EXPERT RIFLEMAN

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💥 Expert Rifleman: Mastering the AR-15 Fighting Carbine 💥 

Expert Rifleman is Patriot Training's flagship AR-15 course, designed to teach students to master the fighting carbine through practical marksmanship, optic (or irons) proficiency, and real-world rifle application from five yards to 300+ yards.

This class develops the core skills needed to run a rifle with speed, precision, accountability, and confidence. Students learn to employ the AR-15 across its practical spectrum by refining marksmanship, recoil control, rifle handling, positional shooting, holdovers, wind calls, and practical decision-making under realistic conditions.

The rifle doesn't care whether the problem is five yards away or three hundred. Neither should the Expert Rifleman. 

Expert Rifleman develops riflemen who can confidently employ the AR-15 from across the room to across the field through disciplined instruction, measurable standards, and practical application. There are no gimmicks, tactical theatrics, or flat-range comfort zones. Just purposeful training built around mastering America's fighting carbine.

You don't have to be an expert to take this class. We'll help forge you into an EXPERT RIFLEMAN!

This class is right for you if:

✅ You prefer a class environment built around mentorship, camaraderie, approachable instructors, and continuous improvement rather than ego or intimidation.

✅ You own an AR-15 and want to master its capabilities from home-defense CQB distances to 300+ yards.

✅ You want to get the absolute most from your optic or irons and truly understand how to use both the optic and the rifle together as a complete fighting system.

✅ You're ready to refine your zero, improve recoil management, and confidently apply holdovers and wind calls instead of relying on guesswork.

✅ You want to move beyond static flat-range shooting and develop practical field rifle skills.

✅ You've reached a plateau in your rifle performance and want a structured, measurable path forward.

✅ You want to build speed, accountability, consistency, and confidence while solving realistic rifle problems.

Don't Worry — You Belong Here

✅ You do not need military or law enforcement experience. If you can safely handle an AR-15, you belong here.

✅ You do not need to already be an expert. We built this course to help forge you into one.

✅ Instruction is advanced but never overwhelming. We build skills progressively and bring every motivated student along.

✅ You will leave with measurable improvements in rifle handling, marksmanship, optic employment, positional shooting, and practical rifle performance.

✅ Expert Rifleman is an AR-15 mastery course designed around LPVO employment, but an LPVO is not required. 

Calendar

📅 April 17-18, 2027

📅 September 18-19, 2027

🕗 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Both Days

 📍 Mountain Top Gun & Archery Range, 11564 Harrison Ferry Rd, McMinnville, TN 

 👉 Seats are limited — lock in your spot today! 

Expert Rifleman is a two-day, progressive rifle course. Training begins by refining the fundamentals of rifle handling, marksmanship, zero, recoil management, sling use, and optic employment. From there, students extend those skills across distance and increasingly complex shooting problems.

Throughout the weekend, students work from close-range applications to 300+ yards, learning to apply holdovers, account for wind, shoot from supported and unsupported positions, move between positions, use available cover, engage multiple targets, and solve realistic rifle problems under time pressure.

The course is deliberately progressive. Each block builds upon the skills developed before it, moving from fundamental riflecraft toward practical application and measurable performance.

Build the rifleman. Extend the distance. Add the problem. Add the pressure.

The rifle doesn't care whether the problem is five yards away or three hundred. Neither should the Expert Rifleman.

 TOPICS COVERED 

• All Patriot Training live-fire classes include a thorough safety briefing and medical plan 
• Rifle safety, handling, and malfunction clearing fundamentals 
• Proper sight picture and sight alignment 
• Rifle grip, posture, stance, and recoil management 
• Rifle deployment and ready positions 
• Sling setup and practical sling use 
• Rifle zeroing and refinement 
• Practical rifle marksmanship from contact distance to 300+ yards 
• Holdovers and practical ballistic application 
• Range estimation techniques 
• Standing, kneeling, sitting, prone, braced, improvised, supported, and unsupported shooting positions 
• Positional shooting, shooting on the move, and movement between positions 
• Multiple targets and follow-up shot accountability 
• Use of cover and unconventional shooting problems 
• Advanced CQB applications for home defense 
• Communication and coordinated fire concepts 
• Practical urban, suburban, and rural rifle applications 
• Performance under pressure and time constraints 
• ...and more!

