Ken Hackathorn’s Take Part 3
Since much of the information on M4Carbine.net is centered on the AR-15 family
of weapons, it is worthwhile to discuss my outlook on teaching and using the AR-
15/M4 weapon system. I purchased my first AR-15 in 1964, however .223 ammo
was not available until I entered the Army in 1966 and started my ‘home storage
plan’. The ammo was 5.56 and came in 20 round white boxes. I recently shot some
of the last of my first RA64 date 223 ammo and it was still extremely accurate. No
one ever imagined that the AR15 would become a modular weapon system as we
know it today. After a half century of use, the current M4 is a superb weapon.
Many users today have hung so many accessories on the gun that it serves very
little utility of what it was originally designed for. It is best as a ‘light’ handy
carbine. By the time you add a scope or red dot, white light, sling, and loaded 30
round magazine, you are now into the 7.5 pound range and handy starts to become
a relative term. Therefore, first and foremost, put only what you need on your gun.
If you’re not sure if it is needed, the answer is NO.
The most critical things that the shooter will interface with the firearm are the
trigger and sights. Sadly, many of today’s AR triggers that come from the factory
feel like the sear is a broken hack saw blade. I don’t care how much the term ‘mil
spec’ is used, a shit trigger is just that. Get a good trigger in your gun. The Colt
AR15 (SP1) and M16A1 triggers ‘back in the day’ were great roll off triggers that
gave superb results. Today, there are many really great aftermarket triggers.
Geissele triggers are the gold standard. Pick one that meets your needs. A crappy
trigger will give crappy results.
The next important component are sights/optics. Every AR/M4 should have back-
up iron sight and they must be zeroed. The choice of red dot or scope is up to you
and your needs. If you will rarely need to shoot past 150 yards, a red dot is the
answer. If range is greater, or the need to ID the target is critical, a 1x4 or 1x5/6
may make sense. I have seen red dot sights in use for over two decades, and I
recommend Aimpoint. I prefer the Micro. Nothing on the market can compare.
Yes, there are other brand, some which are issued to US Military Spec Ops units.
Does that mean they are best? No. It only means they are what are issued. If their
optic fails, they simply turn it in and get a new one.
Place your red dot on the gun where it works best. In really cold weather, your
breath can fog the lens quickly so mounting closer to the ejection port will help. If
you must function in frigid temperatures, I recommend a throw lever mount system
that allows you to remove your red dot or scope and go to iron sights. This may not
seem like a big deal if you only go to the range on nice warm days, but the real
world doesn’t work that way.
Another important piece of equipment for your AR/M4 is a sling. I prefer a two
point sling, and I use the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling. Single point slings were
all the rage ten years ago….they are rarely seen today, and, if so, in the hands of
the 'gun shop commando’s.’
Keep your AR well lubed. I have been using Mobil One for years; great stuff. In
the past year I have switched to Fire Clean. Properly applied it is awesome. I’m
sold, as it makes cleaning the gun simple. AR cleaning is a pain and a little Fire
Clean goes a long way. My first application on my BCM training gun went to 1800
rounds before I cleaned or lubed it again.
People ask about zeros. I recommend and use a 100 meter zero. Again, zero should
reflect your needs. Practicing at the range from a bench rest or prone is great for
zeroing or testing loads. Otherwise, shooting from a bench or prone is just like
masturbating, you get the rounds off, but not the real thing. Learn to shoot on your
feet. 75% of your shooting practice should be standing and working from both high
and low ready. Drills at 25, 50, 75 and 100 meters are where it is at. Learn to adapt
to various covered shooting positions such as low cover (behind a wall or vehicle).
Most important: practice from both right and left shoulder. Remember, cover
comes from both the left and right side 50/50 in the real world. At least 25% of
your range time should include shoulder transitions. Make all the excuses you want
about why you don’t think they are important…you will still be wrong. I get
students that ask me why I don’t teach shooting techniques where you are on your
knees shooting with your head on the ground under cars and low ports…pretty
much ‘bull’; never met anyone that did it for real. It’s a great way to fill in time in a
class when you don’t have enough material to go 8 hours.
Also, forget magazine dumps. That is some really stupid shit. Practice transitions
of close to far targets. If you are shooting your carbine at distances you could do
with a pistol, well, you get the message. Man up and back off to at least 25 yards
and shoot at a small target like a NRA B8 bullseye. Train and practice for the event
you are likely to be in when your carbine will be used. Cover is your friend. Never
leave cover loading your weapon. Look around before you move or leave cover.
Have a plan before you move. Trying to make a plan while you are moving and
under fire really sucks.
-Ken Hackathorn