Tactical Barriers by Tomcat

After seeing what Michael was up to down in Texas, and getting a taste of the fun while I was down there, I came back to Colorado inspired and motivated to build my own Tactical Barriers!

In the video below, I talk about what tactical barriers are, why I built one, design choices, a personal lesson I learned, and how to potentially save lots of money building your own (I built both of mine for a total of $1)! Many of us originally found airguns as a supplement for shooting firearms. That's how I started my addiction! It didn't take long before I was shooting my airguns WAY more than my PB's and those lovely, loud, powerful, and expensive to shoot PB's got shot less... and less... and less. Going head to head against Michael in a back yard competition (see 2nd video) was a real eye opening experience for me. I realized that I had a huge gap in my shooting training that was being completely ignored!

Some people use tactical barriers by shooting through them without touching the barrier at all. Some people choose to lean on them to help stabilize their shots. There's really no wrong or right way. It's up to the shooter to decide how they want to challenge themselves. I like to mix it up when I run my drills. To begin my drills, I start by standing next to the barrier, rifle on safe, and eyes closed. Then, I slowly lean forward until the butt of my rifle bumps into the barrier. That's my signal to GO! You'll see how the rest of the drill plays out in the video. If I recall correctly, the distance was about 20 yards. 

1:14 - Why build a Tac Barrier

2:41 - An alternative to using a PB. Note: This is the first in a series, and I use a very cheap and basic rifle to start with. As I progress through these videos, I'll be showcasing other options. 

5:01 - Design choices for building your own. 

7:47 - How to build a Tactical Barrier on the cheap! 

10:26 - Personal lesson learned, and running a drill. 

Hope you all enjoy!

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Here's when I went head to head against Michael Wendt! 





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blBB3f0ezhk&t=852s







I also learned something else that I could be doing better. I'll send a "Tomcat Airguns" decal to the first one who correctly guesses what it is, using the picture below. :) 

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Happy Shooting!

Tom
 
Hello Tom not to be nit picky but there are several thing you can do to use the barricade more effectively first if using the right side of the barricade your right knee should be up, left side left knee up or both knees down ( when working with a partner it helps stabilize you and prevents you from being pushed out of cover if they decide to join you on that side). Second your right foot placement foot should be extended once again helps in stability and rising but also prevents injury when working with others( with foot extended it can be stepped on without breaking ankle no so the way you have it). Third is hand and rifle position if you decide to go through the barricade left hand should be on the barricade locking the rifle to the barricade giving you the most stable platform with out a rest, or rifle should not be placed threw the barricade as not to lock you in and preventing you from movement, but if you shoot that way just be conscious of the muzzle offset in relation to optic. Just a few tips on shooting with barricade hope this helps Eric 
 
Hello Tom not to be nit picky but there are several thing you can do to use the barricade more effectively first if using the right side of the barricade your right knee should be up, left side left knee up or both knees down ( when working with a partner it helps stabilize you and prevents you from being pushed out of cover if they decide to join you on that side).

WINNER!! WINNER!! 

Thank you @esingle for sharing all those great tips with everyone! I'll PM you for your addy. :)

After filming, I got to watching a few YT videos on barricade training and learned that my natural instinct isn't always the best option. By raising the right knee and kneeling on the left, the rifle can be stabilized through the elbow to the knee for a more accurate shot! 

Tom

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Put a pad on the barrier and use it as a rest. A good suggestion! 

The $1 I spent on these barricades was due to buying some fabric to line all the spots I might rest a rifle on. I found some velvet at the local goodwill, cut it to size, doubled it up, and stapled it in place. 



The use of open sights? Great post, btw.  Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 

Another great observation too! If you look closely, in the video... While I'm shooting way down low, I angle the rifle to the side. But, I don't have any angled sights so, I'm just shooting by "feel". LOL! 



Rest your elbow on your knee? SO close!! As Trebeck (RIP) would say, we needed just a little more information. 



All great suggestions! Thanks for playing along! :)