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


August 8-10, September 5-7, October 3-5, November 7-9
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.

Register at https://steyr-arms.us/academy/.

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


October 18
Defensive Rifle with Greg Bettis

8:00 am – 12:30 pm

The “Practical Defense Series – Rifle” course is designed for those currently owning or considering the use of a modern sporting rifle for practical defense. This is a live-fire training session with classroom and on-range topic discussion.

This course will include the following basic handgun skills and topics, knowledge and attitude necessary for responsible firearms ownership/practical defensive skills.

· Fundamentals of defensive rifle

· Critical safety measures

· Defensive fundamentals

· Care/maintenance of your firearm

· Alternative to using a firearm

· What to say & when to say it

· Target identification

· Techniques to employ the rifle

· Multiple threat concerns

· Threat assessment

· Defense considerations

· What to do before and after

· Contact with police

· And more

The course has limited roster space. In order to attend, you must complete a registration form by contacting the course instructor or CMP below.

Once you have successfully registered, you will be contacted by the training coordinator with additional course information.

Each applicant will be required to complete a liability waiver. Anyone prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm is ineligible to participate. You must be a minimum of 21-yoa to attend the class.

Firearm and caliber must be approved by the instructor prior to class.

Student will need a modern sporting rifle-type (semi-automatic), sling if available, 2 magazines preferred, 150-rds of training ammunition appropriate for firearm, brimmed hat, closed-toe shoes, drinks/snacks.

Please remember, this is a live fire course and ear & eye protection are required on the range.

The course will include standing, walking, and other minimal physical activity.

Student fee: $150 per person. Group rate: $130 per person for two or more. 

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


November 8-9
Frank Proctor Shooting: Handgun

Description: Here’s what to expect

Priority on what matters most in shooting.  Shooting of any kind even performance shooting is a simple thing.  I break it down into things we need to SEE and things we need to DO.  

We’ll start by listing those things and then start working through exercises that will help us grasp the concepts and build habits to execute those concepts on demand and at any level of performance we want to train to. Read more at https://www.frankproctorshooting.com/the-fundamentals-of-fast-applied-to-pistol-1/

Register at https://www.frankproctorshooting.com/the-fundamentals-of-fast-applied-to-pistol-1/

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


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

Register at 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.

Register at https://www.traintr.com/event-details/talladega-alabama-urban-rifle

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


November 29
Frank Proctor Shooting: Carbine

Description: This will be offered as an add on to a 2 Day Fundamentals of Fast- Applied to Pistol 

In this format we will start the day with carbine mechanics/manipulations and movement concepts that differ from pistol.  We will run through some base dry fire and live fire work outs and have alot of time to run more challenging exercises to help us grow to the challenges of shooting/maneuvering/operating the carbine Fast Accurate Easy in a dynamic/practical shooting events. The skills and concepts we will cover can be applied to Combat or Competitive Shooting with a carbine or PCC

In this Format class size will be limited to 16 shooters for outdoor ranges and 12 shooters for indoor ranges.

This course will also be offered as a stand alone 1 day course 

In this format we will start with an intro to my visual and mental concepts of performance shooting and training methodology. Then we will run through some base dry fire and live fire work outs and have alot of time to run more challenging exercises to help us grow into shooting/maneuvering/operation the carbine Fast Accurate Easy in dynamic/practical shooting events. The skills and concepts we will cover can be applied to Combat or Competitive Shooting with a carbine or PCC. For more information visit https://www.frankproctorshooting.com/1-day-carbine-pcc-fundamentals-of-fast/

Register at https://www.frankproctorshooting.com/1-day-carbine-pcc-fundamentals-of-fast/

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


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