03 February 2007

Shooters, lock and load & commence firing

We spent the entire day on the firing range. This morning 130+ of us shot to sight in our weapons. This is where you shoot at the sighting target and see where your shots are grouped. Based on their location on the target, you know whether to move your sights up/down/right/left. No matter if the rifle is new or really old, sighting must be accomplished to fit the shooters style of firing.

This afternoon, we went to a firing range where laser sensors provide the exact location your bullet hits the target at 75, 150, and 300 meters (225ft/450ft/900ft). It was very gratifying to hear the controller for my firing lane call out, "head shot...critical mass...neck shot...below critical mass in the belly, etc" for each shot. That was probably the coolest range I've shot on.

Tomorrow we work on flexive fire. This is where you walk with your M16 in front of you, bring it quickly to shoulder height, fire 2 rounds without putting your face to the sights, and then return to the ready position. This would be used in a patrol situation in a hostile environment where unfriendlies could jump out at any minute and you try to get the first shot off at them.

1 comment:

JJ's said...

That gear looks down right heavy. I would probably fall over. It does remind me of Bill Murray (sp?)
Thanks for the blog. It is nice to be able to keep up with news from you without having to bother others. Keep mmm coming.
JJ's