbalDq1o/s960/HDS7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDqY_DRPwkbuFspHOU9zdD3MC-prOJnCA36NrqykJbPEKInuLOpPPc-eNl9s1Cv9eOQrr310Zk-d4DGs-WqGuII4WufUjXPYnuR_3CBFdNH2zcfMP6tK33_eqEBNB4T64yQlPbalDq1o/s320/HDS7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsePDA4hU0ESJjBImcBG2-YP48BQU-GWavfnIxo9sY0BoLH6UUlfCy4RO9cW_capNDuldJZkZYVFHlIyDPK07vdHv7FVBkB3x6D2fuM6wsb0YCEW2t3qC26MoWq1LPdIb5UfsJcxyit1g/s960/HDS8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsePDA4hU0ESJjBImcBG2-YP48BQU-GWavfnIxo9sY0BoLH6UUlfCy4RO9cW_capNDuldJZkZYVFHlIyDPK07vdHv7FVBkB3x6D2fuM6wsb0YCEW2t3qC26MoWq1LPdIb5UfsJcxyit1g/s320/HDS8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULn3Nwt1j_r7nOY111P7-kK2eB2sYZx0grTM1dWx0I3SwbFx7u7OhcWgIqOJyd_qYDQjjDqaj_bWTog7L9IP2l7ScNLjl1FR7rglP95E6S_ZGckvoJ9JuhIXnLq7VgeNY8tzUBFoJMBc/s960/HDS9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULn3Nwt1j_r7nOY111P7-kK2eB2sYZx0grTM1dWx0I3SwbFx7u7OhcWgIqOJyd_qYDQjjDqaj_bWTog7L9IP2l7ScNLjl1FR7rglP95E6S_ZGckvoJ9JuhIXnLq7VgeNY8tzUBFoJMBc/s320/HDS9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a_QjFAr4kNslr4BZ7MJfaq53OPq8-hxY4QEDXh4hPxotTbTrs-pF0fzDrmEri3Fno719Q-mHzCQbJGp-GhgW9SRz0jEFTSh7hgibPOGm7CZI8msuLgMoeIcfoeIg1lTpC4N_F2_Nlv4/s1440/HDS+1+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a_QjFAr4kNslr4BZ7MJfaq53OPq8-hxY4QEDXh4hPxotTbTrs-pF0fzDrmEri3Fno719Q-mHzCQbJGp-GhgW9SRz0jEFTSh7hgibPOGm7CZI8msuLgMoeIcfoeIg1lTpC4N_F2_Nlv4/s320/HDS+1+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUNw87A_2fElV4sFd1obDr-WYdQ8LjbveDkUo5qs5YB-V246hZATpjIqXyKcxFFn4z3Abl82qShjToIS97VSBKs6pJun2P4jHuuSwvpF9RKgcLdGxfrneujSV-7rtlCS1bMfjVdEvLQU/s2048/HDS+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUNw87A_2fElV4sFd1obDr-WYdQ8LjbveDkUo5qs5YB-V246hZATpjIqXyKcxFFn4z3Abl82qShjToIS97VSBKs6pJun2P4jHuuSwvpF9RKgcLdGxfrneujSV-7rtlCS1bMfjVdEvLQU/s320/HDS+2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZn3RZU0upzoH57wQSrxJSEVIrDkP9W1EYl8od-rV-3vuT2PKqImz-enOBhZKHPGReGSEpXrLSOUiBo8atB-G0cGPaooRjyZXuL-LxBf_RxYrww1IFLTAI7UEMrff1LTO73LUtcFBdCQ/s1440/HDS+3+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZn3RZU0upzoH57wQSrxJSEVIrDkP9W1EYl8od-rV-3vuT2PKqImz-enOBhZKHPGReGSEpXrLSOUiBo8atB-G0cGPaooRjyZXuL-LxBf_RxYrww1IFLTAI7UEMrff1LTO73LUtcFBdCQ/s320/HDS+3+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-23582900332422820592020-09-14T15:51:00.001-05:002020-09-15T10:35:52.677-05:00Review - Jim Erwin - Defensive Shooting Tune-up 9-12-2020<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif">I had the
opportunity to take about 4-5 hours of instruction presented by Jim Erwin this
past weekend.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Before too much time slips
away, I want to share my thoughts on Jim, his skill as an instructor and the
coursework as it was presented.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>Short answer .
. . Get Some!!!!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p><a href="https://shootingperformanceinstitute.com/" target="_blank"> Shooting Performance Institute</a></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">But wait . . .
there’s more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t there always.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>A friend of
mine owns a local gun store, Tactical Creations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the firearms they are dealers for is
STACATO, a Texas base pistol manufacturer that was born in the ‘racing”
community but has since transitioned to the professional and civilian market as
a carry gun option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim is their
regional representative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim was coming
for Open House the store was hosting and was to highlight STI products during
that open house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that there was an
opportunity to take a 4-5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hour set of
coursework offered by Jim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was offered
a table during the open house to present my coursework and also a slot in the
course – I quickly said yes to both.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>Frankly, I had
my doubts about Jim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is truly a been
there – done that kinda guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>75<sup>th</sup>
Rangers, Delta, Executive Security overseas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have had some experiences with “elite” operators and sometimes they
have a real problem dealing with us lowly civilians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we spend all our time listening to war
stories and being shown all these tacti-cool drills . . . or would there be
something of value offered for the everyday carry kinda guy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>First impressions
didn’t do anything to lower my fears . . . he’s a good-sized critter and while
pushing 50 he’s obviously in good shape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course, he’s a “firearms instructor” so he’s sporting a “Lion Cut”,
shaved head, full sleeve of tats on one arm and a half on the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep . . . it’s going to be a long day . . .
and then he spoke . . . and the day changed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>Yeah, I know, I’m
a judgmental asshole . . . so sue me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not like each and every one of us hasn’t been judged or judged someone
else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just part of life and especially
the shooting community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trick is
this . . . can you live up to what you are claiming you can do . . . and if you’re
an instructor, can you really share the information you want to the students
paying good money for your coursework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>As I said, the
moment Jim said “Hi, I’m Jim” you could feel that there was a real person there
and not just an image of an “operator”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I listened throughout the morning as he spoke with people interested in
STI products – how he listened to what they wanted, described his products,
probed their shooting ability and problems they were having, while he offered
suggestions as well as handling anything else they threw at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no BS . . . simply straight talk –
one shooter to another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
refreshing.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">About 1:30 PM I
headed out to the range to set things up for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were scheduled for around 200 rounds
downrange and about 4 hours of work – it became 5 hours with just raw darkness stopping
the range time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the last
shooter shooting his last set of drills was aided by Jim illuminating the
target line with a flashlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The session
began with a safety brief, medical brief and Jim giving an abbreviated bio on his
history and experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that was
followed by his general philosophy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I
had to boil it down I would say is was . . . “do the basics, do them very well
. . . and speed will follow”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, what
did the basics consist of?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me break
them down in the way that I took them – I’m sure Jim will offer correction if
necessary.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture,
trigger press follow through are the foundation of everything.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Malfunction clearing, magazine changes must
be smooth and quick.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We spent hours
working through number one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The range
was about 5 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our target was my
favoring the LE Targets SEB target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
very first drill . . . all 30 rounds of it . . . were single round engagements –
5 rounds at a time – on each of the 6 shapes on the targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For each draw he was relentless on tweaking
us from our stance, through our grip (I’ll spend a few extra words on this),
driving to the target and transitioning our sight to the front sight, a smooth
trigger press, follow-through in prep for a follow-up shot, and the a return to
holster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said . . . he was
relentless – little words here, moving hands there, questioning, explaining,
listening . . . for 30 rounds, one round at a time.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>During his
startup of the class he said he’d recently taken coursework from Todd Jerett
and that Todd had made an adjustment to his grip that had a tremendous affect
on his accuracy . . . making sure the front-strap of his grip came down in the
center of the Proximal bone of each finger on your dominant hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the bone immediately after the knuckle
(moving towards the finger tip) on your hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They should all make contact with the face of the front-strap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, what the heck . . . I’m here to learn,
why not try it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holy Crap!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My tendency to hit low-left with my G17 carry
gun simply disappeared . . . instantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Holy crap!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, sure . . . let’s
see if it holds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, let me tell you,
it was rock solid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I had a good sight
picture – I was golden with my trigger press.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, honestly, I was really “on” dripping zero shots through the
first magazine . . . 15 rounds . . . down zero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Bill . . . you’re not missing . . . shoot faster!!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I did . . . just as soon as I saw the green
dot of my Trijicon front post in the center of the target I pressed the trigger
. . . and took about .3 off my shot time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For the second magazine I dropped 3 I think . . . but I could “feel”
them as I pressed and knew I had pressed early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was really something.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>Looking up and
down I saw everyone move from “meh” on the first target to reasonably solid by
the 6<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Real, genuine,
demonstrable improvement in a very short time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the skills Jim truly posses is the ability to break down a fairly
complex task . . . drawing and engaging a threat . . . to clear steps with an
ability to watch and tweak each shooter regardless of their skill level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could find words to convey his thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d think that that’s an easy job . . . but
if you’ve every taught someone something, you appreciate just how difficult
that can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with 6 individuals, 6
different skill levels, 6 different personalities . . . you can begin to
appreciate Jim’s skill at teaching defensive shooting.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>Next up was
what I called accelerated pairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two
rounds, high center mass . . . just as fast as you can run the gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allowed him to work on recoil mitigation
and again showed just how powerful the simple adjustment is my grip was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still shaking my head at that.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>Next was a magazine
full of mag changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start with a single
