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Sat. Apr. 30 - Seven CHL holders got a taste of the training available from Instructor Daryl Smith in Victoria, TX.

Smith showed methods of carry and several holsters and led a discussion about the pros and cons of each. He drilled us on safety and the safe methods of draw, holstering, mag changing and muzzle control. We discussed ammo and penetration through various housing materials concluding that one had better know where that bullet is headed.

All afternoon we shot at fixed and moving targets, and while moving from left and right, toward and away, standing ,bending, kneeling, around, over and under barricades. Nearly every exercise required mag changes. It was exhausting, exhilarating and rewarding. "Woo, I'm beat from just getting up." said one old guy.

The best part was using a flashlight and shooting in darkness. Plastic sights, so bright in daylight, were no better than iron sights at night. Tritium and such are good until they gradually fade. Flashlight batteries die at the wrong time. The bright flash affects target acquisition.

Twelve great hours of lecture, demonstration and practice. It has taken three days for me to recover. I hope he does it again, just not too soon.