Rich Lucibella
Staff
Course Review: Gunsite Masters Series General Rifle Program
Dates: 21-26 February 2000
Introductory apology: Some individuals will be far more familiar with Colonel Cooper and Gunsite than others. In the interests of promoting the Doctrine, my observations are directed more to those with an interest in rifle basics, as outlined in this course. Others are free to file this topic under the "been there, done that" category. All graphics are provided with permission of the subject or equipment owner. Thanks to Ed Mason for his graphic contributions. All graphics referenced in this review may be browsed at http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/coursepics.htm
This course marks Colonel Cooper's return to the Gunsite ranges and, hopefully, a rebirth of Gunsite. While he maintains no ownership or management control over Gunsite, I understand that the Colonel has agreed to help assist the new owners so long as they remain true to its principles. From what I could see, a great deal is being invested in the physical plant. This includes road improvements, range improvements, range additions, new buildings, vehicles and additional staff. Buz Mills and his staff are to be commended on their efforts.
I attended this course with my nephew, Van, a young but ardent follower of the Colonel's teachings. We were housed at George Ganem's Gunsite Lodge (520 636-4135), which is now being managed by Shirley Furr, former Gunsite ProShop Manager. The accommodations are clean, efficient and close by. The Lodge includes dry fire and firearms cleaning areas. Having opted for the campsite in times past, I highly recommend Gunsite Lodge for those requiring a bit more comfort.
Following is a synopsis of the course schedule, training exercises, and experience:
Monday 2/21 0800:
Weather: Chilly; Damp; Spotty Drizzle
Class was held in the old ProShop, which has swapped places with the former classroom. An additional modular classroom has also been added. In addition to our class of 18, there were a good sized LEO 250 and a full SureFire Institute 3 day class in progress.
Welcoming comments were made by our RangeMaster, Colonel Bob Young, who has recently been appointed the new VP of Operations. Bob explained that Colonel Cooper had spent the previous weekend in hospitals in Prescott and Phoenix after a bout of severe chest pain. Thankfully, heart troubles had been ruled out and the Colonel, while in substantial pain from long standing back problems would be conducting the lectures and attending range exercises as able. Bob introduced the other instructors: Michel Rothlisber of Switzerland, Larry Larsen and, of course, the ever amazing Louis Awerbuck. Talk about a world class lineup! http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/faculty.jpg
Colonel Cooper arrived a few minutes later and described the goals of the course. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/cooper1.jpg He then spoke in general about rifles and marksmanship. Highlights from my notes include the following:
· The definition of a "Good Shot": One who can make 1st round hits on appropriate targets, at appropriate ranges, from unknown positions, against the clock.
· The value of forward mounted scopes
· Scope myths: Magnification and variable power comments
· Principles of the shot: Sighting, trigger control and gun handling
· The Sling: Types, advantages and limitations. Clearly Cooper prefers the Ching or CW sling to the military models and feels that a good sling can increase hit percentage by 30% in the proper terrain.
· Firing Positions: Olympic Standing, Off hand, Kneel, Squat, Sitting, Prone and various "Jackass" Positions.
· Appropriate use of the bipod.
It would be an understatement to say that the Colonel's delivery is interesting, enlightening and witty. His points were underscored by pithy stories of his personal experience and historical examples.
From the classroom we moved to the ranges where we zeroed our rifles at 200 yards. I would be shooting a Winchester Mod 70 Classic in .308 described elsewhere as the LURCR. http://www.thefiringline.com/NonCGI/Forum3/HTML/001479.html Topped with a forward mount Aimpoint, it's fast, smooth and accurate. The Aimpoint, powered by batteries, is sure to incur the disdain of those who don't like 'em. Suffice it to say that I do. Of 18 rifles, we had 8 Steyr's, 1 AR10, 1 Mauser, several Remingtons and my Winchester, all chambered in .308 or 30.06. Including the Aimpoint there were approximately 14 forward mounted scopes. No one shot iron sights.
