|
Competition, Action Shooting And Training. Competition, Three gun, IPSC, IDPA , and Training discussion here. |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
||||
|
||||
Glock Operator Course, After Action Report (AAR)
Course Name: Glock Operator Course
Location: FT3 Tactical, Stanton, CA Dates/Times: Feb 5-6, 2020 8am-5pm Round count: around 800 (Glock recommends bringing 1K rounds) Cost: $350 URL: https://www.glocktraining.com/CourseDesc.aspx Handgun: Glock 34 Gen 3 (except for TTI competition sights and Talon Grip, it's completely stock) Ammo: Factory PMC Bronze FMJ 115GR Belt/Holster/Pouches: Safariland IDPA-legal setup (best reference is in this video from Rob Leatham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3ihvbrahxg) Reviewer background: Around 3.5-years of handgun experience. USPSA B in CO & Production; IDPA EX in SSP & CCP. Front Sight 4DDHG "Snowman" "DG" first time out. Taken several training classes that are either competition-specific or tactical-specific; including academics (active shooter, anatomy of a shooting, Stop the Bleed, etc.). To my surprise and delight, Glock made available the "Glock Operator Course" here in SoCal. Initially offered to active law enforcement officers, it is now offered to any of the following: active/reserve LEO, active/reserve military, licensed armed security, NRA certified instructors and current GSSF members. Realizing that this is an opportunity that rarely comes by, I immediately applied for a PTO (paid time off) from work and enrolled. The class was held this past Wed/Thu (5-6 Feb) in the tactical range side of FT3 Tactical at Stanton. The instructor is a military veteran and a former high-threat protection specialist. Also, currently ranked MA in IDPA SSP and competes in NV. There were about 20 of us in the class, three civilians (including myself) and the rest are active LEOs (one was SWAT) and armed security. I am the only one without a military/police background, and the shortest in terms of firearm "years." Although the curriculum seemed basic/fundamental (as per https://www.glocktraining.com/files/GOC.pdf):
There was a "different" take on the classroom content, the case studies and the drills that gave a flavor more relevant to "gunfighting." Although the concepts were fairly standard, the instructor's discourse gave me deeper insights. His perspective is that he feels that shooters are doing what they are doing today because it was been handed down to them, without asking the questions "Why? What was the original reason for such? The history of the technique? Etc." A few that I have noted down:
That said, day #1 started with about 2-hrs of classroom stuff (paperwork and academic lecture). Once we got to the range, we warmed up with a few minutes of dry practice draws in a "student-coach" format, before proceeding with live fire. We started early the second day. Again, we started with dry practice for about 10-mins (or was it 20-mins?). While the other students were dry practicing just their draws, I proceeded with a Burkett reload drill (since my magazines were loaded with live ammo), draw to sight picture using FS, SHO and WHO, extension/prep/break drills to sight picture, etc. In those two days, the drills run the whole gamut:
We shot about 300-rounds the first day and 500-rounds the second day. BTW, except for the 1-hr lunch, there really wasn't much of a break. We were either shooting or standing the entire day! I was so dead tired that I caught myself sleeping at the office the next day. And once I got home from work, I slept for 12-hrs!?! Hahaha!!! (must be the age catching up with me) We ended the course with a series of well-structured timed drills that incorporated almost everything covered. Time allowed all of us to get two (2) tries. Depending on the raw time plus penalties, one is awarded a "level/tier" 1 to 4, with 4 being the highest. I got Level 4 in both my attempts. In spite of two misses in my first attempt I barely made it into Level 4 with less than a second to spare. I did much better in my second attempt (as most of the class, as well), I managed a perfect score and beating my previous attempt by 4-seconds. I was the only one that made Level 4; and being the top shooter in the class, got myself a challenge coin - "Speed and accuracy - always earned, never given." I was told, too, that Glock will be sending me the certificate afterwards and an "operator" patch or something... Unfortunately, I can't share details of the drills as it was clear from Glock that they didn't want the specifics of the test released. I will respect and abide by that... That said, what value would there be if a student practices the test before taking the course? Other take-aways:
... All in all, at just $350 - definitely a steal for a good 2-days' worth of training (and away from work... Hahaha). Much recommended!!! That said, I believe that the same instructor will be teaching the same class in Pasadena next week. Oh, yeah, btw - something ironic that I want to mention... When I got to matches, I always bring a backup. Never once that a pistol failed on me... Now, since this was a Glock course, and I was running late on my drive on the first day, I forgot to bring a backup. C'mon, what could go wrong? Especially with a STOCK Glock? Big mistake - it was mostly problems! I seemingly had trigger problem that FT3 lent me a Gen 3 frame that I could use with my slide until we break for lunch so that the instructor can diagnose the issue. He replaced the connector. The gun then run smooth until the last hour that afternoon, and I was like ArGh!!! I managed to finish day #1, but that night I did a detailed strip and clean, then replaced all springs. I also replaced the connector the instructor provided, which seemingly is slipping out of the trigger housing. Yeah, you could say it was overkill to replace all those parts - but I didn't had the luxury to troubleshoot (and being tired, wanted to get my sleep ASAP). Gun ran flawless the next day. Wasn't able to get a photo of each and every target shot, but here are a few... _
__________________
WEGC - Shooting at 10-yards VS 20-yards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7mdbNZ4j9U Last edited by rodralig; 02-08-2020 at 6:20 PM.. |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Again, for just $350 for 2-days - it is well worth it... While the standards test at the end is a good gauge on how one stacks up against other shooters, mostly those who use guns for a living. As well, a diagnostics on what to work on... _ |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Great review! I keep trying to sign up for one of these, but they always seem to fall on days I'm in another state wearing camo.
