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ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
ABOUT THUNDER RANCH
Thunder Ranch was founded in 1993 by Clint Smith, a Marine Corps Veteran and longtime Law Enforcement Officer.
Throughout the years our goal has always been simple and consistent; to be a premier training facility dedicated to providing top-notch firearms and tactical training.
Thunder Ranch has been at the forefront of innovative training since its inception.
Our facility offers a wide range of courses designed for both beginners and seasoned professionals. We specialize in Urban Rifle, Shotgun, Precision Rifle, and various handgun formats, ensuring that our students receive comprehensive and practical training.
Our unique range designs and cutting-edge training programs set us apart as a leader in the industry.
MEET THE TEAM
Our Staff
Jack Daniel
Jack Daniel is currently the Director of Training at Thunder Ranch. He is a career Law Enforcement Officer ultimately achieving the rank of Lieutenant. He joined Thunder Ranch Staff in 2017 while still a full-time officer. During Jack’s 19-year policing career in Oregon Law Enforcement, he was the Team Leader for his agency’s SWAT team and has many years of experience in Detectives, Narcotics, Patrol, Training, among many other units. Additionally, Jack supervised in both the Patrol and Investigations Divisions. In 2022, he left his career to serve as the Ranch’s full-time Lead Instructor. In 2023, he became the Ranch’s Director of Training, leading a team of full-time and adjunct staff.
Since 2017, Jack has been heavily involved in Thunder Ranch’s curriculum development, in both the Armed Professional space and private citizen training, as well as being a valued consultant in the firearms, optics, and outdoors industries.
Jack and his wife Misty are the parents of two Active Duty U.S. Marines and spend their free time enjoying the outdoors in Southern Oregon.
Colton Miller
Colton is an experienced professional with 16 years of hands-on experience in construction, drilling rigs, and ranching. He brings a diverse skill set and insight to the table in regard to civilian self defense, gun employment, and concealed carry. Colton has been a part Thunder Ranch for many years, beginning as a student in 2009 and on staff since 2022. Colton currently serves as the Facilities Manager and Co-Lead Instructor in many courses.
In addition to Thunder Ranch courses, Colton has amassed hundreds of hours of professional firearms training, learning from the nation's top and most well recognized instructors. He has also been an adjunct instructor for several firearms institutions and organizations for nearly 10 years. His journey in competitive shooting has spanned years where he hones and refines his skills in pursuit of excellence.
In his free time, Colton spends his time on horseback, hunting and skydiving.
Jason Burton
Jason Burton is the owner/operator of Heirloom Precision where he focuses his time building some of the finest-quality-bespoke 1911 pistols in the world. During his tenure as a custom 1911 builder Jason has had the opportunity to work with and build pistols for discerning clientele from all walks of life.
Since a young age, Jason has had an interest in firearms, fine weapons, related equipment, and their practical application for everyday use. This passion extends to his lifelong pursuit of firearms training and seeking out the best possible tactics for personal defense/firearms-related scenarios. His general firearms knowledge as well as his specialty with the 1911 pistol has made him a sought-after craftsman and firearms industry consultant.
Jason specializes in not only the 1911 pattern pistol but also the practical application of the pistol/revolver.
Jason is an active competitor in IDPA and was the 2022 Arizona IDPA state champion in the CDP division. He has been a staff instructor at Thunder Ranch since 2011.
Chris Zupan
Chris spent 4 years in the United States Marine Corps as a mortarman in an 81s platoon, achieving the rank of Corporal. During his time in the Marine Corps, he was a team leader, forward observer, instructor for urban warfare, and was part of a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel team. Subsequent to his military service, he served as a police officer for a Southern Oregon Agency. Chris has served over 25 years in law enforcement and has worked a variety of assignments to include patrol officer, narcotics officer, criminal detective, gang/street crimes, patrol supervisor, and is currently a sergeant in charge of major crimes. Chris served over 20 years on SWAT and held positions as a sniper/observer, sniper/observer team leader, entry team, entry team assistant team leader, and assistant SWAT commander. Chris is also a defensive tactics instructor, use of force instructor, and firearms instructor for his agency.
Chris is married with three children and two grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys building and riding motorcycles, riding snowmobiles, and relaxing with his family.
Our History
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Clint Smith's Transition to Civilian Training
Clint Smith, a Marine Corps veteran with two infantry and Combined Action Platoon tours in Vietnam, transitioned to civilian training. He served seven years as a police officer, leading the Firearms Training Division and working as a S.W.A.T. member and precision rifleman.
Clint left law enforcement to join the American Pistol Institute as Operations Officer, where he became the Dean of Instruction and was instrumental in developing the range and curriculum for A.P.I.
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We Are Multi-Operational
Thunder Ranch has the staff and capability to provide training on nearly any topic related to the firearms industry. From Law Enforcement/Military specific topics to Executive Protection, we have the skill and knowledge to deliver what you need. Many of these are upon request, if you don’t know whether or not we do it, ask info@thunderranchinc.com
Some examples are:
Instructor Programs
Ballistic Shield Operator/Instructor
TECC
Patrol Rifle Instructor
Shotgun Instructor
Pistol Instructor
Law Enforcement Sniper