Magpul Dynamics Carbine 1 and 2- Robert, LA- MAR2010

Dealers/ Manufacturers/ Regional/ Info Magpul CORE
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NOLATAC presents—Magpul Dynamics: Dynamic Carbine 1 and Dynamic Carbine 2
March 9-14, 2010 • Robert, LA
(AAR by: Brannon LeBouef (NOLACOPUSMC), and William Phebus (DIRTYSOUTHNARCO, NARCO)

Previous Magpul Dynamics AAR’S from NOLATAC

Jan 5-7, 2010- Hyper-violent Weapons Manipulation (hosted on www.M4carbine.net)
Nov 6-8, 2009- Carbine 1 / 2 Hybrid (hosted on www.AR15.com)

Currently Scheduled Training:
Jul 10-11, 2010: Massad Ayoob – Armed Citizens’ Rules of Engagement
Aug 14-15, 2010: AR15 / M16 Armorer’s Course, sponsored by Sabre Defence
Aug 20-22, 2010: Magpul Dynamics- TBD
Dec 3-5, 2010: Magpul Dynamics- Handgun 2/Shotgun
Dec 10-12, 2010: Magpul Dynamics- TBD
Full photos can be viewed on the NOLATAC Firearms Training Facebook Page

Our class was also featured on TacticalLife.com with a series of articles written by student / writer Len Waldron.

ARTICLE 1
ARTICLE 2
ARTICLE 3

HELL WEEK: MARCH 2010

We hosted Magpul Dynamics for a Dynamic Carbine 1 and Dynamic Carbine 2 class back-to-back. The Carbine 2 was actually scheduled and filled within 36 hours by about 80% of the students from our Carbine ½ Hybrid class in Nov, 2009. There was such a demand that we decided to have another Carbine 1 immediately preceding it. Both classes were filled to capacity within hours.

If you have not been to a Magpul Dynamics training course, especially one hosted by NOLATAC Firearms Training, then you are missing out on not only exceptional lifesaving skills training, but one hell of a good time. Our goal is to ensure all logistical concerns are taken care of for the shooter so that all they have to worry about is pulling the trigger. We also like the camaraderie and social atmosphere created by the classes we host.

TE Gear-

During the course of these two classes, we had the opportunity to test and evaluate the following gear. Complete reviews will be forthcoming shortly.

Spike’s Tactical-

Tom Miller, CEO of Spike’s Tactical, sent us his ST-15 M4 LE Carbine in 5.56mm along with an identical, 22LR upper. Many students got the opportunity to fire this kit, and it came in handy several times as a back-up rifle when we had much more expensive rifles go down, including a complete piston failure and several continued failures to feed or extract. Spike’s also provided patches, hats, T-shirts, stickers, ST-T2 heavy Buffers, carabiners, and banners. The support from Tom and Spike’s Tactical was unbelievable. A full review of the rifles will be forthcoming.

Surefire Industries-

A great industry partner and friend was made in Scott Wilson, Senior Regional Manager, Law Enforcement & Public Safety for Surefire. Not only did he excel as a shooter in Dynamic Carbine 1, but he also brought out a ton of gear for the shooters to finger and try out, including handheld lights, weapon mounted lights, suppressors, knives, and tactical ink pens. He went so far as to do a 30 minute presentation on Surefire products during a lunch break. We will be releasing a video of that presentation shortly.

We were also able to do a testing and evaluation run on the X400 weapon mounted light  with DG Grip Switch and the Mini-Scout with the SR07 Remote Dual Switch. As if all of that was not enough, Scott made sure every shooter in both classes had Surefire EP3 Sonic Defender EarPro for the 	entire week. He also made sure we had an X300 Weapon Light and a Mini-Scout to give as prizes for our daily competitions.


MOTOSHOT-
Kara Hale from Motoshot and Law Enforcement Targets was kind enough to send us their Motoshot TCR Robotic Target System. We were able to run it through its paces on the sidelines. This is an innovative and cost effective piece of gear for instructors looking to add realism in movement to their training programs. It was equipped with a hit/stop and a hit/fall system that could be turned on and off as desired.

