Rifle Shooting Course

[aorams]

Not sure if this is in the right forum but I’m looking for a rifle shooting course/class that would make me a better rifle shooter when elk hunting. I’ve checked on google but it’s hard to vet stuff like this online before spending the money. Does anyone here have any recommendations?

Thanks!

[Fidelk]

What are you trying to accomplish? What are your current skills? What distances? Prone, sitting, offhand? Do you shoot from bipod/tripod? Focus the question a bit and I'm sure you will get some good advice here.

[Alchase]

Not sure if this is in the right forum but I’m looking for a rifle shooting course/class that would make me a better rifle shooter when elk hunting. I’ve checked on google but it’s hard to vet stuff like this online before spending the money. Does anyone here have any recommendations?

Thanks!

I can’t answer your question about a rifle class, but I can say practicing offhand shooting will definitely help.
Get out and shoot your rifle, a lot. Learn your rifle.

[Fidelk]

Go to Equipment & Gear/Guns & Ammo/Bag-bipod.......some discussion there. Learn to get stable and be able to shoot out to 300-400 yards

[buckfvr]

Join a club and go to meetings and "members only" shooting times.  Easy to chat up some help, even if not a formal lesson.

[aorams]

Thanks for the replies so far! To clarify, I guess I’m looking for something like this:

https://www.gunwerks.com/event/l102-marksmanship-fundamentals-2022-07-11-training-headquarters-408/register

But local.

I’ve been shooting rifles since I was a kid and get a decent amount of practice in the field and at the range (where I am a member), but I was taught how to shoot by my dad and grandpa, and now I’m interested in something more formal/technical.

[Alchase]

Something more “Technical” for elk hunting? 

If you are talking about CQB, or extreme long range, it would get technical. But elk hunting?

Learn how to shoot your rifle proficiently.

The picture you are presenting, does not make much sense?

Are you hunting or are you asking for something different 

[Caseknife]

Few years ago I was looking into a course in the Selah area.  Can't remember the organization or whether it is still available.  At the time I was thinking that it would be very interesting to attend.

[aorams]

Something more “Technical” for elk hunting? 

If you are talking about CQB, or extreme long range, it would get technical. But elk hunting?

Learn how to shoot your rifle proficiently.

The picture you are presenting, does not make much sense?

Are you hunting or are you asking for something different 

Hmm. I'm not sure how much more clarity I can offer... I want to learn to shoot my rifle better, from people who know a lot about it, for the purposes of becoming a better elk hunter. Something like a class in the link I posted above, but closer to home.

[Fidelk]

Perhaps contact the local gun ranges/gun clubs in your area and see if someone teaches basic and beyond marksmanship skills. Maybe just a refresher in the fundamentals of shooting from prone, sitting, kneeling and offhand positions. I noticed the Wyoming course mentions that not a lot of time will be spent on marksmanship and seems more focused on ballistics and other technical skills. I think your goals should include such basics as what part of your body should you rest your elbows on to create a stable supported hold on your rifle. I've hunted elk and wanted to shoot from a prone position but couldn't due to the height of the grass........so I had to shoot from a sitting position and had some difficulty getting comfortable enough to take the shot. I hadn't practiced from a sitting position. I had it in my head that I wanted to shoot a certain way but the slope you are on, the vegetation and the distance and position of the elk can change that plan quickly.....seems like experience with the basic shooting positions, getting stable quickly, knowing your rifle's zero and being able to shoot accurately out to 300-400 yards are worth spending time on. Good luck finding some useful instruction, you have the right idea.

[hunter399]

If your wanting DIY advise.
All shots standing ,no rest.
Go to 100 yards shoot a paper plate,hit it .
Move back 200 yard,hit it,
300 yard ,hit it.
You get the idea.
When you miss ,that's your range,and where you need to practice.
Just my 

[87Ford]

Maybe you're looking for something like this?

https://www.nontypicaloutfitters.com/shooting-school-write-up

[buckfvr]

So, if you can off hand 100 yards but miss at 200, your limit is 100 ??   What is your limit as I doubt many guys can make a 300 yard off hand shot there for limiting themselves to 200 yards by your method? 