After lunch we returned to the range for final zero and then moved on to sitting and prone shooting on steel. Colonel Cooper arrived on the scene and watched for a while. At one point he asked a question about my rifle, glared at the Aimpoint and just curled his upper lip. (Strike one!) At 4 PM we returned to the classroom for a discussion of cleaning tips and then adjourned.
Tuesday: 22 February 2000 0830:
Weather: 37 degrees; Rain
Bob Young provided a lecture on rifle basics:
· The Ready Position
· Proper bolt operation
· Ammunition Management
Janelle Cooper arrived a few minutes later with a canvas rifle bag and asked for yours truly to step up in front of the class. I was presented with the package and a typically Janelle eye twinkle and she was off. It seemed that I would be shooting the Colonel's Steyr Scout for the remainder of the week!!! No pressure there.
Colonel Cooper then appeared and spoke in detail about offhand shooting; timing (1.5 seconds from low ready to hit), goals (making the hit) and stocks. He reiterated his famous rule: "If you can get closer, get closer. If you can get steadier, get steadier"
Morning range work consisted of snap shots on paper; body shots at 25 yards and head shots at 50 yards. Louis pointed out that our head shots at twice the distance showed smaller groups than the body shots at half the distance. He explained that this had to do with trying to find the perfect center of the larger (body) target. Louis point: Get the rifle up, get on the target and squeeze. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/louis.jpg We then moved to the 100 yard line to work steel from a slung position to sitting.
The Colonel's rifle sports the "Cooper Trigger" which some may consider just a bit heavier than pure telepathy. Personally, I like it. With all the spacers removed from the stock, the rifle fits me nicely and is very fast. Truth is, I had owned a Steyr Scout but sold it in a personal huff after a telephonic exchange with one of their smiths that left me rather cold. In any case, by the end of the course, we would be shooting longer ranges against the clock....what the Aimpoint offered in speed up close, it lost to the Leopold in accuracy and speed at distance. While I had been looking forward to putting the LURCR thru the paces, I was pleased and honored to be working with the Colonel's Scout. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/cooperscout.jpg
After lunch we met in the classroom for a demonstration and checkout in squat, kneeling and sitting positions. Then back to the range where the general pattern of training emerged: Louis Awerbuck would be handling the snap and short range shooting, assisted by Michel. Colonel Young would be handling the position and distance shooting aided by Larry Larsen. Thus we generally worked in two teams of 9 shooters, shooting continuously rather than in relays.
Class was wrapped up at 4:30
Wednesday 23 February 2000 0830:
Weather: Clear and Cold
Colonel Cooper arrived in great cheer and lectured us on the Long Shot, accenting his points with wonderful tales of War, Near War and The Hunt. He pointed out that, contrary to the gun writers' "experiences", a 300 yard shot requires "a perfect day, a perfect rest, perfect physiology and cooperative game". He discussed zeros and the concept of "holding over", a technique he does not advocate except for bipedal quarry. At this point we were joined by long time Cooper friend and shooter John Gannaway, who brought a number of exotic and specialty rifles along. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/ganaway.jpg
John assisted Bob and Larry that morning with long range shooting from 200 and 300 yards on steel and paper. After lunch , we took a bit of time for photos with the Faculty. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/class.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/photoop.jpg
Returning to the range, the squads switched and ours spent the afternoon with Louis and Michel snap shooting against time and each other at 25, 50 and 100 yards. Toward the end of the day, the guys from the SureFire Institute wandered down with a suppressed AR10 to play with. We each got a run at it, but my nephew insists that I post only his picture. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/ar10.jpg
Thursday 24 February 2000 0830:
Weather: Cold. Ground: Muddy
A brief lecture by the Colonel regarding target acquisition in the field. Jeff described the concept of searching in "rays" (Forward and Back) rather than "bands" (Left to Right). Further discussion was had regarding the position decision. The students were rotated through the rest of the day on various exercises:
· Shooting trap with John Gannaway. This is really fun stuff, especially when you realize it can be done. High score was 2 out of five.