Revision Eyewear-

Revision sent us several pairs of their Sawfly, Hellfly, Desert Locust, and Bullet Ant eyewear systems. I personally wore the Hellfly ballistic sunglasses all week and they have become my primary glasses in my range bag. The SWAT guys and the one private military contractor we had in Dynamic Carbine 2 were very appreciative and pleased with the Desert Locust goggles we gave them. The remaining pairs were given out in the class raffles.

MPro 7-

The great folks at MPro7 sent us a ridiculous amount of their MPro7 Gun Cleaner and MPro7 Gun Oil LPX which came in handy several times on the line. Each shooter received a bottle of each. In addition, they supplied us with one of their MPro7 tactical Cleaning Kits for review. This thing got heavy use between strings of fire and classes. The rigid cleaning rod also came in handy as an impromptu case extracting rod. Review to follow.

ATN Corporation-

The good folks at American Technologies Network (ATN) sent us a load of gear to tryout. While our night fire was cancelled due to weather, scheduling, and just general whining by Costa, we did check it out during the week and I have been carrying some of it on LEO duty to try out. We did get extensive use out of the Javelin J600 (600 lumen CR123 Light) and the 10x42RF binoculars. We also received their Night Spirit night vision monocular and the ATN PS22-2 with ACOG.

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Raven Concealment-

Knowing we would be doing a T&E on the pistol mounted X400 system from Surefire, we needed holsters to carry them—and we needed them fast. Given that there was not any other commercially available holster for the X400, Tom Fineis at Raven Concealment moved heaven and earth to make sure we had the kit we needed for the class. It should be noted that many of the shooters in Carbine 2, who had seen the Raven Concealment gear for the first time on Travis and Chris in November 09, were rocking it. I had a couple of pieces of Raven Concealment gear already, and I was once again impressed with my new G17 w/X400 holster, double Glock magazine pouch, and AR15 single magazine pouch.

Swag-

In addition to the outstanding support we received from the companies listed above, the following industry partners supported our shooters by providing free product. Each student received a promotional bag containing approximately 250.00 worth of product from the following industry partners:


Magpul-

Each student attending the course received a free windowed PMag and a free AFG in addition to several patches and stickers. Additional BAD levers, ASAP Plates, MS2 Slings, CTR Stocks, and Aerial Platform and Dynamic Handgun DVD’s were available for sale. Travis Haley also made sure to donate a couple of CTR stocks for each of our class raffles.

Larue Tactical-

Dillio dust and Dillio’s were in great supply. Larue also ensured we had hats and stickers to give to each shooter along with literature on Larue products.

Otis Technology-

Otis sent us one of their Law Enforcement Cleaning Systems and two of their Carbon Removal Kits. These items were used in our raffles at the end of each class. They also supplied the actual bags we used to give all the awesome kit to each student.

Brownell’s-

In addition to providing sample’s of their lubrication, we were also pleased to receive a Three Gun Competition Bag and a Signature Series Pistol Shooter’s bag. These were big ticket items that were highly coveted at our class raffle.

NOLATAC Firearms Training-

In addition to preparing all these goodies, NOLATAC also provided each student with pens, carabineers, and an aluminum 20 oz. water bottle.

Primary Weapons System-

The guys at PWS, supplied us with (18) 75.00 gift certificates that could be used for any of their products. That is $1350 worth of kit that went directly to our shooters. There were already several shooters running PWS piston systems and brakes that they had received gratis from PWS in previous classes we hosted.

JP Enterprises-

In addition to bringing a metric shit-ton of rifles in almost every caliber for students to try out, John Paul, owner of JP Enterprises, donated 3 certificates for a free fire control group and 1 for their Short Range Tactical Sight during daily shooting competitions we held before lunch in Dynamic Carbine 2.

