In the “Dynamic Carbine High Performance Fundamentals” course series at Shootingpark Leobersdorf, Martin Thaler teaches what is important when handling a semi-automatic rifle – regardless of whether you are an IPSC, 3-gun, defense shooter or other shooter. You can find out how Martin manages this balancing act and what you learn in his courses in Ranger Magazine, made by Militär Aktuell.
The trainer
Martin Thaler is a gifted marksman. Originally coming from a background in static precision shooting, he soon became enthusiastic about dynamic IPSC shooting and has achieved a number of sporting successes over the years. 2024 alone was more than just a successful year for Martin. Among other things, he took first place at the Austrian IPSC Championship PCC 2024 (with a score of 100%), third place at the Extreme Euro Open 2024 and fourth place at the Lynx Brutality 2024 in the Armored Division – not necessarily in the usual IPSC equipment with plate carrier and battle belt. He now works as a trainer at Shootingpark Leobersdorf, which prompted the Ranger Magazine team to visit Martin’s semi-automatic course.
Equipment
Interest in the courses is high, as the hastily rescheduled replacement dates for the individual modules show. What is immediately noticeable is that only one AUG – namely the one from the Ranger magazine – is among the semi-automatics present. Otherwise: many PCCs in 9×19 and a few ARs in .223 Rem. Muzzle brakes play (no) role in modules 1 and 2. This is because the entry-level modules are about getting to know your own weapon platform as it is – more or less – from the factory. If no muzzle brake is fitted, the feedback after firing is clearer, so you can easily interpret it in relation to your stance or positioning. However, there is no such thing as a “wrong choice”.
As a Ranger task that we set ourselves: at least the introductory courses were to be shot with 10-round magazines throughout. We found support for the project at MK Unit. The magazine couplers for the older 9+1 magazines have been in use for some time and have proven their worth many times over. Now the new magazine dummies and the couplers for the 10-round magazines should also be tested. The dummies are screwed onto the couplers and allow a full grip, which is otherwise only known from the original 30-round magazine. There were no difficulties with this in the modules 1 and 2 visited so far. In fact, working with the dummies was very comfortable. A first interim summary of the long-term test can be found here here.
Even in the minimalist setup, you can make good progress in the entry-level courses. You occasionally see battle belts and a few slim IPSC belts, but it is also not uncommon to use your trouser pocket as a “magazine pouch”. You take what you have. Very pleasant!
Martin has mounted a laser on his AR, with which he demonstrates the exercises and some deterioration or improvement if you make this or that change. He emphasizes that Martin’s course weapon is not a highly tuned competition weapon. Rather, he wants to show us that the principles we learn in the course apply to any type of weapon and that a precise shot sequence and good recoil management do not have to be dependent on certain accessories. Very likeable!
In the course
The entry-level modules are not about teaching the basics of gun handling. Establishing the safety, changing magazines, troubleshooting – you should bring all of this to the course yourself. One of the aims of Module 1 is rather to find your own position, i.e. the right stance for you. The aim is to be able to shoot quickly and accurately from this position.
As Martin demonstrates, the stance is no different from that in pistol shooting. This is where many people start to relearn processes that have become ingrained over the years. This approach is nothing new, but is it actually always implemented properly? The first “aha effects” are noticeable very early on in the course. We were not promised too much!
Standing, but correctly
The introductory modules are fundamentally about micro-corrections of the shoulder, body tension, body tilt, the position of the feet and much more to find out what this or that position does to the shot. How does the recoil behave? If you tend to pull up, a certain “screw” needs to be turned, if the barrel moves to the side after the shot is fired, other corrections need to be made. This is how you work your way – with minimal ammunition consumption! – to your own position.
Undogmatic and gentle on ammunition
The emphasis is on one’s own position. Martin completely avoids dogmatically teaching this or that grip or a very specific position. After all, shooters come to the course with different platforms and requirements. What’s more, every physique is different. So Martin chooses a way that everyone can adapt for themselves. Perfect.
By seeing for yourself what happens when the shot is fired and receiving feedback from the trainer for correction, knowledge is generated on the spot that you can take home with you for dry-fire training. Ultimately, the course is also about memorizing this stance. It must become a habit.
In the live shot, we went through all the main muscle groups in a tense and relaxed state, from head to toe, and no, that is not meant literally. The effect is immediate and requires minimal ammunition. Or who would expect to put only about 110 rounds on target in three and a half hours in a dynamic shooting module? Actually, it would be even less, but Martin also relies on drills in which he shoots at his own discretion and a few more rounds can leave the barrel …
Findings
A clear picture emerges from the exchange with course colleagues: some come to the course as beginners, some want to optimize their performance in competitions, and some become beginners because they feel first-hand that the posture they have become accustomed to over decades is not as efficient as they previously thought. The course quickly makes you realize that it’s the little things that make the difference.
You start to hone these minimal factors of your own stance and realize what a big impact they have even at short distances – Module 1 is only shot in the 25-metre hall at Shootingpark Leobersdorf. The distance to the target is mostly far less, because that’s all you need to learn the basics.
Ranger conclusion
The focus is clearly on efficiency. Everyone learns to get the most out of their platform using simple means. “It can do much more than generate beautiful shots at a distance of 25 meters,” Martin tells us on the way. But that’s not all. With relatively little effort, you can see what works and what doesn’t with your own setup.
Martin’s approach to the semi-automatic opens up completely new doors from the very first course. Step-by-step instructions provide the first learning effects early on, and drills deepen the knowledge. After the course, it is advisable to go through what you have learned as soon as possible in dry practice and at the shooting range so that it can be consolidated more easily. You go home feeling enthusiastic and motivated and know which points you need to work on.
The Ranger Magazine will also report on Martin Thaler’s other course modules at Shootingpark Leobersdorf. It continues with module 2which builds on what has been learned.
