Legitimate SDM self-training

N

Neal in GA

New member
As a bit of background, I'm a spec-4 11B in a National Guard unit (3 yrs in - 1 active, 2 guard). I'm in a scout platoon that has a sniper section attached. I am not going to be a sniper and am not interested in doing so, but I do have a squad marksman school coming up soon. I also have a May '09 Afghanistan deployment on the horizon.

I will soon be buying a Springfield loaded M1A, as I've been told I have about an 80-90% chance of carrying one in Iraq. I already know the M16/M4 platform well. I have squat for experience with the M14/M1A platform (a couple mags through a friend's, that's about it). My plan is to get good with irons then add a Leupold Mk4 LR/T scope. What sort of training drills will be good for the job at hand? I plan to shoot at least once a week, but I want quality training time. Anybody can go out and throw lead downrange and call that training. That's fun and all, and it certainly has its place. What do I need to be concentrating on? Naturally, range estimation, marksmanship fundamentals, and shot placement will be key. The max distance range I know I have access to around here is 200 yds. This is pretty short for the application, but it'll have to do until I find somewhere better to shoot. At this point, I'm completely open to suggestions from anyone but especially those who have related experience with either M14s or SDM-type tactics. :D
 
Maybe, in the title, if you changed the "D" in SDM to a "&", you'd attract more attention.... ;)

Otherwise, I'd probably contact Gunsite or Thunder Ranch for more info.....
 
Gunsite or Thunder Ranch would be great if I were made of money. Unfortunately, I'm a 26 year old college student living off what I make between drill pay, disability (from active duty), and my part time job. It simply isn't an option.
 
Neal in GA said:
Gunsite or Thunder Ranch would be great if I were made of money. Unfortunately, I'm a 26 year old college student living off what I make between drill pay, disability (from active duty), and my part time job. It simply isn't an option.
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Depending on where you're at in Georgia, I'd talk to some of the guys at either Benning or Bragg. Been a long time since I was in the service, but even back then we never turned down Guardsmen or Reservists that wanted some additional training or range time.

Your CO could probably even put in for the ammo request, meaning the only cost to you would be gasoline to get there.

Stay safe over in Afghanistan.

Jeff
 
Neal in GA said:
Gunsite or Thunder Ranch would be great if I were made of money.
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I'm in the same boat. But a phone call is cheap, and an e-mail is free (for now). I'd contact them, explain your situation. Maybe they'd be able to offer some suggestions......

Also, I'd find a copy of ART OF THE RIFLE by Jeff Cooper. Although it deals mostly with bolt-action rifles, it has some good info on how to shoot any rifle....
 
self training

Why don't you try Fred's for some of his targets and guide to shooting or try one of the Appleseed Shoots in your area. Info for them can be had from www.appleseedinfo.org there is a shoot in Hinesville GA Mar 1/2 good luck and stay safe if you go to the sandbox.

hogbody74
 
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"I'm in a scout platoon that has a sniper section attached."

Have you asked your peers attached to the sniper section for advice? If not, you may want to.

Another might be looking into local rifle shooting clubs, if there are any. They may not be what your looking for, but htey may know who to put you in touch with.

Good luck
 
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