Shooting at 'Gunsite Academy'

Above, you see the 'welcome gate' of one of the world's premier and storied firearms training facilities-- Gunsite Academy. Conceived by Jeff Cooper a very long time ago, it has brought the latest in techniques to both law enforcement and military enthusiasts for several decades.

The course I took was designated as D3G- Defensive Gun. I originally signed up for a regular class, but since my entire travel schedule (and lining up RV sites) was predicated on those chosen dates, I ended up taking a private lesson. Rather than have a 5 day class, mine was 'only' 3 days-- but I still fired the same amount of ammo.

My instructor was an elderly dude named Verlin. At 71, he was still pretty spry and, man, could he shoot. I was not allowed to wear my appendix carry holster, so I opted for strong side hip. It worked out mighty fine. I did start off with my little G43 with iron sights. I found it perfectly usable, just somewhat challenging to draw at speed. At 10-15 feet, you are gonna be just as dead.

We did most of the shooting with a red dot sight (RDS) as shown to the left (also, a full size Glock). Managing recoil with a larger grip for my fairly large mitts made it quite pleasant. This was my first time shooting a RDS (case of beer!), and I have to say it made shooting multiple targets on the move pretty easy relative to iron sights.

We switched on day two to the AR-15 rifle platform. Oh, yeah, D3G means 'three guns': pistol, rifle and shotgun. I had asked to try the LPVO optic. Here is the general propganda: "LPVO is a Low Power Variable Optic, meaning that the minimum magnification is 1x, and the maximum magnification is usually at least 4x. They blend the best of a red dot for close quarters with the extra magnification of a rifle scope. Most LPVO's are 1-6x magnification, but recently there have been several 1-8x and 1-10x LPVO's released."

I had been smitten with such propo and bought a Strike Eagle a year ago-- thinking, 'o, yeah, baby-- close quarters and long range all on one optic.' Well...now that I've actually TRIED one and shot at the 7, 10 and 15 yard line...and found the eye relief to take maybe 10-15 seconds to acquire ANYTHING...I'll just say it was a big mistake purchase and will sit on the shelf and collect dust. Not for me. At 50-100 yards? Slow, but deadly.

I didn't cover the RDS on the AR-15-- but that was a life saver. Shot the rest of my ammo (1000 rounds, and that was maybe half a days work) and enjoyed it thoroughly. But let's seque to the shotgun.

The one to the right is the venerable Remington Model 870 pump. Old, but that MF works just as fine as wine. It had a RDS on it, too-- and that was SOLID.

We 'patterned' the 870 and a Mossburg pump with an 18" barrel and bead for a front sight. I found out, at least law enforcement officers-- and you as a civilian protecting your home!-- are liable for where every single pellet goes. If one is astray and killas an innocent bystander-- you are liable.

By now, you've noticed I am wearing the same, crusty shit on day 3. Yes. I. am.

We shot slugs, too....but my favorite was the buckshot (9 pellets) and by far the Federal Flight Control 8 pellet WAD... keeps the group at 15 yards to maybe 3".

All in all, fantastic experience. Expensive, for sure, but a great experience and the staff is top notch. I would say they lean law enforcement heavy, not a lot of tier-1 operator types, but I plan on rectifying that this fall. This fall's activities include the 'Lone Operator Course' at Trojan Securities International and the 'SOF Protection and High-Risk Driver Course (SOF-P & HRD)' at Tier-1 Group. One last 'cool guy' shot, then off you go. Is it possible these sort of activities might find their way into the next 'Druze' installment? You betcha. @OGA_Ron-- stop staring at my ass!