Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers before you register. If you are coming to a Weapon Snatcher course, the goal is simple: show up prepared, train hard, and leave with skills you can actually use.
We offer professional firearms training for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel through in-person courses, downloadable material, and online training resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers before you register. The goal is simple: show up prepared, train hard, and leave with skills you can actually use.
These courses are built for students who want practical firearms training without hype, ego, or wasted time.
Course Selection
Which long range course should I take first?
If you are unsure, Intro to Long Range is always a good place to start. It is a 2-day course built around teaching you how long range shooting works, what actually matters, and how to start using your rifle, optic, data, and wind calls correctly.
If you want a longer and more complete course, take Long Range Advancement. The first 2 days cover similar foundational material to Intro to Long Range, then the course continues into 2 more days of additional learning, repetitions, positional work, problem-solving, and more advanced training.
If you are running an LPVO or scoped carbine, take the LPVO course. The first 2 days are similar in structure to the Intro to Long Range and Long Range Advancement foundation, but the third day shifts into closer-range application so you can learn how to use the optic across distance and up close.
Which carbine course should I take first?
The recommended order is Carbine Analytics, then Carbine Mechanics, then Carbine Dynamics.
That said, the courses can be taken in any order if a specific class fits your schedule or training goals better. All carbine courses include the same first day of instruction so every student starts from the same baseline, regardless of background, experience level, or previous training.
Carbine Analytics is the best starting point if you want to diagnose your current ability and build a clear foundation. Carbine Mechanics builds deeper weapon handling and technical skill. Carbine Dynamics moves further into applying those skills in more demanding drills and problem-solving.
Which handgun course should I take first?
The recommended order is Handgun Analytics, then Handgun Mechanics, then Handgun Dynamics.
The courses can still be taken in any order if needed. All handgun courses include the same first day of instruction so every student starts from the same place, regardless of knowledge, experience, or background.
Handgun Analytics is the best starting point if you want to identify where you are and what needs work. Handgun Mechanics builds stronger technical handling and shooting fundamentals. Handgun Dynamics focuses more on applying those skills in harder, more realistic training problems.
Do I need to be military or law enforcement to attend?
No. You do not need to be military or law enforcement to attend.
Prior military or law enforcement experience can help because you may already be familiar with firearms, range procedures, equipment, and working under instruction. It can also hurt if you come in with habits, assumptions, or training scars that keep you from learning a different method.
The standard is the same for everyone: be safe, be coachable, and be willing to work. Every course starts with a shared foundation so students can get on the same page regardless of background, experience, or job title.
Are these courses beginner friendly?
Yes. The courses are beginner friendly as long as you are safe, coachable, and willing to learn.
Beginner friendly does not mean easy or watered down. It means the instruction is structured so students can build from a clear starting point. The first day of instruction is designed to get everyone on the same page regardless of knowledge, experience, or background.
If you are new, show up prepared to listen, ask questions, take notes, and work. If you are experienced, show up ready to refine what you already know and fix weak points.
Do I have to be an expert shooter before signing up?
No. You do not need to be an expert shooter before signing up.
The courses are built to teach, diagnose, and improve performance. What matters most is that you can handle your firearm safely, follow instruction, and stay open to correction.
Showing up with less experience is not a problem. Showing up unsafe, unteachable, or unwilling to work is.
Registration, Locations, and Scheduling
How do I register for a course?
Register directly on the course page.
Choose the course you want, select the available date and location, then complete checkout. Your seat is not reserved until registration is complete.
If a listed course is sold out, that date is no longer available unless another seat opens or a future date is added.
Where are classes held?
Classes are held at the location shown on each course page.
Courses are taught across the country at different ranges and training facilities. Each course listing will show the specific location, date, and details for that class.
You can also visit the Where We Train page to see current and commonly used training locations. If you are looking for a class near you, check the training calendar for upcoming dates or submit a range/facility recommendation through the site.
Are class sizes limited?
Yes. Class sizes are limited.
The exact number of students depends on the course type, training location, range layout, and what the class is designed to accomplish. Some courses can support more students, while others need a smaller group to keep the instruction useful, safe, and organized.
If a course is available on the site, that means seats are currently open. Once the available seats are gone, the class will show as sold out or unavailable.
Can I request a class near me?
Yes. You can request a class near you, but a request does not automatically guarantee that a course will be scheduled.
For a requested class to happen, there needs to be enough student interest and a suitable training location for that specific course type. The range or facility also has to be negotiated and confirmed before the class can be added to the schedule.
