|
Competition, Action Shooting And Training. Competition, Three gun, IPSC, IDPA , and Training discussion here. |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
||||
|
||||
Direct Action Group (DAG) - Pistol 1 & 2, After Action Report (AAR)
Course Name: Tactical Pistol 1 & 2
Location: Burro Canyon, Azusa, CA Dates/Times: June 6~7, 2020 8:30am~4:30pm Round Count: Pistol 1: 175 / Pistol 2: 264 - DAG designed the curriculum to use not more than 300-rds per day. It simply becomes counter-productive past that - becoming a waste of brass. I know this is the same stance Larry Vickers takes in his classes. Cost: $225 x 2 = $450 Prerequisites None Instructor: Max Joseph. Profile video (from Maxpedition): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vtkeCgeIcg DAG Homepage: https://dag-usa.com/ Link in CalGuns: Excellent Tactical handgun classes for new gun owners in So Calif area...this weekend Handgun + Holster:
Reviewer Background: 4-years of handgun experience (as of this month). Defensive pistol practitioner and competition shooting hobbyist (IDPA/USPSA). Have taken several classes that are specific to either competition or tactical/defensive. No MIL/LE credentials; just a simple 'corporate slave'. I did not have any plans going into Saturday, maybe just stay at home and binge watch on Netflix and/or at least try to finish the many books I wanted to read during #COVID19. But when I saw @OCEquestrian post on a handgun class from a school that he highly recommends - I think it became a spur of the moment decision. Unlike other courses that I have taken from other schools, it is NOT a 2-day class, but a 1-day that can be taken separately or right after the other. I, myself, didn't actually sign-up for Tactical Pistol 2 because of Sunday plans. But after having gone through the first course, I had to convince my other "boss" that I had to be out on Sunday, as well. That, too, was a good decision - making for a productive and rewarding weekend. Now, although the DAG website shows hardened operators and the courses are prefixed with "Tactical;" Pistols 1 & 2 are nothing close to a "Tacti-Cool" Super Mall Ninja Operator or something class... Experienced and knowledgeable instructors, both professional and helpful, rounded off with friendly and easy going students from various walks of life made for a very unintimidating experience. There were about 15+ on the first day. Four were experienced shooters (three were recurring students of DAG for several years + me) and the rest were mostly new gun owners or novices. On the second day, there were only 5-students (which I would mostly attribute to a 'last minute' thing with everyone coming out of 'quarantine'). Two where new gun owners from the prior day's class, and the remaining three were experienced (two DAG veterans + me). I would believe that the DAG veterans from both days are active MIL/LE. Each day's lessons are driven from the course's objectives: Tactical Pistol 1
Tactical Pistol 2
DAG is fairly structured. They introduce you to the lessons for the day in a lecture setting at the BEGINNING of class (yes, there is an indoor classrooom). It is NOT all shooting - there is another class lecture midway (after lunch and before going back to drills) and a debrief at the end of the day. The instructor quizzes the students A LOT while encouraging copius note-taking. This is to prepare the students for the written portion of the Scored Evaluation for Tactical Pistol 3. My take? I see it more as a reinforcement of ideas, concepts and principles. That said - I like it this way. Shooting should NOT only be physical, but mental/academic. It builds a more well-rounded and competent shooter. Obviously, the extrene All talk and no walk is not good either is not desirable, as well... That be said, in spite of the classroom lectures intersped in the day, it is still a very hands-on course. There were sufficient number of drill repetitions that, based on my observation, allows for even the new shooters to get into a fairly comfortable level of competency (on average, "Conscious Competence"). The two new shooters that remained for the second day were getting hits to around 150-yards out (no, this is NOT a typo)! These ladies could potentially give carbine shooters a run for their money in finding cover. They could now clear stoppages/malfunction (even a Type 3). I would remember the ladies saying that they told their girlfriends of their experience in Pistol 1 and are looking to plan a "Ladies"-only class... There even was a student in Pistol 1 who wanted to just work on the drills 'dry' because she was unsure of herself; but by the end of the day, you could see the confidence in her smile. We ended teach day's lessons with a scored evaluation of the topics covered, before proceeding to the course of fire which is a friendly and fun "man-on-man" competition. We used steel targets for both days. Without any scoring zones, it was either a Hit or Miss, and you are scored solely on time. We then wrapped up with a classroom debrief and the mandatory administrative unload (DAG runs a 'hot range' - guns are loaded and holstered throughout the day). What are my KEY take-aways?
