400YD Known Distance Clinic

Join Us for Advanced Known Distance Marksmanship

A Known Distance class is the next level of Project Appleseed, applying all the fundamentals that you learned at our classic 25M Rifle Marksmanship Clinic.

This fun and challenging class is for centerfire-only rifles. During this intermediate-level class, students focus on the skills required to effectively hit targets out to 400 yards and beyond.

This class covers topics of the Three Challenges of a Rifleman:

Target Detection
Range Estimation
Making the Shot, including applied trajectory, battlesight zero, and managing environmental factors.
You will also learn how to get the most out of their own sight systems (MOA or mils) and much more.

Prerequisite: Attendance at a 25m Project Appleseed clinic. Marksmanship fundamentals such as position, NPOA, and firing the shot are not covered in detail at a KD event.

For more information about how to prepare, download our quick guide, Known Distance.

For full pricing information, visit pricing.

"Liberty cannot be preserved without the general knowledge among the people." – John Adams

Ready your equipment

Prepare by packing light and be ready to walk like a Rifleman.
Depending on the range facility, you may shoot on a concrete firing line. If we do, it’s good to remember that concrete is HARD. Bring your shooting mat/blanket and some extra padding. An old towel will help save your elbows.
Be prepared for seasonal and range conditions. Blowing sand and dust, rain, snow, and intense sun are all conditions you may encounter. In event of blowing sand and dust, you’ll need to totally degrease your rifle in favor of a dry lubricant like graphite. Be ready to protect your rifle with a plastic bag or a simple waterproof wrap for the action.
Protect ammo and mags from the same conditions. Ziplock bags are great for this.
Have your rifle oiled appropriately (light oil) and ensure all fasteners are appropriately snug.
Function-test your rifle. If possible, have it zeroed for 25m or 100y so that you will be properly prepared for the class.
Review the owner’s manual for your rifle on how to operate your rifle. Do the same for your sights/scope if they have a separate manual

Special Equipment Considerations

Legal short-barreled rifles are permitted, but not recommended for KD events. Select-fire rifles must stay on the “semi” setting.
Pistol caliber carbines are not permitted at Known Distance events as they are impractical at extended distances.
Legal suppressors are welcome at our events.
AR-type pistols (with or without stabilizing brace) are not suitable for use at Project Appleseed events.

Loaner Equipment
At many locations, loaner firearms may be available. To request loaner equipment, send an email with your name and event date/city/state to Loaners@Appleseedinfo.org. Do not wait until the last minute to ask. Loaners are limited and provided on a first come/first served basis. You will be required to provide your own ammunition.

What to bring

A teachable attitude
Ear protection
Eye protection
Shooting mat or equivalent
Elbow pads (optional)
Weather-appropriate attire
Closed-toe shoes
Weather-appropriate hat
Sufficient water to drink
Trail mix, high protein snacks
Light, high protein lunch
Folding chair
Wet wipes (optional)
Sunscreen and bug spray (optional)
Small notebook and pencil (optional)
Sharpie for marking targets (optional)

Rifle requirements

A centerfire rifle, maximum caliber of 8mm, but some ranges may have other restrictions.
USGI style cotton web sling. Tactical slings can be used but are not ideal.
A scope is recommended for the distance of the shoot.
Ammunition: 400 (2-day event) or 200 (1-day event) rounds of the same type & brand of ammo.
Two magazines that hold at least 10 rounds. Bringing spares is recommended.
Sight adjustment tool.
Rifle cleaning supplies.
Trash bag and light-colored towel to protect your rifle from sand, snow, rain, or intense sun.
Large pushpins or a staple gun & staples
Rifle operator’s manual & sight/scope manual, if you have them
Rifle case