14 Mar 02

Comments on Beretta's Vertic pistol from a fellow trainer:

"Just completed the Beretta.40S&W DAO training program for ________ University Police Dept. The new Beretta Vertec is slightly smaller than a full-sized Model 96, but it places the trigger only about one quarter inch closer to the backstrap, and has the same long trigger pull. All in all, it doesn't offer the small-handed shooter much advantage compared to the M96. Several female officers struggled with this pistol for four days. Eventually, all but one qualified, but the Vertec sure doesn't make things easy. I myself have to work hard to hit much with it at any distance, and typically have to slow way down to do so."

Lesson: Glock looks better all the time!

/John 

14 Mar 02

Incident at the range, from a friend in Africa:

"I'm not sure how you guys do it over there, but, at our rifle ranges, shooters typically leave their rifles on the bench with the bolt open on the green flag, in order to go forward to check targets. As the hunting season is upon us, there are many rifle shooters coming to the range to sight in.

Last week, a shooter was alone at our local shooting club. After shooting several rounds from his Saco 270, he followed this protocol. On his return to the bench he found his rifle missing! Police were called, but the rifle was never recovered and no arrests were made.

Upon reflection, this shooter is lucky his rifle was the only thing he lost!"

Lesson: Train like a warrior! Adopt the soldier's habit of always keeping your equipment with you and in an appropriate state of readiness. That is surely the way we train. We don't leave our equipment laying around the way recreational shooters typically do.

/John