Why would an experienced shooter go to a foundational class? Although there are exceptions, I would believe that most of us are not above "basic"/"fundamentals" classes. Firearms is a very perishable skill. It is always good to go back to basics and review the fundamentals of a good marksman. Since the skills are more or less subconscious, it is now easy to give finer attention to trigger control, sight picture/alignment, grip and recoil management, presentation, etc. Now is the time to push the accuracy and speed envelope - smaller groups even at faster speeds. Cost wise? This is not the cheapest out there, but compared to other SoCal-based schools that I have been to, $225 per day is on par, especially for the content. I even know of a cheaper school but it is NOTHING but a hose fest...! From here on? As I would understand, since I had successfully (as per my evaluation score) completed both courses, I may now proceed to the next-level classes. Call of Duty stuff like tactics, shoot house, vehicle engagements and shooter diagnostics. Of course, this will require a new set of gear that is different from what I am used to in competition. I already made a list - Safe Life Defense tactical belt, G-Code magazine pouches, and a Safariland Level 2 ALS holster. In closing? DAG runs their Pistol 1 & 2 in a very structured manner, complementing the safe on-range demonstrations, dry fire and live fire drills with in-classroom lectures/quizzes. Instructors are knowledgeable and experienced in what they teach and how they teach. Having a scored evaluation at the end provides the students with a baseline indicator of "where they are right now and what they need to work on," etc. The lessons are comprehensive such the students leave with the fundamental tools needed to be competent in the safe and proper handling/use of their firearms (administrative, presentation, stoppages, etc.). What's more - completing these courses opens up a horizon for more training that may someday save our lives, etc. Two-man team tactics? Do not think of SWAT operators, etc. - think of a husband & wife team fending off intruders, etc! Vehicle engagements? In this country, we get to Point A from Point B using an automobile, why not learn how to effectively operate around/through it? I definitely recommend DAG without reservation... _
__________________
WEGC - Shooting at 10-yards VS 20-yards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7mdbNZ4j9U Last edited by rodralig; 06-10-2020 at 8:36 PM.. Reason: Clarification that "150-yards" was not a typo. |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
I just received the class photo from the Lead Instructor Max Joseph, 2nd from the right, to share...
This is from the Pistol 1 class, with the two leftmost ladies continuing to Pistol 2, with one of them demonstrating capabilities to hit a steel silhouette target out to 150-yards. _ |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Thanks for the thorough review, I'd like to take a DAG class, too. Max is the inventor of Sul as well.
__________________
Come learn how to shoot gooder. T3Pros.com Click here to be notified of upcoming courses. |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
http://dag-usa.com/training-calendar/ Those that have been recommended to me by the veteran students are http://dag-usa.com/courses/military-...ement-tactics/ https://dag-usa.com/courses/military...-team-tactics/ http://dag-usa.com/courses/special-e...rts-symposium/ According to DAG - he says that one has to go through 1 and 2 before being allowed to proceed with the next level classes. I would really want to go through 3 before heading to the Combat Arts Symposium, unfortunately, nothing in the calendar. Also, the Close Quarters Combat Pistol will be held in Sacramento rather than locally... *sigh* That said, as mentioned in my AAR - there is a score evaluation in the end. Am sure you will ace these!! _ |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Would this be too advance for a brand new gun owner? Why did you switch to G34 the 2nd day? Would you still use the 19 for the class 1 had you known what you know? (I have both too) TIA
I don't have any holster. What would you recommend for the gun and magazines? Last edited by supa; 08-19-2020 at 9:42 AM.. |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
To answer your questions:
_
__________________
WEGC - Shooting at 10-yards VS 20-yards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7mdbNZ4j9U |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Either gun would be good, I would say use the G19 and get a good kydex holster and double magazine holder. Stay away from the SERPA holsters. The single biggest gear shortfalls I see new shooters in a level I class struggle with are a piss poor belt system. Get a good solid 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inch stiff leather belt or nylon riggers belt and wear pants with more than 4 belt loops..levi's/wranger jeans or BDU's.
__________________
"Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue." ----Sen. Barry Goldwater Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." ----Benjamin Franklin NRA life member CRPA member Last edited by OCEquestrian; 08-19-2020 at 1:31 PM.. |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
DAG is offering its tactical pistol level I and II this coming weekend Nov.21/22
https://dag-usa.com/training-calendar/
__________________
"Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue." ----Sen. Barry Goldwater Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." ----Benjamin Franklin NRA life member CRPA member |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
__________________
Have any Real Estate and/or Mortgage related questions? Over 15 years of Residential, Commercial, Investment, Management, & Land Experience. Primarily help Veterans. Shoot me a PM. |
#11
|
||||
|
||||
https://dag-usa.com/tactical-pistol-group/
https://dag-usa.com/training-calendar/ Max Joseph (will be teaching the classes) is a professional LE/military trainer; Founder/Director TFTT/Direct Action Group Senior Instructor – Tactical Explosive Entry School USA/Brazil Instructor U.S. Dept. of State Anti-Terrorism Program (20 Years) Seven Years Marine Corps Reconnaissance Companies (SGT.) Graduate USMC Scout Sniper Instructor School US Army Ranger / Airborne USN Survival / Evasion / Resistance / Escape School BSR Anti – Terrorist Driving School SPIE / Rappel Master Instructor Reconnaissance Indoctrination Program Instructor Diplomatic Security Consultant Writer for several Military / Police Publications
__________________
"Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue." ----Sen. Barry Goldwater Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." ----Benjamin Franklin NRA life member CRPA member |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|