Advanced Squared - Day One

CCLSC recently secured some space to do some additional training over the next few months.  With limited local training available, CCLSC decided to work together with local oil company PCEC and our sponsor Tacti-Cool to pilot some advanced training.  Hence "Advanced Advanced" was born.

To participate, CCLSC members must have completed the Advanced Pistol class at Tacti-Cool and be able to demonstrate several key skills that will form the core of our training.  Proficiency in drawing from a holster, reloads, malfunctions and basics in rifle shooting.

Our first meet up focused on a basic review of qualification, shooting from behind a barrier on both the right and left hand sides, basic reloads, tactical reloads, cover versus concealment, follow up shots and multiple targets. Rifle drills included shooting from behind a barrier, follow up shots, optics/red dot sights, and multiple targets.

Shellie and Kanani running pistol drills.

Getting started with safety briefing and instructions for the next drill

Nicole shooting rifle.

Ali practicing the drill, while Kanani waits her turn.

Kanani shooting from behind a barrier.

Shellie working on her rifle drills with multiple targets.

Shellie working on her pistol drills -
shooting from behind a barrier.

Kanani waiting for "go ahead" from Matt.

Ali, shooting her pistol from behind the barrier.

Nicole, taking her target down from behind the barrier.

Kanani, peering out from behind the barrier and
taking her target down.

Ali, Nicole and Kanani enjoying themselves.

Matt giving reviewing rifle basics, while Flood oversees the instruction.

Kanani getting additional instructions for the drill.

Ali shooting rifle from behind the barrier.

Kanani shooting the rifle drill.

CCLSC getting ready to unload their rifles the "old fashioned way".

CCLSC arsenal.

A little downrange camera action.

Shellie and Nicole watch as Ali shoots her rifle drill with multiple targets.

That's so CCLSC!
From left to right: Ali, Matt, Shellie, Kanani, Flood and Nicole

Ladies' Night

This week's practice we worked on clearing malfunctions with emphasis on not knowing that was the "test".  We are slowly working towards shooting under stress.  As was noted during my "test", when you're at the range you're more sensitive to the conditions of your firearm.  However, when you are in a fight for your life, you won't have the fine motor skills to process that kind of information.  So, we need to always assume a malfunction and "slap and rack".  A good lesson to be reminded of.

Kanani shooting her Springfield 1911.

Erin preparing to send some lead downrange.

Ladies' Night at Tacti-Cool Gun's & Gear - rarely does this
happen during practice, but when it does it's awesome!

Nicole and Shellie smiling for the camera.

CCLSC officially has a Facebook Page!  You can find us on Facebook at CCLSC.  Like us and tell your friends to do the same.  I will be using Facebook as an additional vehicle to keep in contact with all of you, post pictures from our events and practices and share general firearm news/information.  You do not need a Facebook account to view our CCLSC page.  And don’t forget, we also have a blog, where you can view information about CCLSC.

https://www.facebook.com/cclsc

Tip of the week: Pay Attention or Pay the Price – It’s a short one, and straight to the point.  Pay attention.  Previous articles have been helping us gather information and create a baseline to become better aware of our surroundings.  At the end of the article is a set of questions to ask yourself and help you begin mentally preparing yourself to respond to most situations.  “Being hard and dangerous won't do you a bit of good if you never see it coming.”  I couldn’t have said it better myself.

http://www.breachbangclear.com/pay-attention-or-pay-the-price/

Mindset Is Your Most Important Defensive Tool

This week at CCLSC we were able to think outside the box about mindset and our training.  We had a good discussion of our options available to us and being better prepared in a defensive situation.  As we approach the start of Women’s 101 and Advanced Pistol we want to be prepared to learn both how and when to shoot – without hesitation.  Without regular training and practice the natural response is to hesitate in any emergency. We certainly cannot predict every situation or the exact parameters of any or all emergencies; however, we can decide right now what we would do if anything does happen.

Julie and Matt discussing mindset.

Ali and Matt discussing mindset.

Tip of the week: Are you a soft target? - At the start of this year, I read a lot of information on topics ranging from the OODA loop, situational awareness, mindset and how to prepare for your families’ safety.  The article chosen is a good starting point that can work for everyone, regardless of your shooting status.  Read it, reply back if you want to discuss it and I think if this is all you implement in your day to day routine, you will be better off.

Have an excellent 4^th of July weekend - stay safe.

On the Firing Line with Matt, Joe and Kanani

The 21 June broadcast of On The Firing Line with Matt, Joe and Kanani.  I've been helping out on the show since late 2013 and have been broadcasting with them since March.  In general, we cover news in politics, firearms and gun laws/regulations.  OTFL is also one of CCLSC's sponsors.

It has been an awesome experience and of late, we have been covering the latest in world news and taking a look at our nations politics.  If you haven't listened to our broadcast before, take the next 55 minutes to listen.  This week's episode we discuss Government Tyranny both abroad and locally.

Thank you for listening!

