I think Gunnerlove and TheGuy should really have renamed their course to "Carbine Fundamentals Clinic" and grown more substantial beards; they'd have sold it out in 30 seconds at $1000 a head. Seems like most people in the tacticool community don't know how good Service Rifle here in Canada is, and how it tests your abilities as a rifle marksman. I am also frankly surprised more 3-gun or CQB guys didn't jump on the chance to range out and learn to shoot their long guns.
Seriously, if they do another one on the island, it's worth the cost of the ferry and a hotel stay if necessary if you're from the mainland. Carpool with other guys, make some friends, and find a way to make it happen. The opportunity to shoot your service rifle past 100m is so rare, it's like the instruction and a match walk-through is almost thrown in for free. Military range time comes at a premium and as civilians, we just don't get to shoot ARs past 100. Even the best shooters in the world will gain valuable trigger time on a true gallery range, which is a treat. People mark your targets for you, FFS! All you have to do is concentrate on perfect shots.
What can you expect from a clinic like this (I assume the Ontario ones are similar)? You can expect some classroom instruction on equipment, procedure, marksmanship, reading mirage, and the like. You'll leave the classroom having some idea of what you'll need to put together. Basics!
You should initially expect to be somewhat intimidated at what 500y looks like:
Yep, those are number boards at the end. They're probably 6' tall.
You can expect men in funny hats demonstrating things for you:
You can expect ominous signs, warning Private Pyles about the dangers of their profession:
I found this one less than reassuring, for the record. But there are others, like the signs suggesting that soldiers not mix up their blanks and live rounds -- no kidding!
Seriously though, you can expect to do a lot of work on your fundamental shooting skills. We practiced a lot on the pistol range to get a feel for making hits from various positions. This is something I was really looking to improve upon, so I'm glad I had the opportunity to get some time in & tips received.
It's not fancy, nor does it need to be. Make hits on a small target from various shooting positions:
Master this, and you can do well at distance.
You can expect to do a little work and help out getting targets ready and the match underway. Nanaimo is a range from the 40's, and it has lots of character:
Not the character pictured, of course! Everyone has to pitch in to make the day work for others. Matches are normally run by volunteers, and ain't no one there who's about making money off your match fees. It's a very egalitarian thing, a shooting match.
You can expect to spend some time in the butts, running the targetry for your shooters on the line:
It's all very coordinated and does make sense after you've done a string or two. You will have to use the 4' screens on the machinery, marking out targets as you go, and you'll have to hold smaller targets by hand (bring gloves!) for various types of match (snap, movers, rapids.) You have to pay attention and be diligent. You're helping someone else succeed, so do your job there well. And bring water. And ear pro. You can't hear the shot, but you can damn sure hear the supersonic bullets and their impacts into the berm. It's cool, actually, and not at all scary.
This is what a vbull shot from 200m looks like:
A guy in his 80's made that shot. I bet you can, too.
You shoot at these things:
... which are easy enough to see through any form of magnified optic at even 500m. Many can (and do) make hits with iron sights.
You shoot on mounds at each known distance, which makes the mathematics a bit easier:
For each distance, you'll shoot a deliberate, snap, rapid, and either a mover or a rundown. Each string requires you to use your marksmanship skills in different ways. Even if you're not shooting service conditions matches, you'll learn how to engage targets and make hits with your gear. This is important -- it's a crucible that teaches you very quickly where your limitations are.
You *will* make hits on target (for score) at long range.
You'll be surprised what you can do. I was.
Sometimes weird things happen, like mistaking a tumbling bullet strike for a tear:
Yep, that's a .223 round going sideways through a target. And yes, it counts.
Getting off the bench really
is fun. We have so few opportunities to enjoy shooting sports in this country, so taking advantage of them seems like a no-brainer. My advice to you, if you've made it this far in this post, is to not be intimidated, stop worrying about your gear and rifle build, and just get out and shoot. There really is no substitute and it honestly couldn't be easier to do this stuff. These guys make it easy,
and they know what the ##### they're talking about. Both have been to Bisley to compete against the world. Both spend a lot of time teaching others how to shoot better. You can and will be a much better marksman when you're done.
Highlight for me? Hmm. 500y hits and probably shooting movers, which I've never done. I was frankly surprised that it's do-able. Also, discovering that my kit and rifle worked excellently, as intended. I have a feeling yours will, too.