round in the gun and an empty magazine inserted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the “UP” draw and engage and do an
emergency reload when your gun runs dry and holster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, pick up the dropped magazine, execute a
tactical reload, holster and stow the magazine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Repeat on command until you run dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a very simple drill that let the shooter practice both an
emergency reload and a tactical reload.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again, Jim tweaked and changed and nudged everyone throughout this drill
to improve their performance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>This was
followed by movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning to the
left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning to the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning to the rear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moving parallel to the line, engaging a
specific target while squaring up to the threat and sidestepping either left or
right depending on the direction of movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And finally, moving the firearm from one hand to the other, while moving
and then engaging single handed while movement continued.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>Let’s just say
it was a busy 5-ish hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really good
work was done by all.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>So in
reflection, there are old sayings that are old because they’ve survived the
test of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t judge a Book by its
cover”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While appearing to be a “tacti-cool”
shooter, Jim is the real deal as an instructor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Clear. Articulate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solid material that is presented in an
exceptionally clear and concise way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
. . . he’s not afraid to laugh, crack a joke and be just one of the guys on the
line.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>Jim, it was a
great experience to take some coursework from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I genuinely appreciate your time and your
feedback – I came away a better shooter – thanks.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span>Bill</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFSIFJp2LsUzdcAWtrbibUe9IsYW5aj6lkSghRGqVQnlGZ7ksxjWpWX4Dyu06lWAgwrDj0O4gupA9B4sYfM0L_WCg3qXHgA0zXcYoQXqQKQfzUOpofESQB6CHv-eoBkau14ZtB3PYFa4/s1440/20200912_184747+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFSIFJp2LsUzdcAWtrbibUe9IsYW5aj6lkSghRGqVQnlGZ7ksxjWpWX4Dyu06lWAgwrDj0O4gupA9B4sYfM0L_WCg3qXHgA0zXcYoQXqQKQfzUOpofESQB6CHv-eoBkau14ZtB3PYFa4/s320/20200912_184747+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IzqAycbbKAenIYZn0dp87i3CyRnLz9moN-BNwRUxPkA7gtYAYMSrZw0nZvDTheC4x3gjTIIPf2Xn0usETWdF7FArVMDVGYQD1PTGC2af_QrCXKf8dLzyNcA10WFQFPP706tQG5J19i4/s1440/20200912_185900+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IzqAycbbKAenIYZn0dp87i3CyRnLz9moN-BNwRUxPkA7gtYAYMSrZw0nZvDTheC4x3gjTIIPf2Xn0usETWdF7FArVMDVGYQD1PTGC2af_QrCXKf8dLzyNcA10WFQFPP706tQG5J19i4/s320/20200912_185900+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8sai15vG5QyyYzYHrmKnsK9HonrUpKUKgP1TCVizkazTpwbJ-geW2wwRvve8MihmJdo9ojiZE0OR_EqpTh_kgIn_y7BPSgWbQtKoq-qV2QPqvtu8EDOADsHQ-HxqA_1GwevG06bUglg/s1440/20200912_190740+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8sai15vG5QyyYzYHrmKnsK9HonrUpKUKgP1TCVizkazTpwbJ-geW2wwRvve8MihmJdo9ojiZE0OR_EqpTh_kgIn_y7BPSgWbQtKoq-qV2QPqvtu8EDOADsHQ-HxqA_1GwevG06bUglg/s320/20200912_190740+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9CPEzcKqevHbbP8yhFhyphenhyphenJcbQT8ZgS2SpMWReWQNr5PyYHbH7ULzRkkwrQE3BjuoB8KcNEYq48uqp2wQ7OZlIQIdGpxfGE0kYn2LYNAwiEq_ttRP8MDkESAkHLgH2BT2L1NUZ6TZiF8o/s1440/20200912_193437+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9CPEzcKqevHbbP8yhFhyphenhyphenJcbQT8ZgS2SpMWReWQNr5PyYHbH7ULzRkkwrQE3BjuoB8KcNEYq48uqp2wQ7OZlIQIdGpxfGE0kYn2LYNAwiEq_ttRP8MDkESAkHLgH2BT2L1NUZ6TZiF8o/s320/20200912_193437+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><br /></span><p></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-24629862574842639342020-09-07T17:55:00.000-05:002020-09-07T17:55:09.057-05:00First Aid Kit and Blowout Kit Updates<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've recently updated my Blowout Kit. I took some time to make a video reviewing both kits as well as training. For your consideration . . .</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's a link to the video . . .</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAYYZP1leeY&t=10s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAYYZP1leeY&t=10s</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-49073927297573447852020-08-05T11:15:00.006-05:002020-08-05T11:46:52.752-05:00Just the Basics – Cloth Covid Masks<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">With the “Karens” out in full force “mask shaming” everyone
in sight . . . I just have to ask . . .<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">HAVE YOU LOOKED AT YOUR FRICKIN’ MASK???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I MEAN REALLY LOOKED AT IT???<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I suspect the answer is . . . “NO!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But PUT ON A DAMN MASK OR YOUR GOING TO KILL
GRANDMA AND GRANDPA!!!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Heavy sigh . . . yet, that’s where we are.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m not a mask guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will wear them in places I absolutely need to go – church, dentist office,
Menards (since we’re having an addition to our home built), a Safeway in Rapids
City SD . . . but otherwise, no – I’m not wearing one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They simply do not offer enough protection to
be worth while and, worse, the offer the ILLUSION of protection, so folks get
sloppy about basic common sense actions they can take to significantly decrease
their chance of getting CoVid-19 or any other virus for that matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Of course, the “Karens” jump on my thoughts about the
crappy level of protection a simple cloth masks offer – and a deeper dive into
that particular topic is the purpose of this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
you looked at your cloth mask?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean
really, really looked at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the
tools you have in your pocket – a flashlight and a phone – you can do a pretty
deep dive into your mask’s basic construction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If nothing else this basic knowledge may help you build a better mask
should you truly feel a need to cover your face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, let’s take a deeper dive into cloth
masks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This is my mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
purchased three of them from a local woman who used a pattern put out by a
regional hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It covers well from
the bottom of my chin to the bridge of my nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And yes, my glasses fog a bit when I breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All it all – great coverage and certainly a
feeling that I am well protected from all those nasty viruses floating about in
the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But . . . how much of that
coverage of my nose and mouth are real . . . and how much of it is simply a
feeling?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r3lciwUE6yk3u6j6FiK53jYIukm9EQ84qQyE5c4O2ERgP6Me82KWR6dcyIhh2j6tqZDjcKfQjoVQCdpXYVw4ODS2WfggVe60TNQ5oliDhL34WH9TdwnBUGnCwFlI2YQY2r0Xwf0VeRo/s1440/20200803_110404+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r3lciwUE6yk3u6j6FiK53jYIukm9EQ84qQyE5c4O2ERgP6Me82KWR6dcyIhh2j6tqZDjcKfQjoVQCdpXYVw4ODS2WfggVe60TNQ5oliDhL34WH9TdwnBUGnCwFlI2YQY2r0Xwf0VeRo/w512-h384/20200803_110404+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yCewXRVUgDQCPMdJUSbNZvsHzFQ9Z6TFPrQYKMLmLbaR1F6x9xpxkRDlbskVaXsuolfwWyFhyphenhyphen7bDl9qv9H8Jojc8SnRGLKf7xsLwNxzFXYMTq7RQ6vXwFjYZdPEIgqg-TiovejyiDz8/s1440/20200619_094755+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yCewXRVUgDQCPMdJUSbNZvsHzFQ9Z6TFPrQYKMLmLbaR1F6x9xpxkRDlbskVaXsuolfwWyFhyphenhyphen7bDl9qv9H8Jojc8SnRGLKf7xsLwNxzFXYMTq7RQ6vXwFjYZdPEIgqg-TiovejyiDz8/s640/20200619_094755+%2528Large%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">First, let’s start out with what we are trying to
stop.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">Depending on the source you look
at, the size of the CoVid-19 virus varies from around .1 um to .3um.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">A “um” is 1/10,000 of a meter and is called a
“micron”.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">To give some size comparison
the typical human hair is around 50 um in diameter.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">That means that in the width of a human hair
you could fit around 200 - 500 individual viruses.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">We’re talking about something profoundly
small.</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWIYtOjCIj4saM88oIKCM-4swkZYZ6xcmehpv4I4OXsf5-mBPHFnuchjyqhIvccMoQQMrFMwpLDZoyvmBlICWiNLJTL7CHwBpVcqLr8ghHRCGXOpFUz4AotLFRDwDPxw3_yIivhwtNZ4/s1080/coronavirus-size-comparison.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="1080" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWIYtOjCIj4saM88oIKCM-4swkZYZ6xcmehpv4I4OXsf5-mBPHFnuchjyqhIvccMoQQMrFMwpLDZoyvmBlICWiNLJTL7CHwBpVcqLr8ghHRCGXOpFUz4AotLFRDwDPxw3_yIivhwtNZ4/w512-h218/coronavirus-size-comparison.jpg" width="512" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZ3ZoykiRkggww3rOAhCYERd-ZC1ezS30v3OBLjU5F_CzTJ5IHcyMHA7tnlh23zxPCZswlOPH6OHZRaWquWYivFL1YrkXm2nB4yr9CMwcwMSQHOh7sxkgBvUPZlWeHIrmShyio4vplko/s1920/virus-size-comparison_01+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1920" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZ3ZoykiRkggww3rOAhCYERd-ZC1ezS30v3OBLjU5F_CzTJ5IHcyMHA7tnlh23zxPCZswlOPH6OHZRaWquWYivFL1YrkXm2nB4yr9CMwcwMSQHOh7sxkgBvUPZlWeHIrmShyio4vplko/w512-h248/virus-size-comparison_01+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Much is made of N95 masks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are masks specifically designed to block 95% of all particles .3
um or larger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Note, this mask will only
block CoVid-19 particles that are leaning towards the large size of their
range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those leaning towards the small
side may well simply pass through even a N95 mask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Here is one such example of a N95 mask – a 3M half-face
respirator with particulate filters with N95 inserts on each cartridge filter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDitEitYGP-Dqjch4FWppMVT71kbp_9P83s5YRrfDYSsO2Z4WOsZSv_EATIMLPjodGRpWY-YulYZwQx15QbKgN2Ego6vVbBQPuIVUHC2yoAKZrLpgIAA1e3ukZNb1oYX0tAlYGrUpPOjE/s1024/Bill+going+to+town+4-2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDitEitYGP-Dqjch4FWppMVT71kbp_9P83s5YRrfDYSsO2Z4WOsZSv_EATIMLPjodGRpWY-YulYZwQx15QbKgN2Ego6vVbBQPuIVUHC2yoAKZrLpgIAA1e3ukZNb1oYX0tAlYGrUpPOjE/s640/Bill+going+to+town+4-2020.jpg" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So that’s what we’re trying to block . . . something very,
very, very tiny <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– unimaginably tiny. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What type of protection does cloth offer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with most things, it gets
complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What type of cloth, what
type of yarn, what is the thread count ( the total of threads vertically – the “warp”
– and horizontally – the “weft”), is the yarn coated, are multiple threads
twisted together to increase the thread count, is it a simple weave or
something more complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of these
factors and a few more will play into how effective the mask has the ability to
