can someone who went last month please post a review, so those of us who haven't been know what to expect, and to pique people's interest?
I might not remember all and get the order of events wrong but it was practical drills. The day was split into 2 parts - first session for intermediate and second after 12 noon session for newer shooters. You should be well practiced with safe weapon handling and proficient with your firearms as the AM session goes quickly. Seeing everyone belt up beforehand, replete with numerous mag holsters and slung rifles, should tell you much already.
We warmed up with rifle first from close range. Then there was a mag change drill - fire 2 to empty, reload and fire 2 more. It was fun as was an elimination drill until only two were left at the line and we (the 2 Tongs) shot it out 'till there was one (where's my t-shirt Chris
) Another drill was transitioning to secondary - fire rifle then backup pistol. I liked that one a lot. Lots of different targets to make things interesting including a hostage + bad guy, which some had more fun shooting the hostage, I know I did a couple times LOL. More various drills including a paired team firing, moving off line then re-engaging the target, backing each other up to reload etc. Good stuff.
The precision drills is where the pushups and laps came in regarding errors. Ok so I totally didn't understand the drill so center massed most till the light went on! Doh. Too late and everyone suffered at the end, e kala mai. But if this old slightly broken guy can go then you can too. Heck I will do the exercises if even didn't have to now that I know what's going on. But the real point is accuracy on target.
We approached noon so the range opened up to non drill firing. I tried out some CQB draw firing but with varying success as further from target than ideal for that but it was good to practice live. Shot at pieces of stuff dancing them around the berm. Shot some kneeling to standing. The sound of other's rapid fire was awesome - HDF range day!
Not every range day will be the same. For example hnl.flyboy successfully performed trick shooting using reflected image off a diamond ring! Just don't see that every day now do ya?
My advice is have your gear squared away. Have a sturdy belt, holster for pistol (OWB at 9 or 3 best here so you don't flag anyone), rifle, many mags and a sling. Got a vest or carrier? Try it out. Bring water. There was a long line of tables to gear up but do not go hot yet- that is only allowed at the line and firearms are unloaded before leaving the line each time. No one is breathing down your neck so that one is easy to miss thinking you're at home or whatever. I violated it as well but caught myself and walked back up the berm to unload and didn't do it again. My EoTech battery ran dry so was using irons most of the day. Run what you brung and be ready to deal with equipment failures it's all part of learning and surviving afterall.
Had to leave so couldn't stay for the second session but will stay next time! It was the saddest thing to unbelt and put gear away to go I tell you. I hope you have as much fun as I did and take away much valuable lessons and practice time. HDF is a great non-competitive venue and we are lucky to have these range days. Looking forward to the next one!