Precision Rifle II

PRECISION RIFLE II – Taught by Instructor William Thompson

INTRODUCTION

Precision Rifle II is a class that builds on the fundamentals taught in Precision Rifle I and focuses on shooting in “field conditions.” As a prerequisite, students must have taken and/or be proficient with the information covered in Precision Rifle I. This class will be broken down into three major sections: (a) an indoor classroom period; (b) range day one; and (c) range day two.

COURSE FEE: $350.00

The classroom portion will begin with a brief (half hour) refresher of the fundamentals covered in Precision Rifle I. Thereafter, the discussion will focus on more advanced precision rifle shooting topics. This will include: a) a discussion of ballistics and the advantages/disadvantages of particular calibers; b) maximizing the functions of your rifle scope; c) how to approach different shooting scenarios in order to build fast and practical shooting positions; d) the difference between running a bolt action and semi-auto and the practical effects of each; and e) an introduction into spotter/observer techniques.

Overall, a major focus of this class will be from moving out of a “comfortable prone position” and learning how to engaging targets under field conditions. A discussion of various topics will begin in the classroom, but will be reinforced in great detail during the live fire portions of the course. Because mastering these skills will require additional equipment, students must have a tripod equipped with a rifle saddle and a precision rifle sling for the class (see equipment list for details). The pace of this class will be fast. Shooters are expected to show up with their rifles zeroed and know how to properly manipulate their equipment.

Range day one will focus on a number of drills that will take place from 25 – 200 yards. In doing these drills, students will be able to address the flaws in their shooting positions before distances are increased in range day two. Shooters will start off slow for each drill, with a focus on precision, but time hacks will be applied as the course progresses.

On range day two, distances will increase. Shooters will need data for their rifle/load combination out to 850 yards. Many of the positions covered in range day one will be utilized in range day two, however the focus will be on accuracy at various distances. Students can expect the difficulty of shot scenarios to increase. As part of range day two, students will also serve in a spotter/observer role so they become comfortable with calling shots and making corrections.

For range day two, Shooters are encouraged to bring various size shooting bean bag supports, tripods, shooting sticks, bipods, etc. While all this equipment is not necessary, the range setting will provide students the opportunity to test out their equipment and determine what works best for them. The instructor will also have an assortment of equipment on hand for students to test as well.

Vehicles must be staged separately from the ranges, so shooters will have limited chances to return to their vehicles. Everything for the range portions of the class should be able to be carried by hand or in a backpack.

For more information about this course, please contact Will Thompson, Text/Call (313) 244-1557 | Email: recon762wt@yahoo.com

EQUIPMENT LIST: Required Equipment 

1. Rifle: Bolt action / Semi-Auto rifle capable of 1 MOA accuracy. Caliber must be between .223 cal. and 300 Win. Mag. (with velocities below 3,100fps). Rifle must be in safe operating condition.

2. Scope: Shooter must have a scope with target/tactical turrets that is adjustable in Millradian (MRAD) or Minutes of Angle (MOA). Scope must have at least 10x magnification. Mil/MOA reticle of some type is required. Having a zero stop is highly recommended.

3. Ammunition: Shooter must have 350 rounds of serviceable ammunition. One consistent lot is recommended.

4. Bi-pod / Rear Bag / Tripod & Rifle Saddle: 

1. 1. Shooter must have a bi-bipod. Recommended: Harris S-BRM Bipod Leg Notch Sling Swivel Stud Mount 6″ to 9″ – or –  Atlas Bi-pod.
   2. Shooter must have a rear bag. Recommended: MidwayUSA Rear Bag, Phantom Precision Tactical, Short Action Precision, Armageddon Gear, etc.
   3. Shooter must have a “Shooting Tripod” and Rifle Saddle. Recommended Options:
      1. PIG0311-G Field Tripod / PIG Saddle (~$300)
      2. SLIK DX700PRO Tripod / Precision Rifle Solutions SSP-2 (~$150)

5. Sling: Shooter must have a tactical / precision rifle sling. Recommended Options:

1. 1. Short Action Precision sling, Hogsaddle Loophole Sling, Armageddon Gear Precision Rifle Sling, TAB Sling, Leather National Match sling, etc.

6. Safety Equipment/Clothing /Other 

1. 1. Eye Protection (must be worn during all firing)
   2. Electronic Ear Protection (must be able to hear corrections)
   3. Appropriate clothing for the weather
   4. Food and beverages for the day
   5. Something to write with
   6. Backpack
   7. Smart Phone, Kestrel, or Ballistic Data Chart

SCHEDULE
Saturday 

• 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration (Meet In Clubhouse)
• 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Introduction & Safety Brief
• 9:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Classroom
  • Overview of Topics
    • Review of Precision Rifle I Fundamentals
    • Ballistics
    • Scope Theory
    • Positional Shooting
    • Spotter/Observer
• 12:30 p.m.– 1:15 p.m. Lunch
• 1:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Range Time (Meet on 200yd Range After Lunch)
  • Overview
    • Warm up
    • Unsupported Drills
    • Supported Drills
• 5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Debrief

Sunday 

• 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 Safety Brief (Meet on 200yd Range)
• 9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Warm Up
• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Unsupported Positions
  • Follow up Shots
  • Manipulating Turrets vs. Holdovers
• 12:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Lunch
• 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Supported Tripod Positional Shooting
• 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Barricade Shooting Positions
• 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Final Exercise
• 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Debrief