be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Let’s keep it simple, my mask is a simple weave cotton
fabric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does contain two colors of
dye and has a thread count of approximately 150.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do I arrive at this figure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple, by observation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took the mask and a small flashlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the pattern on my mask is dark blue polka
dots over a lighter blue fabric I focused on a single blue dot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A measurement of that dot showed that its diameter
is .25 inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shining light through the
mask and using my cell phone camera on the close-up setting allowed me to take
a photo of a single dot at very high resolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then brought that into photoshop, trimmed
out the dot yet again to allow simple viewing of the dot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
result is the image below . . . and now we have something we can work with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp4UYkQGwrt_YqLX_LTUjwxkLf4LhD_8N394P2MBjt4SW1xu6QVj9tjDny6ys1UO-g9m-MWm2F1UGZwBs8uMWrD8h4PD08sAeH3AehoW2YV7udiUlX5i_Ht9Lcn4YQpZMOigTbegZvaU/s1440/20200803_110507+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp4UYkQGwrt_YqLX_LTUjwxkLf4LhD_8N394P2MBjt4SW1xu6QVj9tjDny6ys1UO-g9m-MWm2F1UGZwBs8uMWrD8h4PD08sAeH3AehoW2YV7udiUlX5i_Ht9Lcn4YQpZMOigTbegZvaU/w512-h384/20200803_110507+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4s4xCWfZym1DI70TK3AAa1PG9PdG6PtiXvZqya1qp84t6WZbYhmxLAoyDDJ6yMvSonOR_xVO4vqlbFu8segc-K5EpqeGEuxv8ziEU0FA0f1ofEHjPl2baUbAVjtwZ2L1hTEqRG4RgNdw/s1440/20200803_105833+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4s4xCWfZym1DI70TK3AAa1PG9PdG6PtiXvZqya1qp84t6WZbYhmxLAoyDDJ6yMvSonOR_xVO4vqlbFu8segc-K5EpqeGEuxv8ziEU0FA0f1ofEHjPl2baUbAVjtwZ2L1hTEqRG4RgNdw/s640/20200803_105833+%2528Large%2529.jpg" /></a></div><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90bp8JLN4r9AJIgOuVizNBu-MYOYNae92E1TEBauaAYquIzN7fhOO8Q5woU22-TbbQdA-48_WZdM1KHVc1Yl7qqu7ouKEBdxSIjhvIIO3hvv_4dK0bxwBbAouNCo4I2UY5N8HTaGghy0/s1123/Mask+Dot+3+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1123" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90bp8JLN4r9AJIgOuVizNBu-MYOYNae92E1TEBauaAYquIzN7fhOO8Q5woU22-TbbQdA-48_WZdM1KHVc1Yl7qqu7ouKEBdxSIjhvIIO3hvv_4dK0bxwBbAouNCo4I2UY5N8HTaGghy0/w512-h492/Mask+Dot+3+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><o:p><br /></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If you pick a center horizontal row and count the warp
threads and then the hole (generated by the weft thread) you will get a thread
count for the .25” circle of approximately 38 threads.</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Multiply that by 4 and you get a thread count
of 152.</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Using a bit of rounding, I would
estimate that the actual thread count for this cloth is then 150 as I stated
above.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So now let’s make some observations regarding the cloth
under magnification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first thing
that jumps out at me are . . . HOLES!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lot’s and lots of holes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How big
are they??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could a virus pass through
them??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can I figure that out???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An estimate is fairly easy . . . you know
there are approximately 150 threads per inch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So is .25 inches that means there are about 38 threads per inch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given the hole is approximately the width of a
thread . . . the hole is .25 inches/38 . . . or .00658 inches in diameter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the heck is that in um???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Google to the rescue . . . <a href="https://calculator-converter.com/inches-to-microns.htm">https://calculator-converter.com/inches-to-microns.htm</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The answer is <span style="background: azure; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">167.132 Microns - about three times the diameter of a
human hair.</span><span style="background: azure;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">OK,
one step deeper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s go with the really
big size of the Covid-19 virus and assume that all viruses we meet as we walk
through the world are .3 um in size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
many can fit through a hole on my little dark blue dot on my mask . . . just
one hole . . . on one dot.</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">The size
of the hole would be 27,889 square um.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we stretch the estimate just a bit and assume each CoVid-19 virus is square . .
. then our estimate becomes a bit easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Simply divide the size of the hole by the size of the virus . . . 27,889
sq um / .3 sq um . . . and presto . . . 92,963 large CoVid-19 viruses could fit
through a SINGLE SOLITARY HOLE . . . on a SINGLE SOLITARY DARK BLUE DOT . . .
on my mask.</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Let’s
assume my estimates are off by a factor of 100 . . . you know, the Dr. Fauchi
model . . . that would knock the virus count for a SINGLE SOLITARY HOLE . . .
down to just under 1,000 viruses per hole.</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">So
let’s go with that . . . </span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Look
at the mask . . . look at the number of .25” dark blue dots (don’t forget the
rest of the mask, but for fun, just look at the dark blue dot).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many holes in a single dot . . . just a
sec, I’ll count them . . . be right back . . . ok, I’m back . . . <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>200 . . . 200 holes in my .25” dot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So carrying my Dr. Fauchi – off by a factor
of 100 – estimate to it’s final conclusion . . . my .25” dark blue dot will
pass 200,000 viruses that are .3um in size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Now,
take this to the next level and estimate how many viruses can pass through this
ENTIRE mask – in either direction.</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">This
. . . this right here is why I say they are ineffective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could a small portion of viruses be blocked?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hell, you could wrap your face is window screen material and block a few
as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But is a cloth mask an
effective tool to SAVE YOUR LIFE, AND THOSE OF YOUR LOVED ONES????</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">No .
. . not in a million years.</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">I did
say there are more effective ways to protect yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here they are:</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">DON’T
TOUCH YOUR FRICKIN’ FACE!!!!!</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">DON’T
TOUCH YOUR FRICKIN’ MASK IF YOU CHOOSE TO WEAR ONE!!!</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">If
you’re sick . . . STAY HOME!!!</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">If
you’re sick . . . KEEP VISITORS OUT!!!</span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">If you’re
sick . . . with the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fsymptoms.html"><font color="#2b00fe">defined
symptoms of CoVid-19</font></a></span><span style="background: azure; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fever or chills<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cough<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shortness of breath or
difficulty breathing<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fatigue<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Muscle or body aches<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Headache<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New loss of taste or smell<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sore throat<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Congestion or runny nose<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nausea or vomiting<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui", sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Diarrhea<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">GO TO THE FRICKIN’ DOCTOR!!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If you go out, shopping, traveling . . . WASH YOUR FRICKIN’
HANDS – FREQUENTLY!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been posited
that one of the most common methods of transfer of the virus in via fecal
matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about that . . . did you
hit the head while out??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you wash
your hands THROUGHLY???<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">This . . . this right here will offer real mitigation to a
broad range of viruses floating around out there in addition to CoVid-19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember flu season is right around the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children are NOT DYING of CoVid-19 . . . but
they die by the bucket load of the common flu.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">OK, ok, ok . . . but you ARE A TRUE BELIEVER . . . your
mask is your friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No worries, go for
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I mean that genuinely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your level of fear is high and a mask makes
you feel better – I’m fine with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, there are caveats that go along with wearing a mask.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">First and foremost – don’t kid yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The protection offered by a cloth mask is
MINIMAL!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please, don’t treat it like a
magic talisman and believe you are FULLY PROTECTED . . . you’re not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop lying to yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Your mask needs to cover your face from the bottom of your
chin to the bridge of your nose.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">STOP TOUCHING YOUR MASK!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Touch it only by the straps/strings/loops that attach it to your face.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">DO NOT ADJUST YOUR MASK!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Get one that fits, put it in place, leave the damn thing alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If you do touch and adjust your mask – assume your hands
are now contaminated . . . WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t stick your mask in your pocket, purse, glove box,
console . . . or anywhere else unless it is contained in something – say a Ziploc
bag.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Have a different mask for every day – and wash your mask
weekly in your laundry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And, if you look at these precautions and say something
like . . . “Damn, that’s a lot of work, I’m just going to stick it in my pocket
or purse – ta hell with that guy!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Exactly . . . <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As I have said over and over and over . . . a mask is a “Boppy”
. . . a pacifier . . . something you stick in a baby’s mouth to make them feel
better . . . <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So, if you want to feel better and wearing a cloth mask makes
you feel better . . . fine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">As for me, walking about during my normal day . . . no . .
