The Thunder Ranch Law Enforcement Sniper Tuneup

Attendees must be a Physically Fit Law Enforcement Officer/Military Member assigned to, or developing skills to be assigned to a Sniper, or similar role.

• Tripod Shooting and Selection

• Hold Overs/Maximum Point Blank Range-Hold Overs, Hold Unders

• Mission Planning 

• High Angle Shooting

• Proper Rifle Setup and Maintenance

• Pre-Deployment Equipment Staging and Storage

• Zeroing Procedures

• Data Collection/Training Documentation and Retention

• Ammunition Selection and Verification of Performance

• Equipment Selection

• Case Law and Liability/Policy 

• Cold Bore Shots

• Communication with IP/Entry/CP

• Positional Shooting/Improvised Shooting Positions and Hacks

• Gas Mask Shooting

• Shooting In Wind

• Data Collection to 900 Yards and Beyond

• Moving Targets

• Intermediate Barrier Bullet Performance and Penetration Clinic

• Range Estimation

• Range Cards and DOPE Books

• Scouting and Reporting

• Movement to Objectives

• Night Operations

• Loopholes

• Coordinated/Command Fire

• Support Side Shooting

• Sniper Personal Defense-Pistol Transition

• Hide Selection and Setup

• Low Visibility Movement and Entry

• Malfunctions

• Signature Reduction

• Thermal Usage

• Vehicle Hides

• Hide selection and development

• Post Incident Reporting

• Logistics

• Phone App/Kestrel Usage

• Team Tactics and Communications

• Spotting

• Fieldcraft

• Establishing Standards

• Selection and Qualification

• Mission Debriefs from LE Sniper Engagements/Lessons Learned

• Rifle capable of 1 MOA or Better. No muzzle brakes please (unless you have to). 

• Suppressors welcomed

• Scope in MOA or MIL Turrets with corresponding matching reticle. 3-18/4-16/5-25 etc. 

• Sling

• Bipod i.e. Harris, Accutac, Atlas, etc.

• Shooting bags

• Rucksack

• 600 rounds match rifle ammunition (non frangible)

• Data book

• Shooting mat

• Hydration source

• Sidearm and holster with retention plus 100 rounds (frangible is not required)

• Body armor/Plate Carrier, or vest/web gear

• Gas mask

• Eye and ear pro

• Tools for use on rifle and optic

• Cleaning Equipment

• Boots and gear for rough uneven terrain

• Camo top and bottom (recommend built in knee pads)

• Hide materials (thumbtacks, shears, draping cloth)

• Veil

• Tripod (recommended)

• Boonie cover

• Helmet (recommended)

• Night vision -helmet mounted (recommended)

• Night vision -clip on (recommended)

• Thermal imager (recommended)

• GPS and Compass (recommended)

Night vision loaner units are available on a first come first serve basis. It is not a requirement to take the course. Lecture training on these systems will be covered with all students. 

Additional gear is available on loan. If you forget it or don’t have it..let us know, we are sure we have extra. Ammunition can be shipped to the ranch. 

This course is immersive… and students will stay on site in nice barracks style accommodations on the ranch. We will work late into the evening with breakout sessions and mission planning for the following day. 

The cost of the course is all inclusive of food and lodging, with all meals provided(Breakfast, lunch,dinner),and home cooked, starting with dinner upon arrival the evening before class (5 PM October 27) and ending with lunch on the last day (depart by 4 PM October 25) . Plan on long days and work sessions into the evenings.

Oct 27, 2026 - 5 PM Arrival and Dinner (Do not arrive before 3 PM)

Oct 28, 2026 - 8 AM Classroom, expectations, schedule, Zeroing and Maintenance

Oct 29, 2026 - 8 AM Range - Scheduled Points of Instruction/NIGHT SHOOT

Oct 30, 2026 - 8 AM Range - Scheduled Points of Instruction-Depart 4PM