Im guessing off hand is the weakest position for the majority of hunters and Ive read surveys that indicate the compromised position is the most oft used position by hunters, meaning they take advantage of what they can, stumps, rocks, branches, etc. 

If you have already satisfactorily dialed in your rifle from prone or bench, then if youre a paper plate type of guy, go for it.  Im not.  Never have bought into the paper plate pie pan bs in my whole life.   

[aorams]

Maybe you're looking for something like this?

https://www.nontypicaloutfitters.com/shooting-school-write-up

Exactly! But local

[Ridgerunner]

SHOT IQ if you want to understand the psychology of how we shoot and how to master it.  I had a few days hands on with him last week and it was amazing.  His techniques work very well.

[aorams]

SHOT IQ if you want to understand the psychology of how we shoot and how to master it.  I had a few days hands on with him last week and it was amazing.  His techniques work very well.

Thank you!

[grimace]

I have no experience with https://moderndaysniper.com/ other than listening to some pod casts. It might be a bit more geared towards tactical than you are looking for, but they are hunters and have classes in Yakima. 

[dreadi]

Appleseed

[Alchase]

So, if you can off hand 100 yards but miss at 200, your limit is 100 ??   What is your limit as I doubt many guys can make a 300 yard off hand shot there for limiting themselves to 200 yards by your method? 

Im guessing off hand is the weakest position for the majority of hunters and Ive read surveys that indicate the compromised position is the most oft used position by hunters, meaning they take advantage of what they can, stumps, rocks, branches, etc. 

If you have already satisfactorily dialed in your rifle from prone or bench, then if youre a paper plate type of guy, go for it.  Im not.  Never have bought into the paper plate pie pan bs in my whole life.   

From what I have seen I would be willing to be less then 10% of hunters can hit 10" target at 100 Yards off hard.

learning basic Marksmanship https://bestpracticeguides.org.uk/firearms/marksmanship/

is very beneficial.

That starts with "knowing your rifle"

[hunter399]

So, if you can off hand 100 yards but miss at 200, your limit is 100 ??   What is your limit as I doubt many guys can make a 300 yard off hand shot there for limiting themselves to 200 yards by your method? 

Im guessing off hand is the weakest position for the majority of hunters and Ive read surveys that indicate the compromised position is the most oft used position by hunters, meaning they take advantage of what they can, stumps, rocks, branches, etc. 

If you have already satisfactorily dialed in your rifle from prone or bench, then if youre a paper plate type of guy, go for it.  Im not.  Never have bought into the paper plate pie pan bs in my whole life.   

I also don't buy in to shooting a 1000 yards at a bench with bags ,rest,rifle clamped down,ect.
Then going out to the woods and shooting at game animals.
If you can off hand a 100 but not 200 then yes that might be starting point to practice .
Not every game animal is gonna be a perfect situation for you to lay in the dirt and shoot from your backpack.
In a perfect world ,you'll have time to rest your rifle,or carry shooting sticks everywhere.
I'm going out to practice my method tommorow.
Some folks do it this way ,some do it another.
I think we are going the same direction just different roads to get there.

[sixgun_symphony]

Check out the Civilian Marksmanship Program. They're focused on service rifle match, but you will become a very proficient marksman.

[optic2]

Not sure if this is in the right forum but I’m looking for a rifle shooting course/class that would make me a better rifle shooter when elk hunting. I’ve checked on google but it’s hard to vet stuff like this online before spending the money. Does anyone here have any recommendations?

Thanks!

When you shoot a target at 100 yards, what does your shot pattern look like? If I drew a circle around all of your shots, how big would it be? Are all the shots in one close area or are they all over the place?

[JWBINX]

Shotguns shoot a pattern. Rifles shoot a group.

[Fidelk]

Not sure if this is in the right forum but I’m looking for a rifle shooting course/class that would make me a better rifle shooter when elk hunting. I’ve checked on google but it’s hard to vet stuff like this online before spending the money. Does anyone here have any recommendations?

Thanks!

When you shoot a target at 100 yards, what does your shot pattern look like? If I drew a circle around all of your shots, how big would it be? Are all the shots in one close area or are they all over the place?

