Beginner Rifle Course LVL 1
12pm to 4pm
The Basic Rifle course is a beginners’ rifle shooting program where you will learn rifle shooting basics for beginners or perfect the groundwork for long gun mastery. This course is suitable for all levels of experience including the novice and those comfortable with their rifle. If you have never shot or held a rifle before, or want to strengthen your rifle shooting skill set, you will find this course useful. In this one-day course we will cover basic rifle safety, nomenclature, loading and unloading, the foundational marksmanship skills (grip, shooting positions, sight picture/alignment, trigger manipulation and more), as well as reloading under stress and quick, first round hits at various practical ranges. We will also practice manipulations for malfunctions. We will shoot from 25 to 200 yards in various field positions. This course will serve both the defensive rifle shooter as well as the hunter looking to improve their skills. If you are looking for a rifle safety class, this is your best starter class for handling a rifle safely and effectively. Learn the long-range shooting basics and train with our veteran instructor Ron Clayton in this Beginner Rifle course designed for new rifle shooters and those looking to create a stronger foundation for their rifle skills.
At California Tactical Academy learn Tactics, Techniques and Procedure for Rifle Shooting from our experienced veteran instructor.
January 29, 2023
12pm – 4pm
Prerequisites
None. Normally, each student supplies their own rifle. Otherwise, firearm rental is available at the Pro Shop on site, provided you are a legal firearm owner. Please clean and lubricate your gun in advance of the course or bring your gun cleaning kit with you.
Bring The Following
- Rifle, centerfire only, no rimfire firearms. The rifle should be properly sighted prior to the class. If you are concerned about your rifle zero or sighting system, contact CTA about arranging a brief private session to zero your rifle
- If using a magazine fed rifle, at least two magazines. For all other rifles, a means of carrying spare ammunition on your body is suggested
- Minimum 200 rounds ammunition
- Proper clothing for the weather
- Snacks, lunch and plenty of water
- Notebook and pen
- Eye and ear protection (available to rent on site)
- Sunscreen, hats, long sleeves shirts, long pants, training shoes
- Sling, optics or iron sights, based on the shooters’ desires
- Gloves and elbow pad (optional)
Instructor Bio
Instructor Bio
Ron Clayton is currently employed with a local Sheriff’s Department with 25 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, with a varied list of assignments including SWAT, FTO, Patrol, Detectives and Academy Instructor. He is a FBI certified firearm instructor, California POST Rifle instructor, Defensive Tactics instructor and Stop the Bleed instructor.
Ron recently retired from the California Air National Guard after 22 years of service (Active and Reserve) including 4 deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. During his deployments, he was assigned as a Dedicated Marksman and Combat LifeSaver. While at home station, Ron taught M4 rifle, M9 handgun, and M870 shotgun, Urban Environment Tactics, Concealed Carry, Trauma Care and Combatives. As a member of the California Emergency Response and Force Protection Training Cadre, Ron assisted in developing the training curriculum for National Guard members responding to civil disturbances and natural disasters. He also was the lead instructor to Ukraine in the National Guard’s Partnership for Peace program, sharing western style Law Enforcement and Tactics to the Ukraine military.
His hobbies include reading about history, shooting, martial arts and currently holds a black belt (2nd Dan) in Taiho Jutsu and has trained in Krav Maga and Brazilian Ju Jitsu.
Cancellation Policy
In order to receive full refund we require a notice of at least 5 days before the course date.
Christopher Thean (verified owner) –
As a complete beginner I had apprehensions which were hightened when I saw the other 9 trainees all had their own weapons and cool gear (I hired a bolt action rifle at CTA), and there were two ex-military and two avid hunters. They all looked like they knew everything already and I wondered if I’d stick out like a dummy. I needn’t have worried, it was great. Mike Lazarus is extremely experienced and knowledgeable. But I know some experts don’t always know how to share their knowledge effectively. So I was impressed how calm and measured he was. He allowed pause for the information to sink in – some trainers don’t speak with punctuation and rush through key concepts or jargon. I very much liked how, when someone asked a question, he’d pause, gather everyone and repeat the question and explain the answer to us all – I think we learned a lot from that approach. We repeated some key things which I appreciated. The technicality of shooting was fascinating. Secretly competitive, I wanted to do well and get my money’s worth but I couldn’t believe I hit targets at 200 yards. It was challenging: the heat, the dust, noise, a lot of information, concentrating, and getting used to an unfamiliar piece of metal but great fun and I now have a strong foundation to learn more. Everyone ast CTA were very friendly. Top tips – wear something to protect your knees and elbows as the ground is rough; you’ll get dusty; take water and a snack; dont forget ear defenders, ballistic grade eye protectors and a hat. Thanks too to Jennifer for help and advice and being the RSO. Totally reccomended course, heck I might even buy a gun.