. I won’t . . . <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br />eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-21209244724352948162020-08-01T10:08:00.002-05:002020-11-06T10:50:00.561-06:00My "Daily Read"<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I've had a number of friends ask me for a list of websites I read through on a daily basis. So I thought I'd list them in a post and put a short commentary on each . . . </span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><a href="https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/">The Gateway Pundit</a></b> . . . This is probably the most "vocal" website I visit. That said, they seem to do a good job of ferreting out interesting stories and they always post the link to the original story.</span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><a href="https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/">Instapundit</a></b> . . . Glenn is a professor in the University of Tennessee law school. It is an aggregate site with reasoned comment on stories (and other permitted posters) find interesting.</span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><a href="https://www.powerlineblog.com/">Power Line Blog</a></b> . . . Run by three attorneys they all offer solid conservative commentary on news stories of the day.</span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><a href="http://freerepublic.com/tag/*/index">Latest Articles</a></b> . . . Links to current stories as they happen typically by conservative members of the blog.</span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><a href="https://www.realclearpolitics.com/">Real Clear Politics</a></b> . . . the absolute best aggregate news websites on a host of topic headings. I begin with politics but there are a number of additional offerings in the heading to the website.</span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><a href="https://thefederalist.com/">Newsmax</a></b> . . . A solid source of news articles from a conservative POV</span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><a href="https://thefederalist.com/">The Federalists</a></b> . . . They post articles covering a broad range of topics.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><a href="https://www.citizenfreepress.com/" target="_blank">Citizen Free Press</a> </b>. . . a replacement for the Drudge Report</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><b><a href="https://townhall.com/" target="_blank">Townhall </a></b>. . . a source of the conservative POV</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/">National Review</a></b> . . . a source of the conservative POV</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://bonginoreport.com/?fbclid=IwAR1yWko7xG9SXJ8KGGfZ9HIzrZaNrgkqVdn4bXPDNCW4dUVI6gWX9nE6lYg" target="_blank">The Bongino Report</a></b> . . . a source of the conservative POV</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.americanthinker.com/" target="_blank">American Thinker</a></b> . . . a source of the conservative POV</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">So this represents the start of my mornings when I go out and look to see what's happening in the world. Obviously all lean conservative but they do not hesitate to link original liberal content as well.</span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Updated 11/6/2020</span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Let me know what you think.</span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-44992908260314676702020-07-17T16:27:00.001-05:002020-07-18T11:22:17.385-05:00Range Trip - 7-17-2020 The range always teaches something<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I spent the first three days of this week helping with a “Rifle
Operator Course” for our local PD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>24
hours, 800+ rounds – it’s very comprehensive and provides a solid evaluation of
an officer that is about to begin carrying an AR as part of their squad duty
gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, while you are helping
teach . . . there’s no opportunity to send rounds downrange yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while I am confident in my skillset, it
never hurts to follow up that confidence with a few rounds myself just for “holes
on target proof” as well as a bit of polish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So that was my task for this morning – evaluation and polish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I set aside 100 rounds of .223 and 50 rounds of 9mm to work
on both rifle skills and a transition to my carry gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I’ve said many times, set the “ground
rules” first, then shoot your COF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a
hit to count it needed to be within or touch the line-defined specific shapes –
high center mass box, pelvic girdle box, ocular cavity and then the 6 numbered
cognition drill boxes around the outside of the silhouette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The course of fire for the morning was . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> 10 single rounds high center mass
box </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">10 rounds</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>10
single rounds ocular cavity<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>10 rounds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>10 “hammers”
(think a fast accelerated pair)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>10 rounds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1 single
round in each outer shape 1 thru 6<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>6
rounds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>5
failure drills – 2 rounds HCM, 1 round in the ocular cavity<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>15
rounds <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>15 single
round engagements HCM simulating rifle failure<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>15
rounds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>45 9mm
rounds shot as a failure drill with 5 rounds to the ocular cavity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>5
rounds to “2” circle and 5 rounds split between the 3 and 4 box<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>45 rounds <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>7 “hammers”
to the pelvic girdle<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>14 Rounds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Bill Drill” from 10 yards </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 rounds</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The final round count for this portion is 80 rounds of .223
and 50 rounds of 9mm all shot from the 10-yard line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
the transition drill I fired a single round to the high center mass with my AR
and then transitioned to my sidearm – a Glock 17 – and shot a failure
drill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was done 15 times for a
total of 45 rounds of 9mm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This left me
with 5 rounds of 9mm in my pocket which I loaded as shot as the “Bill Drill”
listed above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The remaining 20 rounds were shot from a supported prone position
from 50 yards and shot on the separate target in the upper left corner of the
primary target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each square is 4-inches
in size with 1-inch square in their center.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswTUJJIizHi1astx_UFfZkQz_Wt9fkKdKpGxvdkBGw8IbcZLJ2kNPv52karL_I_FcO5dnKQyzPILf1WZCkUtd2O7kRP9ZOtqo0HR14DT8gk2RSglva_3srCgVRJsqjYiSnCwnIz45yG0/s1600/20200717_103308+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswTUJJIizHi1astx_UFfZkQz_Wt9fkKdKpGxvdkBGw8IbcZLJ2kNPv52karL_I_FcO5dnKQyzPILf1WZCkUtd2O7kRP9ZOtqo0HR14DT8gk2RSglva_3srCgVRJsqjYiSnCwnIz45yG0/s320/20200717_103308+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the title of this post says, the range will always teach
you something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today that lesson was . .
. aren’t you glad you had backup irons??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My “duty rifle” has an older Eotech 517 mounted to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had come up just fine for the coursework
earlier in the week but today, even with the backup set of batteries I had in
the range bag, it was “no joy”, it was not going to come up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an opportunity to work with my back up
irons just to make sure that skillset is alive in well!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that’s what I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I shot the above course of fire with irons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first 80 rounds of .223 and 45 rounds of
9mm from my carry Glock 17 produced a score of 86%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not the 90% I was looking for but well above <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>80% which is my minimum acceptable score.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as opposed to the scoring on LEO range
work, the rounds needed to touch or be within the boundaries of the scoring
areas on the target and not just within the silhouette of the target for it to
count for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I look at this overall
result <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as doing fine on this run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can always improve but each range trip
brings its own little issues.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, looking at the final 20 rounds on the target in the
upper left, I kinda lost my crap on that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My shooting position was 50 yards in a supported prone position – my range
bag provided my support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see,
the “precision” was fine with the groups being under 3 inches in size and they
are separate and distinct groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where
I lost it was in the accuracy with my group centers being well left or above of
the desired targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heavy sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when I replace my Eotech 517 this coming
week, I’ll tweak the 50 yard zero on my irons a bit to bring that back in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All in all, a good range trip, some good work on transition
from my AR to my Glock 17 and an obvious workout of my iron sights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A fine time was had by all!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So – get out to the range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
you worked on transitions from your rifle to your handgun??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you wrung out your irons lately??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you attempted more precise shots at
longer distances but especially within the 50-yard range that would be typical
for home defense?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, schedule some
time and some ammo to brush off the rust and work on the polish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, you simply do not get to choose “the
day”!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It chooses you!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-27773919466010596112020-06-13T16:54:00.000-05:002020-06-13T16:55:45.982-05:00Review - FDP Course 6-11-12-2020 AAR<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Honestly, it is seldom that I get a class full of “new AND
inexperienced” shooters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, that is
what I had this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three couples with
little or no experience with handguns at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The class just kind of sprung up within a couple days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our current civil unrest played no small part
in this with the 24/7 news cycle showing burning towns, armed folks taking over
swaths of cities, police under attack . . . more than enough to cause fear,
discomfort and a certain amount of wonder about . . . “what would I do if the
police could not respond quickly enough should I need them?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that was the crux of the concern for the
three couples sitting before me in the classroom . . . how do I defend myself
if the police are unable to.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The foundational course I teach for new defensive shooters –
regardless of the level of their experience – is the NAPSI Foundations of
Defensive Pistol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It runs 9+ hours and
with 6 students we ran two squad of shooters on the range essentially doubling
the range time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Total course time this
run-through?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right at 10.5 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was spread over 2 days making it just a
bit easier on the new folks.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What makes the NAPSI FDP coursework different from others that
I teach is that it is “defense-centric” . . . it’s purpose is to give you foundational
information that will help you become a better defensive shooter, and for new
