Intro to Long Range

This is a two-day precision rifle course built for shooters who already have a stable 100-yard zero and want a structured introduction to long-range work. Lead instructor Jim Erwin teaches the same core fundamentals he used in Army sniper training, with the class focused on building reliable first-round hit process rather than working through equipment demos.

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Instruction covers prone position, bipod setup, and rifle configuration so the gun tracks consistently at distance, then moves into ballistics, optics, and data collection. Students work through internal, external, and terminal ballistics, scope concepts including MIL versus MOA, focal planes, and reticles, then build usable firing data with chronograph inputs, DOPE development, and ballistic solver setup using Trasol and Kestrel with Applied Ballistics. Wind reading and mirage interpretation are carried through the class as students confirm impacts at extended range under the conditions present that day.

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Key training areas include:

• Prone position and bipod setup for a rifle that tracks honestly at distance
• Internal, external, and terminal ballistics as they apply to long-range shot execution
• Scope and reticle concepts including MIL vs MOA and focal plane differences
• Chronograph data collection, DOPE book building, and ballistic computer configuration
• Wind and mirage reading while confirming hits past 1000 yards in realistic conditions

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This course fits newer long-range shooters, hunters, competitors, and MIL or LE personnel who already have a dependable 100-yard zero. Students need to bring a scoped rifle, consistent match-grade ammunition, eye and ear protection, and basic support gear for two full training days.