Many thanks to LAV, Paul Hotaling and all of the staff at Grey Group Training. The Level 1 class is perfect for beginners or experienced shooters looking to get back to the basics. After taking a little more than 3 years off from training I wanted/needed to go back and review the basics and all of my expectations were met.
LAV imparted his knowledge and skill set to the class, maintained a sense of humor and an open mind. Paul’s own style complimented that of LAV’s. Lots of trigger time but more importantly, the quality of the trigger time was not over shadowed by the quantity. We made every round fired count as opposed to other classes where it seems like a thousand rounds can be fired just reinforcing existing bad habits.
When there was down time it was not wasted time. Instead down time was used to discuss equipment, tactics and mindset.
The class had a diverse representation that included law enforcement, tactical equipment salespersons, recreational shooters, an environmental engineer and four doctors.
The words “El Snatcho” will ring in my head for years to come.
I will dedicate my first post on the Vickers Tactical Carbine/Pistol 01 class held from 4/9 to 4/11. The executive summary is that this course, as LAV would describe, is worth its weight in gold. Unlike some other courses where you are just sending rounds down field, LAV emphasizes accuracy in shooting. “Speed is fine, Accuracy is final” is Vickers’ motto.
The course started out with pistol training. To stress on accuracy, LAV taught us drills such as squeezing the trigger with a empty shell on the front sight and ball and dummy drills to help develop a smooth trigger pull. LAV then talked about how to present the pistol from different ready positions. we then learned about drawing from the holster. The second day involved carbine drills and transition drills. In the evening, we had the opportunity to do some night shooting with both carbine and pistol, which was eye opening for many of us who shot at night for the first time. At the same time, Dave brought some of his NVG gear for people to try out. The third day we learned about clearing malfunctions, turning, and shooting on the move. To help spice things up LAV divided the team into three teams for some friendly competition. The Navy Whales took 3 out 5, while Team America (!@#$ Yeah) took two. Unfortunately for Team Trident, they went home empty handed.
Throughout the course, LAV not only instructed us, but also explained the rational behind the instructions. He also imparted knowledge on things related to fireams, such as lubrication, which accesories and are useful and which ones are wastes of money.
During the three day class, we had some operators training on the next range over with full auto fire. Machine gun fires in the background added some interesting ambience for the class.
Grey Training group, along with the US Training Center, did an outstanding job facilitating the event. I want to thank LAV and Paul for their instructions, and also want to thank Dave for additional insights from an operator. I can’t wait to sign up for the carbine/pistiol 02 course.
Many thanks to LAV and to Paul for a great weekend. This was a very informative class and gave everyone the skills to keep the edge sharp. I enjoyed going back to the basics and refreshing those skills. It was nice to get a no BS opinion on equipment, gear and tactics from someone who has REALLY “been there and done that!” Thanks again. Used the new sling on a search warrant this past week. Outstanding!
The film crew was from Spike TV. They were shooting footage for “Because Live Depend On It” which airs Saturday mornings at 0930. There have been 4 episodes thus far I believe, I saw footage from our class on the first and the most recent.
Spike has an all gun line-up on Saurday mornings beginning at 0900hours. “What If?” “Because Lives Depend On It” “Paractical Tactical” and “Concealed Carry School.”
