intro to long range rifle - COMING SOON!

Tom Beckstrand is a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army infantry officer with a distinguished background in special operations. Commissioned in 1998, he served in the 82nd Airborne Division and then in the 3rd Special Forces Group. Tom completed four combat deployments as a Special Forces team leader, including two as a sniper team leader in the elite Commander’s In-Extremis Force (B/2/3)

He was the Honor Graduate of the Marine Corps Scout Sniper Advanced Course and has competed extensively in precision rifle matches. His impact on the battlefield in 2004 led Taliban leader Mullah Dadullah to call in from Pakistan and place a $200,000 bounty to kill him. As far as anyone in his battalion headquarters knew, it was the first time that that had happened since the war began in Afghanistan.

Today, Tom serves as the Rifles and Optics Editor for Guns & Ammo(View articles here) and on-screen talent for Guns & Ammo TV. He brings a rare combination of battlefield experience, technical expertise, and competitive shooting insight to every course he teaches, making him one of the most qualified instructors you will ever meet.

 Course Info

1 Day Course 8am - 4pm

Course Fee: $450

This full-day course is designed for shooters who are new to long-range rifle shooting or looking to sharpen their foundational skills. Taught by our experienced instructor, this class covers the essential principles of precision shooting, equipment setup, and ballistic theory—equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to engage targets out to 1,000 yards.

Who Should Attend?

New and intermediate shooters looking to build a solid foundation in long-range shooting. No prior precision rifle experience required.

Course Topics Include

• Rifle and optics setup
• Understanding ballistics and external factors (wind, elevation, etc.)
• Proper shooting position and body mechanics
• Zeroing and confirming your rifle
• Use of ballistic calculators and DOPE charts
• Live-fire drills at various distances
  

What’s Included

• Range time with steel targets at extended distances
• Classroom instruction and personalized coaching
• Benchrest and prone shooting support equipment available for use
• Targets and materials provided
  

Requirements

• Bolt-action or semi-automatic rifle capable of 1 MOA or better accuracy
• Optic with external adjustments (preferably with a ballistic reticle and/or turrets)
• 100 rounds of match-grade ammunition
  

What to Bring

• Rifle zeroed at 100 yards
• Quality optic with turrets or ballistic reticle
• Eye and ear protection
• Packed lunch, water, and snacks
• Notepad and pen (optional but recommended)

Take your shooting to the next level and learn what it takes to stretch your capabilities with confidence.

* Passing this course satisfies the qualification requirement for use of our 1000-yard rifle range. *

Classes will be available upon completion of our 1,000 yard rifle range(November 2025).