Sanctum 1791

Bolt Gun Basics: Foundations of Precision Marksmanship

This introductory course is designed for shooters who want to build a confident, practical understanding of how to run a bolt-action rifle with skill and consistency. Over the span of the class, participants move step-by-step through the fundamentals—beginning with how and why a bolt gun works the way it does, and progressing into the essential knowledge required to make clean, repeatable hits at varying distances.

Students start with a clear, approachable overview of external ballistics. Rather than overwhelming you with formulas, the instruction focuses on the real-world factors that matter most: how bullet weight, velocity, drag, and environmental conditions shape a round’s flight, and how to use that knowledge to make informed decisions behind the rifle.

From there, the course shifts into hands-on rifle setup. You’ll learn proper scope mounting techniques, including ring alignment, torque considerations, eye relief, and leveling. Justin will walk you through best practices so you can trust your equipment and avoid common setup errors that lead to tracking issues or point-of-impact shifts.

Zeroing procedures are covered in detail, emphasizing a systematic approach that eliminates guesswork. Students will confirm mechanical alignment, establish a consistent zero, and verify that the optic is performing as expected. The goal is not just to “get on paper,” but to understand what your rifle is telling you and how to interpret those results.

Finally, the course introduces the basics of data collection. You’ll learn how to create and maintain dependable rifle data—documenting muzzle velocity, environmental conditions, confirmed dope, and shot observations. This segment helps shooters translate theory into practical information they can take into the field, whether the goal is long-range shooting, hunting, or simply improving technical skill.

By the end of Bolt Gun Basics, students will have a well-rounded foundation that sets them up for success in more advanced precision rifle training. The course blends clear instruction, hands-on practice, and thoughtful explanation to build both competence and confidence behind the bolt gun.