Optics! Point of Aim to Point of Impact variation.

Recently, I snuck out with a couple friends for some range time. We set up a couple of drills and while my times, and my groups were good, everything that I shot with my rifle was hitting left. Naturally I thought maybe my scope was off. It wasn't a huge shift, but it was enough that I was hitting on the edge way too often.

After I got home, I set out to ascertain the cause of the problem. I used a laser Boresighter and marked my offset on a target. I placed the target at 10 yds (the distance of the drills) and set my rifle in a rest. While the scope was off slightly (1/2 minute) this was not enough to produce the 3"-4" shift that I was experiencing. So I shouldered my rifle and started sighting the target like I would in training. After a few minutes of experimenting the "AH HA!" moment struck me.

The optic that I use on my AR rifle is a Burris AR 332. I will do a post on WHY I chose this particular optic,  but that is for another time. It is enough to know what I'm dealing with. Back on topic, when I shoot inside of 100 yds, I keep both eyes open. Due to the magnificence of the human brain I can actually see the reticle with both eyes. So I tend to focus on the reticle in my left eye when shooting right handed. Especially at close range, because the magnification slows target acquisition that close. However, what I had failed to take into account is that when using a magnified optic, your point of aim shifts when you have both eyes open. In this case the shift was nearly 4 inches to the right. Of course it would shift left when shooting support side.

Follow me so far?

If not, try this:

Make a triangle with your hands.

Next, looking through your newly formed triangle, focus on an object across the room, remember to keep both eyes open.

Now close your dominant eye. The object disappears, and if you are right eye dominant, your left eye is now looking at a spot several inches to the right of your focus object.

This is the basic idea behind point of impact, and point of aim discrepancy. After doing this little experiment, you start to understand why trainers tell you to "Aim where you want to aim, not where you want to hit." when using scoped rifles. First you have to account for your offset. (The distance between your barrel and your optic) next you need to understand what your point of aim / point of impact difference is. Now if you have a non magnified 1X optic, P.O.A. vs. P.O.I. will be very little, basically you won't notice enough to really worry about, but if you, like me use a low power optic, than this can be a significant difference up close.

As for me, in order to hit in the center of the scoring zone of a VTAC target I had to aim just inside the shoulder. Which is working well, and has been consistent. And that's what it all boils down to right? You can overcome anything as long as you are consistent.

So in the end I solved my little mystery, and am now putting rounds right where I want to. I just have to remember to aim just a little off of where I want my rounds to hit.

Never stop training

Just before Christmas, I had the opportunity of a lifetime handed to me. I won a contest to train with Kyle Lamb of Viking Tactics. The whole thing was filmed and then aired on Shooting Gallery for and episode they called "Zero to Hero". I was transported to Gunsite Academy where I met up with my training partner Ron Larimer from When the Balloon Goes Up! Blog.

Photo courtesy of Hatch Productions

This was going to be the first training course that I had taken in about two years. Also, this was a platform (AR-15) that, while familiar with, I had only had one other basic course on. I'm a long range shooter, and this was going to be training on combat tactics at close range with a carbine. Fortunately for me, I was getting arguably the best trainer in the business. Kyle is retired from U.S. Special Operations. He's been there, and done that. His training is reputed to be some of the most intensive you can get from the private sector. Good thing Kyle is a really nice guy, and took pity on the both of us.

 Ron an I both had our troubles those two days, but I think I can speak for both of us when I say that the lessons learned were invaluable. I for one, have stepped up my training in the months since, and am getting close to mastering at least a couple of the drills. My weapon handling, transitions, and target acquisition is at a level now that I didn't think I could achieve. As a result I am motivated to push harder. Also, an unexpected benefit, is that my long range shooting has improved, especially during stress events, and minimum time exposure targets.

Photo courtesy of Hatch Productions

So ok, I know you're thinking "geez, enough, what do I get out of all this?" Very simple: you can never train enough. Shooting is a very perishable skill. While safety protocols, and basic fundamentals may stick with you, if you want to shoot at a high level of proficiency, you have to put in the time. I have made a promise to myself to take at least one training class every year. So far I am signed up for two this year, as well as two competitions.

When you look at training, get the best you can afford. I know that there are many trainers everywhere that offer classes that aren't anywhere near as expensive as a class at say Gunsite, or Thunder Ranch. That's fine, but at least once you should forgo the new AR and spend that money on one of these courses. I promise you that it will be well worth it.

So what I am trying to convey here is train, train, train, and then when your sick of it, train some more. This will make you a better shooter. Just be sure that your training is effective. Due to the recent ammo situation, I have been doing A LOT of dry fire training. I use an SIRT bolt. They are available at The Balloon Goes Up! Ron also has a ton of other gear you should check out. And don't cry at $140 bucks! You would spend twice that in ammo to get the same amount of training. Plus this allows you to train in the comfort of your living room in your boxers. Cause let's face it, if the moment comes, you won't be busting out of your bedroom in all your tacticool gear. You are gonna be creeping around the corner in your tighty whities and ho chi min slippers, knees knocking, trying to find the source of that broken glass. Remember, we train like we fight.