· "The Flay" with Michel. (African term, probably butchered by me). This is a field exercise, similar to the Donga, in which one searches for camouflaged targets at distances from 15 to about 300 yards. The key is to move quickly, acquire early, position appropriately and shoot precisely. The result is often humbling....mostly in the "acquisition" stage.
· More Snaps with Louis...this time against each other, from the slung position
· The "Rifle Bounce": engage steel targets at 35, 75 and 200 yards from the Standing, Kneeling/Squatting/Sitting and Prone, respectively...against the clock.
· 200 Yard Shooting from the post or barricade
· Sometime, just after lunch, we were given the opportunity to shoot some of John Gannaway's guns, including the .375 H&H Mag, the 460 G&A and the amazing black powder 7 Bore. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/375.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/460.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/7bore.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/7bore1.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/7bore2.jpg
Just as we were about to be dismissed for the day, the Colonel appeared on his trike and called for 300 yard precision shooting exercises. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/coopertrike.jpg As many of you know, as the week wears on, one doesn't like to see the day end too quickly. The additional trigger time was appreciated by all.
Friday 25 February 2000 0830:
Weather: Clear and Cold
Colonel Cooper gave a brief lecture on precision shooting out to the 400 meter range. Michel debriefed the class in the common errors in the Flay. We then returned to Colonel Cooper for a summary of the most common rifle calibers, their uses and failings. I was interested to note the Colonel's comments regarding Steyr's introduction of the Scout in .223, affectionately dubbed the "Boy Scout" by many. I believe the Colonel referred to it as "A real lousy idea in a world replete with lousy ideas".
Off to the ranges. Today would be much like Thursday only with scoring and a quicker pace. We repeated The Flay and the other range exercises. Interpersonal competition was increased. The day ended with a final zero on rifles and admonition by Colonel Young to relax and get some rest....but not before Colonel Young gave me the rare honor of shooting Scout Six. This rifle is built on the famed BRNO ZKK action and is truly a prize. It was given to him by Cooper. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/scoutsix.jpg
Saturday 26 February 2000 0800:
Weather: Cool, dry
We met at the Range for scoring on snap shots to the head at 25 and the body at 50; position and offhand fire at unknown ranges was also included. Shots had to be performed in preset times. Then on to the shootoff. This was a simple J-Ladder contest similar to the Rifle Bounce and presided over by the Colonel. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/coopersat.jpg The object was to hit the 35 and 75 yard steel poppers from the offhand and the 250 yard steel from any position but prone.....quicker than your opponent. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/shootofftargs.jpg 1 point for the first man to drop all three. 2 points wins the match. Two matches lost and you're out. The result, in my case, is that I have to hear from my sister's boy that he made it farther than me. Still the shootoff was great fun and we had each come a very long way. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/shootoffvan.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/shootoffjeff.jpg
1300:
Back to the Sconce for sandwiches, refreshments and brownies whipped up by Mrs. Cooper. Then down to the Colonel's vault to receive our certificates. The Colonel stayed with us, answering questions and telling stories well into the afternoon. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/vault.jpg
We got to see the recent, unedited video of his trials with the .376 Steyr "Dragoon" against Buffalo in Texas. Finn Aagard and Clint Smith were along for the trip. The Colonel's shot was at 75 yards with the buff facing his 7:00 position. The buff took a few steps off and dropped.
The shot was placed just to the right of the target's left shoulder....and passed through heart and lungs before disappearing into the rumen.
Of course this last bit of information was not imparted easily...the Colonel first waited for a "straight man" (me) to step up to bat and ask the fatal question: "What did you find when you opened the animal up?" I knew I'd stepped into it when I saw the gleam in his eye...he simply responded, "That he was dead".
Respectfully submitted with apologies to any whom I've overlooked.