Special Thanks- Special thanks must go out to Jill Reynolds at Magpul Dynamics for constantly putting up with Will’s phone calls and making sure everything went off without a hitch as always. Thanks also for making sure “we” were taken care of. You know Travis and Chris always forget who runs the show… :wink:

Also, we must give a big thanks to Mr. Tommy, Jason, and Joe Wong. It is their private range that we use for these classes. Without their hospitality, these much desired training classes would not be possible in our area. They always do a great job of making sure that we have outstanding facilities and do not want for anything. Furthermore, they are contracted out to provide the ridiculously tasty and filling lunches every day, along with ensuring there is an endless supply of water, soda, Gatorade, fresh fruit, and snacks.

In addition to the wonderful lunches, in keeping with the camaraderie and social atmosphere we have at our classes, the Wong family has a stable of award winning family restaurants. Evening class dinners are planned and a good time is always had by all in attendance. This trip we patronized Mr. Joe’s restaurant, Trey Yuen, which serves world renowned family style Chinese food, so world renowned, that they were invited to cook at the White House (don’t worry, not this president, it was in 1999).

Jason Wong’s Cate St. Seafood Station, served not only as the host for one of our class dinners, but also as the location for our Dynamic Crawfish Boil. Shooters from classes, the local Sheriff, and friends and family of the class were invited for a good ole’ New Orleans Style Crawfish Boil. Since we had several students who traveled over 1000 miles to attend, we thought this was a special treat. It served as a great wind down for the Dynamic Carbine 1 shooters and a great warm up for the Dynamic Carbine 2 shooters.


NOTE

We are not going to go into great detail about the drills or actual range exercises, because most have either been to a class, seen the DVD’s, or read many, many AAR’s that outline in extreme detail every round fired. Our goal is to try and convey a little more about the overall shooting experience of attending a NOLATAC hosted class. We think due to the level of comfort that Travis and Chris have with the area and show we run, things go very smoothly and the overall atmosphere is laid back but intense.

Dynamic Carbine 1-

The shooters:

As always, our classes are filled with people from all walks of life. From the SWAT guy to the cable guy, from the doctor to the lawyer, this class was also filled with interesting and varied skilled individuals. Hell, we even had a marine biologist and a commercial pilot shooting an AK platform. Having been in attendance at several Magpul Dynamic classes, I found it interesting that the instructors have the uncanny ability to read the shooters almost from hour one in order to assess the varying skill and confidence levels. This allows them to get the class moving in a fun and challenging manner that leaves no one behind but does not boar those with higher skill sets.

Weather-

The weather was not that bad for DC1. It sprinkled on us a few days and was marginally cold (by south Louisiana standards) all three days off and on. Given that we were creeping up on a time shift on the weekend, it was still getting dark around 1730-1800.

Food-

The chow at our classes has become somewhat of an urban legend. Not that we do not normally eat pretty damn well in Louisiana, but way down here, we really enjoy our vittles. This reputation is in no small part due to the outstanding home-style cooking chops of Mr. Tommy Wong’s wife, Jeanne. She prepared and transported the food to us at the range everyday promptly between 1130-1200. We relaxed, grabbed chow, enjoyed some good-natured smack talking, and had some opportunities to discuss gear choices, war stories, etc. with the instructors and fellow shooters.

09MAR2010
Sheppard’s Pie
Rolls
Lemon Squares

10MAR2010
Fried Chicken
Jambalaya
Corn
Cookies

11MAR2010
Meatballs & Spaghetti
Garlic Bread
“Tactical” Tiramisu


Equipment-

I found this class to have a higher level of thought out gear placement and selection than the previous classes. I partially attribute that to the multitude of AAR’s and general web traffic that has discussed such issues. I also had several shooters contact me directly for questions or advice. Furthermore, while there were a few “gun issues” as there will inevitably be, there were not a lot of “gear issues.” A few people dropped vertical fore grips in favor of nothing or the Magpul AFG and several people switched over to the Magpul MS2 sling and ASAP Plate combo.

