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 two introductory modules 1 (-> Click here for the field report) and Module 2 (-> The experience report) and Module 3 (Indexing and Target Change – Here is the report on the course) were successfully attended. Module 4 of the “Dynamic Carbine High Performance Fundamentals” course series is sporty and dynamic: Martin focuses here on shooting on the move and on “position entry” and thus on taking up a shooting position safely and as efficiently as possible.
As you can imagine, modules 1 and 2 of the course are the basis for this evening for a reason. Because once in motion and focused on motor tasks, it quickly becomes clear whether the basics are in place or not – regardless of whether you use the semi-automatic rifle for sport or defense shooting.
Dry – but not boring
Martin sets – as always skillfully and clearly communicated – the goals for shooting in and out of motion. This includes, for example: Holding the gun as still as possible and finding the point in walking and running where there is the least movement in the upper body and in the gun. Is this while both feet are on the ground or in between? In the course, we learn the differences literally step by step.
Another key point of the course – and this is where the knowledge from the previous modules comes together once again – is to train the correct focus. It’s amazing what you learn about your own movements with the gun at the ready when you focus alternately on the sight picture and on the target. It is unavoidable that you first have to walk a few meters across the hall during dry-fire training. But you can also hear the “Ahs!” and “Ohs!” from your colleagues, because these “aha” moments are typical of Martin’s courses – regardless of the weapon platform and the sporting objective.
From running, braking and shooting
And then it gets loud after all and what has been learned comes together in a sharp shot. During various running and shooting exercises, you can see how much the basics and the new learning content have been processed. Now it’s down to the details. How do I slow down – coming from a fast run – and at the same time get into the right position with the right focus on the target? Sighting from movement is particularly exciting, as the distance to the target changes surprisingly quickly when the decision is made to raise the weapon and bring it into aim. So always make sure you have the right focus!
Anyone who “switches over” quickly and then combines the basic knowledge with the trigger and index while walking can call themselves lucky – Martin certainly seems happy after every demonstration. The rest of us also quickly achieve our first successes. The training is working!
Ranger conclusion
It’s actually hard to believe. Of all things, the course module on shooting on the move has the fewest shots fired. 96 were entered into the digital shooting logbook of the High Ready app app. This much can already be revealed: These were fewer than in any other module, not even in both follow-up courses.
Martin also manages to adapt his didactic approach to the course participants and – a huge bonus for all shooters – to combine the physical part of shooting with the mental aspects. Shooting, like so many things in life, is (also) a matter of the head.
Martin was also able to get a lot out of the course participants and their sports equipment and tools in the subsequent modules 5 and 6. The reports will follow.