Rich Lucibella
Dates: 21-26 February 2000
Introductory apology: Some individuals will be far more familiar with Colonel Cooper and Gunsite than others. In the interests of promoting the Doctrine, my observations are directed more to those with an interest in rifle basics, as outlined in this course. Others are free to file this topic under the "been there, done that" category. All graphics are provided with permission of the subject or equipment owner. Thanks to Ed Mason for his graphic contributions. All graphics referenced in this review may be browsed at http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/coursepics.htm
This course marks Colonel Cooper's return to the Gunsite ranges and, hopefully, a rebirth of Gunsite. While he maintains no ownership or management control over Gunsite, I understand that the Colonel has agreed to help assist the new owners so long as they remain true to its principles. From what I could see, a great deal is being invested in the physical plant. This includes road improvements, range improvements, range additions, new buildings, vehicles and additional staff. Buz Mills and his staff are to be commended on their efforts.
I attended this course with my nephew, Van, a young but ardent follower of the Colonel's teachings. We were housed at George Ganem's Gunsite Lodge (520 636-4135), which is now being managed by Shirley Furr, former Gunsite ProShop Manager. The accommodations are clean, efficient and close by. The Lodge includes dry fire and firearms cleaning areas. Having opted for the campsite in times past, I highly recommend Gunsite Lodge for those requiring a bit more comfort.
Following is a synopsis of the course schedule, training exercises, and experience:
Monday 2/21 0800:
Weather: Chilly; Damp; Spotty Drizzle
Class was held in the old ProShop, which has swapped places with the former classroom. An additional modular classroom has also been added. In addition to our class of 18, there were a good sized LEO 250 and a full SureFire Institute 3 day class in progress.
Welcoming comments were made by our RangeMaster, Colonel Bob Young, who has recently been appointed the new VP of Operations. Bob explained that Colonel Cooper had spent the previous weekend in hospitals in Prescott and Phoenix after a bout of severe chest pain. Thankfully, heart troubles had been ruled out and the Colonel, while in substantial pain from long standing back problems would be conducting the lectures and attending range exercises as able. Bob introduced the other instructors: Michel Rothlisber of Switzerland, Larry Larsen and, of course, the ever amazing Louis Awerbuck. Talk about a world class lineup! http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/faculty.jpg
Colonel Cooper arrived a few minutes later and described the goals of the course. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/cooper1.jpg He then spoke in general about rifles and marksmanship. Highlights from my notes include the following:
· The definition of a "Good Shot": One who can make 1st round hits on appropriate targets, at appropriate ranges, from unknown positions, against the clock.
· The value of forward mounted scopes
· Scope myths: Magnification and variable power comments
· Principles of the shot: Sighting, trigger control and gun handling
· The Sling: Types, advantages and limitations. Clearly Cooper prefers the Ching or CW sling to the military models and feels that a good sling can increase hit percentage by 30% in the proper terrain.
· Firing Positions: Olympic Standing, Off hand, Kneel, Squat, Sitting, Prone and various "Jackass" Positions.
· Appropriate use of the bipod.
It would be an understatement to say that the Colonel's delivery is interesting, enlightening and witty. His points were underscored by pithy stories of his personal experience and historical examples.
From the classroom we moved to the ranges where we zeroed our rifles at 200 yards. I would be shooting a Winchester Mod 70 Classic in .308 described elsewhere as the LURCR. http://www.thefiringline.com/NonCGI/Forum3/HTML/001479.html Topped with a forward mount Aimpoint, it's fast, smooth and accurate. The Aimpoint, powered by batteries, is sure to incur the disdain of those who don't like 'em. Suffice it to say that I do. Of 18 rifles, we had 8 Steyr's, 1 AR10, 1 Mauser, several Remingtons and my Winchester, all chambered in .308 or 30.06. Including the Aimpoint there were approximately 14 forward mounted scopes. No one shot iron sights.
