Ammo & Training

In a recent correspondence with LTAC, a client stated that, “There’s no possible way I can make the ammunition requirements for this class, with the present cost of ammunition.”  I felt bad for him.  He signed up for the class almost 10 months before it was to start.  I know he was looking forward to it, and if the ammo costs ever come back down, he can sign up again. 

I’ve had conversations concerning ammo and its availability in regards to our round count for classes.  I’ve been asked if we will be reducing or establishing a modified round count for classes.  My reply has to be no.

LTAC’s classes are organized with specific drills with a proscribed round count.  We have these classes down (especially the Level One and Two classes) and we know the results from the course of fire.  Yes, we might add or take away a drill based on the needs of the class, but generally, they are regimented.  This is because this is what works.  If we started to reduce the round count, or simply eliminate drills, students WOULD NOT get the same training and therefore not the same class, despite its name.  For us to make those kinds of changes would be dishonest and students would be cheated. 

So, what can be done? We already have plenty of classes that do not require ammunition.  We are actively building more.  We are doing our best to help you be more well-rounded.  What else? In years past during an ammo crunch, students have used .22 conversion kits, that too remains an option.  But .22 is just as hard to find as anything.  We have been running a “For Women: Basic Pistol Safety and Intro to Shooting” class, in which we supply both firearms and all the ammunition for the students. 

One of the options that we have come up with is creating half-day classes.  These of course are designed with minimum rounds for the course of fire.  That way it will be fair to the students.  They will still be getting good training, just in a package that is structured around the realities of today. 

We are also increasing the number of classes that use Airsoft or Man-Marking rounds.  These, again, will allow training but without the added expense of purchasing ammunition.  These will all be force-on-force, such as our Dynamics of a Gunfight Series, or CQB-type classes.   

You can also work on your own.  There’s always time to get in more dry-fire practice.  Get snap caps, work through malfunctions.  Get reps drawing your handgun.  Work driving your gun to target.  Lots that you can do without firing a shot.

With all of this said, there is still no substitute for good, live-fire training with your firearm.  Shooting is a perishable skill.  Now more than ever, make wise decisions on what classes you take.  Make wise decisions on what you do at the range.  Make sure you get the most out of your investment.  Also, realize that you can do all sorts of actions to help you improve, but when it comes down to it, you have to shoot. 

I hope this ammo crunch ends soon, but I have my doubts.  Until then, do what you can to get ammo.  Feel free to email, message, or contact us in anyway if you have questions or want suggestions to help you train in today’s world.

Jared