These are some recommendations you should do before arriving to class. These simple tasks will help you become more efficient with your range time and allow you to focus more on your skills rather than digging through your range bag or fumbling with equipment.
- 1. Sight-in all weapon systems. Use the battle zero of your choice and understand its ballistics. Make sure your scope mounts are tight and use a paint pen to mark the fastener in its place.
- 2. Clean and lubricate all weapon systems. Neglecting such a simple task can create havoc when you’re trying to learn new skills on the range.
- 3. Functions check all weapon systems. Make sure you put it together correctly. Check that the safety is working properly and the weapon cycles the way it was designed. Dry fire it in a safe direction with pencil inserted in the barrel with the eraser towards the firing pin. The pencil should shoot out of the barrel.
- 4. Pre-load ALL magazines. The more the better. Reloading magazines wastes time on the range. Saving time leads to more shooting which leads to more training which leads to better skills.
- 5. Replace batteries in equipment if it’s been a while. Optics, ear pro, cameras, etc.
- 6. Pre-fit all your equipment. Try on all your gear before class. Don’t waste time readjusting plate carrier straps, pouches, holster height or tension, or sling lengths. Once the shooting begins we can fine tune as needed.
- 7. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. It will be a warm 80 degrees on the range and the last thing you want is to have to sit out because you did not drink water. Bring coolers with ice, frozen water jugs, Camelbaks or whatever you need to stay hydrated.
- 8. Snacks are a great idea on the range. Protein bars, granola bars, beef jerky or foot long subs. It will be a long hot day so the extra calories will give you a good energy boost to get you through the day.
~Mr.Blue