shooters – give you a fairly broad introduction to the topic.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We start with the different types of handguns and do a
through review of the nomenclature – SA Revolvers, DA Revolvers, SA Semiautomatic
Pistols, SA/DA Semiautomatic Pistols and finally striker fired semiautomatic
pistols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cover the different sizes
and their uses.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Holsters, belts, clothing – life changes are also
covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carrying a defensive handgun
will change the way your day works – and new shooters need to understand that
and to understand ways to cope with it.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We cover some very basic legal aspects of defensive carry explicitly
touching on AOJP – Ability, Opportunity, Jeopardy and Preclusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We bring in disparity of force as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We work on the idea of purposefully observing your
surroundings as your go through your day and making sound defensive decisions
based on what you observe.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Next we move into the beginnings of defensive shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We work through a persons natural response to
a threatening situation and then see how that can be adapted to the beginnings
of an armed response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We talk about different methods of aiming a defensive
handgun from true sighted fire to alternatives that are quicker when the time
for sighted fire is just not there.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Safe gun handling is simply a must to that is a major part
of the entire day beginning on the in-classroom SIRT range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can cover up to 5 shooters on a make-shift SIRT
range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This gives us a tremendous
opportunity to work on stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger
press and follow through without the added concern of live fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can introduce range commands, loading
methods, various drills they will experience in the safety and comfort of a
SIRT range.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Finally, we get to range work moving students from drills
that are actually “movement by command” drills up through single and multiple
round engagements and ending with an introduction to the use of cover and
concealment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all their range time
is typically about 3 hours and 200 rounds of ammunition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It ends with a 30-round qualification shoot
where we evaluate safe gun handling, proper shooting stance and accuracy.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The course ends with a short test to evaluate overall
understanding of the classroom material, an After Action Review to listen to
their thoughts on the day, what they liked and didn’t like and then the
distribution of course certificates.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This was a great bunch of new shooters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They knew why they were there, were focused,
interested and worked hard!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a fun
and productive 2 days.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, if you are looking for coursework, make sure it fits
your needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Defensive shooting involves
much more that just getting a carry permit – make sure the coursework you take
move you in the right direction!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlMHFM0__PHcbDiqb9SFuEiYhlvTMZiNIcmO2rZiFOu1mLomwo4un2y14mGT8sMU-FmEhrrs7rRbCJC4kV8mvN7czzuBuxuht3Uz7yhKfXAQ3pOuGMpHdREBLhyphenhyphenpzG594BQCe1bj7Ars/s1600/20200611_092114+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlMHFM0__PHcbDiqb9SFuEiYhlvTMZiNIcmO2rZiFOu1mLomwo4un2y14mGT8sMU-FmEhrrs7rRbCJC4kV8mvN7czzuBuxuht3Uz7yhKfXAQ3pOuGMpHdREBLhyphenhyphenpzG594BQCe1bj7Ars/s320/20200611_092114+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNoPj1VX5YXMEriYK1ixy0gxu9tWxIyt3QPT5stVxzGepcAzuJtChXwaR8qvsnUDp7vt21rhBBV5ZXr5m8a0apG3QuiEyT2OcT9rFJEtmoAOJEZZNaAlAqoFCIv8HYwpioJ9xk2i86vA/s1600/20200611_092121+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNoPj1VX5YXMEriYK1ixy0gxu9tWxIyt3QPT5stVxzGepcAzuJtChXwaR8qvsnUDp7vt21rhBBV5ZXr5m8a0apG3QuiEyT2OcT9rFJEtmoAOJEZZNaAlAqoFCIv8HYwpioJ9xk2i86vA/s320/20200611_092121+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVDihC_uRmHmQWjqRfrKslh3oMb9o-CMIHSBnkGOklBwLtGI4joYZSlkCD3avjJ83D1n-xgtJLBUCWZad96TxDbEEMZI_gMg5HCOBqhOiZGh2nZa6Y217ghwBhVrOGaCOnYf4ZwnOzfM/s1600/20200611_092136+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVDihC_uRmHmQWjqRfrKslh3oMb9o-CMIHSBnkGOklBwLtGI4joYZSlkCD3avjJ83D1n-xgtJLBUCWZad96TxDbEEMZI_gMg5HCOBqhOiZGh2nZa6Y217ghwBhVrOGaCOnYf4ZwnOzfM/s320/20200611_092136+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDtDj3VMHFYWoVVwuN1vtyaqXSpZLZpKBFawnDZwfwyqvdlJF-sALeQVJBAfDDTiR7c2yR_WmDxDBl7t0LcjFjg5pMcQtSJl-52_wgwPfZ22ZWkS3glkxx3eAVBqAe5RFlsj1T14AiXg/s1600/20200612_130230+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDtDj3VMHFYWoVVwuN1vtyaqXSpZLZpKBFawnDZwfwyqvdlJF-sALeQVJBAfDDTiR7c2yR_WmDxDBl7t0LcjFjg5pMcQtSJl-52_wgwPfZ22ZWkS3glkxx3eAVBqAe5RFlsj1T14AiXg/s320/20200612_130230+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLq5G0paNujxs1OYJeAhzyvdYLhE5CL_mAbA5xhatRuhDFe17PmmmR9GSHnbqVPqw0mzmoLpg6XqMPe9bpeCLJZTRQCGimI3Re5eMaH4hX01A8EVfnhE4v8DMvY4kKWz_0oDuRPK9brQ/s1600/20200612_131640+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLq5G0paNujxs1OYJeAhzyvdYLhE5CL_mAbA5xhatRuhDFe17PmmmR9GSHnbqVPqw0mzmoLpg6XqMPe9bpeCLJZTRQCGimI3Re5eMaH4hX01A8EVfnhE4v8DMvY4kKWz_0oDuRPK9brQ/s320/20200612_131640+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-mf-4yp8opE14Fr5GUSnK29WfxlwohNP7mz45Vvv3pFidIQjjub94XZqZ_aFAjUH_pI_JWZqPAcD7OWWgeNeVtu3R3PPfusw22vFOg5ICaE-I9P-QjodtfQOgR7jQuYs6KTZedIPW2o/s1600/20200612_151811+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-mf-4yp8opE14Fr5GUSnK29WfxlwohNP7mz45Vvv3pFidIQjjub94XZqZ_aFAjUH_pI_JWZqPAcD7OWWgeNeVtu3R3PPfusw22vFOg5ICaE-I9P-QjodtfQOgR7jQuYs6KTZedIPW2o/s320/20200612_151811+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbseW-KAUozEPEqzt8jryhvrhnt0Z-dfypRjpa8UsIYS8auyFOBO961n5-dhjA2JNU1ml2KOb8Bl4N857gdbGiEJNY6lT7801YBLsaxuEpHUh_B0arDuCtfVeXY7FylDYgOXfj00db_yQ/s1600/20200612_153301+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbseW-KAUozEPEqzt8jryhvrhnt0Z-dfypRjpa8UsIYS8auyFOBO961n5-dhjA2JNU1ml2KOb8Bl4N857gdbGiEJNY6lT7801YBLsaxuEpHUh_B0arDuCtfVeXY7FylDYgOXfj00db_yQ/s320/20200612_153301+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVlj5eVRV1vZcG2e7QOg4S-aH0aCZGBg6n_TNDL0niDqB1K_aeH9gaSu1vZvpDhlnrK0x_Cb3wtufwnhEl9EJnpmpVV4SYh0UiqxsDeJyJWu_9tX38s9M7F0NveQny1c3G2RLAvxMjkw/s1600/20200612_153353+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVlj5eVRV1vZcG2e7QOg4S-aH0aCZGBg6n_TNDL0niDqB1K_aeH9gaSu1vZvpDhlnrK0x_Cb3wtufwnhEl9EJnpmpVV4SYh0UiqxsDeJyJWu_9tX38s9M7F0NveQny1c3G2RLAvxMjkw/s320/20200612_153353+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAcyvGZrQseZ5T7my5YUOd0sAlVuIyLxMA14AhPpfgxfjdADXIh-vEGbCs_oKhwqk7GnEmz8z0Z2WVI8k275buwgQ9Oa1mvQdvqIdwPVIKn8UVnBi2VCVYKsCwtqeuoEZkZ5S5XZgt10/s1600/20200612_153604+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAcyvGZrQseZ5T7my5YUOd0sAlVuIyLxMA14AhPpfgxfjdADXIh-vEGbCs_oKhwqk7GnEmz8z0Z2WVI8k275buwgQ9Oa1mvQdvqIdwPVIKn8UVnBi2VCVYKsCwtqeuoEZkZ5S5XZgt10/s320/20200612_153604+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-35928292925234079052020-04-22T09:31:00.001-05:002020-04-22T09:31:13.116-05:00Anti-Viral Masks - An Introduction<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this time of Pandemic and Panic - Anti-Viral Masks are "a thing". So I spent some time reviewing three different types. Here is a link to my Facebook Video Tutorial.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/eiaft/videos/10158409432651967/">https://www.facebook.com/eiaft/videos/10158409432651967/</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some relevant links to some of the gear I talked about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="https://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/resources/dust-masks-whats-the-difference.html">https://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/resources/dust-masks-whats-the-difference.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/3m-6001-organic-vapor-cartridge.html">https://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/3m-6001-organic-vapor-cartridge.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/3m-6200-half-facepiece-respirator.html">https://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/3m-6200-half-facepiece-respirator.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/coronavirus-pollution-masks-n95-surgical-mask/">https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/coronavirus-pollution-masks-n95-surgical-mask/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://hypertextbook.com/facts/1999/BrianLey.shtml">https://hypertextbook.com/facts/1999/BrianLey.shtml</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.metric-conversions.org/length/microns-to-meters.htm">https://www.metric-conversions.org/length/microns-to-meters.htm</a><br />
<br />
<br />eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-50538679676406447162020-01-11T15:04:00.001-06:002020-01-11T15:04:24.198-06:00Review - Ruger American Rifle Predator in 223
<br />
<br />
<br />
Training guns . . . they are a part of every learning
process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the last little while –
past 4 years or so – I’ve been working on becoming a better precision
shooter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I say those words what I
mean is that I can put a solid group (precision) where I want them to go
(accuracy).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve discussed that process
in an earlier post you can read <a href="https://eiaft.blogspot.com/2015/10/just-basics-accuracy-and-precision.html">HERE</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
My rifle of choice for Precision Rifle Shooting is the Ruger
Precision Rifle in .308.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Match grade
ammunition runs around $1.50 per round so each 50-100 round practice trip runs
from $75 to $150 with store bought ammunition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obviously reloading enters the picture here . . . but until I’m satisfied
with my efforts . . . shooting with quality ammunition is expensive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZvzdNpzuFxrOKyPoR_Z-W0_F3jMauxW-xOb9waTPA-Cs5Oykgf7iZhvyd3AR4W-yDAGlLXnHNnsoffsdtyiDO35bFnh064guxypdMg9Yy9OeKNzAzz-Mt5sSo_g_h4NfHvrcipkqM8M/s1600/20191203_120035+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZvzdNpzuFxrOKyPoR_Z-W0_F3jMauxW-xOb9waTPA-Cs5Oykgf7iZhvyd3AR4W-yDAGlLXnHNnsoffsdtyiDO35bFnh064guxypdMg9Yy9OeKNzAzz-Mt5sSo_g_h4NfHvrcipkqM8M/s320/20191203_120035+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr0xzrADjRHmJMuGyYEa18JwHiAMIjymn1Gmt3rBMWFqjIUBkuvhSpHeYBLaIEK6xR-Go1Tn_blXhNlpCcGCxunJRkXihTI6xqDUJQfDFkU7Pp91bHZ5LfFbfiduqxJk3BtQv9p58TeQ/s1600/20191206_064054+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr0xzrADjRHmJMuGyYEa18JwHiAMIjymn1Gmt3rBMWFqjIUBkuvhSpHeYBLaIEK6xR-Go1Tn_blXhNlpCcGCxunJRkXihTI6xqDUJQfDFkU7Pp91bHZ5LfFbfiduqxJk3BtQv9p58TeQ/s320/20191206_064054+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Enter . . . Training Rifles.<br />
<br />
<br />
My first choice here is the Ruger Precision Rifle in .22 Long
Rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a dream to shoot and
reasonable good match ammunition is available for about $75 for 500
rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A significant difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve chatted about this rifle and my search
for good ammunition on my blog as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On a 50 yard range I can frequently shoot 1 MOA and below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This allows me to work on all the
fundamentals without spending a crap ton on ammunition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, there is something said for
working with a rifle that also allows some work on recoil mitigation and that will reliably reach out to 100 yards or more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxueUKhUO__F9Rw5BUKHOUcN81Ey5jImlYl_7uhXnuyl7HDXVNGyMgZyqyVRbO0drqWc4qjBpgGcuyGsfzP91-lI8KwmEsuGte2a2gTemYK2VSchZRt0FEq3XVbDwwpRjwNC6gwEQDY0/s1600/20191124_152726+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxueUKhUO__F9Rw5BUKHOUcN81Ey5jImlYl_7uhXnuyl7HDXVNGyMgZyqyVRbO0drqWc4qjBpgGcuyGsfzP91-lI8KwmEsuGte2a2gTemYK2VSchZRt0FEq3XVbDwwpRjwNC6gwEQDY0/s320/20191124_152726+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuK3HF0ihyphenhyphenO7UYyFePSqg2DmfyGEI1sJUhSDL43UAux7dbg5Mvl_8KovMJ7tfrdbpPF_1reIQTO03s9x_ZKpA07V5f9jKRDHAVUP0HQIn2PEBbL-p1VnXJbqiTVx1UqAHWOJlHOCYSTM/s1600/20191202_150240+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuK3HF0ihyphenhyphenO7UYyFePSqg2DmfyGEI1sJUhSDL43UAux7dbg5Mvl_8KovMJ7tfrdbpPF_1reIQTO03s9x_ZKpA07V5f9jKRDHAVUP0HQIn2PEBbL-p1VnXJbqiTVx1UqAHWOJlHOCYSTM/s320/20191202_150240+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Enter the .223.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have a backup rifle for my Patrol Rifle that I take to
coursework in case my primary takes a crap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, I put a moderately priced Nikon Prostaff 5 scope on it, upgraded the
trigger, added a bipod and a couple 10-round magazines and presto-change-o . .
