Looking for a precision rifle training course.
As per the title, looking to shoot out to 1K max but would be happy if the course goes out to at least 600 yards. Shooting a 308 gas gun and looking for something reasonably substantial (3-4 days) that teaches shooting positions, proper DOPE acquisition using Krestrel/rangefinder, reading the wind. Not a complete noob as I have been shooting 600 yards for about a year but would like to advance my skills with a good instructor. Ideally in MI but would consider going anywhere in the lower 48.
I know of the Magpul/Central Cascad Precision course but would like to compare contrast with what else is available. Not looking for an advanced course since I know it would be inappropriate, but would like to avoid very basic level courses.
Where are you at in MI? I shoot at young's range in indiana, steel from 50 to 1000. There is also a place called marksmanship training center rumored to be under construction in the houghton lake area.
As for training in the area at ranges you describe, not much is available. Jericho is looking for long distance ranges for their PR classes, but no luck yet.
Thanks for the information – very useful and interesting. I Google the Marksmanship Training Center and it looks interesting as is the Jericho Defense classes, hope things work out for them. I am in the Dexter/Ann Arbor area and currently shoot at the Washtenaw Sportsman’s Club’s 600 yards range.
Front Sight does a great job on long range shooting. However, you have to "pass" their Practical Rifle couse with 90%+ score before you can take Precision Rifle 1 and 2 classes. Page me if you need additional information on the school and classes. I am located in SE Michigan as well.
Does "Blackwater" still have the training center in the midwest? Illinois, was it?
Accuracy 1st.
Thanks for all the inputs! Much appreciated.
mi-az-shooter: Thanks. Unfortunately, I think Front Sight is a bit rich for my blood especially when they have those requirements. They seem to be the "Cadillac” type of course for those who want the top tier courses, whereas I am looking at courses which are more functional than form in nature. I do understand the need for some basic understanding for gun safety and skill level, but at the cost level they are charging, you are really pilling on the cost especially when you add on the travel and accommodation costs just to fulfill the basic requirements. So it is a non-starter for me.
Mcnielsen: Did not find any Midwest Blackwater courses. My Google fu may be weak…
Dan_Gray: Accuracy 1st looks interesting but not much info on the web yet.
Originally Posted By jlow:
Thanks for all the inputs! Much appreciated.
mi-az-shooter: Thanks. Unfortunately, I think Front Sight is a bit rich for my blood especially when they have those requirements. They seem to be the "Cadillac” type of course for those who want the top tier courses, whereas I am looking at courses which are more functional than form in nature. I do understand the need for some basic understanding for gun safety and skill level, but at the cost level they are charging, you are really pilling on the cost especially when you add on the travel and accommodation costs just to fulfill the basic requirements. So it is a non-starter for me.
Mcnielsen: Did not find any Midwest Blackwater courses. My Google fu may be weak…
Dan_Gray: Accuracy 1st looks interesting but not much info on the web yet.
Try looking up Todd Hodnett for Accuracy 1st. Google should reveal plenty that way. Sadly, theft of intellectual property is an issue in the industry, so some instructors are rather careful about what they let out.
Have you considered Storm Mountain in West Virginia? I did LR1 and LR2 there this year, and I thought it was quite good. We shot both KD and unknown distances to a bit more than 800 yards in some pretty brisk winds, up to 20-25mph with a good bit of directional variation.
I liked it well enough that I hope to do LR1-LR3 with a gas gun next year.
We didn't use any LRF's though, all range estimation was done using the scope.
Rifles Only also has an excellent reputation.
Thanks guys! More great suggestions!!
I looked up Storm Mountain and that looks interesting. Looks like they have LR1/LR2 in May, so that is a possibility. Don’t mind them not using a LRF since that is pretty easy to use, would actually much rather lean to do range estimation with the scope instead.
I just ran into Rifles Only this week, it’s ad was posted right on one of my threads! Cost is slightly more but round count is only about half of the above. Was actually just wondering about how good it is? Any additional input on both of these course would be much appreciated.
I send our Va. based students to
www.centralvirginiatactical.comThanks! Looks like Vern was going to retire back in 2009, anyone know if he is still taking students?
I think he pretty much did, however there was a nice thread on SH a while back explaining a few things.
I memory serves someone else was taking over. The new person had good reviews from some of the posters.
Thanks! I managed to get in contact with Ed Shell who has taken over from Vern. Hopefully things will work out.
A good friend of mine runs
http://professionalmarksmen.com/ he's a kick ass guy that knows his shit.
GPS Defense comes highly recommended.
http://www.sniperschool.com/staff/
Thanks 325moutguru and MK262 for the recommendations, they look quite promising. I will keep them in mind but I am currently concentrating on the ones that are closer to me since I would like to drive to the courses and skip that nightmare called flying with guns and ammo.
I am pretty much in the same frame of mind. I will only drive to classes at this point due to the hassle of flying with firearms and the issue of massive gear condensing or prior shipping.
That said it can be and is done by some folks regularly, for now I will drive.
A friend just drove from Ohio to Washington to hit up Thunder Ranch so it all depends in your time frame and desire.
First of all, Front Site is a joke. Don't waste your money there.
If you are getting into precision rifle, check out
Snipers Hide. They're the premier precision rifle forum. They give solid advice...unlike arfcom at times.
For training,
Rifles Only. Best in the business