What did she say!?!?

Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) looks mighty good for a woman who has to be at least 148 years old.
My take on her age is based on a statement the Congresswoman made today while objecting to impending spending reductions relating to sequestration in which she characterized herself as "a freed slave." Slavery as a legal institution ended in the U.S. in 1865 at the end of the Civil War. Here is what Ms. Jackson Lee said, in context (HT Rush Limbaugh):
"We are at the bone almost. And sequester that is across-the-board cuts will literally destroy us and put us in a recession.
I don't want to hear the fact that the president is divisive. The President is leading and he has led well. The American people are listening. When are our friends on the other side of the aisle going to listen? I want to challenge this body to be the kind of "Lincolness attitude."
As yesterday was the official birthday of President Lincoln, February 12, and although it was a tragic time in our history, I can assure you that it shows the greatest promise of America when people could come together and do something great. I STAND HERE AS A FREED SLAVE because this Congress came together."

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2988720/posts

Now I have been asking myself for most of my adult life, how in the world do people this dumb get elected? Then I realize that we DO in fact have a government by the people. Look at the people who elect these clowns and you will have your answer.

People like this:

Now, I'm not genius, nor do I play one on T.V. (Although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once..... several years ago) My initial reaction was that this HAD to be a joke. Sadly, it's not. Education in this country is becoming non-existent. The public school system is more about indoctrination. Anti-bullying campaigns, scaring our children with global warming propaganda, teaching our kids that Obama is Jesus Christ, and the class on "My Two Mommies.  (The list goes on) This schedule leave little time for reading, writing, and arithmetic. And don't get me started on History. It terrifies me what these kids are being taught about very significant historical events.

Now back to Congresswoman (I use that term loosely) Lee and the debate of sequestration.

Let's not lose sight of what sequestration REALLY means. There are no spending CUTS. NONE. It is all tied to baseline accounting. All it means is that we won't increase spending quite as much, quite as fast. In other words, over the next 10 years we'll only spend 43.8 Trillion instead of 44.7 Trillion. A savings of 900 Billion Dollars. Or in .gov speak, a ROUNDING ERROR. Sheesh.

Oh, and we really need to do something about all this slavery that is still going on. However, that's quite a Cinderella Story there Ms Lee, from slave to Congresswoman, all in the 21st Century. Maybe there is hope for us yet, eh?

Post Disaster Tactics

Perusing some of the other sites for defense and survival information, something that I have noticed is that not many people talk about specific tactics. We all assume that we will be cut off from aid. Probably in small groups, so why not take advantage of the tactics developed for just this situation.

I have relied heavily on sniper tactics, since, I believe they suit my purposes the best. I don't really worry about being able to deliver precision fire to a specific target at long range. That would not be my purpose. Although as a long range precision shooter I practice, and am proficient in the skill. That is not what I see as being the best utilization of small unit sniper tactics in a disaster situation. What I am talking about is concealment, observation, and situational awareness. We'll tackle these one at a time, and show how they are effective as a defensive strategy.

Concealment

This should be obvious. In a disaster situation, it may not be in your best interest to stand out. There are hoards of people that will be desperate, and hungry, looking for any resource they can find. Many will not take no for an answer. The first step to avoiding this problem is not to look like you are any better off than they are. This is one of the reasons that I'm not a huge advocate for having a large back-up generator for my home. Noise and lights attract predators. I keep a small generator for very limited use. As long as I can keep batteries charged, and communications working, I don't need to have major electronics. Solar power may even be a better option. No noise, no fuel to store, as long as the sun is shining, it's working.

Next is vehicles. In a disaster situation, I'm going to make sure my vehicle is as protected as I can make it. So if you can, get parked in the garage. If not, find a place to keep it where it is least likely to be stolen or vandalized. That may sound petty right now, but I may need that vehicle. Maybe not initially, but the situation may change to the point that I have to evacuate, and a good vehicle will be the best option to facilitate that.

Finally, your person. Stay away from camouflage, anything that screams military or preparedness. At least in the early phases. This may very well make you a target. If you have to be out, maybe wearing your old work clothes. You know that set we all have, the pants with the mystery grease stain, and the jacket that isn't quite the right color anymore. Maybe not shave. While you don't want to jeopardize your health anything you can do to make yourself look like you are suffering just as bad as every other poor bastard out there. 

The point of course is to blend in. Anything you can do to make yourself look like and insignificant nothing, is going to lessen your chances of being targeted by opportunistic bad guys.

Observation

Again, this is a very obvious concept. During a disaster, you should be watching everyone, and everything. Both to anticipate danger, and also to spot opportunities when they arise. Unfortunately, good observation skills are not easy to develop. They take time, and practice. More so today than ever. Next time you're at the mall, just put your back to a wall somewhere and look around. How many people are completely oblivious to anything but their phone. I would almost bet someone bumps right into you within a couple of minutes too.  The common description is sheep, but I think it's closer to a bunch of ostriches. No one walks around with their head up, paying attention to what's around them.