Extracurricular Activities-

With class ending each day at around 1700, most were wore out and hungry. At the end of TD1, we had a class dinner scheduled at Cate St. Seafood Station. Appetizers were gratis from Jason Wong, owner, and the food was quick and delicious as always. The wait staff was attentive and apparently to the liking of many a student….LOL. Keeping with the theme of camaraderie and just a general “laissez les bon temps rouler” attitude, dinner was light-hearted and fun. If you ever make it to Cate St. Seafood Station, you have to try the “Chris Costa Cate Street Crack Wings”….another bayou state hosted class staple–ask Chris, their Killer!:stuck_out_tongue:

TD2 found us having dinner at Trey Yuen, another Wong family establishment. A little more formal type of atmosphere, but still laid back and fun. Everyone put on their most starched and pressed 5.11’s and Old Spice, and we dined on a 6 course feast selected by Mr. Joe Wong, owner. All I can tell you is that it was delicious. I embarrassed myself (as I often do) eating the steak tips and the pineapple delight dessert. Those things were ridiculous. I mean really, really, ridiculous.

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Since we were hosting two classes back-to-back, we felt this would be a great opportunity for about 50 shooters and industry people to get a chance to relax and have a good time together. Cate St. Seafood Station’s huge banquet hall was the setting. Jason Wong boiled some delicious crawfish, sausage, potatoes, and corn. We had ourselves a good ole fashion Louisiana Crawfish boil. Shooters from DC1 were still pretty amped up about their virginal experience, and the DC2 shooters were getting amped about the next day. I feel very confident in saying a good time was had by all. The Dynamic Crawfish Boil (trademarked, NOLATAC…LOL) served as a great wind down for DC1 and gear up for DC2. I hope in the future we are able to continue these joint type events.

Conclusion-

I was approached by several of the DC1 shooters and thanked for making this training happen. When they were explaining their experience to me, I could see the strong flicker of the light of awareness that comes when you see a new shooter “get it.” In fact, before the end of TD2, I had about half of the class approach me and beg for a slot in DC2. I mean literally beg. Many had been to other training, but as they put it, “Nothing like this.” Who knows what surprises may lay ahead in 2010 or 2011.

As is not always the case with basic level carbine or handgun courses, the level of attention to safety among the shooters was exceptional. While Travis, Chris, and Mike definitely made the importance of it clear, the shooters never lost sight of the core safety rules, no matter how dynamic movement or drills became. Everyone chipped in where needed for basic range issues, and there was very little down time—very little.

Dynamic Carbine 2-

The unique thing about the DC2 class was that approximately 18 of the 25 shooters were previous graduates of a Magpul Dynamics Carbine course, with about 15 of those being from the NOLATAC sponsored Dynamic Carbine ½ Hybrid class in Nov. 2009. This made for an interesting dynamic for both the shooters and instructors. Everyone was already locked on and squared away as to what the expectations of performance were, and they were geared up and excited to train.

Travis and Chris punched them square in the face from the first shot fired. Given that most of these students were already exposed to some of DC2, they were held to a much higher standard of speed and accuracy. The DC2 class had a lot of movement and team drills in it. The tempo was quick and the acceleration was quicker.

The Shooters

As stated above, all in this class had already been to some form of formal carbine training with over 75% having been through a Magpul Dynamics Course specifically. In attendance were two students who had also been through the previous DC1 class. One was firearms industry writer Len Waldon and a private military contractor. That is 6 days of continuous carbine training from Travis and Chris—these dudes have my respect.

The demographics were widespread yet again. Several military, several law enforcement, three chefs, various engineers, a firearms manufacturer, a writer, school teacher, college student, several responsible armed civilians, a pharmacist, a couple of IT guys, and a private military contractor rounded out the group. There was a father son team also. All told, all students were ready to go from TD1.

Weather

Weather for DC2 was pretty awesome considering the time of year. It was a little chilly in the mornings, but warmed up to downright beautiful by lunch. We lost an hour of sleep Saturday night due to the spring forward time change, but everyone made it class on time.

