AAR: 3-Day Precision Scoped Rifle 1 in NC

C45P312 · Jan 23, 2011

http://www.vaportrailtactical.net/

*Disclaimer: I've probably forgot a lot so don't hold me against it lol. Hopefully the other dudes will chime in. Thanks to Sean for being a gracious host.

<span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">Vapor Trail Tactical
3-day Precision Scoped Rifle 1
Instructor: Sean Little
Jan 20-22, 2011
Kinston, North Carolina</span></span>

This was the first shooting class where I felt out of my element. I mostly shot recreationally with no seriousness into performing well at long distance. In turn, I had to pay full attention to make sure I soak up as much information as I can.

Class was a mix of civillians, LEOs, and former Military. A great bunch of guys. It was an enjoyable experience.

Some Statistics that I could remember:

6 Shot 308win
1 Shot 30-06
1 Shot 300winmag
0 260s

2 Gas Guns
6 Bolt Guns
0 Lever Actions

1 16in Larue OBR
1 20in LWRC Repr
1 GAP Crusader
2 McCree Stocks
1 McMillan
2 700s
0 Savages/FNs

1 Millet
1 IOR
1 Falcon Menace
1 Leupold
4 Nightforces
0 Vortex

<span style="text-decoration: underline">TD1</span>

So I recentlly sold my AIAE, and picked up a Larue 16in OBR and decided this class was a good gauge to see what it was made of. Day 1 started out in the class. For the course like this, there just isn't any getting away from it. Very good information but very bland. Sean's sense of humor and stories keep me motivated though. Only fell asleep once when the hotel ran out of coffee or stopped serving it. Not Sean's fault, but that was the first and last time I did get dazed. It brought us into lunch. After lunch, we hit the range. Started to get a good zero. Sean went over the fundamentals and we translated them into our 5 round zeros @ 100yds. After shooting out groups, floating our caps, and reconfirming zeros after the cap adjustments, we got our dopes in at 300 and 600yards. Recorded our shots in our data books. This ended Day 1 with everything on paper.

<span style="text-decoration: underline">TD2</span>

Day 2 started back at Range 1. Reconfirmed our zeros after some of us messed with our rifles back at the hotel. Confirmed our 600yd dope, then we set off for Range 2. Here we did ranging exercises on steel, shot on steel, and even got to chronograph our loads. Sean did a clean and care portion and we got back in shooting steel. Inbetween shooting some steel, Sean taught us about several supported positions from standing to sitting. We shot at paper in this different positions to test the capabilities of the shooter. We had anything from 200-960yds worth of steel. We all spotted for each other to make the class go back faster to make sure everyone got time to range, dial in dope, and break a shot off. Safe to say that everyone hit every target at least twice. Probably like 7-9 targets out there.

<span style="text-decoration: underline">TD3</span>

Day 3 we were back at Range 1. Sean brought out the steel and we started again with unknown distance exercise (UKD) like we on TD2. It was crazy to see how off I was in my range, but Sean says it just takes practice. Towards lunch, Sean did a class on holding over and holding under. Along with it, he talked about multiple target shooting since it came hand in hand. After ranging the steel out in the field, I brought my knobs to my 300yd dope. Here we were able to practice the multiple target engagements while doing hold overs and hold unders. We did had 1 on 1 competitions with each other, engaging on each target one hit and moving to the next target after that hit. It really got your blood pumping. Good for us since it was 28deg easy out there!. After the competition, Sean set up various stages of fire. Shooting from beds of trucks, stand supported, prone, and off hand with support. It was very humbling.

All in all, it was a great time by all for sure. It would have been even better if it was warmer. But now I know my rifle is good to go in some chilly weather. I will admit, I did have some gun issues during all of TD1 and half of TD2. My OBR kept malfunctioning. I had double feeds, bolt not locking to the rear on the last round, and bolt not picking up the next round in the mag. I had to charge a round in after every shot. on TD1, I load 8-10 rounds in the gun, picked her up and shot off everything without a hitch. So it was really really puzzling to me. I blamed everything lol. Gun was dirty, ammo was no good, magazines sucks, etc. By TD2, Sean asked if my gas block was in the right position. Admittingly, it was not. After switching it to the right position, not one single hiccup. I was embarassed to say the least. But now I know my Larue OBR 16in is good to go out to 960yds. 1000 yards will be cake. And I'd like to also note, I used M118LR @ 2460FPS. Very very accurate in my 16in OBR with a Falcon Menace 4-14x44 FFP.

*** Pictures to come tonight or tomorrow morning. I've got lots! ***

captrichardson · Jan 23, 2011

Re: AAR: 3-Day Precision Scoped Rifle 1 in NC

Thanks for taking the time to share the info!

Always interesting when you see training classes listed, but you don't always now what you are getting until you get some first hand feedback

Best of Luck,
M Richardson

cttbax · Jan 23, 2011

Re: AAR: 3-Day Precision Scoped Rifle 1 in NC

This was my first experiece with any paid training. I have to say it was well worth the money. I came into the class with some base line knowledge about precision rifle and by the end I felt very familiar with my equipment. One thing that is great about Sean is he trains to your equipment even if it is not his prefered set up. He offered many tips and opinions on gear setup but never down played what you brought to shoot.

The class is based in Kinston NC and the hotel we stayed at was very nice and resonably priced. There are plenty of resturants in the surrounding area and a Walmart nearby if you forgot any essentials. The first morning was a little bit on the dry side as we all checked in and started the instruction. I was pretty tired from the late arrival the night before and guzzled coffee the first few lessons. The lessons were well organized and the information packets that are provided are great references. Sean keeps the instruction lively with tales of the yesteryears of his days in the Marine Corps. There is no doubt the man knows his shit, and he has a pretty unique way of relaying the information.

My favorite part of the course was the second day at Mr. Edwards range. I really felt like I put it all together on that day. Ranging and constanly dialing new dope really made me familiar with adjusting the knobs on my scope. Another added bonus of taking a PR class, you can check out your fellow classmates gear. I looked through some fantastic glass and shot the gun of my dreams. Althought I love my current set up I do see a GA Precision rifle in my future.

This class was money well spent. My shooting has improved and I feel very comfortable shooting out to 1000 yards. I am hooked, I will be back for more. Maybe with a GAP rifle.

cluebat · Jan 23, 2011

Re: AAR: 3-Day Precision Scoped Rifle 1 in NC

Thanks for the info, this looks like it's in the lead for my first precision rifle course. I'd looked at several other courses on the east coast, but this course sounds like it is very thorough (and reasonably priced as well).

canman · Jan 23, 2011

Re: AAR: 3-Day Precision Scoped Rifle 1 in NC

This was a great class. My experience to this point has been XTC highpower,very little scope time. I was the Millett. It's a good scope for the money but it needs to be upgraded. Sean is a great instructor. I learned more than I thought I could at one time. I came away from this class with good knowledge of basic fundamentals as they apply to positions with the scoped rifle and was suprised how well I adapted to ranging with mil-dots. Sean was very clear on how it's done and we all helped each other. This group will be hard to surpass as there were very knowledgeable guys with alot of time on their guns who were willing and able to help.I'm going to upgrade to a more capable scope and practice what I've learned and go back next year to do it again. I'll be able to keep up better as the class is fast paced and I didn't want to hold things up to much,as I was certainly the least capable of the group.As has been said this class is money well spent.

C45P312 · Jan 24, 2011