The 2026 LE Designated Marksman Conference & Competition runs April 7–8, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, combining a skills-driven competition with a focused professional conference for active law enforcement only. Hosted by Grey Sky Training & Consulting, the event targets patrol DMs and SWAT snipers operating scoped carbines in overwatch roles.
Day 1 is a competitive training environment designed to induce stress and expose decision-making under pressure. Day 2 shifts to classroom learning with DM-related OIS debriefs, industry presentations, survey findings, a vendor show, and counter-sniper/event overwatch instruction.
Key Details:
- Competitive training + conference format (2 days)
- Skills tested: positional shooting, tripod use, target detection, urban movement, decision-making, and low-percentage shots
- Two equipment classes: Patrol (5.56, max 10×) and Open (.308 / 6mm / 6.5CM)
- 100 competitors max; issued-equipment focus
- Range: Ben Franklin Range (Templeton, PA); conference hotel in Pittsburgh
Shooter Insight:
This event is less about winning and more about uncovering equipment and procedural gaps under stress; expect honest feedback on what your issued setup can’t do.
Visit the official event page for full details and registration.
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