Food

Chow consisted of more culinary delights by Tommy Wong’s wife Jeanne. On TD2, we were serenaded at lunch by Tommy’s niece. It was too cute.

12MAR2010
Crawfish Etoufee
Steamed Rice
Rolls
Lemon Squares

13MAR2010
Fried Chicken
Jambalaya
Corn
Cookies

14MAR2010
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Coleslaw
“Battle” Brownies (You had to be there)


Equipment

I am a little bit of a novice gear geek, so what I found particularly interesting in the DC2 class was the metamorphoses so many had gone through with their gear selection. I can tell you this; we paid at least a couple of car notes for Larue Tactical and Aimpoint, because almost half the class was running Aimpoint Micro T-1/H-1 on Larue mounts. I know personally I bought two T-1 set- ups after the Nov09 course, and at least 8 other students bought an Aimpoint / Larue kit that I am personally aware of. Oddly enough, there were more Eo-Techs in this group than before, which I think was a direct challenge to Chris’ claim that they often had problems—none were reported via feedback during this class.

A lot of people had moved over to mid-length systems and a more “slicked out” approach. Most students were running a Magpul AFG, and the Magpul MS2/ASAP dominated the leashes on the range.

During DC2, we did have a catastrophic failure of a PWS piston system. I have yet to receive feedback on exactly what happened and why, but it should be noted that the owner advised me that immediately upon bringing it to the attention of PWS, they made it good. No gear is infallible, and what I think is an important judge of a company is how they handle things when they break. Like Chris and Travis say, “I don’t care how well you perform when your gear is working, I care how you perform when your gear shits the bed.” I feel the same way about companies that I buy gear from. Way to go PWS!

Extra-curricular Activities

Many from DC2 started the week off by attending the Dynamic Crawfish Boil on the Thursday night before class started. Introductions were made, stories were told, and we closed the place down. Dinner after TD1 found us back at Trey Yuen, and it was much anticipated. Joe Wong rolled out the red carpet again and we dined in style. I tried really hard not to pig out on those pineapple delights…I failed. Somehow, Travis and I managed to score an extra helping of the melt-in-your-mouth steak tips. Those things made you want to drive all the way home and slap your mama right in the face they were so tender and juicy…anyway, I digress. Chow was awesome. It should be noted that we had a 6 course meal for 20.00 which included tip. The convenience and price of such quality dining simply could not be matched.

TD2 closed with us returning to Cate St. Seafood Station. This time, Jason Wong had a prepared menu for us to select from at the range, and we were quickly served and filled upon arrival. I personally had the seafood platter, and it was awesome. Some people also had some sushi, which was unbelievably good and well-portioned. It is for good reason that we choose these wonderful establishments when we have classes in the area.

Once again, the Wong family dynasty of restaurants was impressive and did not disappoint. Between the lunches and dinners, if anyone was hungry, then it is their own fault. Thanks again to Tommy, Joe, and Jason Wong for all the hard work done by them and their staff to make yet another series of classes go off without a hitch while adding that unique Louisiana flavor and hospitality to it.

Conclusion

DC2 was high paced and very intense. The shooters came ready to hustle, and the instructors delivered as always. The unique skill levels in the group made the class progress faster than probably most DC2 classes. Safety was a non-issue. Everyone was locked-on and moving with a sense of purpose. The fact that almost everyone was already indoctrinated into the Magpul Dynamics theory of weapons manipulation made transitioning between shooting drills quick and seamless, which left more time for firing.

Due to the enormous industry support we received, we were able to have small shooting competitions each day in addition to the normal Magpul Dynamics Dollar shoot for some of the more significant gear we had. In addition to what NOLATAC was presenting as gifts, John Paul, owner of JP Enterprises, threw up 3 fire control groups and a short range tactical sight system into the pot. Needless to say, the competition was heavy.