If you want a course in your area, the best thing you can do is help identify a suitable range, provide contact information for the facility, and help generate enough interest from other students.
Do you offer private 1-on-1 training?
Yes. Private 1-on-1 training is available.
Private training is best for students who want more focused instruction, need help fixing specific problems, or want to work on a skill set that may not fit cleanly into a scheduled group course.
Availability depends on schedule, location, course type, range access, and what you are trying to work on. Use the contact form to explain what you need, where you are located, and what type of training you are looking for.
Gear and Equipment
What rifle do I need for long range training?
Bring what you have and run it, as long as it fits the course requirements.
For long range courses, you need a safe, reliable rifle with a magnified optic. The rifle can be semi-automatic or bolt action, but it should be capable of approximately 1.5 MOA or better. A magnified optic or LPVO is required, with a minimum of 1-6x listed for the long range course gear requirements.
The exact rifle requirements can change depending on the course. Some classes have different minimum barrel lengths or equipment needs, so always check the gear list on the specific course page before registering.
Do I need an expensive rifle?
No. You do not need an expensive rifle.
You need a safe, reliable rifle that meets the course requirements, holds zero, and is capable of consistent performance. Expensive equipment can help, but it does not replace understanding your rifle, your optic, your data, your fundamentals, and your wind calls.
Bring what you have, learn what it can and cannot do, and build from there.
Can I use an LPVO?
Yes. An LPVO can be used if it meets the requirements for the course you are taking.
For long range and scoped rifle courses, an LPVO may work depending on the rifle, optic, target distances, and course requirements. For the dedicated LPVO course, the class is specifically built around learning how to use that optic across distance and closer-range application.
Always check the gear list on the specific course page before registering.
What should I bring to class?
Bring the equipment listed on the specific course page for the class you are attending.
Gear requirements change depending on the course type, location, range, weather, and what the class is designed to accomplish. Long range, LPVO, carbine, handgun, private training, and clinics may all have different requirements.
Do not assume every class has the same packing list. Before class, read the gear list on your course page and bring the required firearm, ammunition, magazines, safety gear, support equipment, note-taking gear, food, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Not every item listed is always mandatory. Bring what you have, run it, and learn what works.
How much ammo do I need?
Ammo requirements depend on the specific course.
Check the gear list on the course page before registering and again before attending. Do not assume every class has the same round count. Long range, LPVO, carbine, handgun, and clinic-style classes may all have different ammunition requirements.
Bringing extra ammunition is usually better than showing up short, but the required amount will be listed with the course details.
Do I need a ballistic calculator?
Yes, for any course with a long range component.
A ballistic calculator helps you build and adjust your data for distance, wind, environment, and rifle/ammunition performance. You do not need to buy an expensive device to start. There are free ballistic calculator apps you can download on your phone that work well for class.
If you already use a Kestrel, rangefinder with ballistic software, printed data, or another system, bring it. The important part is having a way to manage your data and make corrections.
Do I need a bipod, rear bag, or tripod?
For long range, scoped rifle, LPVO, and mountain rifle courses, you should plan on bringing a bipod.
A rear bag, sand sock, or bang bag is also strongly recommended because support gear is a major part of building stable shooting positions. Some courses list those items as individual equipment, while others list them as nice-to-have.
A tripod depends on the course. For some classes, it is optional. For mountain or field-focused courses, it becomes much more important. Check the gear list on the specific course page before registering so you know what is required for that class.
Bring what you have and run it. You will learn what gear matters, what does not, and what is worth upgrading later.
Do I need to zero before class?
Yes. Show up with a safe, functional firearm and a confirmed zero whenever possible.
Some courses may include zero confirmation or data confirmation, but class time should not be wasted fixing preventable problems. If your rifle, optic, mount, ammunition, or zero is unreliable, it will affect what you can get out of the course.
What happens if my gear does not meet the course requirements?
We will train anyway.
The goal is to help you learn with what you have. If your gear is limiting you, we will identify those limitations and work through them as much as possible. You may leave with a better understanding of what needs to be fixed, replaced, or upgraded.
Do you provide rifles, ammo, or rental gear?
Rifles may be available in certain situations, but it is handled case by case.
If you need a rifle or other equipment, email before registering or before class so we can discuss what is available and whether it will work for the course you want to attend. Do not assume rental gear, rifles, or ammunition will be available unless it has been confirmed.
Are suppressors allowed?
Yes. Suppressors are allowed as long as they are legal, safe, and appropriate for the course and range.
Can I use reloads, remanufactured ammo, or steel-case ammo?
Yes, but it is not recommended.
