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.