Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

[glock24]

My brother and I have booked our class with Vern later this year. The decision to use CVT was based on the many positive reviews, close proximity, and flexible scheduling of his classes. I've been in contact with Vern, and have prepared my supplies per his recommendations.

I'd to hear from anyone who has attended his course in the past. I'm looking for opinions on what and/or what not to bring or consider based on your experiences. In other words, I'm looking for outside eyes on Vern's training curriculum as a way of preparing for my class.

I just want to consider as much as possible before getting their and being surprised.

Thank you

 

[cubewarrior]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

Vern is an outstanding teacher and will provide you with great insight on long-range shooting. He's also a great American.

If you don't have one already--you may want your own spotting scope. Vern is very good at teaching wind conditions, and it will speed your training significantly if you have a quality spotter of your own, it will speed training. That way, you can spot wind simultaneously as he coaches.

Also, if you know your own dope out to 1K, this will also speed training, but it isn't required.

 

[WPG]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

Try here:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...rue#Post1239092

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...true#Post935140

http://snipersparadise.com/sniperchat/index.php?showforum=76

 

[glock24]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

Thanks CW. I have not invested in a spotting scope yet, but I will consider it a priority before class.

Is there anything you wished you'd of done differently,either with your equipment or preparation?

 

[Graham]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

Jason, after you get back I will be interested to know about the course and what you thought of it. Drop me a PM when you return. And feel free to get in touch if you need anything last-minute before you go.

 

[glock24]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

Thanks, will do. I'm interested in hearing about your Terry Cross match as well.

Maybe we can discuss it down at Young's.

 

[cubewarrior]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

Best thing you can do right now is to practice achieving a natural shooting position that promotes natural point of aim behind your rifle. Get help from someone who knows how to set up or go through books or online tutorials. Then, practice dry firing behind your rifle. You are going to spend a lot of time on your rifle with Vern, so you'll want to develop some muscle memory and endurance in the prone shooting position before you go.

Equipment isn't the big deal--Vern is going to focus on your technique with what you have.

Oh--do get a pod-lock on your bipod. If you don't have a bore guide to clean the rifle you are shooting, get one before you go (before you shoot again).

 

[glock24]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

Good advice. I'll hit the books. Thanks.

 

[Center Mass]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

I trained with Vern back in Sept. I chose CVT for similar reasons and didn't want to be just a face in a large class.

Vern is very much a gentleman and treats you like a brother. At first, it seamed a little odd staying in his home and with his family. But by the end of the weekend, I felt like I was part of the family and didn't want to leave. From serving his country in Vietnam to training current soldiers and shooters and with a tremendous amount of experience in between. Vern is a true Patriot and an American hero. I'm pretty sure he bleeds red, white,and blue.

Of coarse the training was outstanding as well. Vern is a very patient instructor and just knows how to relay information to get you shooting well. His ability to call wind is almost magical. It's difficult to explain, but when he had me making hand sized groups on the 900yd steel in changing wind conditions, I was sold.

Aside from shooting, he also teaches non-stop about everything shooting. From barrels to maintenance to optics, what he will tell you is what he has experienced for himself, not just because he heard/read it somewhere. And if he hasn't experienced it, he got the information first hand from someone in the industy that HE trusts and respects.

Oh, and what CubeWarrior said above is dead on. You will need to build some stamina to shoot for long periods of time. It sounds like fun shooting for 6-8 hours a day, but your shoulders neck and eyes will get tired. The better you are with your fundamentals, the more you will take away from the class because you won't spend so much time fixing them. Also, make sure you rifle fits you and is comfortable to shoot.

I have already scheduled my next class with him in March if that tells you anything. You will learn a great deal and will not regret a moment.

Good luck,
CM

 

[v-eater]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

Kestrel 4000

 

[glock24]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: v-eater</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kestrel 4000 </div></div>

Check.

Guys, any advice on building stamina? I'm thinking about laying behind my rifle in the living room for longer and longer periods of time.

Do elbow pads help at all?

My range sessions normally last only about an hour. I guess I need to shoot more slowly!

Thanks for all the valuable insights.

 

[doc76251]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

IMHO, YRMV, TIFWIW etc.......

Unless you have a "good" position already I would stay away from the rifle while building up stamina. It would serve you better to lay spread eagle on the floor with your hands under your neck/throat and keep your head up as opposed to "resting on the rifle".

It does you little service to practice the wrong muscle memory.

Just raise up at longer and longer intervals to build your back and neck muscles, that is the unnatural part. Resting on the gun is counter productive.

Cheers,

Doc

 

[Red Ryder]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

I took an M40A1 clone down and Vern showed me that it was entirely the wrong stock for me at least for tactical style shooting. NOT what I wanted to hear and NOT what I could afford but Vern was correct. Got an A5 adjustable and solved some problems.

Buy snap caps and practice dry firing. A LOT. Practice using your mildots and become VERY familiar with using the ranging formulas. I always use elbow pads.

 

[WPG]

Re: Training with Vern at CVT - insights?

Have someone check the length of pull on your rifle and properly fit it to you. This will help you with proper eye relief and you won't have to mess with it when you get there. More time for training, less time messing with equipment.