After lunch we returned to the range for final zero and then moved on to sitting and prone shooting on steel. Colonel Cooper arrived on the scene and watched for a while. At one point he asked a question about my rifle, glared at the Aimpoint and just curled his upper lip. (Strike one!) At 4 PM we returned to the classroom for a discussion of cleaning tips and then adjourned.
Tuesday: 22 February 2000 0830:
Weather: 37 degrees; Rain
Bob Young provided a lecture on rifle basics:
· The Ready Position
· Proper bolt operation
· Ammunition Management
Janelle Cooper arrived a few minutes later with a canvas rifle bag and asked for yours truly to step up in front of the class. I was presented with the package and a typically Janelle eye twinkle and she was off. It seemed that I would be shooting the Colonel's Steyr Scout for the remainder of the week!!! No pressure there.
Colonel Cooper then appeared and spoke in detail about offhand shooting; timing (1.5 seconds from low ready to hit), goals (making the hit) and stocks. He reiterated his famous rule: "If you can get closer, get closer. If you can get steadier, get steadier"
Morning range work consisted of snap shots on paper; body shots at 25 yards and head shots at 50 yards. Louis pointed out that our head shots at twice the distance showed smaller groups than the body shots at half the distance. He explained that this had to do with trying to find the perfect center of the larger (body) target. Louis point: Get the rifle up, get on the target and squeeze. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/louis.jpg We then moved to the 100 yard line to work steel from a slung position to sitting.
The Colonel's rifle sports the "Cooper Trigger" which some may consider just a bit heavier than pure telepathy. Personally, I like it. With all the spacers removed from the stock, the rifle fits me nicely and is very fast. Truth is, I had owned a Steyr Scout but sold it in a personal huff after a telephonic exchange with one of their smiths that left me rather cold. In any case, by the end of the course, we would be shooting longer ranges against the clock....what the Aimpoint offered in speed up close, it lost to the Leopold in accuracy and speed at distance. While I had been looking forward to putting the LURCR thru the paces, I was pleased and honored to be working with the Colonel's Scout. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/cooperscout.jpg
After lunch we met in the classroom for a demonstration and checkout in squat, kneeling and sitting positions. Then back to the range where the general pattern of training emerged: Louis Awerbuck would be handling the snap and short range shooting, assisted by Michel. Colonel Young would be handling the position and distance shooting aided by Larry Larsen. Thus we generally worked in two teams of 9 shooters, shooting continuously rather than in relays.
Class was wrapped up at 4:30
Wednesday 23 February 2000 0830:
Weather: Clear and Cold
Colonel Cooper arrived in great cheer and lectured us on the Long Shot, accenting his points with wonderful tales of War, Near War and The Hunt. He pointed out that, contrary to the gun writers' "experiences", a 300 yard shot requires "a perfect day, a perfect rest, perfect physiology and cooperative game". He discussed zeros and the concept of "holding over", a technique he does not advocate except for bipedal quarry. At this point we were joined by long time Cooper friend and shooter John Gannaway, who brought a number of exotic and specialty rifles along. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/ganaway.jpg
John assisted Bob and Larry that morning with long range shooting from 200 and 300 yards on steel and paper. After lunch , we took a bit of time for photos with the Faculty. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/class.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/photoop.jpg
Returning to the range, the squads switched and ours spent the afternoon with Louis and Michel snap shooting against time and each other at 25, 50 and 100 yards. Toward the end of the day, the guys from the SureFire Institute wandered down with a suppressed AR10 to play with. We each got a run at it, but my nephew insists that I post only his picture. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/ar10.jpg
Thursday 24 February 2000 0830:
Weather: Cold. Ground: Muddy
A brief lecture by the Colonel regarding target acquisition in the field. Jeff described the concept of searching in "rays" (Forward and Back) rather than "bands" (Left to Right). Further discussion was had regarding the position decision. The students were rotated through the rest of the day on various exercises:
· Shooting trap with John Gannaway. This is really fun stuff, especially when you realize it can be done. High score was 2 out of five.
