Battle Rifle

Battle Rifle is a course of instruction based on fighting as a Designated Marksman with a heavy caliber semi-auto rifle.

The student is trained on engaging targets out to 800 yards. This class is based on the use of semi-auto rifles that would be used in a Designated Marksman role, meaning engaging targets effectively at ranges that the 5.56 carbine lacks the terminal ballistics to effectively engage. At the same time still being viable in a close range, stand up fight. The weapon platform should be light enough to shoot in the standing position and capable of mounting a magnified optic. The student can expect to engage targets from 25 to 800 yards in a variety of positions from standing to supported prone.. This is a class for fighting rifles, not heavy precision guns. The student should avoid bringing any rifle that weights more than 13 lbs loaded and be very prudent in adding any additional accessories to the base rifle. Calibers that fit this course are 260 Remington, 6.5 Creedmore, 6.8 SPC and 308 Win.

 A high dollar, high magnification optic is not required and to a certain point, discouraged. The same goes for ammunition, meaning match grade precision ammo is not required.  In the variable power magnified optic area, the low end should be at 1-3X. So quality 1-4X, 2-12X or the 3-18X are good choices. Fixed power optics like the 3 to 4X ACOG with BDC reticles perform well. 45 deg offset red dots are not recommended for this course. High power optics (25X +) are highly discouraged in this class and will hamper and degrade the students training experience. For optic questions, contact us and we will put you in contact with the class Rangemaster for specific recommendations and additional guidance.

Any true fighting weapon is enhanced with the addition of a weapons light. Training on the use and proper configuration of a weapons light is part of the week’s training. However, this is not a requirement. Each student must have a handheld flashlight that is of the appropriate design to use in conjunction with a firearm. Most of the low light training will be based around the use and employment of a handheld light.

No bipod is required or needed for the class and they are discouraged as well.

This popular Gunsite experience is a limited offering and requires early registration to achieve attendance requirements. As always, world class range masters and coaches provide instruction based on their real world experiences.  This class is the prerequisite class for Combat Rifle.