TRAINING: The TCA AK-Operator Course

The AK, the unknown entity, at least in Western Europe. Many myths revolve around the counterpart to the M16 from the USA. At the TACTICAL COMBAT ACADEMY you can experience the Kalashnikov myth for yourself in a dedicated course and learn how to handle it. We were there and want to tell you all about it.

The AK-Operator course starts at 0900 and you will find semi-automatic AK-47 models from 1957 waiting for you. Also, current plate carriers, because it's about the AK system and the appropriate accessories. And everyone should be properly equipped.

In the first hour, trainer Gabriel explains the basics of the AK, the appropriate accessories, how the safety works, and how to attach the magazine. Basically, the basics.

Then each person takes their weapon and starts with dry fire training. Safety is always a top priority at TCA, so the "Safety Drill" is practiced thoroughly and checked.

The first shots are fired. Getting used to the weapon, so to speak. For many, it's the first time they've shot with an AK.

Thanks to some participants bringing their own firearms, Gabriel was able to demonstrate the handling of slightly more modern AKs. About 60 years separate the two devices in the picture. The AK usually has several ways to reload or operate the safety. All options are shown to you, and then you can decide which works best for you.

The morning continued with loading techniques in live fire. Of course, it was always practiced without ammunition, repeated a few times, and finally put into action.

You can always ask Gabriel questions if something is unclear and you want to know exactly why things are done a certain way. Gabriel takes the time to explain with full knowledge and experience. Various malfunction drills are also demonstrated, but these were rarely practiced. Apart from a few feeding malfunctions due to bent magazine lips, there were no malfunctions among the participants throughout the day. The advantage of the weapon: the AK usually functions without major issues.

Toward the end of the AK-Operator course, things got a bit more dynamic, as engaging targets from the side and rear was on the agenda. Gabriel demonstrates it first, and then it's the participants' turn.

CONCLUSION: When learning something new, time flies by. Six hours full of new experiences have passed so quickly. After about 300 shots and under the watchful eye of Gabriel as the chief trainer, you can handle the AK system safely. We can highly recommend the AK Operator course to anyone who has always wanted to learn about the AK.

We say thank you and look forward to the next courses at TCA.

AK-Operator Course at TCA

TACTICAL COMBAT ACADEMY on the internet