FAQ

• Do I need to be an Expert to attend?
  NO! We will help forge you into an Expert Rifleman!
• Is this a beginner rifle class?
  NO! While newer shooters can absolutely succeed, this is a riflecraft course designed to push students beyond baseline fundamentals. If you need to shoot only 20 rounds over 8 hours, this class is not for you. If you already know how to shoot, you will LOVE this class!
• I run an LPVO. Is this class for me?
  Absolutely. For LPVO users, this class functions as an LPVO Master Class. Other optics and iron sights welcome, too!
• CURRENT / FORMER MILITARY OR LAW ENFORCEMENT:
  Come learn practical riflecraft and mid-range carbine skills the military and law enforcement training often does not teach.
• Prerequisite: A basic working knowledge of the AR‑15: how to load, unload, operate, and fire safely. If you’ve fired an AR before, even just once, you’re ready to participate. 
• Family Discounts when attending with immediate family. 
• All PATRIOT TRAINING Class pricing includes any applicable range access charges - no surprise "gotcha" fees!  

GUNS & GEAR NEEDED

• AR-15 rifle chambered in .223/5.56 with a 16" / 18" / 20" barrel   
  • 13.7" / 14.5" / other barrels with pinned muzzle device to bring the barrel length to 16".
  • AVOID SBR / AR Pistol.  
• OPTIC / SIGHTS: 
  • The IDEAL optic for an AR platform is a low power variable optic (LPVO). 1-4x, 1-6x, 1-8x, etc. 
  • ACOGs, Elcans, and Prisms do VERY well in this class! - 4x, 5x, etc. 
  • Red dot + magnifier does VERY well in this class!
  • Red dot (no magnifier) is ok. This is easier with a magnifier. 
  • Iron sights - only if you want a real challenge! Not for new shooters - we suggest this for your second trip through this class! 
  • MPVO (Mid-power variable optic) such as 2-10x or similar - is ok. 
• 4+ magazines, minimum. Please prep mags ahead of class. (a handful of AR-15 loaner magazines will be available) 
• 500 rounds of ammo, minimum - same brand / same type. 600+ rounds is ideal.
• A sling to carry your rifle with. (Patriot Training recommends a 2-point Vickers sling, a Magpul MS style sling, or similar.)
• A BACKPACK to rest your rifle on and carry gear with.(see video)
• Rear shooting bag - Patriot Training recommends the Armageddon "Squishy Rear Bag"
• Range appropriate clothing
• Sight adjustment tools for your rifle
• Food & Water
• Notepad and Pen
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Hand warmers in cold weather months

OPTIONAL

• Medical kit / IFAK(optional)
• Lawn Chairs (optional)
• Rear shooting bag (optional)
• Shemagh (optional) 
• If you wear prescription lenses / glasses - BRING THEM!  

DO NOT BRING

• DO NOT BRING A BOLT ACTION RIFLE TO EXPERT RIFLEMAN. 

             This is an AR-15 class!

• Do not bring an AK or SKS to EXPERT RIFLEMAN - this is an AR-15 class. 
• Do not bring a .300 Blackout AR15. This is a .223 / 5.56 class.  
• Do not bring a PCC or .22LR rifle to Expert Rifleman. This is a .223 / 5.56 class.
• Bipods will not be used. (Literally, the FIRST thing we will do is have you remove it for the weekend.)
• Do not bring green tip or armor piercing ammo - we will be shooting steel targets. 
• Do not bring Steel cased ammo for AR-15s - you will hate yourself. 
• Do not bring Hand loaded or remanufactured ammunition. Bring factory ammo only. 
• Do not bring Mixed brands/types of ammo - bring a single brand and type

NOTE: 

Classes are conducted outdoors in all reasonable weather conditions. Come prepared with appropriate clothing, hydration, sun/rain protection, medications, and whatever personal comfort items you require for a full day on the range. We will take a lunch break, but there will not be sufficient time to leave the training facility for food. Bring your lunch, snacks, and anything else you intend to eat during the training day. 

STANDBY / REFUND / RESCHEDULE / TRANSFER / CANCELLATION POLICY