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[GuillermoAntonio]

[beanz2]

I’m planning a trip out to FS for the first time this spring. Has anyone recently attended the 4 Day Rifle Marksmanship course. Any pointers or suggestions would be appreciated.

These are things that worked for me:

A lightweight rifle makes the standing unsupported position much easier. The volume of fire is perfect for pencil barrels. The farthest distance you’ll shoot for accuracy is 350 yards, so for me a light 1-8x LPVO was adequate. I opted for a thread protector instead of a muzzle brake to keep it light. I stripped anything that I could off the rifle without compromising the function. A lightweight bolt gun should do well too. Forget your 20 lb precision rig unless you’re Chuck Norris.

A 30 rd-bodied magazine is helpful for me as I can hold the magazine as I rest my support elbow against my chest wall. My shooting stance standing unsupported at 37 and 50 yards is very different from my Practical Rifle stance. I do the chicken wing with my strong side elbow. Keep your options, bring 30, 20 and 10 rd magazines if you’re shooting an AR.

A .223 is enough for the class. You just have to have good ammo. For me, that means match ammo, like 69 gr or 77 gr BHTP SMK. Sort of makes up for my poor shooting LOL. You can shoot other chamberings but few shots are shot where the wind matters much. There will be malfunction exercises in class though, so some rounds may get wasted. Remember, no hand loads are allowed.

Some ammo brands give you better groups with your rifle than others even with the same bullet. Try different brands at your home range first and zero the gun on the one you choose.

A good 2-point sling is needed. Tactical one points and bungee slings not as good. This is not Practical Rifle.

Talking about optics, I found that an MRAD (or MOA) reticle is helpful vs. BDC scopes or magnifier-red dot combos. If you are good at remembering hold overs, you may fare well with red dots or BDC scopes, but I suck at that.

Make sure your eye protection works shooting prone. If your optic has an adjustable ocular lens, make sure it is adjusted to match your eye protection.

Get used to shooting prone. Exercise your neck muscles.

As in most rifle classes at FS, elbow and knee pads are essential.

I’m sure there other points I’m forgetting ...

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[TeamAllen]

There is some excellent detailed info on this thread. The first write up, of the course, is on page 258 and slog your way through. It is worth it.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=518454&highlight=marksmanship&page=258

I wish there was a sub thread for each class.

I shot .224 Valkyrie and 6.5 CM in that class. You need a level and most consistent ammo you can buy. As beanz said, as lightweight as possible.

[TeamAllen]

Attended the Precision Rifle Fundamentals yesterday. Definitely different siting in a class all day. I was surprised hoe many others were there. Maybe 40?

I expected everyone would be there after marksmanship and before Precision Rifle, like myself. I was the minority for sure. It seemed most people in the class hadn't taken Rifle Marksmanship yet. At first I thought that is a good idea, then I thought probably not. You learn a lot of detailed information about what effects are occurring to the bullet during flight. Like Coriolis effect and spin drift. Most of the stuff applies beyond 400 yards, which the Marksmanship class does not shoot. It might make you worry about things that aren't an issue at those distances. At least the instructors will know the excuses won't work.

One student asked what a Kestrel was. All good, I'm not knocking it, I was just surprised at the early stages of his learning. Later he asked what type of rifle might be best suited for this class. Instructor Skoog said something like the Mossberg Predator (not the 7.62 version) or the Ruger American rifle. After the class I heard that student say to his class neighbor, so I need to buy a rifle for the Marksmanship class that I can't use for the Precision Rifle class and a Kestrel? At least that is how he saw it. It is a challenge.

I learned quite a bit. I'm glad I was able to take it moths before I am taking PR. I can now look into more depth of some of the topics presented.
Time to get ready for the Practical Rifle SB today and tomorrow.

[beanz2]

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Heading back in late December for a 2-day Skill Builder. Have previously taken the 2-day and 4-day DHG. Used Berettas both times (92FS, M9A1). Recently picked up an XD9 deciding what to take next time. I love way the Beretas feel in my hand, have done the decocker only and hammer spring mods, but am consistently more accurate with the XD9.

Part of me really wants the challenge of earning the G or DG with the Beretta (feel like it would warrant extra bragging points, especially since I got razzed both times by the staff for being the only person in class with a Beretta). Another part of me just wants to take the XD9 since I'm more consistent with it.

[steelciocc]

You can do it Vinnie, stick with that sexy Beretta (from a Beretta shooter : )

[ARFrog]

My opinion - take the XD9. Consistence, accuracy and functionality need to be mastered. You can work on the added complexity of the Beretta after you G or DG the XD9.

Put another way, what does FS rent from their rental shack and why might that be?

[Vinnie Boombatz]

My opinion - take the XD9. Consistence, accuracy and functionality need to be mastered. You can work on the added complexity of the Beretta after you G or DG the XD9.

Put another way, what does FS rent from their rental shack and why might that be?

Absolutely. Makes perfect sense. It's simple, consistent, easy to use, no frills. It's just tough to take out the Ford Fiesta when you have an old Ferrari in the garage, even if the Ferrari may be harder to drive.

[acegunnr]

You can do it Vinnie, stick with that sexy Beretta (from a Beretta shooter : )

Did the staff point out the first aid box to you on Day 1? lol

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Did the staff point out the first aid box to you on Day 1? lol

Haha. One of the instructors did get a really bad slide bite form my Beretta. I learned that lesson a while ago and have since learned to cruise through all the malfunctions, etc. with ease and unscathed.

[steelciocc]

Did the staff point out the first aid box to you on Day 1? lol

Yes, they like to poke fun at Beretta shooters : )

[Vinnie Boombatz]

I think I've decided to take the XD9. Going to be flying out there this time instead of driving and trying to take as little as possible. Picked up an Apache 1800 case from Harbor Freight. Too small for the Berettas (I also picked up the larger 2800 for those). The XD9 fits great in the 1800 and also fits into the small suitcase I'll be checking. My range bag and other related gear fits in the suitcase as well, and then will be packing all my clothes into a Patagonia backpack I've used as a carry-on in the past.

[steelciocc]

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Wont be out there until the 29th.