The 700 for Christmas!!!!!!

     So when I woke up this morning I thought I would shoot the "700 Point Pistol Aggregate" to celebrate Christmas instead of a full training session (which I had planned and written out).  I was intent on shooting it cold (as always) and would post whatever score I was to get.  Of course this upped the stakes a bit.  As you may know, where I work the 700 is used as a standard test and we are held to that standard so I couldn't mess around. 

     After working for a while (surfing the web), I decided to go shoot.  Of course now the wind is blowing left to right then right to left.  It was everywhere and hard.  Once I set up my target and grabbed bunch of repair centers (NO TAPE), I was ready.  After my first string I dropped a few more points than I wanted to but I was just getting started.  So after a deep breath it was on and I kept a positive attitude putting each shot behind me as it hit black.

     In the future, I would like to write about the mental management side of shooting but for now I am very much a student, trying to continuely focus and maintain that focus while shooting.  What was interesting to me when I finished was my Strong Hand Only (SHO) Slow Fire and SHO 5 rounds in 20 seconds was my worst 10 round group.  Interesting because I shoot SHO so much.

My 643 for Christmas 2011.  Yes I see that shot in the five ring too.  No need to point it out.  It was windy remember.

     So all said and done I shot a 643 cold on December 23, 2011.  Now if you havent shot the 700 this will not mean anything to you but if you have, well you can decide for yourself if it is good or not or up to your standard.  It exceeds my standard of shooting a 620 cold on any given day if called to do so.  Even in front of an audience, class or peers. 

     I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  Thank you for all your support.
     The "DAV"

 

Support these Great Guys

     I want to throw a big shout out to the guys (and gals) at Shooters Supply and Grey Group Training both located in Fayetteville, NC.  Both of these companies are huge supporters of our Military and Law Enforcement communities as well as civilian shooters.  Both support me to no end and I wanted to say thank you to them both.

     Shooters Supply is a gun and gear store and has great customer service.  These guys will bend over backwards to help you out.  Dave M. who runs the shop is a great guy and will help your team, unit or agency get what you need.  Most importantly Dave is trustworthy.  John C. is an awesome dude who puts up with my almost daily phone calls and bitching and is a saint in his own right.  John builds absolutely phenomenal M4's and is the ONLY person who works on my guns.  John will work his ass off to get your gun working as fast as he can and will do it with a smile.  Or at least wait till you leave the room to bitch.  haha.  Seriously the guys at Shooters Supply are there to help and are great dudes.  Be sure to tell them the DAV sent you and they will charge you double.
http://www.shooters-supply.net/

     Grey Group Training,  Most of you know who they are due to there large presence on the net.  These guys and gals run an outfit that is taking over the open enrollment training market.  Something that takes a lot of hard work.  They have assembled a group of great training companies for you to train with.  It takes a lot of patience to work with all these egos.  (Trust me I know, Mine is big enough for a couple of people)  Not only do they coordinate training all over the US but they have a outstanding retail side.  They have put together some of the best gear out there for you to buy.  If your in North Carolina you have to stop by their store.  They have it all and the people in the shop have done their homework and can really help with picking out the right gear for you and your needs.  Big thanks to Josh (The BOSS), Matt, Ryan, Paul H (for your hard for with courses) and the other guys.  Also a big thanks to the women of Grey Group who really run the show.  I don't really know them but they at least smile when I walk in.  Thank you for yall's hard work as well. 
http://store.greygrouptraining.com/

     Support these guys for they are supporting you daily whether with your purchases or with outfitting our Countries Elite Warriors with the training and gear they need to protect us.
THANK YOU

    

    

Training our Soldiers for War

     I will start by saying this is not a feel good or warm and fuzzy post but sometimes you have to feel proud of what you and a team of guys have accomplished.

     As you know I teach and train with a wide range of people from civilians who want to learn the basics of marksmanship to Law Enforcements Officers and Soldiers who are in harms way protecting us from the evils of the world.  I enjoy teaching all these groups for different reasons.  Civilians so they can protect themselves and their families, the LE guys who protect us all everyday and night to the soldiers and Marines who protect us from foreign enemies.