. training rifle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MMMmmmm . . . not so
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see, even with higher
quality Frontier .223 with match grade bullets, my groups just plain
sucked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So . . . time to look for a “real”
rifle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMUQv3m97TES2rFzvVdJCvkcoE7qUQqyAEXrV1qM4He0BqynmZrTyHqcULn5XLNtTuQLllFnnTElEDRWLQhMufDMZ81iz5Tus-cQDG1mLTcMYOI2lxPdlT6IgD6DGe8mZw0VGw5APcB4/s1600/20180120_150159+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMUQv3m97TES2rFzvVdJCvkcoE7qUQqyAEXrV1qM4He0BqynmZrTyHqcULn5XLNtTuQLllFnnTElEDRWLQhMufDMZ81iz5Tus-cQDG1mLTcMYOI2lxPdlT6IgD6DGe8mZw0VGw5APcB4/s320/20180120_150159+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedr4KndjvPGXFPO8YMekRBH18mm5aGpT80jlhYPG_5hWl2wPZZN-JyKIGrITrndBM1E3W3mV7dY1JbLpJLTvnr0N48iojfX4XfVdO6zVEJnp60NrFiqZpzsHhE5tBF5ce0xtH1OULDgw/s1600/20200106_160026+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedr4KndjvPGXFPO8YMekRBH18mm5aGpT80jlhYPG_5hWl2wPZZN-JyKIGrITrndBM1E3W3mV7dY1JbLpJLTvnr0N48iojfX4XfVdO6zVEJnp60NrFiqZpzsHhE5tBF5ce0xtH1OULDgw/s320/20200106_160026+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I had a couple requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It couldn’t break the bank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
sure for a couple grand I could find a hell of a shooter . . . but . . . “couple
grand”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, I wanted a rifle that
could consistently shoot a 1 MOA group at 100 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the length of the range I have full
access to and where I spend most of my time working on foundational
shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the internet search begin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I found a number of rifles that met my requirements,
I finally settled on the <a href="https://ruger.com/products/americanRiflePredator/specSheets/26944.html"><span style="color: #990000;">Ruger
American Rifle – Predator in .223</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To be honest, the deciding factor was that there was one in stock at a
local Sheels store for $469 . . . and I could pick it up at lunch time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, after the first 100 rounds or so I gotta
say I’m pretty darn happy with the purchase.<br />
<br />
<br />
I picked up my son, had a quick lunch and headed to Sheels
to claim my rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the usual
paperwork (in Iowa carry permits expedite things to the point I could walk out
with my rifle at the time of purchase) I dropped him at his house and headed
back home and to my office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I
quickly transferred the scope to the Predator mounting it with a pair of Leupold
scope rings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a reminder, make sure
the bottom of the rings are pushed forward in the notch of the rail before you
torque them down to the recommended levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, leave the top rings loose until you get the eye relief how you want
it before you torque the top of the ring screws down to the recommended levels
as well. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not lap the rings, I’ll
see how things go long term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I
was just plain impatient to hit the range to see how this fellow shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a function check, ran a few patches
through the bore and grabbed a couple boxes of PMC 55gr ball ammunition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time I got to the range I had an hour
and a half of daylight left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good
news . . . it was 57 degrees . . . on January 9<sup>th</sup> . . . at 4PM in
the afternoon!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
I typically start with a 10-yard 50/200 zero with a .223
round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I removed the bolt, bagged the
rifle and did a quick bore sight adjustment on the scope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that distance the round will impact about
2 inches below your POI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That complete,
I put a couple rounds through it to confirm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was spot on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just had time
to put 25 rounds down range at 50 yards to confirm zero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can see the results on the 5
targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The smallest group was .50 . .
. the largest was 1.375.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The average was
.95 over 5 targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fine with
this for first shots . . . and . . . it was nearly dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 100-yard range would have to wait until
another day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3u8Afp3zud2MFH9OP3hawKvoI1j9hpjC0unBQ4eYAKQ4VqZanLilcgP7gyICMxCd1gAAeHaCgCGAcF8oAeNDc4pXIf9NVocC4rTxThaN2DsTbTURHRfSXlOXXPPExIM-j6XDC-nOAYQ/s1600/20200110_114622+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3u8Afp3zud2MFH9OP3hawKvoI1j9hpjC0unBQ4eYAKQ4VqZanLilcgP7gyICMxCd1gAAeHaCgCGAcF8oAeNDc4pXIf9NVocC4rTxThaN2DsTbTURHRfSXlOXXPPExIM-j6XDC-nOAYQ/s320/20200110_114622+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB_y3IlAGllxeVyrBi94bNp6e2C0fnikBXEyuUr6YLZbbfd87508kKI07xu8w0xYt1ctSqvF_PFxKw5OtaH-PqSkZ2njdYrC_GG-qnjpqDGyopN8upXbVb1UAMJJP-l8ffKDZJj357Zo/s1600/20200110_153546+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB_y3IlAGllxeVyrBi94bNp6e2C0fnikBXEyuUr6YLZbbfd87508kKI07xu8w0xYt1ctSqvF_PFxKw5OtaH-PqSkZ2njdYrC_GG-qnjpqDGyopN8upXbVb1UAMJJP-l8ffKDZJj357Zo/s320/20200110_153546+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The 100-yard day came the following day, January 10<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day was a bit more “seasonal”, reaching a
high of 29 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But otherwise it was
a very nice day for shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
getting to the range I hit the local gun store for some better-quality
ammunition – Frontier 5.56 loaded with a Hornady 75gr BTHP match bullet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
Given that the Frontier was a bit pricier, I thought I’d
wring out the PMC 55gr ball ammunition as well as the Frontier with the 75gr
BTHP match bullet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I hung two zeroing
targets and two targets to shoot for both accuracy and precision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see from the zeroing targets (with
the rotated 3 ½-inch squares) its performance was poor and that followed
through to the 5 separate 3 inch targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Accuracy was crap as was precision. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was praying that this was NOT a sign of
things to come with the Frontier ammunition.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiwyOBwDJF26yqv9LL2Q37-4N9kve7rirfdnZqEfZInLlBMH8oqGUMBH77KXkK-wSVTWXVkuTBcG8EMuUp7_8GonvvBe0CHNVur2MxY3eaM33u8oPH63dxjjzMPnegrMTHgrAc_NN9Kg/s1600/20200110_153653+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiwyOBwDJF26yqv9LL2Q37-4N9kve7rirfdnZqEfZInLlBMH8oqGUMBH77KXkK-wSVTWXVkuTBcG8EMuUp7_8GonvvBe0CHNVur2MxY3eaM33u8oPH63dxjjzMPnegrMTHgrAc_NN9Kg/s320/20200110_153653+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojmSePOV5FOFREHJ-LsM80foC3UfdKtkE9QM0DLL8zscMiF1xo9duPi7YH-GVyGCjKKSTWiXw76svMYDyEWnMuUUElA89VimCuSwzxKIMKucYQY3iOMZj9TLxssr8ZvBQxtZ7b523nVc/s1600/20200110_153610+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojmSePOV5FOFREHJ-LsM80foC3UfdKtkE9QM0DLL8zscMiF1xo9duPi7YH-GVyGCjKKSTWiXw76svMYDyEWnMuUUElA89VimCuSwzxKIMKucYQY3iOMZj9TLxssr8ZvBQxtZ7b523nVc/s320/20200110_153610+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBan2CWRWyGvRcmDLPbXnvf1BJcOJBFa1Hve2kCGBOSvUcx0IUryA1yHeOVL6yw6fd8GkIVw6zBSy9noK9aL46h9eso1HZTqUHOwn2loLtlRX7JyiYfPhSqdUiKHviur_6tRJ7smIzlA/s1600/20200110_153821+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBan2CWRWyGvRcmDLPbXnvf1BJcOJBFa1Hve2kCGBOSvUcx0IUryA1yHeOVL6yw6fd8GkIVw6zBSy9noK9aL46h9eso1HZTqUHOwn2loLtlRX7JyiYfPhSqdUiKHviur_6tRJ7smIzlA/s320/20200110_153821+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqWIYzFr6O17bxnOrD6_ULlb4Nbo5TsI-53jqTgSS3qdK_47rWnE3sQjgKeMlxmEV-9ttKLIaI-HMhb0PwNblwuchwgImdTcW70O0ae_-TvHP7Uy6TIwG_cSVabRQN7xc4SPshrii-EU/s1600/20200110_153746+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqWIYzFr6O17bxnOrD6_ULlb4Nbo5TsI-53jqTgSS3qdK_47rWnE3sQjgKeMlxmEV-9ttKLIaI-HMhb0PwNblwuchwgImdTcW70O0ae_-TvHP7Uy6TIwG_cSVabRQN7xc4SPshrii-EU/s320/20200110_153746+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63MjRFAqZYJnf7nW5QyrIgmySSq-s9uqfid6Pp9pPPSGz5yx6CH6YamcvEWewsbKQkE00Ytfjii7y-OM5RB1d9V3-uW3mSZUw1LhDFFt5uEhaA-ssSLZAnmXwkj8tanmAfmZCNqiwbvE/s1600/20200110_153720+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63MjRFAqZYJnf7nW5QyrIgmySSq-s9uqfid6Pp9pPPSGz5yx6CH6YamcvEWewsbKQkE00Ytfjii7y-OM5RB1d9V3-uW3mSZUw1LhDFFt5uEhaA-ssSLZAnmXwkj8tanmAfmZCNqiwbvE/s320/20200110_153720+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As you can see the first zero group was high and right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dialed down and left and shot a second
group on target #1 – much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then
shot a final group on target #2 – I was happy with that measuring around .5” in
height and 1.25” in width.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On to the 25-
round evaluation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see from
the 5 targets, accuracy and precision was MUCH better with an average group
size of 1.175.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I gotta say I was much
happier with the performance of the Frontier ammunition and it would seem I
have exactly what I was looking for – a .223 rifle that is consistently capable
of a 1 MOA group at 100 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
pretty darn early in this “relationship” but after my first focused range trip,
I’m encouraged with the performance of this $469 rifle.<br />
<br />
<br />
Some over all thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The value of the purchase is exceptional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a well-made firearm, has a heavier barrel
and I saw no real loss of performance while attempting to run a total of 100
rounds through it in a couple hours. The stock has a nice “feel” to it and
provides for an easy and firm grip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The butt
plate is fairly soft and provides for quite a bit of recoil mitigation – not that
there is much recoil to begin with. I will be adding a riser pad to the comb of
the stock to help with consistent placement of the rifle to my cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this trip I simply laid a couple leather
gloves over the comb to act as a riser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
an aside – I had 7 failure to fire rounds with the Frontier ammunition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The failed rounds have been passed on to the
supplier but, that number of failures over 50 rounds is disappointing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the bolt was a bit stiff at the
beginning it smoothed out considerably over the range trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect that will continue to improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trigger broke right at 3 pounds and
seemed consistent over the range trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This matches with both the 22LR and the .308 precision rifles from Ruger
allowing a consistent trigger press across the three platforms.<br />
<br />
<br />
All in all, I’m more than happy with my purchase of the
Ruger American Rifle – Predator in .223. If you are looking for a good training rifle that doesn't blow a hole in your wallet, I would suggest you t ake a look at the Predator.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-89566934637439162932020-01-05T16:28:00.001-06:002020-01-05T16:39:09.596-06:00Training - 2020 - 1000 Rounds<br />
<br />
<br />
We’ve had this discussion before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, given the recent events at the church in
Texas, the shooting and knifing of Jews in NYC, the direct threats of Iran
after we eliminated the worlds single most dangerous terrorist . . . I thought
a gentle reminder might help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First let’s
set the table . . .<br />
<br />
HELP IS NOT COMING . . .<br />
<br />
YOU ARE YOUR ONLY “FIRST RESPONDER” . . .<br />
<br />
It’s a simple binary choice . . .<br />
<br />
DIE . . . or . . . FIGHT . . .<br />
<br />
CHOOSE!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOW!!<br />
<br />
Dramatic??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watch the video of the Texas
church or the two shooters entering the Jewish grocery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The violence was direct, overwhelming . . .
and fatal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the case of Texas it ended
in 6 seconds after three members of a church security team acted to stop the
shooter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two died, as did the shooter .
