Sniper Concepts (Precision/Wind Reading)

Location: Heber, AZ

Sierra 1 Site

Ammo load out: 400 AR10 or bolt gun

*no green tip or AP ammunition *

Free onsite camping is encouraged for team camaraderie.

This is a SWAT sniper course designed and created by SWAT sniper and US Army Green Beret sniper personnel. This is a 2 consecutive day event. Law Enforcement personnel will recieve additional instructions for this event after registration.

Designed for military/designated marksmen, law enforcement snipers, competitive shooters, and civilian precision rifle enthusiasts.

Course Overview:This in-depth course is designed to develop the shooter’s ability to consistently engage targets at medium to long ranges with precision and confidence. Emphasis is placed not only on core marksmanship fundamentals, but also on the critical—and often neglected—skill of reading and compensating for wind. Shooters will leave with a deeper understanding of external ballistics, environmental effects, and advanced data-driven shooting techniques.

Course Objectives:

Precision Marksmanship Fundamentals:

Rifle setup and zeroing (100m baseline with scope tracking verification)

Body positioning: natural point of aim, recoil management, and shot follow-through

Trigger control, breathing cycles, and optic reticle usage for precision

Ballistics & Data Collection:

Understanding bullet flight path and drop compensation

Chronograph usage and building ballistic profiles (Kestrel, DOPE cards, ballistic apps)

Range estimation techniques using reticle and laser rangefinders

Wind Reading Essentials:

Identifying and interpreting mirage, vegetation, terrain cues, and environmental indicators

Wind formulas (e.g., “full value,” “half value,” cosine wind analysis)

Using reticle subtensions for quick holds vs. dialing adjustments

Live Fire Drills:

Known and unknown distance engagements (300m–1000m)

Rapid wind call drills with changing directions and gusts

Shooter/spotter communication and correction calls for windage

Environmental Adaptation:

Shooting from elevated and angled positions

Effects of altitude, temperature, and barometric pressure on trajectory

Transitional shooting drills: shade-to-sun, open-to-woodline transitions

Scenario-Based Engagements:

Time-sensitive target engagements with environmental constraints

Target identification and priority drills

Practical shooting under stress, wind shifts, and time pressure

Performance Outcomes:

Shooters will demonstrate confident wind calls and real-time adjustments in dynamic field conditions.

Participants will build personalized DOPE data and understand how to adapt it in variable environments.

Graduates will develop the discipline and awareness to make consistent first-round hits at extended distances.

Recommended Gear:

Precision bolt-action or semi-auto rifle with quality optic (minimum 10x magnification recommended)

Bipod, rear bag, and rifle rest system

Kestrel or weather meter, ballistic calculator, spotting scope

Data book or digital note system