Ammo Shortages for Training

Given the obvious shortage and expense of 5.56 rifle ammo as well as the other battle rifle calibers, I am more than willing to accommodate suggestions for training for those of you that can’t / don’t want to expend even 300 rounds over a weekend. All the courses that I run do of course benefit from the incorporation of live firing and I have invested in electronic pop-up targets to enhance  the training experience.

Here are some options to consider incorporating into training, or perhaps even replacing live firing entirely, although it would be best to have at least a small supply of high velocity rounds so that training can be ‘validated’ at the end:

1) Use of .22 caliber alternates such as the M&P. You can then use the 5.56 for the final parts of training if you wish.

2) Use of airsoft for running tactical drills. I have a small supply of airsoft AR-15’s. This would be a good option for training the concentrates on small unit tactical drills, such as the Patrol or SUT courses, rather rather straight up combat shooting. 

3) Greater use of dry training. Dry training is incorporated anyway, as part of the build up to live firing drills. This could be increased.

Clearly for a straight up combat rifle course, you really need to bring the caliber for your battle rifle to get the most out of training. Training that concentrates more on SUT can be done utilizing more dry or airsoft alternatives. It would be entirely feasible to run a patrol or SUT course without use of any  live ammunition.

I have had enquiries about the types of weapon that are suitable for training. Whatever your battle rifle is, that is suitable. I use the AR platform, but you are welcome to bring AK, FN or  whatever alternates you have. It’s not about the weapon, its about employment of it as a tactical self defense tool.

Iron Sights Vs Optics:

Mosby recently posted a good article about Optics Vs Iron Sights HERE. I don’t care if you want to train with iron sights or optics. The ranges used on my courses tend to be closer, in the trees kind of ranges out to around 100m or so, so realistic for typical engagement ranges and suitable for both types of sights. 

I think optics are excellent. I personally run an ACOG, love it. Instinctively I feel that it’s best to train  initially on iron sights and then move to optics, but that is just opinion based on personal observation. To use an analogy, ships use GPS to navigate, because it is better and safer than to use old chart based methods. But navigators learn the chart based methods first at school. Optics equate to the GPS – its better than iron sights. But if you have to, then you can go back to iron sights and still be effective. Make sure it is the right sort of optics for a battle rifle, such as an ACOG or EOtech etc, not some slim tube with very little field of view. You need to be able to rapidly acquire and engage targets. It’s not sniper school.

If you are suffering from ammo shortage issues and wish to discuss a solution, please EMAIL ME: maxvelocitytactical@gmail.com. However, I don’t offer personal counseling on your ammo shortage issues, just solutions on how we can best effectively train!