This page requires that you activate javascript in your browser settings.
However, a non javascript version of the site is available here

Intro | Schedule | Courses | Instructor | Logistics

Precision Rifle Training

Find out what you and your rifle are really capable of. JP is proud to partner with Brian Whalen of Colorado Precision Rifle to offer some of the best precision rifle training available for shooters at every level of ability.

Brian has decades of experience in precision shooting for both the US Army and on the competition circuit, and was our lead instructor at the JP Blue Steel Ranch. Many of our employees and shooters have trained with Brian, so we are leaving you in good hands.

The course calendar is regularly updated, and slots can fill up fast. Elevate your shooting ability, and let your JP rifle show that it was meant to be more than a safe queen.

  1. Upcoming Schedule
  2. Course Descriptions
  3. Instructor
  4. Logistics

Course Descriptions

JP and Colorado Precision Rifle offer a progressive curriculum for shooters at all levels. Each class features a mix of classroom instruction and range time under the guidance of experienced instructors.

  1. Designated Marksman
  2. Precision Rifle 1
  3. Precision Rifle 2
  4. Precision Rifle 3
  5. Hunter Series / Steel Safari Prep
  6. Hunters Only
  7. Extended Long Range

Designated Marksman

Improve practical marksmanship from mid range out to about 750 yards using a competition or duty carbine. Training focuses on real field shooting rather than rehearsals, with the goal of building confidence at distance.

  1. Wind management
  2. Time pressure and efficiency
  3. Natural terrain positional shooting
  4. Braced and barrier shooting
  5. Accuracy at 50 to 750 yards
  6. Reticle holdovers and data management

Precision Rifle 1

Introductory course that lays the foundation for long range practical shooting. Intended for students with little or no precision rifle experience.

  1. Equipment setup and rifle zero
  2. Optics selection, setup, function, and use
  3. Reticle holdover vs dialing techniques
  4. Ballistic software and external ballistics
  5. Building a data card out to 1,000 yards
  6. Basic positions and wind estimation
  7. Proper lasing of targets

Precision Rifle 2

Intermediate course that builds on PR 1 with more in context shooting and advanced concepts. Students verify data to roughly 1,350 yards, refine wind and density altitude calculations, and expand positional skills.

  1. Advanced optics and external ballistics
  2. Reticle techniques and data refinement
  3. Scanning and target detection
  4. Natural terrain shooting from canyon rims
  5. Advanced compromised positions and efficient prone work
  6. Use of .22 LR trainers for positional training where appropriate

Precision Rifle 3

Advanced clinic that applies existing skills in real field scenarios and match style stages. Emphasis on strategy, wind, positions, and time management under pressure.

  1. Application for NRL and PRS style matches
  2. Advanced wind reading and environmental corrections
  3. Compromised field shooting positions
  4. Time management and stage strategy
  5. Self analysis and training plans with timed exercises

Hunter Series / Steel Safari Prep

Scenario driven extension for hunter series and Steel Safari style competition. Shooters find, range, and engage multiple unknown targets within short time limits, focusing on efficiency and clean first round impacts.

  1. Target detection and mental mapping
  2. Advanced wind correction on changing courses
  3. Natural and barrier positional shooting
  4. Equipment shake out and streamlined loadouts
  5. Team communication and spotting where applicable
  6. Time management and speed shooting

Hunters Only

Focused instruction for hunters who want to translate precision fundamentals into ethical field shots. Practical positions, ranging, wind calls, and ballistics that support first round hits.

  1. Setting up your rifle to ergonomically fit you
  2. Understanding featured and application of modern optics
  3. Introduction to basic prone and field shooting positions
  4. Rifle zero procedure and zeroing
  5. Very Basic Ballistics out to 600 yards
  6. Building a data card out to 600 yards
  7. Introduction to basic wind doping in the natural environment
  8. Reticle holdover vs. dialing techniques
  9. How to properly lase a target
  10. Target detection

ELR | Extended Long Range

The ELR Course gives shooters a solid foundation in extended long range shooting while engaging targets out to 2,000 yards. Learn how to get the best data possible, identify and correct the small factors that matter more at distance, and maximize the capability of your equipment.

