My second time through this class as I was part of the pilot group that took the first class held six months ago. This is different from the Carbine Operator Course in that it involves two nights of low/no light shooting. If you haven't shot at night, I highly suggest getting some training as I know alot of us keep guns by the bed in case someone comes knocking unexpected and unwelcome during the night.

 

Unfortunately, Pat was unable to lead the class however Mike/Mr. Grumpy did a phenomenal job. I don't feel I lost anything by having Mike as my instructor rather than Pat.

 

Class was a small mix of the usual suspects. This was the first class for two of the shooters, my second and the umpteenth for Steve of Triad Tactical and Doc. Good group of students, no issues that I saw.

 

TD1 was mixed weather but nothing that drove us off the range. Range safety, mindset, basic drills were all discussed. We broke for a long dinner because there was an event in town which made finding a place to eat a little tougher and because it didn't get dark until 19:30. We did some pistol only work under low/no light conditions which exposed severe deficiencies in basic pistol skills. We did basic carbine drills under the low/no light conditions.

 

TD2 started late due to concerns of weather and how late it gets dark. Multiple target engagements was one of my favorite drills of TD2. Doing this in the dark is even better. We went over stances/positions and malfunction drills which was a change from October as this was day one material then. No matter. Reinforced the need to practice clearing Type 3s. If you get a Type ATE on a two way range, Godspeed.

 

TD3 incorporated everything from the previous days and added the modified Navy qual, MEUSOC, and dynamic drills (turns, shooting on the move, running, etc.)

 

Equipment issues were interesting. The other suppressed SBR experienced erratic ejection. Brass would eject into/at the handguard, striking the rear of the rail or just barely make it out of the ejection port. Extractor was replaced but no joy. I suspect the suppressor but don't know why it would be so random. Same rifle would have the can seize on the adapter due to crap building up on the locking lugs. My M4-2000 did not experience this however after a particularly aggressive NSR, I did manage to discolor the can to a nice golden tone where the serial number is engraved. This is normal from what I have been told.

 

One rifle had a Tubb flat wire spring that started causing the rifle to short stroke. Swapped it with a standard action spring and issues went away. Cheap Chicom flashlight went down and was replaced by a TLR1. My SBR choked on TD1 when it ran so filthy that it wouldn't go into battery. Cans are filthy. I took my BCG apart each night after class and hit it with degreaser then re-lubed. Had to re-lube two or three times a day to keep it running. By contrast, the keep-it-practical carbine I ran in October was lubed before TD1 and at the 500 round mark yet ran like a top. Those of you who run cans should take note of this (if you didn't already know).

 

I am extremely grateful to Roy at Weapon Outfitters for sending me a T&E gas vent. Of the 1300 rounds I shot, I experienced gas face ONCE which is pretty impressive considering I was shooting full power 5.56 though a suppressed SBR. The gas vent is a very effective piece of hardware if you're shooting a suppressed rifle.

 

Lessons learned:

 

1. Cans = dirty. Plan for it, accommodate it, keep shooting.

2. I need to keep a log book of my personal training (the kind between formal classes) as doing so will help me gauge when I can speed up or move further out on certain drills as well as focus on what I need to improve

3. I suck at shooting on the move. Mike shared a great drill to simulate this if your range doesn't allow you to move while shooting. Move your arms laterally to simulate the movement of you walking and learn to press the trigger as the dot intersects your target.

4. Need a better light solution. I run my gear out of Fast mags and Kydex holsters on a duty belt. Additional mags are kept in pants pockets. I need to move my handheld light to my belt and out of a pocket.

5. Standardize your movements so you only have to reinforce one set of movements. For instance, if you're standing, get in a kneeling position that allows you to access your stuff the same was as though you were standing.

6. Gear does make a difference. I attribute part of my increased speed to the different configuration of the rifle. Single stage trigger (S3G vs. SSA) and a suppressed SBR for easier recoil management made a big difference.

 

EAG is coming back the first week of November to put Carbine 2 on again and I am planning on being there. Those of you who think taking a class once is enough need to reconsider your perspective. Having a trained, expert instructor reinforcing what you've learned already and watching you as you execute it will make you a better shooter. EAG teaches you to fight with your rifle, not put holes in paper e.g. you are training for a two-way situation and your training must make up for being on the low end of the power curve.

 

Special thanks to Mark for being a great host and Mike for expert instruction. I had alot of fun over these three days and learned alot about myself as a shooter and my gear's limits.

Great AAR, Ty! Thanks for sharing. Oh.. and you guys with your SBRs AND suppressors, suck