I'll have to recheck the schedule. |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
I just got lucky - the rare day that I check GlockTraining.Com and I find the Operator course in FT3... (if I would remember, I think they have another one a few months down the road) That said, I would remember the instructor saying that Glock is not really huge that of a company. They may have a handful of just 10~15 instructors here in the US; and only a few that have the luxury of "customizing" and delivering the curriculum... _ Last edited by rodralig; 02-09-2020 at 8:05 AM.. |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Thanks for an awesome and detailed description. Funnily enough, I was at FT3 that day and boy..... couldn’t find parking !!!! When I came in, they said Glock was having a class hence it was more crowded than normal. I peeked into the next shooting bay and saw you guys doing drills. Cool beans.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
_ |
#12
|
||||
|
||||
Impressive review
__________________
"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 |
#14
|
||||
|
||||
Looks like Pasadena PD has a LEO only class. I did not see anything else in so cal
__________________
Rule 1- ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED Rule 2 -NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY (including your hands and legs) Rule 3 -KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET Rule 4 -BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT (thanks to Jeff Cooper) |
#15
|
||||
|
||||
Thanks! I just followed @Stumpfenhammer’s format.
Hahaha!!! I knew someone (you, in particular) would catch up to it... It was Jon Bissett. Quote:
As for the “LE only classes” - try reaching out to Glock Training and ask if they can sneak you in... When I last took the Armorer’s course, it was an “LE only” slot... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro _ Last edited by rodralig; 02-09-2020 at 10:09 PM.. |
#18
|
||||
|
||||
Great report, sounds a lot like Front Sight 4 day for the IDPA shooter. If they only had one local and I owned some perfection.
__________________
NRA Pistol, Rifle, CCW and Metallic Reloading instructor |
#19
|
|||
|
|||
Well, you had a first class instructor then. I shoot with him every month up here. Great guy and great shot. He just made Master in IDPA.
|
#20
|
||||
|
||||
@baranski
Thanks! @Divehobo Well, I would say that rather than being for the IDPA shooter, it would actually be for those folks that carry a gun for a living, ie., LEOs. We all know how the firearms training, qualifications, etc. in the majority of PDs (or military) are quite antiquated. ... and I would surmise that Glock tries to bridge the gaps with this course. Looking into the course objective (from GlockTraining.Com): Quote:
That said, I would like to add that this class will also serve as an alternative good "validation" of skills for IDPA, as well USPSA shooters (outside of the standard Classifiers). I would believe that at least a high IDPA SS or a USPSA mid-C should easily make "Level 4" in Glock's test. @PM720 No question about that! He, himself as the instructor, took the test after all of us... Speed and accuracy - great shot indeed! Please give my regards the next time you see him... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro Last edited by rodralig; 02-13-2020 at 6:54 AM.. |
#21
|
||||
|
||||
Excellent review.
I like how the best shooter in the class was one with a competitive background with no mil/le experience, and the least time being involved with handguns. Bravo.
__________________
Come learn how to shoot gooder. T3Pros.com Click here to be notified of upcoming courses. |
#22
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
_ |
#23
|
||||
|
||||
Civilians are often better shooters than MIL/LE but shooting is only one component of overall capability. Civilian instructors are often brought in to teach one specific skillset to a MIL unit, whether it be combatives or shooting. Take a force on force CQB class and I guarantee you the best flat range civilian shooter will get his lunch eaten.
|
#24
|
||||
|
||||
OP should take a real operator class like this with Northern Red next and do an AAR. Shooting tight groups on paper won't matter nearly as much as your proficiency with SUT and CQB tactics...
Last edited by HooYah; 02-26-2020 at 9:31 PM.. |
#26
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Quote:
It seems they have a class in Richmond... That said, in checking their website - don’t see any special topic/curriculum that alludes to Quote:
_ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro |
#27
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Hope that clears things up. |
#28
|
||||
|
||||
Our lead instructor took a 2 day pistol class with Northern Red. One of their instructors was active duty CAG. He said almost half the class time was spent shooting 25 yard groups onto bullseye targets. This echos my experience attending courses from former CAG guy Mike Pannone and former ST6 member Kyle Defoor. Lots of slow fire group shooting at 25 and 50 yards.
I don't really see the utility of taking small unit tactics courses with a group of fellow students you'll never see again. If you can't hit what you're shooting at you won't be very combat effective.
__________________
Come learn how to shoot gooder. T3Pros.com Click here to be notified of upcoming courses. Last edited by T3Pros; 02-27-2020 at 3:02 PM.. |
#29
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Personally I’d take the guy that shoots a 580 on that qual but has a good understanding of IMT and SUT over the dude that shoots a 650 and doesn’t know what Battle Drill 6 is. |
#30
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
Although I supplement my competition "background" with "tactics" stuff - Front Sight in NV, ITTS (LAPD SWAT) locally, etc. - I DO NOT personally care with small unit tactics, etc. My primary objective is to be able to defend myself and/or my family when the time comes.... The only person I can rely on in such scenarios is me (no backup, etc. - and obviously, the tactics/ROE will TOTALLY be DIFFERENT). Oh yes, have been in a few force-on-force scenarios using Simunitions and/or UTMs. I most usually get out alive (thanks to my emphasis on the fundamentals - sight picture/alignment, trigger control, manipulations, etc.)... Anyways, just a quick update - the certificate and patch from Glock just arrived... So, this is what it looks like... _ Last edited by rodralig; 03-03-2020 at 7:07 PM.. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|