You are responsible for the reliability, safety, and performance of your ammunition. Poor or inconsistent ammo can create malfunctions, bad data, accuracy problems, and wasted training time. Factory ammunition from a reliable manufacturer is the better choice.
Safety, Conduct, and Course Expectations
What safety standard is expected?
A serious one.
Students are expected to follow all firearm safety rules, range commands, and instructor directions at all times. Safe gun handling is not optional. If you are unsure about something, ask before doing it.
Can I be removed from class for unsafe behavior?
Yes.
Unsafe gun handling, negligence, reckless behavior, or ignoring instructor direction can get you removed from class. Safety is more important than someone finishing the course.
Are loaded firearms allowed before class starts?
Follow the specific range and instructor directions.
Do not handle, load, unload, or stage firearms until told to do so. Every location can have different procedures, so wait for the class safety brief and follow the instructions given.
Can I bring an observer, spouse, friend, or guest?
No. Only paid students may attend the course.
The information, instruction, and training time are what students are paying for. Allowing unpaid observers would not be fair to the students who paid for a seat in the class.
Are minors allowed to attend?
Yes. Minors may attend as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
The minor must be able to safely participate, follow instructions, and handle the course environment. The accompanying adult is responsible for the minor throughout the class.
Can I film during class?
Yes, filming is allowed.
Filming must not interfere with training, safety, instruction, or other students. Be respectful of the class, the range, and anyone who does not want to be filmed.
Physical Requirements and Weather
Are the courses physically demanding?
Some are.
Expect standing, walking, getting into and out of shooting positions, carrying gear, and training in heat, cold, wind, rain, dust, or uneven terrain depending on the course and location.
Long range, mountain, field, and positional courses may be more physically demanding than flat-range classes. Read the course description before registering so you understand what the class requires.
Do I need to be in great shape?
No, but you need to be honest about your physical ability.
If you have limitations, communicate before class so expectations are clear. You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need to be able to safely participate in the course you registered for.
Will we shoot from a bench the whole time?
No.
These courses are built around practical shooting. Depending on the class, expect conventional and unconventional positions, prone, seated, kneeling, standing, barricades, field positions, movement, positional problem-solving, or other course-specific work.
What if the weather is bad?
Training may continue in poor weather unless conditions become unsafe or the range, host, or instructor makes a different call.
Bring weather-appropriate gear. Heat, cold, rain, wind, dust, and mud can all be part of training depending on the location and time of year.
Payment, Refunds, Transfers, and Attendance
What is the refund and cancellation policy?
Course registrations are non-refundable.
If you cannot attend, you may request to reschedule into a future course. Rescheduling is based on availability and must be handled before the class begins. Once a seat is purchased, that seat has been removed from availability for other students, so refunds are not offered.
Can I transfer my seat to another student?
Yes. You may transfer your seat to another student, but you must contact us first.
We need the new student’s name, email, phone number, and any other required registration information before the transfer is approved. Do not send someone in your place without confirming the transfer ahead of time.
What happens if I cannot make my class?
Contact us as soon as possible.
There are no refunds, but you may be able to reschedule into a future course depending on availability. Waiting until the last minute may limit the options available.
Is lodging included?
No, unless a specific course page clearly says otherwise.
Students are responsible for their own lodging, food, travel, transportation, and personal expenses. Check the course page and location details before booking travel.
Host Ranges and Group Training
Can my range host a course?
Yes. A range or facility can be considered for hosting a course if it is suitable for the type of training being requested.
Different classes require different range layouts, distances, target areas, safety considerations, and logistics. A long range course has different requirements than a handgun, carbine, LPVO, or mountain-focused class.
What needs to happen for a requested class to be scheduled?
There needs to be enough student interest and a suitable training location.
The range or facility also has to be negotiated and confirmed before the class can be added to the schedule. If you want to help bring a course to your area, provide the range name, location, contact information, available distances, and what type of course you want hosted.
Training Philosophy
What makes these courses different from other firearms training classes?
These courses are built around understanding the full employment of firearms, not just running drills.
The goal is to teach students how to think, evaluate, adapt, and apply firearms across different situations. The instruction is not just about what to do. It is about why it matters, how it works, and how to recognize what needs to happen in front of you.
Every student comes from a different background, so the instruction is built to make the information understandable, usable, and intuitive. The purpose is for students to leave with more than a list of techniques. They should leave able to evaluate themselves, continue learning, and better understand how to use their firearm to achieve the outcome they need.
I still have a question. What should I do?
Use the contact form on the site.
Include the course name, date, location, and your question so the answer can be specific.
