GEAR UP
When I first spoke to Paul I was somewhat jaded in relation to other
companies allegedly offering high end practical/tactical shooting
courses, but as I spoke to people and researched what ARG were
all about, a very positive picture started coming together. ARG
courses were well respected and the comments I heard were all
good, especially in relation to their firearms training.
I’ve been on a few formal training courses in my time, so I
DOWNRANGE
And without further ado it was straight onto the indoor 25m
range. This is bright and airy (supplemented by extraction fans)
and divided into four individual shooting lanes. A safe area to the
rear was where everyone went to “bomb up” and rest between
exercises.
First off was an absolutely thorough briefing from Bob. He
worked us through the operation of the Smith and the optics,
stressing at all times that safety and gun security, along with
situational awareness were paramount at all times; when you
have a detail of four guys all firing together you really need to
know where your muzzle is pointing!
Bob started us right from the very basics, explaining in detail
both full and flash sight pictures. There was a full explanation of
FIRE
a driving circuit. They also have a well stocked shop selling
equipment, a coffee bar, and barbecue area. The facility also has
12 acres of woodland. ARG Directing Staff are former UK military
personnel or former police officers with vast amounts of proven
experience in the field of security and firearms.
The ARG range facilities are purpose built, with indoor and
outdoor ranges, which are licenced under UK legislation. Their
shooting courses allow you to use live ammunition in the UK, and
to receive expert tuition from the UKs’ leading firearms instructors
which means that the skills and drills taught are current and best
practice. Currently ARG offer three shooting courses.
asked a colleague to accompany me on the long trip north. By
his own admission he had no formal firearms training and limited
firearms experience so I felt his view would be fresher than mine.
Upon arrival at the impressive Tall Trees facility Paul
introduced us to Bob and the other six course participants; these
comprised of two regular local shooters, two serving members of
the UK military, and two other serving contractors who wanted to
brush up on their “tactical toolbox”. Paul explained to me that the
course is not really designed for “first timers”, but for those that
wish to refresh and improve their rifle skills. So far ARG have run
over 25 of these courses and they are always full!
Kit was then issued; each course participant was provided
with the all important “eyes and ears”, a CRYE battle belt with
magazine pouches, dump pouches and singlepoint slings, and a
Smith & Wesson M&P15 carbine chambered in .22LR with a red
dot reflex sight. Obviously due to current UK firearms legislation
the .22LR is used so that proper semi auto training may be carried
out; the Smith though is an excellent weapon for this purpose as
it mimics its full bore “big brother” in all respects, so all the drills
are transferable should you go and shoot larger calibres on task.
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