Bolivar
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
ORA Service / CQB Clinic #1 After Action Report
The ORA Service CQB/SR Carbine Clinic 1 has just been completed on Saturday March 10, 12 This clinic was well attended by enthusiastic service competitors, a full house. Weather was brisk to say the least (my camel pack hose froze in the first half hour) but temperatures warmed through the day. By the end most of the remaining snow was gone which made range cleanup much easier.
As a participant, I got a great refresher on the basics of the ORA CQB competition as well as learning first hand about the new modified prone position being introduced this season.
After range setup and registration shooters were grouped in pairs for the remainder of the day. Where at all possible experienced competitors were matched up with new shooters to be able to coach individually.
A class room session followed where the match director Tim K took us through the history of CQB with the ORA, basics of the match as well as providing information on basics of how to deal with stoppages (which I go to put to the test a couple of times due to mag issues).
We took to the range for zeroing basics followed but double tap drills. This reinforced some of the fundamentals of shooting, especially establishing a natural point of aim which is always important but critical with a double tap drill. Rounds walking across the target were clear indicators for when your NPA was not right. Tight grouped pairs showed when it was right. For me personally there was improvement as the drill progressed.
Next we practiced snaps and rapids which included mag changes. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Focus on a good sight picture and good things happen.
Modified prone is being added to CQB this year. Here shooters lie on their strong side shoulder, shooting with the rifle next to (but not touching) the ground. This is a whole new challenge for most of us. It provides a very stable shooting position but requires a change in thinking of how to hold and rest the rifle. A very forward hand grip seemed to work for me but alternatives were presented that I will have to investigate through dry fire at home and in upcoming matches and clinics. I personally shot my rifle for this drill as opposed to my carbine. Since I can't get a forward a grip on the carbine I may have to make adjustments. Side blasting muzzle breaks are also detrimental with this position when combined with Borden sand. I'm going to suck it up (literally and figuratively) for now but I may change out my muzzle device in the future.
The final drill for the day was firing on the move. Walking forward and shooting simultaneously compete with a mag change in the middle. Again, focus on good sight picture provides the best opportunity for success.
Throughout the day and at the debriefing after shooting was completed, Tim K and other experienced shooters shared tips and knowledge on shooting fundamentals, techniques and the CQB matches.
The day also showed again the great group of people who participate in the CQB program with the ORA. Experienced shooters are always willing to share information with new shooters. There were few ball busting opportunities missed throughout the day either (with me being a favored target for some reason
) which keeps the mood light and fun which is what it is all about.
Oh, and a big thank-you to Tim K for organizing and running a great clinic and program. The same thanks goes to the AROs for the day who braved the cold with the rest of us so that we could do all the fun learning and shooting stuff.
For those who attended today, we would really like to here your take on the day and share any videos and pics that you have.
For those sitting on the fence, when these clinics become available, jump at them, there's a wealth of information to be learned from some of the best.
Bolivar
The ORA Service CQB/SR Carbine Clinic 1 has just been completed on Saturday March 10, 12 This clinic was well attended by enthusiastic service competitors, a full house. Weather was brisk to say the least (my camel pack hose froze in the first half hour) but temperatures warmed through the day. By the end most of the remaining snow was gone which made range cleanup much easier.
As a participant, I got a great refresher on the basics of the ORA CQB competition as well as learning first hand about the new modified prone position being introduced this season.
After range setup and registration shooters were grouped in pairs for the remainder of the day. Where at all possible experienced competitors were matched up with new shooters to be able to coach individually.
A class room session followed where the match director Tim K took us through the history of CQB with the ORA, basics of the match as well as providing information on basics of how to deal with stoppages (which I go to put to the test a couple of times due to mag issues).
We took to the range for zeroing basics followed but double tap drills. This reinforced some of the fundamentals of shooting, especially establishing a natural point of aim which is always important but critical with a double tap drill. Rounds walking across the target were clear indicators for when your NPA was not right. Tight grouped pairs showed when it was right. For me personally there was improvement as the drill progressed.
Next we practiced snaps and rapids which included mag changes. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Focus on a good sight picture and good things happen.
Modified prone is being added to CQB this year. Here shooters lie on their strong side shoulder, shooting with the rifle next to (but not touching) the ground. This is a whole new challenge for most of us. It provides a very stable shooting position but requires a change in thinking of how to hold and rest the rifle. A very forward hand grip seemed to work for me but alternatives were presented that I will have to investigate through dry fire at home and in upcoming matches and clinics. I personally shot my rifle for this drill as opposed to my carbine. Since I can't get a forward a grip on the carbine I may have to make adjustments. Side blasting muzzle breaks are also detrimental with this position when combined with Borden sand. I'm going to suck it up (literally and figuratively) for now but I may change out my muzzle device in the future.
The final drill for the day was firing on the move. Walking forward and shooting simultaneously compete with a mag change in the middle. Again, focus on good sight picture provides the best opportunity for success.
Throughout the day and at the debriefing after shooting was completed, Tim K and other experienced shooters shared tips and knowledge on shooting fundamentals, techniques and the CQB matches.
The day also showed again the great group of people who participate in the CQB program with the ORA. Experienced shooters are always willing to share information with new shooters. There were few ball busting opportunities missed throughout the day either (with me being a favored target for some reason
) which keeps the mood light and fun which is what it is all about.Oh, and a big thank-you to Tim K for organizing and running a great clinic and program. The same thanks goes to the AROs for the day who braved the cold with the rest of us so that we could do all the fun learning and shooting stuff.
For those who attended today, we would really like to here your take on the day and share any videos and pics that you have.
For those sitting on the fence, when these clinics become available, jump at them, there's a wealth of information to be learned from some of the best.
Bolivar
