Tac Pro Shooting Center

Primary Precision Rifle

The Primary Precision Rifle course provides the fundamental knowledge and skills required to engage targets from immediately in front of the muzzle out to 1000 yards with first shot accuracy. Hunters, competition shooters, and military/police marksman will benefit greatly from this class. The mathematics of trajectory and range estimation and Bill's demand for one-shot accuracy for every shot fired, requires extraordinary concentration. This is the most mentally demanding class taught at Tac Pro Shooting Center.

Precision Rifle is one of Bill's favorite subjects and that is reflected in the intensity of the course.

Day one begins in the classroom with a revealing look at how to select and equip a precision rifle. The number of myths surrounding this arcane art is astounding. Debunking these myths is critical to developing clarity of understanding of the precision rifle. This classroom session culminates at the range to establish a 100 yard zero. The range session also provides an opportunity for the teaching staff to evaluate the students and their gear. The afternoon session includes a thorough review of shooting positions, marksmanship fundamentals, and scope reticle types.

Bill Davison explaining the importance of spine alignment to the execution of the standing position.

The morning session of day two focuses on the mathematics of trajectory and the utilization of the scopes reticle for range estimation. This includes developing an understanding of the formulas used to convert the information provided by your scope to minute of angle, milradians, inches, yards, and meters. True statements are defined and the importance of the shooter's logbook is explained. This is followed by an extensive range session to develop true statements at 100, 200, and 300 yards. The afternoon session is one of the most intense of the course. After chronographing each shooter's load, a complete trajectory chart for the individual's weapon and load is printed out with wind and trajectory information out to 1000 yards. The student then proceeds to the unknown distance range to compute and engage multiple targets at various distances. This is an exacting test. Pass or fail with no in between. Performing mathematical equations and then executing the shots under pressure is a key element of the course.

The unknown distance range is a compelling mental and physical challenge.

This is the shooter's perspective from the 1000-yard line. To accurately engage targets at this range places intense demands on both the shooter and his equipment.

Equipment – New, untested, or fresh from the gunsmith weapons are not recommend. Any rifle capable of sub-one inch groups at 100 yards with a good quality scope is acceptable. We recommend purpose built precision rifles. The rifles by Accuracy International are fine examples. We suggest high quality variable scopes with sufficient vertical adjustment range to zero at 1000 yards. Night Force, Schmidt and Bender, and Zeiss are good examples. A bi-pod is required. A sling is recommended. The most common caliber used in the course is 308. Heavier calibers such as 300 Winchester Magnum and 338 Lapua perform well. 223 is not recommended. Test your rifle thoroughly and settle on an accurate load before arriving for the class. Most shooting will be from the prone position so a good shooting mat is strongly recommended. Sand bags, spotting scope or binoculars, one-piece cleaning rod, chamber guide, cleaning kit, gunsmith screwdriver set, notebook, and pens are also strongly recommended. The course requires approximately 250 rounds of ammunition to complete.

The weather in north Texas can be extreme. The temperature in the summer months can exceed 100 degrees. Dress in loose light colored clothing and wear a wide brimmed hat. During the cooler months the temperature can range from the low 90s to well below freezing. Be prepared for anything. We suggest dressing in layers. We shoot rain-or-shine so bring rain gear. Bring two pair of comfortable shoes in case one is soaked by rain, mud, or sweat. Kneepads and shooting gloves will contribute to your comfort. Eye and ear protection are required. Suntan lotion, Ibuprofen, band-aides, first aide tape, and a lawn chair are a good idea.