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DESIGNATED MARKSMAN
WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO IN THE CLASS
First round hits and rapid follow-ups on diminutive targets at unknown distances, under mentally and physically challenging scenarios is what the Designated Marksman class will train you on over the 4 days of instruction.
This is a rifleman’s class, period. Clint and his expert Staff have spent the last 50 plus years devoted to constantly refining Thunder Ranch’s curriculum, and Designated Marksman is the pinnacle course offering for precision shooters, and professional end users. It is a natural progression of previous Counter Sniper and Sniper/ Observer’s courses offered, with lessons learned, changing operational environments, and technological advancements.
We waste no time getting you behind your rifle documenting good data and firsthand knowledge for successfully engaging properly identified, challenging targets at both known and unknown distances. By the end, expect pressure to perform in short time frames and challenging positions. The Designated Marksman must be mentally and physically tough as well as adaptable.
The primary class emphasis is on rifle shooting from Real-World locations- loopholes, hides, elevated, awkward, and hard to access positions. We will touch on manmade and natural hides, camouflage, and terrain utilization. You will learn the roles of a spotter/shooter, and why each plays a vital role in making 1st round hits on threats from 25-700 yards and beyond.
A major role in this will be the ability to gather, process, and relay information to those who need to know. Included in the course will be a DOPE book, which we will instruct you on its uses and importance. At the class, we will have a chronograph so that each student will know their weapon/ammunition velocity. We will teach use of Ballistic Apps and their advantages/disadvantages, however in this class we will be collecting DOPE by doing.
You will be paired off into shooter/spotter teams and given ample opportunities to experience both roles.
By gaining valuable time on-glass, you will truly understand the need for teamwork in this type of shooting. You will also refine your abilities to read wind and/or shooter error.This is an advanced course. It will be mentally and physically challenging.
It will wring out your gear. We will be utilizing most of the 900 + acre facility. We will have drills that will provide you the ability to collect DOPE on intermediate barriers, i.e. vehicle windshields, sheet metal, concrete builder blocks etc. You will be one of the few that has experienced an advanced Thunder Ranch course that would push any LEO or Military sniper. This would be the perfect continuing education training course for those personnel.
Professional grade scopes and mounts atop strong reliable actions, properly bedded into quality stocks with mounted slings and bipods are required. We will train on positional shooting without and without support. Tripods and squeeze bags are mandatory. Adjustable cheek rests and length of pull will be useful.
Bring your own binoculars, spotting scope, range finder, wind reader, shooting mat, and camouflage. Be sure to have all the gear/tools required to maintain and repair your rifle systems. It is helpful to have your manual for your scope and all hex/allen tools needed to adjust/check turrets, rings, and mounts.
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DESIGNATED MARKSMAN PREREQUISITES
You must have a Diploma/Certificate from at least one of the following: Thunder Ranch Mid-Range Rifle, Hart, Counter Sniper or equivalent from another reputable school, or experience as a LE or MIL Sniper/DM. We will discuss your background before accepting you into this class.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING TO THE CLASS
Rifle capable of 1 MOA. Suppressors are encouraged. NO MUZZLE BRAKES
Scope with a MOA OR Mil reticle with corresponding adjustable turrets (MUST MATCH)
Rifle shooting sling
Rifle bipod
Shooting bags/mat
QUALITY Tripod
Rifle transport backpack or drag bag i.e. something you would deploy your rifle from
Nominal 500 rounds of professional match grade ammunition capable of 1 MOA from your rifle. (Non-frangible)
Sidearm/holster with retention. FMJ is fine. 100 rounds.
Ear/eye pro
Camo top/bottoms with knee/elbow pads as needed
Boonie cover/veil
SPARE BATTERIES FOR ALL ITEMS THAT REQUIRE THEM
Clothing layers for varying weather typical of a mountain range at 5600’ elevation.
Nominal 500 rounds rifle- match/professional grade capable of 1 MOA from your rifle, optimally all from the same lot.
NO GREEN TIPS, MAGNUMS, TRACERS, STEEL CORE, SAME AS YOUR PREVIOUS CLASSES
As a friendly reminder when traveling with suppressors and SBRs…in case you get pulled over etc. You are required to have the appropriate documentation with you.
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All Tuitions for Courses and Tutorials are to be paid in full at the time of registration. Please be sure of the class you want. There are NO REFUNDS and NO TRANSFERS.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
CLINT SMITH
Clint Smith, President, and Director of Thunder Ranch® is a Marine Corps veteran of two infantry and Combined Action Platoon tours in Vietnam. His experience includes seven years as a police officer during which he served as head of the Firearms Training Division as well as being a S.W.A.T. member and precision rifleman.
He left law enforcement to serve as Operations Officer for the American Pistol Institute where he was Dean of instruction and was instrumental in range and curriculum development for A.P
Click Here To Check Dates & Price
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
CLINT SMITH
Clint Smith, President, and Director of Thunder Ranch® is a Marine Corps veteran of two infantry and Combined Action Platoon tours in Vietnam. His experience includes seven years as a police officer during which he served as head of the Firearms Training Division as well as being a S.W.A.T. member and precision rifleman.
He left law enforcement to serve as Operations Officer for the American Pistol Institute where he was Dean of instruction and was instrumental in range and curriculum development for A.P
