“I am not here to give you what you want, I am here to give you what you need.”
Larry stated this to the small class before the first hour of the training was complete.
The class was very small. At the outset, there were seven students in all. Most, admittedly, had very little experience with either the pistol or the carbine. For many it was the first formal training they had received. Larry took this in stride and quickly tailored the class to fit the needs of his student base. Although I had trained with Larry twice before and had a little experience with training of this type, I was VERY aware that I needed a trip back “the basics” as much as anyone.
We started day one off with a quick safety brief and went into the subject of Trigger Control. This is the single most important aspect of shooting in his opinion. I don’t think any one will argue.
On the range, we began with dry fire drills with the pistol. This consisted of a partner assisted exercise where your buddy places a spent cartridge case on top of your front sight. The shooter, taking a good sight picture, must squeeze the trigger as not to allow the case to fall off the sight. We continued with 3 different types of ball and dummy drills.
After attempting to extract the “El Snatcho” virus from our system, we proceeded to the trigger reset drill, which is also buddy assisted, and then then to multiple shots. We conducted this drill from different distances which culminated in a sort of “walk back” drill on the bulls eye targets.
After a grouping drill, it was off the dreaded “don’t walk back” drill. This is a Larry favorite where the shooters, following Larry’s lead, engage a B/C zone steel target. They back up until one shooter is left. For myself, I was able to make it back back further then I had ever made it in previous classes. I’d make it even further the next day. (then, of course, I’d petered out…)
The morning of TD2 was a condensed version of EVERYTHING we covered on day one. We did all drills over again. There was a marked and obvious improvement noted for all. In the afternoon, we started on the carbine. Larry is a big believer that since the carbine is not an MP5, a more aggressive blade, or fighters stance should be used. He demonstrated this. Some had to fight through this. It was followed by presentation drills and multiple shots at different distances.
We culminated the carbine portion of day 2 with a 4 position aggregate. (I had a different name for this)This was a drill that was taught in his old unit. It was based on the desire to be able to get head shots with the carbine from 100 yards in. Even though we only had about 90yds to work with, we learned that it is VERY possible to hit the 5.5 inch bull at that distance. It becomes easier when you begin to move closer. (funny how that works). Then, of course, another walk back, but this time with long guns.
That night, we had a low light shoot primer. We used a slightly different “point shooting” shooting TTP with our sights taped if equipped with tritium. This was also conducted on bulls eye centers. Using Larry’s technique, it was very easy to maintain good hits. We also shot with our night sights and white lights utilizing his “flash bulb” technique. After yet another walk back drill, this time using white light, we called it a evening.
TD3 began with an even more condensed review of what had been cover. He added turns to the mix with both rifle and pistol. We covered malfunctions (Larry’s take on this is a little different the others)transitions and shooting on the move. Added to this, we shot on the move using traffic cones and moved in figure 8’s both forward, backward and laterally with both pistol and carbine. After a last walk back drill, this time a “transition” walk back, we were misson complete.
Random points of interest;
o Larry likes the 5.5inch bull centers put over a E-type target. You still have the “human” form to aim at when you make your presentations, but the aim small miss small technique is in full effect.
o You will not “get your blaze on” during his class. You will not do anything you might think is “high speed”. “High speed” is executing the basics very well, every time. As Larry puts it “if you can’t put every round in your mag into the bull at 10 yards, you shouldn’t be concerned with shooting under a car yet.”
o This was noted by LFer Doc Wes; “Larry is like broccoli.” He provides a lot of needed goodness to help you get better. This is great for your personal development. He may not be pleasant, or at some times, not even fun. But in the end, you will be more than happy that you included him in your training diet. Like your vegetables, a good dose of Larry is mandatory.
o Larry’s James Brown imitation is a must see!
Thanks Larry!! By all rights he could and should have canceled the class due to the size. Instead, he drove over 9 hours, for a class that was smaller the half of the “bare minimum” just so we could get our recommended daily allowance of what we ABSOLUTELY NEEDED. Gee, I guess he isn’t an “arrogant elitist” like stated on another fly by night forum. beer
Pics to follow.
Matt
) Oh and no AD/ND’s today. It was an excellent culmination of the previous training days.
