Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a carbine class led by Kyle Defoor, and I wanted to share some key insights from my experience. Having previously taken two of his pistol courses, I was excited to see how his carbine instruction would compare. One thing that stands out about Defoor is his ability to blend competition-based performance shooting with real-world defensive tactics. This mix of styles adds tremendous value to the learning experience, bridging the gap between precision and practical application.

Class Setup and Gear Configuration

The class kicked off with Defoor introducing himself and taking a look at everyone’s weapon setups. He quickly provided suggestions to improve performance, such as fully extending the buttstock to enhance control and vision. He also recommended removing unnecessary accessories from the bottom of the rail to help find optimal hand placement. Personally, I was running an 11.5-inch government profile barrel with a Griffin Armament M4 SDK suppressor, a Geissele trigger, and an Aimpoint Comp M5 on a Unity Tactical Fast Mount. I also used the Aimpoint 3X Magnifier in a Unity Flip to Center Mount, completed with a DM sling.

After a thorough safety and medical brief, we jumped into the course with what Defoor called "predictive shooting." The aim was not outcome-based but rather focused on enforcing fundamental shooting techniques like control, grip, and vision. This drill involved getting a flash sight picture, firing two rounds quickly, and analyzing how well we were controlling the rifle during each shot.

Big Takeaways: Control, Grip, and Vision

Defoor emphasizes some key fundamentals throughout his instruction. One critical point was maintaining proper elbow positioning for better control. Many shooters have a tendency to flare their elbows out, but Defoor advised keeping the elbow pointed downward for better recoil management and control of the buttstock.

Additionally, he taught us the importance of a loose grip with the dominant hand—comparing it to holding a beer bottle—so you can maintain speed and avoid trigger freeze. Tightening your grip too much can slow down your trigger finger, which is crucial in drills requiring fast, precise shots.

Another key takeaway was staying target-focused, especially when using red dots. It's easy to get caught up in tracking the dot, but the goal is to keep your eyes on the target and let the dot work for you.

Zeroing, Kyle’s “Hat Qual,” and Combatives

Defoor’s approach to zeroing was quick and efficient. He guaranteed everyone would be properly zeroed within 90 minutes, and we worked from 25 to 100 yards. I was able to zero my Aimpoint Comp M5 and Magnifier without any major issues. From there, we worked through his “first hat qual,” a timed drill where you drop from standing to prone and fire 10 rounds on a B8 target at 100 yards in under 14 seconds. I was pleased to hit the required 90+ score on my first attempt.

Day two started with a combatives session, something I had done before in one of his pistol classes. What was different this time was the integration of the rifle into combatives drills. We worked on techniques like elbows, palm strikes, and edged weapon tactics, all while maintaining control of the rifle. This wasn’t about becoming a martial artist but rather about gaining a few practical tools for close-quarters encounters.

Advanced Drills and Target Focus

As we moved into the afternoon, we started shooting at 200 yards. We then moved into working through a series of bill drills—firing six rounds in under two - four and half seconds at various distances. We also focused on mastering different types of sight picture stability: flash of color, bouncing dot, and stop stable dot. This helped us understand when to fire based on what we were seeing through our optics at the various distances.

We then moved on to shooting while on the move, emphasizing efficiency. Defoor teaches that your pace should match the situation—you shoot while moving because you have to, not because you want to. There was no exaggerated "Groucho walk," just a natural gait while ensuring you had a clear sight picture before each shot.

Gear Insights and Lessons Learned

Throughout the class, a few equipment issues popped up that are worth mentioning. Adjustable gas blocks proved finicky for some students, causing reliability issues. Another key lesson was the importance of quality ammo. One student experienced a squib round, which could have been disastrous if not identified quickly.

There was also discussion about the downside of ambidextrous safeties. For some shooters, the opposite side of the safety was digging into their grip, causing delays in their shots. Defoor recommended sticking with single-sided safeties to avoid these issues.

Lastly, we delved into the use of tall optic mounts. While these mounts are great for passive aiming under night vision or when wearing a gas mask, they can compromise your connection with the gun, especially in prone shooting positions. Similarly, the 3X magnifier was useful for long-distance shots but had a limited eye relief, making it less forgiving in certain positions.

Conclusion

Overall, Kyle Defoor’s carbine class was a top-tier experience. His ability to push you while maintaining a focus on the fundamentals is unmatched. Whether you're using a pistol or carbine, Defoor’s classes will challenge and improve your shooting skills. His courses fill up fast, so if you’re interested, I highly recommend jumping in as soon as he drops his schedule.