Weapons training during plebe summer

Which guns will we use during plebe summer? I’m trying to get more comfortable with a pistol and would like to know what I should practice with.

usna23midshipman said:

Which guns will we use during plebe summer? I’m trying to get more comfortable with a pistol and would like to know what I should practice with.

Click to expand...

At NASS I was told that they use 1911s for pistol training and M4s for rifle training.

M11 Pistol (Sig Sauer M11-A1/ P228 is the civilian version)
M4A1 Rifle (FN or Colt - basically an M16A2 with 14-1/2" barrel)

Here is a thread about it: https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/arms-used-at-usna.58431/

usna23midshipman said:

Which guns will we use during plebe summer?...

Click to expand...

During Plebe Summer, you won't shoot any real "guns". A "Gun" in the Navy typically has a minimum bore diameter of 5" (127mm) and up.

A public service announcement for all the incoming Plebes... there is absolutely no need to learn to shoot, practice etc. before Plebe Summer. They are pretty good at taking a kid with no firearm experience and teaching them enough to qualify as Expert. In fact, going with no experience is in some ways better than going with the wrong experience....less bad habits to unlearn. If you were to do anything, I would say just go out to a range, shoot a couple boxes of ammo, just to get used to the BANG and recoil, without getting serious about marksmanship unless you have a good instructor.

That being said, for those parents so inclined, this is always a good excuse to go out and buy a new M11A1 so you DS/DD can be familiar with the weapon used during Plebe Summer. (Ahem, THP )

Hey. Remember that you asked if I would adopt you.

If you’re serious about preparing for Plebe Summer, get yourself an M1 rifle. Whether it actually works doesn’t matter. Now, place the butt in your hand, with your arm at a 90-degree bend, barrel against your shoulder. Stand up straight and start marching. Keep marching. Do so in high heat and high humidity, wearing thick camo gear. That’s the kind of “firearms training” that will be most useful! I’m not kidding.

"This is my rifle, this is my gun..."

Seriously, if you do have access get some rounds down range with any hand guns and rifles. For some, it’s exhilarating. As TH Parent said, it’s good to get used to the Bang and the Recoil. For first timers it’s the bang and the recoil that can throw you off. While at it learn to breath and not breath when pulling the trigger lightly wrapped around your shooting finger with your arms fully extended to your eye level with one foot slightly in the front and one slight to the rear with a slight bent knee in the front. And watch for grouping. I personally hit better when fired in quick successions. Some people tend to shake the weapon when you try to aim for the target too long. You now have quick reference guide to handgun shooting basics. You’ll enjoy weapons qualification.

DD continues to run and CrossFit 6 days a week.

And in they 7th day? We SHOOT!

it’s nothing to stress too much about. But it’s pretty cool to have some “E”s on your chest after plebe summer and very little chances to gain them again during your time at the academy. So, if you can shoot then own it, but it’s not worth stressing over. They’ll teach you what you need to know.