The "gold standard" is a three shot group (with a normal hunting barrel) under 1 inch. fired from a bench rest at 100 yards. This is referred to as sub-moa. You might want to try different ammo to see which gets you the tightest groups. I'd get that done before moving on. Then do the same thing at 200 (sub-moa = under 2") and 300 (sub-moa = under 3"). Finding a range with distances beyond 300 yards will be hard.......I'm only aware of 300 yards at the range in Port Townsend. I think you need to know how your rifle performs at 300 yards. Once you have that information nailed down, then finding some instruction in how to shoot other than from a bench rest will be more productive. I like the range in Port Townsend because they have a truck tire surrounding a metal plate (100 yards)......good for shooting off hand, since you get instant feedback on your hits. It's not all that hard to shoot nice groups or hit a target offhand at 100 yards........getting yourself confident and comfortable enough to take a shot at an elk out beyond 300 yards is where I see the value of the instruction that you are talking about. By way of disclosure, I've never had this type of instruction, so my comments are those of a self taught amateur.

[Magnum_Willys]

Shotguns shoot a pattern. Rifles shoot a group.

You never saw my Dad with his .300 BAR........ 

[Alchase]

Shotguns shoot a pattern. Rifles shoot a group.

You never saw my Dad with his .300 BAR........ 

That is funny 

[Shawn Ryan]

IDK if Lakeview is "local," but Clint and crew are some of the best. I took their Urban Rifle class. So much fun. So much learning.

https://thunderranchinc.com/mid-range-rifle
https://thunderranchinc.com/high-angle-rifle-training
https://thunderranchinc.com/the-hunt

Luke Carrick at Guideright Adventures used to hold a wilderness hunting/shooting class. The website says its down for maintenance, but the FB page is still up as is this Youtube: 

IDK the quality nor anyone who has taken that course.

[yakimanoob]

+1 for Modern Day Sniper.

[Torrent50]

SHOT IQ if you want to understand the psychology of how we shoot and how to master it.  I had a few days hands on with him last week and it was amazing.  His techniques work very well.

Another vote for ShotIQ.  Some of the best money you can spend.

[aorams]

IDK if Lakeview is "local," but Clint and crew are some of the best. I took their Urban Rifle class. So much fun. So much learning.

https://thunderranchinc.com/mid-range-rifle
https://thunderranchinc.com/high-angle-rifle-training
https://thunderranchinc.com/the-hunt

Luke Carrick at Guideright Adventures used to hold a wilderness hunting/shooting class. The website says its down for maintenance, but the FB page is still up as is this Youtube: 

IDK the quality nor anyone who has taken that course.

Thanks for this! I’ll check them out

[aorams]

SHOT IQ if you want to understand the psychology of how we shoot and how to master it.  I had a few days hands on with him last week and it was amazing.  His techniques work very well.

Another vote for ShotIQ.  Some of the best money you can spend.

I spoke with him a couple weeks ago and he told me he’s not doing anything in person

[aorams]

+1 for Modern Day Sniper.

I think this is the closest thing I can find but the more I look around at what’s available the more I think I’m going to make the trip to Wyoming for the gunwerks school

[sixgun_symphony]

Appleseed

Good advice there, I am just going to post a hyperlink to their website.

https://appleseedinfo.org/

[Evil_EdwardO]

These guys do hunting classes. You might want to contact them to see if there is anything coming up.

http://www.rocklakeriflerange.org/trainings.html

[mcrawfordaf]

One more avenue is getting hooked up with some of these guys: https://www.precisionrifleseries.com/profiles/clubs/NW

Not "courses" but joining a LR precision rifle club would seem like a good direction.

[aorams]

Thank you for these replies!

[simondude]

There is a sponsor or advertiser on this website that does training courses. AC5 is the company name. He is based out of Spokane area but does classes on the Westside as well.

[Matth]

Shotguns shoot a pattern. Rifles shoot a group.

You never saw my Dad with his .300 BAR........ 

I did, on a cow 1 time at the top of the mountain, looked like some thing i would have done.

[Magnum_Willys]

Heh! Most of his cow tag hunts with the BAR I was glad were before youtube….

[Matth]

Copy that