Beyond Target Shooting: AAR

Last weekend I traveled to Bastrop, Texas (down past Austin), and took their one day class 'Beyond Target Shooting'. A friend of mine got some much needed training out of this class and I got to get together with some friends that I don't see very often, and meet some new ones. The class was a beginner level concealed carry class. It primarily focused on the basics of concealed carry and basic draw techniques and malfunction drills.

Topics covered included:
o Mindset and tactics to increase you’re situational awareness.
o Gear Selection
o Carry options
o Drawing from concealment
o Firearm care and maintenance
o Marksmanship fundamentals
o Malfunction clearing
o Various shooting drills to become more proficient and prepared with a handgun for personal protection.

It was a eight hour class and they covered ALOT of material. There was about 18 people in the class and 6 to 8 instructors. From what I gather, the Central Texas Training Group (CTTG) is trying to break into the world of firearms training. They consist of a nice range outside of Bastrop. Affectionately called 'The Farm', and yes, if you caught the reference to cheesy 80's novels, they did it on purpose. The cadre is composed of like minded and well trained people that are willing to pass their knowledge onto others.

The Good; The Bad; The Ugly:

The Good- The range is located in a beautiful area, they share the area with a SASS group, It is levelled off, grassy, and has plenty of mature trees for shade. Currently it is only one berm, with no real bays to speak of. I have been told that there is plans to change that.

The classroom portion of the class dumped alot of information. I consider this to be a good thing because even if you only retain 5% of it, you can do more research later on your own. I also enjoyed how they spoke on mindset and avoiding a fight if at all possible.

Range Drills were your basic draw and fire at the target. Alot of attention was given to proper draw stroke and presentation. Again, this was a basic class, but this is where you lay your foundation. Alot of shooters do not have a firm foundation. As such, they are never consistent and have problems with alot of more advanced techniques.

The Bad- You could tell that this was the first public class that this group had put on. Their syllabus could use some streamlining, brought more into focus with what they want to get out in the time that they have to work with.
They did cover what I consider to be some more advanced material. Namely one handed malfunction drills. I dont think that it was appropriate to this class and that time could have been better spent on other material. That and I am not so sure that I want to be standing next to the local mall ninja who thinks that muzzle discipline goes out the window because he gets to rack his slide on his belt.

The Ugly- There was a few safety range issues. Two students were not up to par with the rest of the class and they were pulled aside. While I agree that was the correct choice, one was on the right end of the line, the other on the left. They each had their own instructor, also a good call. The issue was the fact that the range master would call for a safe line, and they would still be hot. This posses a problem for trying to secure equipment that was forward of the line. It happened twice to me personally. When I hear the RO call the range safe, I am trusting in him to know that it is safe. It wasn't and I was a bit upset about that. What should have happened is that the two shooters should have been put together somewhere away from the rest of the class. But, with only a berm and no real bays, there was no good options.

All in all, I would gladly take another class with them, when CTTG finishes cutting their teeth on these classes and makes the planned range improvements, it will make for a good place to take a class in the Austin area.

Review: 5-11 Tactical boots

I know that nobody wants to hear about my feet. But I needed a new pair of lightweight boots for shooting. I also wanted them to pull double duty as a hiking boot. I have modestly large feet (11 1/2 or 12), rather wide, with a extremely high arch. I have a hard time getting shoes to fit.

I happened to try on a pair of boots from 5-11. They are incredibly light, and comfortable. I normally put insoles in every pair of boots that I own, these don't seem to need them. The website says that the boots don't need a break in period. I find that they are a little stiff, and I hope that they will loosen up over time. They are also roomy in the toe area. No worries about ingrown toenails here! I bought them in size 12, the vendor did not have a pair of 11.5's to try on, they probably would have fit. Here is the link for the 5-11 boot promo video.

I shot a indoor defensive pistol match last night with these boots on. The floor is polished concrete and is very, very slippery. I did not slip once. My footing was solid all night, and I forgot that I was wearing a pair of full size boots.

In conclusion, if you want a sturdy pair of lightweight boots, you can't go wrong with 5-11.

Gear Review, Buck Skinning Knife

I have been on the search for the perfect skinning knife. The problem is that I am not a fan of large knives. Sure, I own a few of them, however I prefer a shorter knife (3" or less) for my field work. I passed on one several years ago from a custom knife maker in AZ, now he doesn't make them anymore and I can't seem to contact him.

Thus began my quest. The goal? A short bladed skinning knife that fit comfortably in my hand. I looked in catalogs, I looked in knife stores, I dreamed of the perfect skinner. I had lost all hope and decided that I was going to learn how to make knives and build one myself.

But I finally found what I was looking for, or close enough at least. The knife is a Buck mini alpha hunter. The blade length is only 2 1/2 inches, slightly longer than what I wanted, but extremely functional. The blade sharpens quickly on a ceramic stone and the edge held long enough to skin on very mature, corn fed deer. The only downside of the knife is the sheath, very difficult to button with winter clothes on.

I had some reservations about purchasing a Buck knife, they have always been a capable, average knife. This knife restores my faith in the ability of Buck to turn out a product that can meet or exceed even my stringent expectations.