VATA Basic Precision Marksman June 3-5, Louisiana

[kengel2]

Location: Covington, La
Prerequisite: None
Class Size: 4-10
Price: $600

This is an intermediate distance course designed for precision shooting at distances out to 500 yards. Designed for Law Enforcement snipers or simply avid hunters that want to bring their long range accuracy to the next level. This course primarily focuses on marksmanship and setting up your rifle but, with time permitting, we also cover some of the field craft required by a tactical precision marksman, including
camouflage and concealment and constructing field expedient hide sights. This is a three-day course and it is a perfect introduction to the world of long range shooting.

The following topics will be covered during the course:
• Proper use and set-up of optics
• Trajectory
• Terminal ballistics
• Range estimation
• Shooter’s log book
• Range cards
• Target discrimination
• Communications between shooter and spotter
• Supported field positions
• Cover and concealment
• Stalking and hide sights

Ammunition Requirements: 250 rounds of precision ammunition

Gear List: Camouflage clothing (season appropriate), precision rifle with optic capable of shooting a 1 MOA group out to 500 yards, sling, eye and ear protection, knee/elbow pads and gloves (optional)

WARNING: This class involves strenuous activity. Students will be required to lay in a prone position for extended periods of time and possibly crawl through woodland terrain as well as remain camouflaged in hides for extended periods of time.


VATA Group

Registration and info about the company and instructors can be found on their webpage. I am not affiliated with the company.

 

[kengel2]

Re: VATA Basic Precision Marksman June 3-5, Louisiana

1 spot left.

 

[Northland]

Re: VATA Basic Precision Marksman June 3-5, Louisiana

Can't make this one but I'll be keeping an eye out for future courses.

 

[kengel2]

Re: VATA Basic Precision Marksman June 3-5, Louisiana

The class was great, shot steel out to about 425, blew up some tannerite and mannequin heads. What more could you ask for.

First day was slow, went over gun setup, proper rings and mounts. Then moved to proper maintenance of precision weapons. Next we did a 100 yd zero to make sure everyone was good. This was a class full of noobies. Most had 4-6 inch groups this day, some couldnt hit the broadside of a barn. Spent the rest of the afternoon zeroing and getting a proper prone position and proper fundamentals for long range work. During zeroing, VATA also had a chrono to measure velocity and to build range cards for the guns.

Second day was a little bit faster. Reconfirmed zero as some has cleaned their guns. I think we talked about data books this day, cant remember whether or not it was the first day. Shot steel at known distances of 200, 300, and 400 yds. Worked on gathering data on the guns, and confirming the data on the range cards made by Greg and Destin. Did classes on windage, and effects of wind of bullet flight. Lastly we talked about miling targets, they placed targets at various distances and the class drew a range card and milled the targets. We didnt shoot them that afternoon because of heat.

Third day started with shooting our unknown distance targets, fun stuff. Me and Aaron were off by like 40 yards on some targets, but still got first round hits. After lunch, Destin strategically placed some explosive targets and targets of opportunity at various locations around the range. We drew a range card and had to use everything we learned to engage these targets. We also shot a little qualification course at the end.

Overall, every shooter improved significantly. Had some brand new guns with zero rounds, and some hunting rifles with hunting reticles putting 2 or 3 round in the same hole at 400. Round count for the entire course for me was under 100, probably under 75. It was ok though, learned way more than I expected. This was a very very basic class, therefore was a very slow class. If you are expecting a carbine course type pace then you might want to go somewhere else. This was about beginners learning about shooting long range, and learning the basics.

Greg and Destin know there shit, this wasnt a "normal" class they do, but they stepped up and got it done. I think it accomplished what we all were looking for.

Weapons I saw out there: custom Rem 700, Rem 700 SPS tactical, Savage 10, Rem 700 AAC, DPMS SASS, 2 Armalite AR10s, and a hunting rifle I think was a Winchester(all guns were 308).
Optics I saw: Leupold MK4 had a strong showing, Bushnell 4200s, Vortex PST, and Nightforce.
Ammo: Saw a bunch of FGMM, Black Hills match, and PPU match.

We shot everything from the tower which was pretty badass. Also got to shoot the Larue OBR they had for testing, pretty cool.

Im sure I can think of more, Ill probably edit later.

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: VATA Basic Precision Marksman June 3-5, Louisiana

damn i was hoping i could make it out there, maybe next time

 

[kengel2]

Re: VATA Basic Precision Marksman June 3-5, Louisiana

Jay, you should have come out. You had more than one of your customers shooting in this class.

We had a blast and cant wait until they start/finish their 1000yd range so they can have an advanced/long range class.

 

[dtrice]

Re: VATA Basic Precision Marksman June 3-5, Louisiana

I missed the match, but I am trying to get into long range shooting and I am new to this forum. I am based out of New Orleans. Which range in Covington held the class? I am looking for a range that would have 400+ yards if preferable. Nick's and Honey Island are only 100 yard ranges. So I haven't been able to try anything longer. Thanks.

 

[kengel2]

Re: VATA Basic Precision Marksman June 3-5, Louisiana

The class was held at VATA's private range north of Covington. The closest range with that distance would be Palo Alto outside of Donaldsonville. They have pistol, 100 yd rifle, and a 600 yard rifle range with 200,300,500, and 600 yard shooting spots.

 

[dtrice]

Re: VATA Basic Precision Marksman June 3-5, Louisiana

Thanks for the info, will also have to keep an eye out for the next VATA course, seems like I could learn a lot.