From the MBC course in Florida (I couldnt make this one) but thought I would share some good reviews from some of the shooters:
FROM AEM:
This past weekend, May 31-June 1, I took the MagPul Dynamics LLC introductory carbine class taught by MDL Training Director Chris Costa. This was the fourth carbine class I have taken, including an introductory class by Bill Jeans and a more advanced class taught by Pat Rogers. Those classes were great, but I was really surprised at my experience in the MDL class, as I will explain.
The MDL class was held at the FOP range in St. Augustine, FL. We had two full days plus a night shoot. The range was great, although it could use some shade! A very resourceful student, Robert, went out at lunch on the first day and came back with a huge sun tent which was a lifesaver. The entire class was able to squeeze in during breaks to load mags and hydrate in the shade.
Chris is a natural instructor–very intense but flexible and friendly. He gets right to the point and demos the techniques with a smoothness and speed that is amazing. Chris made it clear that he would take us out of our comfort zone as the class progressed and that we would eventually push past our abilities. He explained that we learn more by trying new things and perhaps failing than by simply repeating the same old techniques we have already mastered. Chris always encouraged us and never made us feel bad when we screwed up, which made for a great learning atmosphere.
The students in my class were very competent and safety conscious, so Chris was able to move things along quickly. I particularly appreciated the fact that after a quick but effective safety briefing we started right into weapon manipulation and shooting. We had confirmed zeros and were doing drills before lunch. Considering that this was a two day class, I was glad we didn’t spend half the first day in lectures. We did a lot of shooting up close and learned to shoot quickly at close range. Chris uses a realistically large center of mass on the targets, so the students focus on getting quick hits in the COM, rather than trying to get tiny groups when the target is only a few yards away. By the second day, Chris felt comfortable enough with the class that we started movement drills, which are always a blast.
Chris teaches some techniques and tactics that are a little different from the Gunsite doctrine most instructors teach. His instruction is based on a blend of time tested techniques as well as the most recent experiences of our troops and domestic anti-terror LEO agencies. It’s important to have an open mind and be willing to try new techniques. I had spent months figuring out the placement of my vertical foregrip and weaponlight and was absolutely sure that my grip was the best technique for me. As soon as Chris demo’ed his preferred grip with the reaction (support) hand, I knew I would have to switch my light from the right side to the left and that I would be shooting the next two days with a completely foreign grip. I was dubious but I tried it and it worked out great. I’m not going back to my old grip.
Here is a partial list of things I either learned or tried for the first time which worked out well for me:
“Thumb forward” grip on the handguard with the wrist rotated so the base of the palm is against the vertical foregrip and the thumb is extended along the left handguard, pointed toward the threat. The light is mounted on the left side and the tailcap switch is manipulated with the thumb.
“Combat kneeling,” “high squat” and “medium squat.” This was interesting. Instead of only teaching the stable, supported shooting positions, Chris got us used to shooting out of the kind of spastic, awkward crouches you are most likely to assume when bullets start whizzing overhead. These “positions” may not be as stable as some of the traditonal shooting positions, but you can be shooting back immediately instead of trying to remember which foot to step forward with. We even tried shooting over a barricade while standing on tip-toe!
“Shooting out of the notch,” which is a CQB technique for iron sights that eliminates the offset between line of sight and muzzle, so you don’t have to remember to shoot 2-3 inches high at contact distances.
CQB Shooting with my ACOG occluded by a piece of 100 mph tape. I think I can shoot pretty fast at CQB distance with my ACOG using the Bindon Aiming System, but only with constant practice. With the front lens covered with tape, however, I was instantly able to get fast hits at 2 yards the first time I tried it. This is a valuable tool for ACOG users.
A close guard position with the handgun whereby the muzzle is chest level and pointed toward the threat, rather than the traditional low ready with the muzzle extended but canted down. If necessary, an effective shot can be made from the guard position or while the handgun is being extended out to firing position.
Chris advocates a speed reload technique that has to be seen to believe. He rotates the carbine 90 degrees while simultaneously pushing the mag release. The rotation helps the mag fly free and you are looking right at the mag well when you insert the fresh mag. I didn’t do this one very well, mostly because my “recce rifle” is too damn heavy! I need a lighter carbine and more practice.
This was the most physical firearms class I have taken. No, we didn’t run wind sprints or do pushups, but we spent a lot time in the dirt and changing positions behind barricades. I shot more urban prone in those two days than I have in five years. I have more bruises, lacerations and burns, and got more dirt up my nostrils, than from any other class! I am middle aged and not as flexible as I should be so I was probably feeling it more than others, but even the young guys looked like they were getting a workout. Chris was very careful, though, not to push anyone beyond their physical ability and called frequent breaks to rest and rehydrate. I enjoyed this class more than any class I have taken and highly recommend it.
