Rifle Courses




Tactical Rifle (10-30 Hours, 500-1200 rounds, depending on the facilities and course length offered)

This course addresses the effective use of the Tactical or Police rifle/carbine, and the emphasis is on quick, accurate shooting at close to intermediate ranges. This course covers the fundamentals of safety, manipulation, rifle theory, marksmanship, zeroing, firing positions, and field shooting. It then progresses into more specialized and advanced techniques applicable to this type of rifle. Included are carry techniques, tactical / ready positions, shooting on the move, alternative shooting positions, use of cover, multiple shots / multiple targets, and tactical simulations. Rifles, such as the AR-15, Mini-14, AK Series, SKS, M-1 Carbine, etc. are ideal. Lightweight bolt and lever action rifles are also suitable. Optics are optional. Note: this course is also offered in one to three day formats, depending on the available facilities. Please check the schedule carefully to note the course length offered for any specific date.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed at bottom. Please come properly equipped!


Precision Rifle (24-30 Hours, 300 Rounds)

This course provides a thorough exposure to precision rifle use, beginning with fundamentals of safety, manipulation, rifle theory, marksmanship, zeroing, firing positions, and field shooting. More advanced topics include: ballistics, range estimation, environmental effects, supports and rests, covert movement, observation and target identification, low and Artificial light firing and practical field exercises. Most shooting is at reasonable distances (25-30 yards), however long range (400-700 yards) shooting is taught and expected. A scoped precision rifle or hunting rifle capable of extreme accuracy is required. Class size is limited to 12 shooters. Cost is $600.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed at bottom. Please come properly equipped!


Hunting Rifle (8 or 16 hours, 120-220 rounds)

PFT offers one and two day courses for hunters, which are essentially field courses adapted from Precision Rifle specifically for centerfire rifle hunters. The course stresses  fast but accurate shooting from field-expedient positions (snap shooting, kneeling, sitting, and prone positions) both offhand and slung, or while using bipods / shooting sticks, and from improvised rests including isometric body positions, backpacks, and trees or other steady improvised rests. The course includes introduction to ballistics and ammunition, range and wind estimation, achieving a good zero, and other material specifically relevant to the rifle hunter. Target distances will range from 25-300 yards. One day course uses 100-120 rounds, and the two day course requires approximately 220 rounds.


Advanced Tactical Rifle (16-20 hours, 700 rounds rifle, 50 rounds handgun, open to all)

Structured for those who have successfully completed Tactical Rifle or other schools' equivalent. This course takes the student into intense realistic environments of reflexive gun handling and marksmanship, timed skills performance, low light and night shooting, indoor and outdoor simulators, moving targets/moving shooter engagements, judgmental shooting, longer range shooting, weapon retention and weapon transition. Equipment requirements are the same as for Tactical Rifle with the addition of a handgun and a high-power, high-quality flashlight / illumination device for the rifle.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed on the handgun, rifle, and shotgun course pages. Please come properly equipped!


Foreign Weapons Orientation Course    NEW!

(8-10 Hours 300 rounds provided/additional available)

This unique program is designed to provide a sound understanding of the characteristics, capabilities and limitations of selected foreign weapons systems. Emphasis is on those platforms most likely to be encountered (AK and its variants) but other common weapons will be featured. Methods of operation, firing techniques, loading/unloading, and malfunction clearance will be addressed. Additional topics covered include history, current deployment, disassembly/assembly, accessories, maintenance, and ammunition. Selected static and dynamic firing exercises will provide the user with a reality based understanding of the practical usage these systems. Ammunition (300 rounds) will be provided as a part of the course. Additional ammunition and shooting opportunities will be available as desired at the conclusion of the structured program. Due to safety issues with these weapons, only ammunition provided or purchased at our facility will be allowed. Cost is $300.


3 Gun Review (16-20 hours, open to all)

Combine the best elements of three different courses into two days of intense refresher training and what you have it the 3 Gun Review. Structured for those who have completed the regular handgun, shotgun, and Tactical Rifle courses or equivalent. Critical gun handling and marksmanship skills reviewed and tested with heavy emphasis on tactical scenarios and simulations. Ammunition requirements are 200 rounds of rifle, 50 rounds of shotgun (20 buckshot, 30 slugs), 250 rounds of handgun.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed on the handgun, rifle, and shotgun course pages. Please come properly equipped!


Rifle Courses: Equipment Recommendations

  • Suitable rifle with sling or carry strap (bipod optional). [Note: Some rifles are available for rent in limited numbers by prior arrangement. The cost is generally $50 per day. Call for more information.]
  • Ammunition as required, per the course requested
  • Magazine carriers / ammunition belt, pouch, or butt-cuff
  • Three magazines are recommended for detachable magazine type rifles
  • Light Pack or Range Bag
  • Cleaning Kit
  • Eye and Ear Protection (Both tinted and clear lenses are useful)
  • Clothing suitable for the weather
  • Rugged shoes or boots
  • Cap with a brim
  • Lunch / Drinks / Snacks
  • Binoculars (optional, but useful) or spotting scope
  • Notebook / Data Book for shot recording
  • Optional comfort items (rain gear, camera, sunscreen, knee/elbow pads, etc.)

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