The 3 S's



I toted two Sig 220's along with me to TR.  I intended to use the "ST" model primarily with "R" model as a backup and for the night shoots as it has tritium sights on it.  The ST disappointed me while at TR.  As it turns out, I think the problem is the extractor is a might too tight yet and that caused the feeding problems I occasionally experienced down there.  I had it serviced by Sig a few months prior because the mag release stuck "down".  I also asked them to look at the extractor at that time.  It had a problem now and then with extraction, so Sig worked it over.  It needs to broke in some more I believe.  It is much, much tighter than the "R" gun.  The "R" gun, the black gun with its sexy matte black K-Kote finish ran great. 

Both Sigs are relatively stock.  I did install 19 lb mainsprings to reduce DA pull on both guns.  No problems at all with ignition.  Both also got a set of Hogue "finger grooved" rubber stocks.  I don't care for the plastic stocks as issued from Sig.  I hope someday to pick up a set of Hogue Rosewood stock for the "R" gun but I woudn't use them in a training course such as TR.  They're too pretty!

I brought 14 spare mags with me to TR.  I used them all.  Besides the two factory SS Sig mags, I had acquired 12 ACT mags.  Other than being nickel plated, they're dead ringers for factory.  I had nary a mag related problem all week. 

The HKS mag loader was a good thing.  It saved considerable wear and tear on my fingers with all the mag loading we did throughout the week.  The only problem I had with it is that it would disappear in the bottom of my range bag sometimes and I couldn't always find it  That's an operator induced malfunction though.

My main flashlight was a Surefire M2 Centurion.  This thing's a tank.  Not humanly possible to hurt it other than perhaps dropping it with the bulb on.  That may take out the filament.  I brought a little G2 Nylotron Surefire as a backup.  It uses the same batts and bulbs as the M2.  I also packed along 10 lithium batteries as spares as well but I didn't need 'em. 

I used a Milt Sparks 55 BN OWB holster coupled with a Wilderness Instructor's belt for my "leather."  Both items worked very, very well.  The Sparks made re-holstering safe and easy.  The importance of a holster with a mouth that remains open for one handed re-holstering is very important at TR.  You WILL be noticed if you're using your weak hand to open the holster back up or are looking down at the holster when re-holstering.

I used Kydex single mag holders but I can't for the life of me remember where I got them.  Somewhere on the vast Internet is all I can tell ya.  They worked well though.  The mags stayed in place but yet were easy to remove when needed.   If I can find a link to them, I'll post it here. 

I fired reloads the entire week.  I ran 230 grain Rainier plated RN in mixed brass.  5.6 grs of Universal Clays made it go BOOM.  Nice reliable, accurate and moderate load.  TR specifies ball ammo only in the Terminator.  I thought I'd just shoot ball all week to simplify things.  If you're headed to the Oregon version of TR, note you'll have to use "frangible green" ammo there.  It will be an "unleaded" zone.

Greg, my bud from Alaska and recovering Coastie, used a Glock all week.  I think it was a 23 but I'm not sure as I'm not into Glocks.  I know it was 40 anyway.  It ran well, better than my Sigs I have to admit.  They don't feel right in my hands otherwise I'd probably be running one.  He used a Sparks IWB holster, a VersaMax I think.  No problems with it either.  Yes, Sparks builds GOOD stuff.

If you've read my account, you'll remember proper hydration was a critical factor.  It was HOT there!!  Of course, I don't believe that it will be quite as toasty in Oregon but you never know. 


What I'd do different next time (Lessons Learned)


Next time, I will endeavor to get in better shape.  I rode my Nordic Trac, my bike and walked before going to TR.  I also started a regimen of pushups and ab crunches as well.  However, I didn't do any of it often enough and hard enough as I didn't lose the weight that I had wanted to before arriving at TR.  Still I got by, but DHG1 wasn't particularly strenuous.  The toughest part was holding the weapon out at arm's length for long periods of time over 5 days running malfunction drills and reloading drills repeatedly.  If you do not build up your shoulders, you WILL be sore by the end of the week.   I think a weight lifting program is indicated. 

Also, I'll do a better job of ensuring the weapons are ready for heavy use before arriving.  The ST needed to be shot more before TR IMHO.  The jury's still out on that but I'm sure that once the extractor loosens up it will be OK.

The optional tailcap switch on the M2 that I thought was so cool turned out to be a major mistake.  The switch is far too difficult to access to be usable IMHO.  Stick with the standard tailcap on these lights is my suggestion.

Baby wipes or the equivalent would be nice to have to clean sunscreen off your hands.  That stuff is greasy and combined with sweat, a handgun has a tendency to squirm around during recoil. 

You'll hear horror stories about hot brass burns in a class like this.  I didn't have much problem.  Perhaps Greg's Glock is very well mannered I'm not sure.  I did get one burn on my neck during our stint at ground tactics but it wasn't bad.  The person next to me did get burned a few times by my brass.  I guess Sigs aren't quite as socialable as Glocks.  They will recommend long sleeve shirts and neckerchiefs to prevent burns.  I don't think they're necessary at this point in time.  YMMV

I will also get a Camelback system I think.  Can't have too much water on the line.

What I did right for this trip

I bought TR's "Defensive Handgun" video.  It gave me a leg up on how TR expects you to draw, reload and move on your feet.  There are other opinions out there on how things should be done obviously, but these techniques are sound.  They make sense and they work. 

I paid close attention to the recommended equipment list that TR has on their website.  These guys have pretty much seen it all and if they tell ya you'll need it, you probably will.   Note they recommend a backup gun.  Good advice.  We had one or two guns go down during the week.  These guys' trips would have been ruined if they had not brought backup pieces. 

Remember the 3 S's, Sigs, Sparks and Surefires! :)  

P.S. Unless you plan on opening a tire dealership someday, don't join the Coast Guard.  Join the Navy and see REAL blue water.  The Coasties don't go anywhere their tires can't touch bottom. :)

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