Soldiers shooting the 400 Point Rifle Aggregate

      This past week I along with a great group of instructors (Allan Holland and "Matt" both LE guys and "Ski" and "LB" both from "Green") taught 40 motivated soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division who are about to deploy to Afganistan in a 5 Day Pistol/ Carbine Course with some NODS and Lasers work in there as well.  This was a very long week to say the least.  These young soldiers all had a basic understanding of shooting their M4's and very little time on the M9 with some only shooting it once prior to this course.  As most of you know the curriculum I follow during my courses so I will not re hash that but tell you about the overall improvement in these guys shooting and the confidence they started to achieve with real instruction and time on the guns.

     When we started these guys could not hit the paper with their pistols and after a week of instruction and constant mentoring from the instructors they were putting shots in the black and even holding themselves accountable for their shots if thrown out of the bulls eye.  By Friday morning we had 5 guys shoot over 600 on the 700 point pistol aggregate with one shooting a 617.  That's awesome and those who have shot it know. 

This Staff Sergeant shot a 617 on the 700.  AWESOME!!!!!

  
     On the M4's the guys learned the basic of shooting the prone, seated and kneeling positions and were tweaked throughout the week as they added kit along the way.  The guys also corrected many bad habits during the close up or CQB shooting and learned how to really operate the carbines in an aggressive manner putting shots where they need to be on a person.

Shooting the 400

Soldier shooting the seated position using the open ankle technique.  Notice the elbows in the pockets of his knees.

     These soldiers were like sponges absorbing the information.  We taught them not only how to shoot but how to handle their weapons as a professional and most importantly how to go back train themselves and their new soldiers.

Notice the lefties have to use their thumb or trigger finger to manipulate the safety on their issued M4's.  No ambi safeties here. UNFORTUNATELY

Soldier "Go's Big" with his M4

  These guys felt and looked much more confident when they left than when they arrived many of them telling me they wish they had had this training prior to other deployments.  They were able to train safely on techniques they had never been taught and actually shoot while moving on the range which is extrememly important.

                                   

Soldiers shooting on the move.  Something most had never been taught or been allowed to attempt off the battle field.  Plus with the lighting I thought this pic was just Badass.

     So after the bus roles off the range, we (the instructors) sit back, take a deep breathe of air not filled with lead and reflect on the week.  We agreed classes like this one make it all worth it.  These guys are ready to kick some ass on behalf of the United States, I am proud of them and the country and families should be as well. 

     Then after a beer and a high five the stories and lies started as always, so thats all I will say about that.  On behalf of myself and the guys, we wish these Soldiers the best and if the time comes "Die Well"

Planning and Executing a Training Day

     I had a Badass Training Day this week shooting with "JD" and "Chris K." of Northern Red.  We had discussed throughout the week what it was we wanted to train on and work through as shooters and instructors. I wrote up a rough plan and brought it out.  The day went well with some extremely high numbers (#99 cold on Freestyle slow fire) being put up on bulls and some blazing times when we moved closer for the CQB or closer shooting.  Later in the day we shot some new shooting on the move drills that tested our speed and marksmanship with some tough angles and low percentage shots.  A day of Awesomeness. 

 "Chris K." Shooting on the move.  Check out his aggressive posture, head up, forward hand as far forward as he can get it with his thumb over the top of the rail for better recoil management.

So all that was said to say this.  Our day was successful because of a few simple things that guys overlook.  Remember it's training and not just simply waisting ammo, time and money.

1st. We had a plan and semi stuck to it.  I try to always have a planned out training day and make it a point to write it down. Writing it down helps me stay on course and not go off shooting things I do not need to be working on just because it pops in my head.  However if I need further work on one skill I may continue working a particular skill longer before moving on.  Also writing it down helps me keep long term data on my shooting. 

2nd.  I work on marksmanship FIRST and pistol before M4.  I always do my pistol marksmanship at 25 yards on bulls or the head of an IPSC if I am somewhere and do not have bulls.  I always knock out some freestyle, Strong Hand Only (SHO) and Other Strong Hand (OSH).  Always shoot SHO and OSH even if it is only a few rounds.  If you are ever in need of shooting someone SHO or OSH you will be better off having done so.  I shoot my rifle marksmanship from 100 yards or farther if the range will allow. Working on marksmanship whether it be with pistol or your rifle needs to be done at distance to show the errors in your fundamentals.  You are cheating yourself if you don't.