. . in 6 seconds.<br />
<br />
In the grocery attack, the shooters killed 2 officers, 3 civilians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were no “good guys with guns” (because “New
York” and “only the police need guns”), just law enforcement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The standoff lasted hours.<br />
<br />
Notice a difference??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How things can go when you arm to defend yourself and when you bet your
life on “dial 911”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
My point is not to argue the fine points of these two
events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you read this blog, I assume
you have some level of dedication to carrying a defensive firearm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my not so humble opinion – this is your
best bet to insure you and your family go home, each and every evening, safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, that should a bad guy pop up, you can
quickly and decisively handle that situation.<br />
<br />
While there are many elements to this – from clothing to
education – let’s focus on the foundation, Marksmanship, Gun Handling and Mindset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t hit what you’re aiming at, if
you can run your gun, if you can keep you head in the game under stress . . .
you have a problem.<br />
<br />
This post is NOT about acquiring your skillset
initially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That process is a simple
process of time, money and willingness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take GOOD coursework – annually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Make sure it includes range time that instructs and teaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typical courses run 1 to 3 days and cost $200
to $1500, not including your travel and somewhere between 500 and 1,000 rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have not taken one of these courses –
the story you are telling yourself about your skills and abilities is simply a
lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please, set time and money aside
and schedule a course for this year.<br />
<br />
What this post IS about is what you need to do to maintain
your skillset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just maintain . . . if
you want to evaluate and grow your skills pick a set of coursework for the
coming year that will focus on what you want to work on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Myself for example – in March I’m taking a
one-day Precision Rifle shooting course working on all the foundational stuff
as well as spotting and wind calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also
in March I’m taking an Instructor Development course for handgun to get a POST Certified
LE instructor certification as well as a course on the development of Force on
Force coursework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, in May I’m
taking a 3-day traveling Gunsite course for tactical shotgun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That comes to 48 hours of instruction I am
TAKING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instructors I find this type
of annual schedule is imperative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we’re
not growing individually as an instructor – how can we expect our students to?<br />
<br />
But, on top of this is at least one monthly trip to the
range where I set aside 100 rounds to maintain what I am learning and what I
consider necessary skills as a defensive shooter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll miss 2 months because of family or
weather or illness or . . . just plane “I don’t wanna go today!!”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the other 10 months I’ll be out there
working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, let’s talk about that,
specifically . . . a day on the range with 100 rounds getting “good work done!”<br />
<br />
For you – start today and place that order for 1,000 rounds
for your EDC handgun or your home defense handgun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My vendor of choice is Luckgunner.com and my
preferred manufacturers are PMC, Blazer and Magtech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had excellent service from Luckygunner
and these manufacturers have not disappointed me for my range ammo.<br />
<br />
Next – what do I shoot at??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, there’s all types of targets that I’ve used in the past – from 8-1/2
x 11 pieces of paper to steel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
settled on the <a href="https://shop.actiontarget.com/content/seb-swat-seb-training-target-q-scoring.asp"><b><span style="color: #990000;">LE
Targets SWAT SEB training target</span></b></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can buy 100 targets for around $35 which will give you 10 targets per trip –
that should be plenty for the year.<br />
<br />
There are other advantages to this target as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s obvious that the shape is human – and not
a pie plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That allows you to become
familiar with shot placement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does
it take to make a headshot?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you
quickly discern between a number, shape, center mass or pelvic girdle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one of the elements in the mix to move
you practice from just making holes on paper to preparing to meet a lethal
threat.<br />
<br />
What distances should you work at?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My recommendation is 5, 7, 10, 15 and
25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manage your magazines and ammunition
so you use 3 or more magazines, perform magazine changes and – if you want –
mix in some dummy ammunition to force you to manage malfunctions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fire 10 rounds at each distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your course of fire would look like this . .
.<br />
<br />
“UP” command – 2 rounds high center mass box.<br />
<br />
“Head” command – 1 round in the ocular cavity.<br />
<br />
“1 or 2 or . . . 6” command – 1 round in the numbered shape.<br />
<br />
“Square or Circle or Triangle” command – 1 round in each
shape.<br />
<br />
This is not the order of the course of fire but rather that
commands given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The commands should be
mixed providing multiple engagements from each distance.<br />
<br />
Once you’ve sent your 10 rounds down range from 5 yards,
move back to 7 and repeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do this
process for 10 rounds at each distance until you’ve fired you first 50 rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the 25 yard line focus on just the high
center mass box, you’re looking for an effective shot and, frankly, under
stress most shooters will be good to hit the shooter at all, let alone a
precision shot like a head shot.<br />
<br />
Then, change out the target and repeat it again but this
time starting at the 25-yard line and moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
Each engagement should begin from your everyday carry configuration
taking into account the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s
cold, you’ll have extra clothing to contend with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Raining??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warm and sunny . . .
count yourself lucky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
Finally, score your targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Any round touching the outline of the proper shape counts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re looking for a minimum score of 80%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect most will find the 25-yard shots
very challenging – keep working on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember to have solid fundamentals – stance, grip, sight alignment,
sight picture, push out to your biomechanical stop, a smooth trigger
press.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to say I’m a wizard to
25 yards – I’m not, it takes real work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put
the time in.<br />
<br />
So how do you run through this course of fire?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The easiest is with a shooting partner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have them call out the commands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easier if they write down each string of
fire for each distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, should
you be sans shooting partner, there’s also the recording feature of your
phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Record an entire 50 round string
of fire allowing about 15 seconds per shot to accommodate your draw and your
holstering after your shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell
yourself when it’s time to move as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You may have to pause to accommodate the loading of magazines . . . or
simply buy a couple more to smooth out the process.<br />
<br />
Finally, after you’ve recorded the 50-round course of fire,
plug in some earbuds, cover them with your ear-pro and do your thing.<br />
<br />
This type of range trip typically takes about 2 hours for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This process is also adaptable to
most indoor ranges as well with the exception that the engagement begins at the
High Compressed Ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you miss
here you can work on at home using dryfire.<br />
<br />
Which, BTW, should also be part of your mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you spend a couple 15 minute sessions each
day working with your draw, drive out and engagement of a threat it will pay
great dividends in your range work as well as at a time where you are forced to
engage a real threat.<br />
<br />
One other caveat here . . . this type of work needs to be
done with each firearm you depend on to defend your and your family’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, that’s simply a Glock 17 that I carry
every day – even as I type this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, if you roll between a Glock, 1911, revolver . . . they you need to
speed 1,000 rounds per platform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is
why I have a single platform . . . I’m relatively cheap!!<br />
<br />
That said, I do also have an AR carbine in 5.56 for home
defense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I spend the same amount of
work, with the same amount or rounds per month on that platform as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do change the distances and spend 30 rounds
at 15 yards and 20 rounds at 50 with high center mass engagements only at that
distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I zero my “Patrol Rifle” at 50
yards which provides a very serviceable range of 50-200 yards should I find the
need to reach out a bit farther.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only
HUGE caution is that as distances grow, the imminent threat that is presented
diminishes quickly – remember that!<br />
<br />
So, there you go . . . your homework assignment for the
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>100 rounds of good work once a
month.<br />
<br />
See you at the range!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2031819490572301756.post-31287279915860767882019-12-03T10:41:00.004-06:002019-12-03T10:46:39.812-06:00Just the Basics - Ammunition Does Matter<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This past week I made a range trip to brush off some of the
rust in my precision shooting efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
post is entitled “Evaluating Targets” under the “Training” heading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used a mix of Aguila ammunition that I had
on hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose you’d call this “plinking”
ammunition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My primary use is in by introductory
handgun classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The targets are large,
the distance are around 5 yards and the primary thing I am interested in is
safe gun handling and very basic marksmanship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Aguila works just fine for that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">However, I will confess to some frustration that at 50
yards, 5 rounds per target, my group size was 2”-ish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To tighten things up I picked the best 3 rounds