A CCLSC Mellow Monday

Monday Recap

We had a somewhat mellow Monday compared to other CCLSC practices.  We worked on marksmanship to increase our accuracy at greater distances, played darts and worked on malfunction drills.  There was some discussion regarding shooting faster and staying on target.  The most effective way to accomplish this is to go back to the fundamentals of stance and trigger control.  Adopting an aggressive stance will help manage recoil and learning your firearm’s trigger reset is also very helpful.  Of course practice, practice, practice.

CCLSC ready to through some lead downrange.

Recording your progress is as simple as taking a picture
with your cell phone and dating your target.  Be sure note what
caliber and distance your target represents so you can see if
your practice is paying off.

Nicole getting some dart practice at Monday's practice.

Coming Up

Women’s 101 and Advanced Pistol begin next month.  Advanced Pistol students need to have their gear approved at least one week prior to the start of class.  If you have not purchased your holster/mag pouch, please do so as soon as possible to meet the deadline.  Also, if you have questions regarding what you need, please let me know.  I can help.  If you’d prefer, you can also stop by Tacti-Cool and ask the guys for recommendations.

Lastly, the Advanced² class is closed.  I will be contacting those who expressed interest separately with details and information for participation.  Advanced² promises to be an awesome opportunity for CCLSC members who wish to increase their skills and benefit from additional training.  I also want to thank Brian and Matt in advance for helping put this together and making the investment to train lady shooters.

Handgun Versatility: Cowboy Action Revolver

Erin started shooting only a few months ago, trying the .45 long colt for the first time.

Nice shooting, way to go Erin.

Long Gun Ladies

During our most recent CCLSC practice, members were introduced to the shooting basics of rifles and learned more about different rifle configurations.  A few members had their own AR-15’s to share with the group and we also were able to shoot the IWI Tavor, Bushmaster ACR (chambered for a .223 round) and the AK-47; which shoots a 7.62 round.

In our trend to try new firearms and increasing our shooting skills, this was a great chance to test our fundamentals.  While every rifle is a bit different this was a good review of the basic parts (magazine release/bullet button, charging handle, bolt release, optical sights, etc) which are synonymous to many handgun parts.  Versatility and familiarity with different firearms is a priceless skill.  There are many shooters who do not have the opportunity or knowledge of firearms outside of their personal collection, which in many cases is very limited.  I would encourage each and every one of you to say “yes” when someone offers you to shoot something new.

If you have been following Tacti-Cool Guns & Gear’s Facebook page, you will know they just released the upcoming schedule for Women’s 101 and Advanced Pistol beginning in July through October.  Classes are held Thursday nights, once a month beginning at 6:30 pm each evening, lasting approximately 3 hours.  These courses fill very quickly and will most likely be closed by the week’s end.  If you or someone you know wants to register, you will want to act fast!  For those ladies interested in the Advanced Pistol class, there have been some changes in the course content.  The new material promises to be both challenging and fun.

General Information for sign up can be found here.

Not to be outdone by Advanced Pistol, Women’s 101 also has a new improvement for the next session; a woman instructor.  This past weekend I traveled to Orange County and was certified as a NRA Basic Pistol Instructor.  It was an excellent class and a great experience meeting other shooters, especially two women shooters.  The course tested my shooting skills, knowledge of different revolvers and semi-automatic handguns, and my ability to convey the course information clearly and succinctly.  With my new certification, I will be joining the teaching team for Women’s 101.  This is a prime opportunity for the upcoming class to get a woman’s perspective of shooting and firearms that I hope benefit the students.  As more and more women are getting into shooting for a variety of reasons, this is still a rare opportunity to have a woman instructor.  Please encourage your friends and family to sign up for the upcoming session.

And finally, once you have signed up for either the Women’s 101 or Advanced Pistol courses, this is your gateway to the Central Coast Ladies Shooting Club (CCLSC).  For those of you who want to attend and have not taken the course, now is the time.  There is no minimum shooting skill required to attend CCLSC and you pay for what you “play” at the range. 

Rifle Day with CCLSC! Nice trigger discipline ladies!

Proper stance, grip and sight alignment are just as important as having a good time.

Wait a minute - I thought CCLSC was only for girls!  True, however CCLSC has the added benefit of receiving
advanced training from Tacti-Cool staff who assist with practice to sharpen our skills.

Matt reviewing rifle basics.

Deep in concentration CCLSC watches on while Matt shoots down range.

Julie shooting her AR-15.

Nicole shooting the AR-15, with a nice picture in picture effect.

A close up of Nicole shooting the AR-15.

Shooting the AR-15, Ali noted "it's no big deal".

Nicole shooting the Bushmaster ACR.
Unlike the AR-15 and AK 47 the ACR isn't a
common rifle, but once you have the fundamentals in rifle shooting, it's really no different.

The Bushmaster ACR and IWI Tavor shoots the standard .223 round; it's just a little different configuration. Like with handguns, CCLSC strives to equip each member with the versatility to shoot a wide variety of different rifles. This is a valuable skill to pick up any firearm and shoot.

Now you're just showing off, Matt.

Julie shooting the AK-47 like a pro.
When she finished, she let out a much deserved
"WOOOO! That was fun!". That's what we like to hear!

Shellie earning her "badassery" credentials shooting the AK47.
That's the way we do it in CCLSC!