I was able to attend a Masters 270 class last week, thanks to some poor soul who had to drop his reservation last June. Rich Lucibella has previously posted a detailed review of a previous Masters 270. Find this at: http://www.thefiringline.com/NonCGI/Forum3/HTML/002078.html
I had not trained at Gunsite before, so this was an eagerly anticipated trip. At Rich's recommendation I stayed at the Gunsite Lodge: http://www.gunsitelodge.com/ The lodge is basically on the campus of Gunsite, and was quite convenient, especially to run back for lunches. It is not air-conditioned, and might be toasty in the summer. It has an excellent kitchen that has all the necessary hardware, and lots of condiments, spices, etc. provided by recent residents. There is a phone that you can use to call out with a calling card, but having someone call you on the phone at the Lodge is a very iffy thing.
The equipment list for the course is complete. You do NOT need binoculars or a folding chair. You absolutely need good knee and elbow pads, but these are sold at the pro shop. Bring sun screen! Be ready to train hard. We started each day at 0800, took at most an hour for lunch, and didn't finish until about 1700 each evening. Everyone noticed some aches and dings by Thursday or Friday.
I was fortunate to have a good friend loan me his Steyr Scout. Of the 17 students in the course, 14 had Steyr Scouts, two had Scout style rifles based on a Winchester model 70, and one shot a Garand.
Colonel Cooper did all the lecture segments, and was a frequent visitor to the firing line. His health seemed good, and he was quite witty and acerbic. Louis Awerbuck was the range master. Louie is a remarkably gifted shooting instructor. As Rich Lucibella told me, "This guy can tell what you ate for breakfast just by looking at your target". Just be sure you always call him "Sir" or "Mr. Awerbuck". And bring cash.
The class had four instructors on the firing line at all times, so the student/teacher ratio was excellent. We used multiple different ranges at Gunsite (which continues to improve its physical facilities) and frequently had the class broken up into two or three groups working at different ranges.
The class stresses quick, aimed shots. Specifically, standing "snap" shots at 25 or 50 yards, standing or squatting/kneeling shots at 100 yards, seated shots at 200 yards, and prone shooting at 300-400 yards. I found the Ching Sling a wonderful aid and quick to employ, and plan to install it on my hunting rifles. The integral bipod on the Scout is nice for shots without time pressure, but the sling is quicker.
I was also impressed with the quality of my fellow students. Ages ran from 28 to about mid-50's, and everyone was attentive, enthusiastic, and worked hard. It's great to be in a class with motivated instructors and students, and amazing how much can be accomplished in just a week.
Gunsite will provide PMC .308 ammo for this class (750 rounds for $230). This was loaded with the Sierra 168 gr HPBT match bullet, and would easily shoot a five-shot, one MOA group out of my Scout. The primers are a little hard, but the ammo is excellent.
In brief, I was impressed with the class and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. When my little boy is a few years older, and has the mental and physical endurance to train hard for a week, I'd love to take him to 270 to ensure that he gets started properly.
[This message has been edited by Hawkeye (edited September 26, 2000).]
I had not trained at Gunsite before, so this was an eagerly anticipated trip. At Rich's recommendation I stayed at the Gunsite Lodge: http://www.gunsitelodge.com/ The lodge is basically on the campus of Gunsite, and was quite convenient, especially to run back for lunches. It is not air-conditioned, and might be toasty in the summer. It has an excellent kitchen that has all the necessary hardware, and lots of condiments, spices, etc. provided by recent residents. There is a phone that you can use to call out with a calling card, but having someone call you on the phone at the Lodge is a very iffy thing.
The equipment list for the course is complete. You do NOT need binoculars or a folding chair. You absolutely need good knee and elbow pads, but these are sold at the pro shop. Bring sun screen! Be ready to train hard. We started each day at 0800, took at most an hour for lunch, and didn't finish until about 1700 each evening. Everyone noticed some aches and dings by Thursday or Friday.
I was fortunate to have a good friend loan me his Steyr Scout. Of the 17 students in the course, 14 had Steyr Scouts, two had Scout style rifles based on a Winchester model 70, and one shot a Garand.
Colonel Cooper did all the lecture segments, and was a frequent visitor to the firing line. His health seemed good, and he was quite witty and acerbic. Louis Awerbuck was the range master. Louie is a remarkably gifted shooting instructor. As Rich Lucibella told me, "This guy can tell what you ate for breakfast just by looking at your target". Just be sure you always call him "Sir" or "Mr. Awerbuck". And bring cash.
The class had four instructors on the firing line at all times, so the student/teacher ratio was excellent. We used multiple different ranges at Gunsite (which continues to improve its physical facilities) and frequently had the class broken up into two or three groups working at different ranges.
The class stresses quick, aimed shots. Specifically, standing "snap" shots at 25 or 50 yards, standing or squatting/kneeling shots at 100 yards, seated shots at 200 yards, and prone shooting at 300-400 yards. I found the Ching Sling a wonderful aid and quick to employ, and plan to install it on my hunting rifles. The integral bipod on the Scout is nice for shots without time pressure, but the sling is quicker.
I was also impressed with the quality of my fellow students. Ages ran from 28 to about mid-50's, and everyone was attentive, enthusiastic, and worked hard. It's great to be in a class with motivated instructors and students, and amazing how much can be accomplished in just a week.
Gunsite will provide PMC .308 ammo for this class (750 rounds for $230). This was loaded with the Sierra 168 gr HPBT match bullet, and would easily shoot a five-shot, one MOA group out of my Scout. The primers are a little hard, but the ammo is excellent.
In brief, I was impressed with the class and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. When my little boy is a few years older, and has the mental and physical endurance to train hard for a week, I'd love to take him to 270 to ensure that he gets started properly.
[This message has been edited by Hawkeye (edited September 26, 2000).]