(smallest group) of the five thus using a rough “average” to tighten up my
group size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that caveat my group
size was right at .5”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not bad . . . but
the visual of the targets with rounds splattered around bothered be.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I posted the article to a couple different Facebook
shooting groups I received a lot of “why the heck did you use Aguila ammo for
precision shooting???” type comments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Heavy sigh . . . Because I did???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anyway, I looked through by ammo stash and found 2 boxes of Eley Club ammunition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had shot up 8 boxes of a 10-box brick and
found I was quite happy with the performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, with a day filled with sun, no wind and mid-30s I thought I’d spend
a couple hours at the range just to see how it performed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t disappointed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">First, let’s chat a bit on what goes into making a precise
shooting round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a word – consistency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bullet weights of all rounds are the
same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Eley Club round is lubricated ensuring
consistent loading into chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
precise power load each and every time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A consistent case size and good application of priming compound inside
the rim of the casing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do these things,
exactly the same, each and every time . . . and you will have a precise cartridge
that will perform exactly the same every time it is fired.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Accuracy is the other side of the coin and that is up to
you and your rifle.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a reminder, here is my target from the earlier trip with
the Aguila ammunition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZv_QmCC0ziGnHOObFBRXo9tyfc4s3m16rRZunuzeoJbRLGSLxjBK2XXrMokRPLhaeyKY2IStYBmX5TDj8SFkRo9isF0eNqFV6hbn4H0_-HcyBpILCit9mxYa1o5bR7BbX-bYUxca4wk/s1600/20191124_161446+1+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZv_QmCC0ziGnHOObFBRXo9tyfc4s3m16rRZunuzeoJbRLGSLxjBK2XXrMokRPLhaeyKY2IStYBmX5TDj8SFkRo9isF0eNqFV6hbn4H0_-HcyBpILCit9mxYa1o5bR7BbX-bYUxca4wk/s320/20191124_161446+1+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa9LDwYDHzND8AXgN26Q5dAsBLHZRggIEwyO5M1TAAsrRqSxiU4wJSBqHyUsmYMfeC7ZM0YblI-s0FSAY2HZZ_miUvL_UjMukCrW6g4rffR0S9kO7TsEeAQ6WSUOlM4CKPu-4MORQSQ4/s1600/20191124_162030+1+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa9LDwYDHzND8AXgN26Q5dAsBLHZRggIEwyO5M1TAAsrRqSxiU4wJSBqHyUsmYMfeC7ZM0YblI-s0FSAY2HZZ_miUvL_UjMukCrW6g4rffR0S9kO7TsEeAQ6WSUOlM4CKPu-4MORQSQ4/s320/20191124_162030+1+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a> </div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As you can see, the only way you can begin to detect the
accuracy of my rifle and my shooting is by finding the best the shots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly not ideal and, for me, it was
frustrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So let’s see how the Ely
Club ammunition performed.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgudzC1jbsXOMegdfWLrGrFVh0f-dJu6-HQQbi29rDwd94CwJm4S48g5erKEPoEhALFkLmwnCa-fHWH5KmADHs5mOHq58YWTgXbuZdoKZcGjrjZ-8Pq7bA-NCy2O2UeTgGQUiBBS0cq14/s1600/20191202_154919+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgudzC1jbsXOMegdfWLrGrFVh0f-dJu6-HQQbi29rDwd94CwJm4S48g5erKEPoEhALFkLmwnCa-fHWH5KmADHs5mOHq58YWTgXbuZdoKZcGjrjZ-8Pq7bA-NCy2O2UeTgGQUiBBS0cq14/s320/20191202_154919+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-uv2h1OGoyiF4EkJDJ6nS9zRDf-spNTLkUhUuMo20RZ173iDaIziodcf2LB-sZVlEhTus-Hu38Yj7CRXp6RE1suh1iE3h3ViM2y5yBWtwo_CVnMWfb1vsDuP9VZcRTqtkMYG5mraW2o/s1600/20191202_150240+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-uv2h1OGoyiF4EkJDJ6nS9zRDf-spNTLkUhUuMo20RZ173iDaIziodcf2LB-sZVlEhTus-Hu38Yj7CRXp6RE1suh1iE3h3ViM2y5yBWtwo_CVnMWfb1vsDuP9VZcRTqtkMYG5mraW2o/s320/20191202_150240+%2528Large%2529.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-uv2h1OGoyiF4EkJDJ6nS9zRDf-spNTLkUhUuMo20RZ173iDaIziodcf2LB-sZVlEhTus-Hu38Yj7CRXp6RE1suh1iE3h3ViM2y5yBWtwo_CVnMWfb1vsDuP9VZcRTqtkMYG5mraW2o/s1600/20191202_150240+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As you can see, the difference is stark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there are a couple groups that opened
up, the precision and accuracy of each round is significantly better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than making myself feel better, what’s the
value in this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Better, more consistent
practice sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I always have to
worry about whether it’s just crappy ammunition or a crappy shooter I’m not
going to make much progress on all the little nuances of precision
shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, if I have confidence in
the performance of the ammunition . . . and I have some thrown rounds . . . I
can begin to correct my problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, about this time my curiosity tickles me a bit . . . how
would this stuff shoot at 100 yards?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
turns out that the Eley Club is actually designed to be a 50 yard round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But surely I can push it out a bit, right.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">First things first, the ballistics of the round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are any number of ways you can get from
here to there – on-line calculators, manufacturer spec sheets, computer
software, formulas . . . or how about “there’s an app for that”??</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have an Android phone and have chosen the Strelok
Pro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If memory serves it’s about a $7
app but worth every penny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s rolled
through 3 phones with no additional charge and is continually updated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the latest is a Bluetooth link to the
Kestrel family of weather meters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has
a database of 1460 reticles, 3226 cartridges and around 1500 different bullets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a free version that comes with a
limited number of reticles, cartridges and bullets though you can define you
own if you wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s enough for you to
evaluate the product but for the price it’s a great chunk of software.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It allows you to define different rifles and attach to each
their particular scope and the individual cartridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Switching between different rifles is simply
a drop-down menu choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As can see in
the image below I’ve selected the Ruger Precision .22 with a Vortex Crossfire
II 6x18 44mm scope and it’s reticle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also selected is the Eley Club .22 caliber round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve defined the rifle zero as 50 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0c2ABqS-D0EzyfmLUToliZx0oeIJYhyyvLDQxuub7LUKzHUIWBPJVXUFkCnGH6uLzlfmWHiY8SQe4XB2FGqiwDW40TNxQO_cYw38gCYKz6V6UT0Tynn3pwZx2k0lkhfn5R9OtFO4D9k/s1600/Screenshot_20191202-164441_Strelok+Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0c2ABqS-D0EzyfmLUToliZx0oeIJYhyyvLDQxuub7LUKzHUIWBPJVXUFkCnGH6uLzlfmWHiY8SQe4XB2FGqiwDW40TNxQO_cYw38gCYKz6V6UT0Tynn3pwZx2k0lkhfn5R9OtFO4D9k/s400/Screenshot_20191202-164441_Strelok+Pro.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Insert strelok definitions screen here</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This yields a couple useful chunks of data.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One a ballistics chart with the hold over
required, in this case right at 6 inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it yields an image of what you would see through the scope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It shows a holdover of 6 MOA or two hash
marks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since this is not precisely the
reticle of the scope I started with a holdover of 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_2wpWfg-vnSCAwc0ZvGsgEVgXgkqRbzjf-V8Ledq2nbQKfht8ZRU773FJ9rVWgUTMG3sEjXRLTBJ7slO6ILN5LyLWqikjl1REHnW4W2AWkbbIKTN_UMrJ6psKEIKrBSYbr1tfsqLilQ/s1600/Screenshot_20191202-164510_Strelok+Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_2wpWfg-vnSCAwc0ZvGsgEVgXgkqRbzjf-V8Ledq2nbQKfht8ZRU773FJ9rVWgUTMG3sEjXRLTBJ7slO6ILN5LyLWqikjl1REHnW4W2AWkbbIKTN_UMrJ6psKEIKrBSYbr1tfsqLilQ/s320/Screenshot_20191202-164510_Strelok+Pro.jpg" width="155" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiobFSSziyyzvcJRh0i8YSlI_u23c8q4TwH6ntc8x2pX3hNYbZ_cf4uR-ly-GBvQAIDVuc23CZ5yXG8I3S8Cxkw0MQiw3nSlpaaQPcSU9sbceQj3CZO2KnKDn3waupO2UMXD5cwFGjLSQ/s1600/Screenshot_20191202-164452_Strelok+Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiobFSSziyyzvcJRh0i8YSlI_u23c8q4TwH6ntc8x2pX3hNYbZ_cf4uR-ly-GBvQAIDVuc23CZ5yXG8I3S8Cxkw0MQiw3nSlpaaQPcSU9sbceQj3CZO2KnKDn3waupO2UMXD5cwFGjLSQ/s320/Screenshot_20191202-164452_Strelok+Pro.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="155" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The result looked like this . . .</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nO2ltNYEVR99lcddL5FXCLlBTcdJ-kOiCwmfAqsEuT3c2eA0_Z7xDzOD2hn8Cg6I93pwQb5tzZW8L94cwkDc-tv9wEtyat7MtIgop49dGG_TtTSaktiDTlpm8gSb2hMlqGcszpxyMrM/s1600/20191202_164613+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nO2ltNYEVR99lcddL5FXCLlBTcdJ-kOiCwmfAqsEuT3c2eA0_Z7xDzOD2hn8Cg6I93pwQb5tzZW8L94cwkDc-tv9wEtyat7MtIgop49dGG_TtTSaktiDTlpm8gSb2hMlqGcszpxyMrM/s400/20191202_164613+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Notice that the hold over seems to be good but the rounds
are about 1.5” right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means I need
to move the zero 6 “clicks” or 1.5 MOA to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The results of that can be seen on targets 4
and 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each target is 3” with a 1”
center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point I had a half box
of the Eley Club left so I posted one more target seen below.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN2x5hMm3UbQLInq4O1xdRtj0gPoKnpxEugOmEDLhXSqOcvsAt_H_df69jq9QSUfyT41qFGlmAWWjL16viaOxYyRlLB-jeu7KDUbVM7VSkEjwcgNG7E5bXHjrWtYUgwyCBtHnhSIErsU/s1600/20191202_164644+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihN2x5hMm3UbQLInq4O1xdRtj0gPoKnpxEugOmEDLhXSqOcvsAt_H_df69jq9QSUfyT41qFGlmAWWjL16viaOxYyRlLB-jeu7KDUbVM7VSkEjwcgNG7E5bXHjrWtYUgwyCBtHnhSIErsU/s400/20191202_164644+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This was my first outing with the Ruger PR .22 cal at 100
yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The groups the small squares are .25”
and I would estimate that all the groups are 2 MOA or smaller with a couple
being sub 1 MOA.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nothing to really write home about for real competitive
shooters but I’m not sure I want to invest the time and money getting to a
single hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe I can get to a
consistent sub 1 MOA group and will explore some of the competition rounds that
Eley makes at the suggestion of a number of very helpful folks on the FB
groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than that, I’ll focus on
the fundamentals, do my best to keep the flyers ammunition related . . . not
shooter related.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And, I’ll take advantage of this trainer to refine my skill
set so I can work with my RPR in .308 and push my range out to 800+ yards with
is the limit of a local range.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bottom line, this little trip again allowed me to learn,
grow a bit as a shooter, confirm some of my hardware and software and
demonstrated the real difference between the “cheap stuff” and the “good stuff”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “excellent stuff” might have to wait
until Spring . . .</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>eiaftinfohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13595068743383767561noreply@blogger.com2