· "The Flay" with Michel. (African term, probably butchered by me). This is a field exercise, similar to the Donga, in which one searches for camouflaged targets at distances from 15 to about 300 yards. The key is to move quickly, acquire early, position appropriately and shoot precisely. The result is often humbling....mostly in the "acquisition" stage.
· More Snaps with Louis...this time against each other, from the slung position
· The "Rifle Bounce": engage steel targets at 35, 75 and 200 yards from the Standing, Kneeling/Squatting/Sitting and Prone, respectively...against the clock.
· 200 Yard Shooting from the post or barricade
· Sometime, just after lunch, we were given the opportunity to shoot some of John Gannaway's guns, including the .375 H&H Mag, the 460 G&A and the amazing black powder 7 Bore. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/375.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/460.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/7bore.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/7bore1.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/7bore2.jpg
Just as we were about to be dismissed for the day, the Colonel appeared on his trike and called for 300 yard precision shooting exercises. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/coopertrike.jpg As many of you know, as the week wears on, one doesn't like to see the day end too quickly. The additional trigger time was appreciated by all.
Friday 25 February 2000 0830:
Weather: Clear and Cold
Colonel Cooper gave a brief lecture on precision shooting out to the 400 meter range. Michel debriefed the class in the common errors in the Flay. We then returned to Colonel Cooper for a summary of the most common rifle calibers, their uses and failings. I was interested to note the Colonel's comments regarding Steyr's introduction of the Scout in .223, affectionately dubbed the "Boy Scout" by many. I believe the Colonel referred to it as "A real lousy idea in a world replete with lousy ideas".
Off to the ranges. Today would be much like Thursday only with scoring and a quicker pace. We repeated The Flay and the other range exercises. Interpersonal competition was increased. The day ended with a final zero on rifles and admonition by Colonel Young to relax and get some rest....but not before Colonel Young gave me the rare honor of shooting Scout Six. This rifle is built on the famed BRNO ZKK action and is truly a prize. It was given to him by Cooper. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/scoutsix.jpg
Saturday 26 February 2000 0800:
Weather: Cool, dry
We met at the Range for scoring on snap shots to the head at 25 and the body at 50; position and offhand fire at unknown ranges was also included. Shots had to be performed in preset times. Then on to the shootoff. This was a simple J-Ladder contest similar to the Rifle Bounce and presided over by the Colonel. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/coopersat.jpg The object was to hit the 35 and 75 yard steel poppers from the offhand and the 250 yard steel from any position but prone.....quicker than your opponent. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/shootofftargs.jpg 1 point for the first man to drop all three. 2 points wins the match. Two matches lost and you're out. The result, in my case, is that I have to hear from my sister's boy that he made it farther than me. Still the shootoff was great fun and we had each come a very long way. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/shootoffvan.jpg http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/shootoffjeff.jpg
1300:
Back to the Sconce for sandwiches, refreshments and brownies whipped up by Mrs. Cooper. Then down to the Colonel's vault to receive our certificates. The Colonel stayed with us, answering questions and telling stories well into the afternoon. http://www.thefiringline.com/images/Gunsite/vault.jpg
We got to see the recent, unedited video of his trials with the .376 Steyr "Dragoon" against Buffalo in Texas. Finn Aagard and Clint Smith were along for the trip. The Colonel's shot was at 75 yards with the buff facing his 7:00 position. The buff took a few steps off and dropped.
The shot was placed just to the right of the target's left shoulder....and passed through heart and lungs before disappearing into the rumen.
Of course this last bit of information was not imparted easily...the Colonel first waited for a "straight man" (me) to step up to bat and ask the fatal question: "What did you find when you opened the animal up?" I knew I'd stepped into it when I saw the gleam in his eye...he simply responded, "That he was dead".
Respectfully submitted with apologies to any whom I've overlooked.
Rich Lucibella
