How I Spent the Last Two Days
20 May 2010
The last day of MAG40, the shooting qualification, some final course material and the written test.
But first we all had to read the front page article on the class just published in the Sierra Vista Herald. But then we got down to business, and the first item on the agenda was the shooting qualification.
The qualifier specifically is:
-- 6 rounds weak hand only at 4 yards
-- 6 rounds strong hand only at 4 yards
-- 12 rounds (6 rounds then reload) free style at 7 yards
-- 18 rounds (6 rounds from a squatting position, 6 rounds from high kneeling and 6 rounds from low kneeling) at 10 yards
-- 18 rounds (6 rounds Weaver, 6 rounds Chapman, 6 rounds Isosceles) at 15 yards
We used the standard IPSC target with major scoring (5 points for A zone, 4 for C and 3 for D). Magazines were loaded with 6 rounds, so a reload was required after each 6 rounds. All reloads were "on the clock" except between the weak hand and strong hand strings. While every stage had a time limit, it was generous. Possible is 300, and passing is 225.
SOP with Mas' class is for the staff to shoot the qualifier first. So Mas and the six instructors, including moi, shot the qualifier. I shot a 289.
The class, spit into two relays, then shot. Everyone passed.
After policing the range, everyone headed back to the classroom for more lecture/discussion, a round of questions, a last review of everything by Mas and then the written test.
While the class was taking the test, Mas and some of stff were hatching plans for another class, perhaps next year.
After the test, everyone passed, it was time to recognize some of the high scores on the shooting qualification -- and there were some excellent scores, including a perfect score shot by a retired LEO from Austin, Texas. But for my money, the high point was recognition of two women who staff concluded were the most improved shooters.
The most improved received Mas' qualification target signed by Mas and the rest of us instructors.
The runner up received the qualification target of another instructor who also shot a perfect score -- again signed by staff.
The final exercise was a sort of modified Tueller drill. Students were timed over 7 yards, and note was taken of each student's physical circumstances, general condition, presence of any medical or mobility issues, etc. And, consistent with expectations, everyone managed to cover the 7 yards, in 1.5 seconds, +/- a bit.
21 May 2010
Today I slept in -- finally.
Then I decided to head over to Bisbee.
It's an interesting and historic town in the hills about 30 to 40 minutes drive, east and a bit south, of Sierra Vista. On one hand it's an old mining town. On the other hand, there a quite a number of coffee houses, cafes, art galleries and the like. During a conversation with the hostess at a local restaurant, she commented that Bisbee had more PhDs per capita than anywhere else in Arizona. Apparently it's a popular retirement spot of professors from the North.
Among the unexpected finds was maker of custom hats, Optimo Hatworks, including custom Panama hats using genuine handwoven Monticristi hat bodies from Ecuador. I had a long talk with the proprietor and even considered ordering a new Panama for the upcoming summer. Alas, he didn't have a blank that would work for the sort of hat I favor. But he took my measurements, and can let me know if one turns up.
So, some scenes of Bisbee.
The sign pictured above was intriguing, but not enough for me to check out what the the shop actually sold.
Tomorrow I'll head up to Prescott for a couple of days.
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