My first exposure to the AR-15 platform was back in 1966, just prior to my shipping out to Vietnam. While in Vietnam, my Security Police K-9 unit was among the very first to be issued the CAR-15, the predecessor to today’s M4 carbine. The AR-15/M16 carbine of today is an even more reliable weapon than it was back then. Scheduled on request — call 252-937-8198.
Those of you who have taken any of our classes know what to expect from Concealed Handgun Carry. For our new students, we welcome the opportunity to work with you and help refine your training.
The night-firing portion of a recent AR-15 Carbine Class had seven students. Bright muzzle flashes came from a Rock River Arms Operator 2 with factory compensator using Federal XM193 ammo; the other carbines were using factory standard flash hiders and mostly Federal XM193. There was quite a difference between the two.
Students will learn
- Proper loading
- Proper lubrication
- Equipment suggestions and uses
- Proper magazine loading and magazine changes
- Malfunctions with dummy rounds and how to clear your carbine
- Shooting positions
- CQB positions
- Shooting on the move
- Proper transitions to sidearm
- Multiple-target drills
Your carbine/rifle should be sighted in properly prior to attending this class. A 50/200-yard zero works great. The choice is up to you, but you should know the aim/hit differences at 0 to 50 yards.
Equipment list
- Hearing and eye protection (electronic hearing protection is recommended)
- Sturdy shoes and clothing you will not mind getting dirty (bring a clean set to change into if you wish). .223 shells get very hot — you don’t want one going down your shirt!
- Rain coat, water bottle, first-aid kit, cap or hat with brim, folding chair
- Weapons cleaning kit; knee pads (optional — the kind sold at Lowe’s or Home Depot work; thin foam duct-taped to the inside of an old pair of slacks works great)
- Carbine, pistol, ammo: 300 rounds for carbine, 50 rounds for pistol
- Sling for your carbine; tools for your sight adjustment
- Optics are fine but must allow you to shoot quickly at close range — magnified optics will not work well at distances under 50 yards
- At least three 30-round carbine mags and a method to secure at least one extra mag for rapid reloads; at least two pistol mags with a way to secure one extra. Please mark your name/initials on each magazine.
- Bring your dinner. We take a short meal break just prior to dark.
Note: there will not be any running in this class, but movement will be used during some of the drills. No one is expected to do anything they are not physically comfortable with.
Ammo for this class
Be sure you purchase the correct ammunition for your carbine. NO GREEN-TIP AMMUNITION WILL BE ALLOWED — NO EXCEPTIONS. You will be shooting steel in part of this class, and green tip (steel core) will damage the steel targets.
If your rifle is stamped .223, you should NOT be shooting military 5.56 ammo because of the higher pressures generated by the 5.56 round. They are not the same — I don’t care what the guy at the gun shop tells you. The difference is in the chamber: the chamber for the .223-stamped barrel is shorter, so it builds higher pressures when used with the 5.56 round. Do not shoot 5.56 ammo in your rifle if it is not stamped 5.56. If your rifle is stamped 5.56, it is OK to use .223 ammo — your 5.56 barrel will handle the lower pressures of the .223 without a problem.
Thoughts vary as to the best 5.56 or .223 ammo for your AR-15. Some AR manufacturers will void the warranty if inexpensive steel-cased ammo is fired in them; others say it is fine. You be the judge. Personally, I use Lake City brass ammo labeled Federal XM193 — it shoots 100% in my rifle and has proven to be very accurate. PMC also maintains a good reputation among AR-15 shooters.