 "JD" going "BIG" while shooting on the move. Yes that's three rounds air born at a time and hitting the camera man. 

3rd.  While training, don't just jump from bulls to shooting on the move with multiple targets  and so on.  Work on one skill at at a time and build on that.  "Crawl, Walk, Run" even in your own training.  This will help you develop as a shooter and actually get better on those small skills people tend to take for granted. Now if you are testing yourself to see where you are at, then do it cold and "GO BIG" (JD). 

4th.  Record scores, times, split times and gather as much data on yourself or your buddies as you can.  This will help in your long range planning or if your working toward a particular standard or goal.  Otherwise you are not tracking progress and will not reach the goals you are trying to attain.

                                                 "DAV" shooting some new drills

5th.  Add movement to your training.  Shootouts aren't happening at 10 yards standing still.  Train on foot work.  One thing I have learned from "Chris K." is how important footwork is in shooting, CQB and fighting.  Even if all you have time for is working on footwork down the hallway of your house then do it.  Throw up your finger gun and practice moving down the hallway. 

6th. Add stress to your shooting and training.  Now this isn't a post about stress shoots or stress in general that will come later.  You can add some physical fitness or elevated heart rate to your shooting.  Add time standards, timers (shot timer) to your training.  The added pressure of a time standard tends to lead to have guys falling to pieces.   Peer pressure (guys watching you or giving you shit) is great however don't over due it to the point a guy on your team won't push his training because he doesn't want to throw shots.  If you don't throw a shot in your training you are not pushing yourself.  Eventually force on force. Now true force on force doesn't last long because you run out of training partners however using SIMS or UTM rounds is very effective.  These things are important and you must implement them into your training.

These are just a few tips to get you on track and on your way to becoming a great shooter.  All of these items can and could be there own post and I may write about each of these shortly.
Thanks,    The "DAV"

Marge this should help you plan your next training day!!!!!

My Crye Precision Air Frame Helmet

     I recently acquired a Crye Precision Airframe Helmet.  It is the best helmet I have ever owned.  I will admit I have only tried on the Opscore helmet so this is not a comparison of the two.  As far as the technical specs of the helmet I will paste from the Crye site rather than re write all of it.  What I want to share is how comfortable it fits on my head and how it is easy for me to shoot in.  The helmet seems to wrap around the back of my head and appears to be almost flat in the rear.  This allows me to take a kneeling position or prone position in a hurry and my body armour not ride up and hit the back of my helmet then pushing in down in front and in the way of my shooting.  Some of my old helmets did this especially when I had been run into the position.  A real pain in the ass and it really slows you down when shots need to be taken.  The Opscore chin strap that came with the helmet fit nice and the pull tabs are bad ass.  I had not realized the buckle was up front, next to the chin until I took a prone position.  I am a left handed shooter and the buckle was in the way of my cheek weld which didn't stop my shooting but irritated me so after I got off the range it was straight to Grey Group for what Opscore called a Left Eye Dominant Chin Strap (who knew).  Now I'm good to go and I am thinking of fitting one of the Occ-Dial head liners in there.  I hear they are awesome. 
     The helmet also has a passive air flow system due to its two piece construction and although I have not felt a nice cool breeze blow in this opening in the helmet I did notice the escaping of heat in the summer which was probably even better than a breeze. 
     Overall I am pleased with the helmet and recommend one to all.  I would not say they are too expensive because you get what you pay for and money shouldn't be a factor when it comes to the gear you use every day and may save your life.  And if it looks so damn cool!!!!

