Training Classes at Talladega

Talladega Marksmanship Park > Training Classes at Talladega

The CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama offers a comprehensive range of training classes for shooters of all skill levels. Weekly courses include Basic Rifle, Basic Pistol, Basic Archery, and Introduction to Shotgun, each combining classroom instruction with live-fire practice to emphasize safety and fundamental marksmanship skills. Specialized programs such as the LEOSA Firearm Qualification Course, Marksmanship 101 sessions led by U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit instructors, and advanced tactical classes are also available. All classes are conducted by certified CMP range officers and most classes are open to the public, providing a safe and supportive environment for both new and experienced shooters. If you have questions, please contact our staff at (256) 474-4408.

List of Upcoming Training Clinics

2026 Dates Coming Soon…
Steyr Academy

Steyr Arms, Inc. is a firearms manufacturer with over 150 years of innovation. The company specializes in products that are often utilized by military and law enforcement. As a subsidiary to their production division, Steyr Academy trains individuals on practical uses of firearms through valuable instruction, led by Brian Marshall, a 28-year veteran of local and federal law enforcement with two decades of instructor experience.

Contact for questions: Brian Marshall at b.marshall@steyr-arms.com.

November 20-21
Thunder Ranch: Handgun

Description: Thunder Ranch’s Off Site 2-Day Defensive Handgun course is a down and dirty crash course for individuals seeking knowledge in the use of handguns in defensive situations. This course begins with the basics of gun safety, drawing, loading, and malfunction clearance, ensuring a strong foundational understanding for all participants.

The training extends to more “advanced” skills, including firing at extended distance, shooting while on the move, effective communication with partners, and other foundational concepts. Additionally, the course covers low light handgun operations. The curriculum makes the course suitable for new handgun owners, those new to professional training, and experienced shooters seeking to reinforce and expand their skill set. For more information please visit https://www.traintr.com/event-details/talladega-alabama-defensive-handgun

Contact for questions: Please call the clubhouse at 256-474-4408 or email cmptalladega@thecmp.org

November 22-23
Thunder Ranch: Carbine

Description: You’ve got a rifle—now learn how to use it effectively with the Urban Rifle course.

Since its creation in 1983, this course has been the benchmark for personal defensive training with rifles, often imitated but never matched. Urban Rifle is the flagship course of Thunder Ranch’s doctrine.

This class covers multiple spectrums of the rifle, from the setup to effective employment. This course is suitable for shooters of all skill levels, from beginners to highly experienced shooters. Everyone leaves better and with more knowledge then when they came.

This course focuses on using a rifle for self-defense at closer ranges, typically considered handgun distance. It is suitable for magazine-fed, iron-sighted rifles, though other types are welcome. Low-powered or dot-type optics are encouraged, but having backup iron sights is recommended.

This course is condensed for remote delivery from the normal 3-day course at the ranch. Be prepared to work hard both days.

Contact for registration/questions: Please call the clubhouse at 256-474-4408 or email cmptalladega@thecmp.org

Cougar Mountain Solutions:

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Pistol-Mounted Optics/Foundations

DESCRIPTION

This one-day class is an introduction to the use of pistol-mounted optics on your handgun. Selection, mounting, acquiring the dot from the holster as well as ready positions, and more.

TOPICS COVERED

Pistol Mounted Optics (PMO) aren’t coming, they are HERE and have quickly gained popularity. Making the switch from iron sights to PMOs doesn’t have to be a mystery and this course covers successfully making that transition. After covering what does and doesn’t change along with some optic-centric issues in the classroom, we will be on the range. Topics include:

Zeroing your optic (or confirming it);
Acquiring the dot from the ready and the holster;
Installing & maintaining the optic;
Broken & blocked optics;
Shooting with both eyes open;
Shifting one’s visual attention;
Judgment and decision-making will also be addressed as is the norm for a Cougar Mountain Solutions (CMS) course.

For more information visit: https://www.cougarmountainsolutions.com/event-details/pistol-mounted-optics-foundations-talladega

Cougar Mountain Solutions:

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Pistol-Mounted Optics/Practical Application

DESCRIPTION

This one-day class focuses on the practical application of your optic and pistol. Distance, movement, and multiple targets are covered (regardless of your job), and more.

TOPICS COVERED

We are long past optics being novel. This session addresses their application with likely challenges. Topics include:

Judgment and decision-making will also be addressed.

Verification of zero;

Working from the ready and the holster;

Movement before and after shooting;

Shifting visual attention;

Multiple target engagements and moving targets (if the range supports it);

Broken & blocked optics;

Engagement at distance;

For more information please visit: https://www.cougarmountainsolutions.com/event-details/pistol-mounted-optics-practical-application-talladega

CMP Training Courses:

Intermediate Handgun Course

Target Group: Graduates of the Basic Handgun Class

This 4 hour block of instruction will introduce the participants to SAFE Gun Handling Techniques, to include Drawing From the Holster, Reloading Techniques, and the Safety Circle Concept.

Student Items and Materials:

A Clear and Safe Handgun, Holster, Spare Magazines or Speedloaders, 100 Rounds of Ammunition.

For more information about this course and/or to schedule your training please contact the clubhouse at 256-474-4408

Concealed Carry Course

Target Group: Graduates of the Basic Handgun Class

This 4 hour block of instruction will introduce the participants to SAFE Gun Handling Techniques, to include: drawing from a position of concealment, the Safety Circle Concept, Range Mindset vs. Street Mindset, Unusual Shooting Positions, and the Legal Requirements of Carrying a Concealed Handgun.

Student Items and Materials:

A clear and Safe Handgun, Holster, Spare Magazines or Speed-loaders, Outer Garment, 100 Rounds of Ammunition.

For more information about this course and/or to schedule your training please contact the clubhouse at 256-474-4408

Instinctive Shooting Course

Target Group:

This 4 hour block of instruction will teach students the basics of instinctive shooting.

Student Items and Materials:

A clear and safe handgun, holster with a belt attachment, spare magazines, 100 rounds of ammunition.

For more information about this course and/or to schedule your training please contact the clubhouse at 256-474-4408