Train yourself what to look for. Start now. Pay attention to the little details in your neighborhood. Look for anything that might be out of place. Play games with your kids. K.I.M.S. (Keep in Memory System) Games are great. They work so well in fact that they are used by the U.S. Military in many of their training courses.
Commit to being more observant. Go on hikes and see how many animals you can spot and identify. Anything you can do to train yourself to be a better observer.

Situational Awareness

If you have maintained good concealment, keeping yourself safe, and you have been observing the area around you, you are way ahead. Combining this with whatever news you are able to receive from the outside will give you much broader situational awareness. It is this awareness, knowing what is going on from micro to macro levels that will give you the information you need to safely and confidently make your next move.

It is very hard to make decisions with limited knowledge, but in a disaster, this will become the norm. You have to avoid indecision at all costs. Having good situational awareness will go a long way in this regard. You won't feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. You'll have information to act on. This will greatly increase your odds of surviving in a disaster situation.

Reinventing the Shotgun

Like everyone I have struggled in the last couple months to secure anything resembling gun parts. Ammo being top on that list. Thankfully I had a reasonable stock when the apocalypse happened. So I can at least keep shooting, so long as I conserve. One thing I have noticed is the availability of shotgun parts and ammo. Which has led me to take a new look at my good old 870, and retrieve it from it's dark corner in the safe.

I acquired this particular shotgun a few years back when the Highway Patrol traded them in for AR-15's. So I think I paid $100 for it.  At the time, (and even still today) I really wasn't a shotgun guy. I prefer rifles, particularly long range precision pieces. But with current events, I think honing my shotgun skills will keep me shooting, and ammo is still on the shelves.

I started with a good cleaning. From there I decided if this was to become a "real" go to gun, it needed some upgrades. I took off the old Speedfeed and installed a new Knoxx stock. Suddenly the length of pull was perfect, and the ergonomics felt right. Next I added a Magazine Extention. Now I'm packing 7 rounds! Ok, this is shaping up to be a much better defensive gun. Finally I replaced the forend with one that has an integrated light. Night work covered. My last upgrade will be to mount a red dot sight. I'm looking at an Aimpoint. But haven't decided yet.

But what to put through it? This is the magic of a shotgun. The variety of ammo that you can put through the same gun is astounding! Slugs, birdshot, buckshot, sabot, even less lethal options. I have tried to get a good variety of ammo for different situations. My current self defense set-up is as follows:
First round is a rubber slug. After that, 2 rounds of #7 birdshot. I chose this because at close range it is a still a powerful round, but is less likely to result in over-penetration. After that the other 4 rounds in the magazine are 3" magnum buckshot. On the side saddle I have 2ea. #9 birdshot, 2ea. slugs, and 2ea. 00 buckshot. Seems to me to be a pretty diverse load for home defense.  Your mileage may vary.

Currently I am looking for a good shotgun course, and will update when I find the right one. So there you have it. From out of the darkest corner of the gun safe, a new defensive gun emerges as probably the new standard next to my nightstand.

FIRE!!!!

I have been having an ongoing conversation with some friends about Bug Out Bags. We want to do some camping trips this year using only our Go Bags. This will give us a better idea of what we need, and what we don't. I like to travel as light as possible. The less I have to carry, the better. I hate being overburdened. I always figured in a disaster, I'll have enough to deal with. I don't want a pack the weighs more than I do.

For this reason I'm a big proponent of skills over stuff. I believe very firmly that if you have the skills, you can do without a lot of stuff. Yes, nifty tools and modern technology make things super easy, but they also break, or get lost, or weigh a ton. Plus, disasters never seem to happen when you have access to all your goodies.

I was perusing the web and came across an article about making fire by primitive methods. This is definitely a skill that I want to have in my toolbox. The idea of being able to use whatever is handy to make a fire is far more appealing than just carrying more matches.

I plan on learning at least three ways to do this. I go camping enough that my new camping game is this:
Every time we go, I'm going to try to start a fire using a new method. I'll make it a competition with my friends. The first one to do it doesn't have to cook, or something.

Introduction

I'll start out by telling you who I am and what I'm about. I'm just like you. I have a normal job, the house, social life, all of that. But like many of you, I see the world differently. The rose colored glasses came off many years ago. I don't consider myself to be paranoid, but I don't want to rely on anyone to see me through. I want to take responsibility for myself, my family, and my way of life. The way I see it, that is the only way to preserve the life that I have made for myself.

I'm an outdoorsman. I shoot, hunt, fish, and camp. I also like the more extreme sports. Whitewater kayaking, mountaineering, and base jumping. I've spent enough time pursuing these pastimes to have gotten myself into trouble more than once. This has given me valuable experience through lack of good judgement.

I'm no expert, but I wanted a way to share my experience, my learning curve and the sources that I find that might help someone else to avoid the mistakes that I have made. I hope that I can help someone to learn some new skills, and we can all have a laugh now and then. But mostly I want to give one more resource for serious discussion of the world around us, and how to navigate it safely.