Soldier Boy: Sean, 2nd Run: Lessons Learned

Published on December 29, 2015
Duration: 28:30

This video details a challenging firearms training drill conducted in extreme cold and snowy conditions, emphasizing fundamental shooting techniques under pressure. Instructor Lt Col Nutnfancy guides participants through various scenarios, highlighting the importance of proper trigger control, sight alignment, and breathing. The drill simulates real-world stress, forcing shooters to overcome environmental factors and equipment challenges, offering valuable lessons for improving performance in adverse conditions.

Quick Summary

Extreme cold weather significantly impacts firearms performance, causing ammunition to become underpowered and increasing the likelihood of malfunctions. Shooters must focus on fundamental techniques like proper trigger control and breathing, while also considering gear like illuminated optics and weapon lights for low-light conditions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Safety Brief
  2. 00:19Pistol Fundamentals & Malfunction Drill
  3. 01:03Cold Weather Ammunition Issues
  4. 02:03Glock 19 Shooting
  5. 02:34AKM Shooting Drill
  6. 03:38Scanning & Target Acquisition
  7. 04:02Breathing & Kneeling
  8. 05:10Shooter Sticks Deployment
  9. 05:34Scope Adjustment & Zeroing
  10. 06:02Reloading & Malfunction
  11. 06:36Shooting Sticks Review
  12. 06:44Pistol Carry Method
  13. 07:03Movement & Scanning Drill
  14. 07:26Mini Walk Drill
  15. 08:17Prone Shooting & Rest
  16. 08:44Scope Zeroing & Target Identification
  17. 10:03Low Light Target Visibility Issues
  18. 10:29Long Range Shooting in Snow
  19. 11:07Final Stage Briefing
  20. 11:38Stag AR-15 Shooting Drill
  21. 12:12Scope Zero Transition
  22. 12:57350 Yard Stage
  23. 13:07Rifle Malfunction Clearance
  24. 14:03Ammunition Performance in Cold
  25. 14:31Scope Focus Adjustment
  26. 15:43Long Range Accuracy Assessment
  27. 16:16Challenges of Night/Snow Shooting
  28. 17:43Building a Weapon System
  29. 19:09Performance Degradation in Drills
  30. 19:43Illuminated Reticle Importance
  31. 20:00Flashlight Failure & Visibility
  32. 20:31Scope Quality & Illumination Needs
  33. 21:06Optic Magnification Debate
  34. 22:08Zero Marks on Scope
  35. 22:23Favorite Firearm Choice
  36. 22:36Kel-Tec Platform Review
  37. 23:16Target Contrast with Light
  38. 23:39Cardio Levels & Fitness
  39. 24:05Weekend Warrior Shooting
  40. 24:24Spouse's Reaction
  41. 25:03Performance Recap
  42. 25:33Drill Conditions Recap
  43. 26:02Soldier Boy Drill Overview
  44. 26:11Guest's Experience
  45. 26:38TNP's Dream Scenario
  46. 27:0577 Grain Ammunition Performance
  47. 27:25Drill Wrap-up & Cleanup
  48. 27:33PFI Store & Drill Application
  49. 28:11Final Thoughts & Holiday Wishes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key challenges of shooting in extreme cold weather?

Extreme cold weather presents several challenges for shooters, including ammunition becoming underpowered leading to malfunctions, reduced firearm performance, and difficulty manipulating controls. The cold also affects the shooter, causing numb fingers and impacting trigger control and dexterity, making accurate shooting significantly harder.

How does cold weather affect ammunition and firearm reliability?

In temperatures around 15°F or colder, ammunition can become underpowered, increasing the risk of malfunctions like failure to feed or eject. Firearms with adjustable gas systems, like the AKM, may require adjustment, and even reliable pistols like Glocks can experience issues if not properly maintained or if using sub-optimal ammo.

What are the most important shooting fundamentals to focus on during stressful drills?

During stressful shooting drills, maintaining fundamental principles is paramount. This includes a clean, consistent trigger press, acquiring a proper sight picture, controlled breathing (often a cleansing breath held), and situational awareness through scanning. Rushing these fundamentals leads to errors and increased malfunctions.

Why are illuminated reticles and weapon lights crucial for low-light shooting?

Illuminated reticles on optics are vital for target acquisition in low-light conditions, as standard crosshairs can become invisible against dark backgrounds. Weapon lights are equally important for identifying targets and providing sufficient contrast, making the difference between a successful engagement and complete ineffectiveness.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Lt Col Nutnfancy

View all →