TD3 proved a good time for everyone, as the final scenario drill we did were challenging and fun. The first involved a road rage type of incident with your carbine being in the trunk. Engagement began from inside the vehicle and moved to retrieving the carbine and engaging close paper and far steel threats. The “verbal motivation” from Chris Costa was could be rolled into a DVD. If only he would let me print it…it was classic. The second involved a similar drill but began with the shooter outside the vehicle and engaging targets with handgun first from all manner of positions and then retrieving the carbine from the back seat. It was designed to simulate more of a stopped convoy ops kind of situation. It was fun and very challenging.

All said Travis Haley and Chris Costa did not disappoint in either sound weapons manipulation knowledge or creating a fun and intense learning environment. The addition of Mike Olivella, Director of Training Airborne Operations, adds a fun and knowledgeable “dynamic” to the Magpul Dynamic Duo. I look forward to having the guys down again soon. Training with Magpul Dynamics breeds confidence in weapons handling skill and a camaraderie among brothers in arms, regardless of occupation.

4

Nice AAR, well done. This only makes my sadness that Carbine II (in WA state) being canceled all that more painful.

Again great work.

5

Looks awesome! I’d want to go just for the food! (the gun stuff would be a huge bonus)

6

Screw it, I’m driving to Louisiana. :smiley:

That really sounds like another great course. Everyone focused and switched on, it must have been a great learning experience.

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We’ll be releasing open registration for some more classes soon… Stay tuned… Please visit the facebook page and become a fan!!!

8

I assume you mean the NOLATAC facebook page? You’ll be giving us a heads up about open classes soon? I’m dying to take shotgun or another Carbine class.

Again, great AAR.

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yep, the Nolatac facebook page listed on the top of the aar.

10

Nice writeup, looks like a great time!

11

have you guys started to work on 2011 schedule? chris and travis are only getting older by the minute, gotta get all we can out of them now.

any chance i can get in on the next mil/leo class? :cool:

12

Since our classes fill up pretty quick, we always send new class listings to our previous students a day or two ahead to give them first chance, As soon as we lock stuff down, you guys will be the first to know.

13

F class. I’ll be there for the food… Goodness!

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We try.

It makes life easier for the shooters, builds camaraderie, and gives more training time as the instructors answer questions and socialize.

15

I really miss crawfish boils now that I’m mainly on the west coast. I’m waitlisted on the pistol/shotgun class in December, so I hope they’re in season… :o

16

wow sounds like a crazy good time, didn’t know they gave out stuff there.

great review, thanks for the info, maybe someday I will do a DC class

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We try to develop relationships with industry partners that will benefit the shooters in our class. Either though introducing them to new quality products or allowing them hands on time with existing products.

Everyone seems to enjoy the opportunity to feel out the latest and greatest and who doesn’t like free shit. LOL

18

it wasnt even free shit that made the class great, i remember taking dc1 in houston back in october. Not to put down brockman or anything, but the group didnt really spend much time with eachother other then on the range. i had the chance to get to know a variety of different class shooters on and off the line.

19

That is why we set up the evening dinners and have lunches as a class on the range. Our goal is to try and build relationships between the shooters and the instructors.

I am sure most will agree, that a lot of learning took place off the firing line. I was listening to the kinds of questions people were asking and the discussion that were spurring off at dinner. Chris and Travis are a wealth of technical and operational knowledge. More importantly, these guys are willing to share whatever it takes to put knowledge in the heads of their students.

I also saw a lot of business and friendly relationships building among the shooters. It is always good to connect however you can with those who share similar interests. You have an opportunity to meet fellow shooters who may be in your backyard, ask about gear, other training opportunities, matches, etc.

I would be lying if i didn’t say Will and I have as much fun putting these things together and hanging out as you guys do shooting it. As an instructor myself, I just like hearing the guys after Day 1 or two so exciting about the awakening they are experiencing. Plus, it just a hell of a good time on the range…period.

20

I had a great time, the DDM4 ran great, can’t wait for the oportunity to attend carbine II.
Big thanks to Nolacopusmc, narco, simply dynamic, and costa.