Book Review: Adaptive Rifle by Ben Stoeger and Joel Park

Ben Stoeger and Joel Park are both high level competitive shooters that have written numerous books on training with firearms. Their training methodology focuses on a combination of dry and live fire. They are also very clear about how improvement occurs: "you need to realize that training needs to be an ongoing process."

With this in mind, the Adaptive Carbine focuses on the AR-15 pattern rifle, and using it within its shorter range capabilities. Their focus on fast engagement is easily related to the average defensive rifle as well as competitiors. Their philosophy includes running very low par times to challenge your speed.

The authors use the "hunt" position to describe the medium to high ready (depending on nomenclature). The drills they recommend to get better will often start from this position. The dry drills include:

1) Bring the rifle up from the hunt position to aiming at the target. Repeat for 3-5 minutes.

2) Work on target transitions for 3-5 minutes.

3) Train magazine changes for 3-5 minutes

4) Train transitions from rifle to pistol for 3-5 minutes.

There are more drills, and a lot more wisdom behind them. The book is well worth the read.

"Again, you need to have a very harsh and honest assessment about what you are seeing and doing."

Be well, friends.