Here are the specs from the Crye Site:

 Description

The AirFrame™ ballistic helmet sets new standards in protection, comfort, and modularity.  Complete AirFrame™ helmets weigh a full 20% less than complete ACH 2002 helmets while providing more coverage area. The AirFrame™ was developed with a mandate to dramatically reduce head-borne weight while exceeding the ACH frag threat. The AirFrame™ exceeds the ACH frag threat by an average of 20%. A complete medium AirFrame™ helmet weighs only 2.30 lbs., and the large weighs a mere 2.55 lbs. The AirFrame’s™ unique overlapping shell design creates an integrated vent that provides passive cooling and also reduces the damaging effects of explosive blast waves. Each AirFrame™ helmet features an OpsCore™ H-Nape Head-Loc™ retention system for unmatched stability, comfort, and ease of adjustment. Up armoring the AirFrame™ with ballistic ear or face protection is as simple and fast (see our EARS™ and CHOPS™ for more info). All helmets and components are compatible with common ear pro systems like Peltors™ and Sordins™.Features

• Revolutionary vented shell design for passive cooling
• Covers more of wearer's nape than traditional designs
• Modular ear and face protection available
• Modular ARC-Rail™ system available (O2 compatible)
• Can be pre-drilled at factory for desired NVG mount.

Thanks

I want to thank a few influential people in my life, fore they have made me the man, shooter and instructor I am today.  They are in no particular order except for number one.

My father:  US Army Retired Special Forces Colonel.  He has been the biggest influence in my life.  He is a true soldier, man, husband and father.  Thank you

Dan P:  Dan is an old school real operator who taught me years ago how to be a quiet professional and shooter and how serious the world should be taken.  We should all thank Dan for the work he continues to do today, without him we wouldn't have the elite warriors laying slaughter on our behalf.  Thank you Dan

Tony Copper:  I do not know Tony well, really much at all but I trained with him a few years ago and he opened my eyes to shooting in a way I didn't know before and how to accomplish my goals.  Many of my close friends know him well and he has influenced them as well.  He is a true warrior and I aspire to be the warrior he is.  

Kyle Defoor:  Kyle is a bad ass shooter and instructor and I hear operator as well.  When I first became a full time instructor I worked as an AI under Kyle every day and he taught me the ropes of being an instructor and took me under his wing.  He also crushed me on the range till I got my shit together and took it all more serious.  Thank you Kyle for teaching me.  (Also, not trying to copy your site, It just works)

Brain Searcy:  Brian needs no introduction fore he has been in the shooting and training industry for years.  Brian believed in me and gave me the chance since I was pretty much the only non Tier 1 guy in our group and really taught me the importance of the basics and how you can not get away from it.  It all comes back to the fundamentals and having a well thought methodology for your training cycle.  Brian has also shown me the fine points of marksmanship which allows me to really fine tune shooters.  Not to mention the man doesn't miss the black from 25 yards.  A continued thanks.

JD Potynsky:  JD is the CEO of Northern Red and my former boss.  JD continues to be a very close friend and mentor to me every day.  How this guy knows so much at a young age I have no idea.  JD has developed me as an instructor on and off the range in class management to how I present the matereial and myself.  He influences me daily with my shooting and mind set and often has my head spinning with the discussions we find ourselves in.  JD has proven himself in combat, business and in life and I want to say thank you to him for making me a better person overall.

Matt (My brother): I can't say enough bro.  Your always there for me and support me.  The best AI I could ask for.  For those who do not know Matt he is a warrior every day and not only when deployed.  He is willing to go to slaughter for me or the cause at all times.  NO questions asked.  Thanks bro and as JD would say "Die Well".

Allan Holland:  Allan is one of the best shooter/ athletes anywhere and continuously pushes me on the range and crushes me in the gym.  Thanks bro for your inspiration.

Judd F., Chris K., Paul T. and Frank G. are all serious operators who continue to work therefore I will not mention them further except to say thank you. Also a big thank you to Dave and John at Shooters Supply for always looking out for me as well as the crew at Grey Group.

There are others I know so don't get pissy if I didn't mention your name.   Just accept my Thank You.

First posting from the 'DAV"

I know there thousands of blogs, websites and forums on the web to check out and I do daily like many of you.  This is for me to share my experiences and what I see and hear on the range every day.  Some of my posts will not be original and I may only add my 2 cents onto what others have stated or give my opinion.  I am NOT inventing a new Kung Fu.  I am simply sharing what I know or think I know.  Keep in mind, do not take everything I write seriously for those who have trained with me know I can be a smart ass on occasion and I do tell myself daily how awesome I am.  That saves you from having to do it.