Precision Rifle I

This class is meant to help someone new to the level of precision necessary to make hits at 1,000 yards or beyond understand how to set up their rifle, optic, and ammunition to achieve that goal. We will coach you on the fundamentals and do what we can to address issues with equipment that typically manifest when you are trying to shake down a new precision setup. We will engage targets between 100 and 600 yards to build fundamentals and let the shooter know whether or not their equipment is capable of going to 1,000 yards and beyond.

Client feedback has driven the creation of this class to help sort out equipment/ammunition concerns so that in the level II class we can focus on more demanding skills like wind calls and range estimation.

Course Goal: give the rifle shooter the ability to set up their equipment to reliably hit a point target out to 600 yards.

Topics Covered:

• Firearms Safety
• Rifle Accuracy Fundamentals (to include positions)
• Angular Measurement & Shooter Math
• Zero
• Shot Calling
• Data Book Use
• Sling Use
• Artificial Support Utilization
• Range Estimation Techniques (to include Laser Range Finders)
• Effects of Wind (Wind estimation to include Kestrel use)
• Role of the Spotter
• Muzzle Velocity Measurement
• Use of Ballistic Calculators (importance of quality data)
• Know Distance and Unknown Distance Firing (From 200 yards to 1000 yards)

Course Requirements: Rifle with Sling and Quality Glass (shooter/rifle with optic/& ammunition should be capable of at least 2MOA accuracy or better). Seriously, it would be ideal if you can group less than 1 ½” but no more than 3” at 100 yards or it will be a frustrating day.

200 Rounds of quality ammunition (more is better). No armor piercing, No bimetal. Quality BTHPs are the way to go here. 6.5s, .260s and other long-range calibers will shine. This course is designed around a .308 caliber precision rifle. Max caliber permitted is .300 Winchester Magnum. If you don’t load your own quality ammunition, we suggest Black Hills or Federal Match or equivalent. 5.56 guns are welcome, realize you will encounter ballistic limitations. 308s that want to go the distance to 1000 yards will be well served with 175gr ammunition.

Rifle mat, rear bag, artificial support are all great ideas – bring them if you got them.

While not a requirement – good quality spotting scopes will be invaluable. We will work in spotter/shooter pairs. Everyone will be required to spot either on your gun or on a spotting scope. A lawn chair is also a great idea.

Rugged dependable bipods (Harris or similar quality) will be invaluable.

Data book. It does not need to be fancy. Our favorite is a simple Write in the Rain 3”x5” or 5”x8” spiraled note pad.

Empty chamber/open bolt indicator.

Your rifle needs to be zeroed. A 100 yard zero is recommended. Your scope needs to be installed at correct eye relief and must be properly leveled. If you do not understand these terms and their importance, we recommend that you go to Elite Shooting Sports and see Rob Jensen before class. He can square you away.

Bring your scope's owner’s manual to class, especially if you think you may need help in adjusting your optic.

Optic/Scope recommendations – target turrets and MOA or MIL reticles will work best. Throw levers are a good accessory to variable power optics. A visible bubble level attached to the scope or is another great accessory. Suppressors are welcome. Make sure you have the necessary documentation on hand!

Services: Outdoor range. Only restrooms are Port-A-Johns.

Note: Class is limited to 12 students. A one to three instructor to student ratio will be maintained in this course to ensure that each student receives the individual attention needed for the best chance of success.