Edelweiss Adventure: Defence Shooting Module 1

If you want to shoot, you obviously want to hit something as well. There are certain fundamentals in the shooting world, but also many differences. Edelweiss Adventure primarily offers shooting training for defense shooting, but also offers training for hunting weapons or IPSC. Defense shooting as offered in Austria is unfortunately not available for civilians in Germany due to the legal situation. In Austria, one is allowed to possess a weapon for self-defense, and therefore courses are offered for this emergency situation. After all, one wants to be able to handle a weapon skillfully in corresponding extreme situations. At Edelweiss Adventure, you can find a variety of training modules to elevate your skills to the appropriate level.

Above is an overview and the paths that can be taken. For us, it originally started with the acquisition of the firearms document at Edelweiss Adventure. This was followed by two private lessons, which allowed me to significantly increase my learning curve and learn how to handle my weapon (Glock 17 Gen 5). This also allowed me to attend Module 1 of the defense shooting course. Those who do not take private lessons must first attend the basic training course. As it later turns out, this all has its reasons and is very useful.

If you visit the website of Edelweiss Adventure, you will find under training content in Module 1 the following points: weapon handling dry training; precision, rapid, and de-cocking shooting; hesitation drill / malfunction clearance. All this is meant to be learned within 4 hours.

Not easy to find, Edelweiss Adventure is hidden in Sollenau. Once you drive through a gate into an industrial center, you will soon realize that you have arrived at the right place. Banners with the different thematic areas that Edelweiss Adventure deals with adorn the facade. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the appointment, then the registration process goes quickly and you can mentally prepare for what lies ahead.

After that, it's straight to the shooting range. Weather-independent training can be done in a modern and beautiful hall.

During our visit, the module was led by Heinz Eichinger. Heinz Eichinger is an official shooting instructor and the starting point of the teaching concept at Edelweiss Adventure, as well as the founder of the "HESA - Heinz Eichinger Shooting Training". (His book on shooting training was introduced HERE .)

It starts off right away with ensuring the safety of the weapons. Safety is the top priority, and therefore constant attention is paid to it. Once this is established, dry training can begin. As mentioned earlier, one can only attend Module 1 if they have already gained some shooting experience. This includes a brief explanation and demonstration of how to hold the weapon and how to properly operate the trigger. Training also includes drawing from the holster and maintaining the correct body posture while shooting, skills that one should already be familiar with.

Before you know it, it's time for live fire. With a maximum of 10 participants, the group is divided into two. One group shoots while the other prepares for the exercise. The first magazines are loaded, and you are allowed to step up to the firing line.

Arriving at the front, the exercise is explained again and shooting is allowed on command. What was previously repeated in dry training is now implemented in live fire. This way, one immediately receives their results on the target. A typical feature of defense shooting is that the target here is not a 10-ring target, but a rectangle. Throughout the course, differences from regular shooting courses are highlighted, as defense shooting is not always just about punching holes. It's about hits over speed, but one also wants to achieve maximum effect.

The exercises in live fire alternate between accuracy and speed. This way, one quickly learns and recognizes the differences between precision shots, rapid shots, and reflex shots. The pace increases, and the exercises become slightly more complex. While trying to focus on each step and execute it, one might forget another step. The trainer promptly reminds one of their mistakes, whether it's improving the weapon grip, operating the trigger more cleanly, or choosing the correct aiming point.

Also on the program are decision-making drills and malfunction clearance. Practiced in dry training, it's now time for live fire. A bit tricky, participants are supposed to load magazines for other participants, inserting dummy rounds randomly. During live fire, one is constantly surprised by a "click" without a "bang" and must react accordingly. It becomes clear how a malfunction can throw one off. Therefore, it's important to stay focused and slow down a bit in order to successfully complete the exercise.

Time flies, the mind is spinning, and about 230 shots later, the module is already over. At the end of the course, Heinz asks if there are any questions or feedback. For us, it's clear - we want more of this! It was extremely interesting to see how to handle a weapon in defense shooting. The foundation has been laid, and there will be a lot of dry training at home. The team around Edelweiss demonstrates extreme professionalism. Heinz Eichinger's years of experience and knowledge are evident in the course, making one feel in good hands.

We definitely want to further develop ourselves in defense shooting and will attend more modules. Modules 1-4 build upon each other, and then you can attend modules 5-9 independently. We will definitely cover as many modules as possible.

If you are also interested in taking courses from Edelweiss Adventure, you can find the relevant overview HERE. You are also welcome to attend the 1st Edelweiss Influencer Day on July 11, 2021, to get a first impression. More information can be found HERE.

EDELWEISS ADVENTURE online: www.edelweiss.world