  1. Two-day class
  2. Location, Cameo Shooting Complex, Palisade, Colorado
  3. Round count, about 150, bring more if desired
  4. Recommended calibers, .223 to .338, maximum muzzle velocity 3200 ft/s
  5. Required, rifle scope with subtended reticle and target turrets
  6. Prerequisites, self sufficiency with zeroing and ballistic software, baseline understanding of wind indicators and correction, capable of holding 1 MOA accuracy
  7. Physical difficulty: low

Topics include equipment and ammunition optimization, external ballistics, parallax and lighting effects, ultra precise data building and calibration, G7 BCs versus custom curves, bullet flight curve analysis, recalibrating for subsonic flight, maintaining an ELR data book, ELR strategy, ballistic software, and calling impacts and splash.

Recommended packing, sun screen, water, food, gloves, layered clothing, baseball or boonie cap, rain gear, knee and elbow pads, shooting mat, chronograph, and a Kestrel. Limited rental gear may be available with prior coordination.


About the Instructor: Brian Whalen

Brian Whalen, Colorado Precision Rifle

Brian is an accomplished US Army veteran sniper and sniper instructor. He served 10 years as an active duty Special Forces operator. He graduated as a Level I student from the SOTIC course, and later served three years as a Level I and II US Army Special Forces sniper instructor. He has taught as a long range and sniper instructor in multiple countries and on four continents. Brian is an award winning long range competition shooter as well.

Military and Firearms Training


  • Special Forces Qualification Course
  • SOTIC Level I
  • Accuracy First Instructor Course
  • Viking Tactical Shooting School
  • Valhalla Shooting School
  • 2 x Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat
  • USASOC Jump Master Course
  • Rifles Only

Current and Past Trainees

10th Special Forces Group (A), Air Force Special Operations, Denver SWAT sniper team, civilian students, 4th Infantry Division snipers and designated marksmen, DEA, Iraqi Special Forces, Iraqi Emergency Response Brigade, Estonian Special Forces, Romanian Special Forces, Senegalese Special Forces and Secret Service, Jordanian Special Forces, Steiner and Burris, Magpul.

Competition History

Highlights include 2008 International Sniper Competition 1st place, four NRA F Class records, USASOC Sniper Competitions, Competition Dynamics events, NRL Hunter Series Grand Slam, and many more podium finishes across the country.



Videos with Brian

Shooting As a Team | Brian Whalen, Aaron Pickering & Dustin Sanchez


Should You Run Your Kestrel For Precision Rifle? w/ Brian Whalen


Learning From the Best: Lead Instructor Brian Whalen | JP Blue Steel Ranch


APAC Chassis | Design & Philosophy with John Paul, Brian Whalen and Matt Gangl


Optimal Ammo: Making a Precision Carbine with Brian Whalen


Master Your Carbine: Carbine Marksmanship with Brian Whalen, Josh Froelich and Dustin Sanchez


2016 SHOT Show - Brian Whalen Interview


Travel and Logistics

Cameo Shooting Complex | Palisade, Colorado

The Cameo Shooting Complex sits just east of Palisade in western Colorado. Lodging options are plentiful in Grand Junction, and many properties offer special rates for Cameo guests. Camping is available on site at the Bullseye Campground or nearby at James M. Robb Colorado River State Park. The Grand Junction Regional Airport [GJT] is nearby.


Trigger Time Gun Club | Near Fort Morgan, Colorado

Located on Colorado’s eastern plains. Denver International Airport [DEN] is the primary hub, with regional options in northern Colorado. Expect wide open terrain with strong and shifting winds.


Loaners and Special Promotions

Loaner rifles and match grade ammunition are available with advance notice, limited quantities. Contact us before class for availability and rates. Students who order a JP rifle in conjunction with a class receive priority build scheduling and a promotional discount. Ask for current details.


What to Bring

Rifle, quality optic, rear bag, bipod, ballistic solver, notebook, eye and ear protection, appropriate seasonal clothing, water, and snacks. Knee and elbow protection is recommended for positional shooting on rough ground.


Shipping Firearms and Ammunition

We can receive your rifle and ammunition for class if needed. Rifles must be in a hard case with contact info. Ammunition should be packed securely and labeled with your name and course date. Contact us for shipping address and any FFL requirements.


Payment and Cancellations

  • Tuition is due at booking and is non-refundable
  • More than 60 days prior, a one time reschedule at no charge
  • 30 to 60 days prior, a reschedule is allowed with a 50 percent surcharge
  • Less than 30 days, no cancellations or reschedules
  • Rescheduled date must be within 12 months of the original date

Questions, email [email protected] or call (910) 257-0848.


Related Products

- Business - Shooting Team - Contact Us - Production and Status - Policies - Ordering New Firearms - Shipping to JP - International Orders