First Force On Force Class

[LittleGun]

I attended my first force on force training class, using airsoft pistols. It was fun and very educational.

The first lesson I learned is that situational awareness is as important as everyone says.

The second lesson I learned is that in most shooting situations, there is no time for a sight picture. I'm glad I practice point-shooting.

The third lesson I learned is that training works. When a situation happens, training kicks in automatically.

I have a much better understanding of the OODA loop that my instructors talk about.

I can't wait to do another class. I'm shopping for airsoft gear.

[Fangs]

I have a much better understanding of the OODA loop that my instructors talk about.

Sorry, had to:

[LittleGun]

No one took any photos.

The point of the class was to demonstrate how uncertain things can be in public place, when a situation erupts. For each scenario, class participants played roles of good guys, bad guys, and bystanders. Each player had his own role, and we did not know who was playing what role.

In one scenario we had trouble in a bank. I was a bad guy looking out for my partner, who was supposed to rob someone at the ATM. That's all I knew of my role. I was given the freedom to act in the interest of either myself or my partner. There were other people in the bank. I did not know what their roles were.

The scenario started. A man walked up to the ATM to withdraw money. The ATM was partially hidden by a barrier. I saw my partner quietly start the robbery. The victim was genuinely surprised because he was not told there were bad guys in the bank. He was taken before he could do anything.

While my partner forced the man to withdraw money, I looked around to make sure no one noticed. Then I saw a bystander slowly reach for his gun. He had noticed the activity at the ATM and was going to intervene. I drew and nailed him with several shots to his side. That ended the scenario.

The highlight was analysis of the scenarios. Each player had his own view of events, and explained his actions. It was interersting to see events from every point of view, including that of the bystanders. During analysis, the player whom I shot had the role of CHL holder. He did not know there was going to be a robbery. He said that he did not see me, even though I was standing in the middle of the bank.

Fun stuff!

[gigag04]

You should try training with sims (simunitions rounds). They will wake you up for sure. I went to an Active Shooter class put on by TTPOA and using SIMS was soberingly realistic. Especially when my roommate crossed in front of my lane of fire and ended with paint and a welp on the back of his head. We both learned from that, me probably more so than he did - person in front of you has priority of fire :)

[PBratton]

Where did you take the course?

[Fawkes]

I've wanted to do a FoF class for a long time. Would be valuable, and humbling.

[BAD17]

yes SIM Rounds will wake you up. We used to train with those in the military all the time. Nothing like making a corner and getting blitzed by a 60. I have heard good things about those FOF classes. I also know that there are two things that can get you killed real fast in a gunfight and those are HESITATION and OVER CONFIDENCE (learned those first hand in Iraq and Afganistan). Always remember that there is someone faster, stronger, smarter than you are. You must always be on the lookout for anything. Situational awareness is the top most important thing you can use.

[LittleGun]

The class I took is in Houston at the Shiloh Shooting Range. I'm a member of a group that shoots there every week.

I missed a class ealier in the year. It was given by Brian Hoffner and conducted in a shoot house. That class would have been my first, but I was out of town and did not get back in time. When Brian's course comes up again, at least I'll have my own airsoft gear.

[Abraham]

If you will please: What are the various costs in FOF with Airsoft guns?

For you in the know regarding Airsoft vs Sims - Is Airsoft training far inferior To Sims or just different? If so, would please explain?

Thanks

[MadMonkey]

For you in the know regarding Airsoft vs Sims - Is Airsoft training far inferior To Sims or just different? If so, would please explain?

If money is no object, go with Sims. If you're like most of us... go Airsoft. I still have a scar from an event a year ago when I got nailed in the back of the hand during an assault on a building. I would never call Airsoft training inferior... different, yes, not quite as "forceful" as Sims, but still much, much better than dry firing or shooting paper targets.

Many police departments and even military units have taken to training with Airsoft guns because of cost.

[tacticool]

The second lesson I learned is that in most shooting situations, there is no time for a sight picture. I'm glad I practice point-shooting.

That may be true at arms length but not in general. In the FOF training I did, there were a lot of misses by people who didn't use the sights and much fewer misses by those who did, even if it was only a flash sight picture. The dismal record of unsighted shooting on the street also speaks volumes.

[LittleGun]

If you will please: What are the various costs in FOF with Airsoft guns?

I am new to airsoft but I have been researching pricing. It isn't terribly expensive to get what you need. I'm looking for a Sig P229. I've seen prices ranging from $109 to $159. I'll get one or two extra magazines, which are about $25 each, on some web sites. I'll get gas to charge the magazines. I'll get ammo, and a mask. I'd like to get a target for practicing at home. If you don't buy extra magazines, you might be able to keep the entire price below $200.

[MadMonkey]

If you will please: What are the various costs in FOF with Airsoft guns?

I am new to airsoft but I have been researching pricing. It isn't terribly expensive to get what you need. I'm looking for a Sig P229. I've seen prices ranging from $109 to $159. I'll get one or two extra magazines, which are about $25 each, on some web sites. I'll get gas to charge the magazines. I'll get ammo, and a mask. I'd like to get a target for practicing at home. If you don't buy extra magazines, you might be able to keep the entire price below $200.

It is WELL worth the price IMHO. Since I'm a night security guard in an empty building I have plenty of time to practice draws and even "live" firing practice with airsoft guns (just gotta make a good backstop). Even my boss is okay with it as long as it doesn't interfere with my work.

If you're buying a gun only for practice, it's a good idea to splurge and buy a higher end gun that won't break down often. We do have a North Texas airsoft organization with a forum that has a lot of good information: http://www.northtexasairsoft.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

[LittleGun]

My Airsoft gear is on the way. I ordered this model from airsplat.com;
http://www.airsplat.com/Items/GP-KJW-KP02-229.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I got 2 extra magazines, two cans of Green Gas, a mask, ammo, and target. The price went a little over $200. I am anxiously awaiting another Force On Force class.