Who has heard of the legendary Thunder Ranch? No, I’m not talking about saddling a horse and going for a ride. It’s a “shooting ranch.” This is the place where people go to learn how to be more proficient with a firearm. A place where you learn to become a modern “Jedi” with a firearm—if you have an open mind.
What is Thunder Ranch?
Thunder Ranch is the type of professional training facility where you leave your pride and ego at home. Don’t bring it/them with you. If you do, then you will be humbled very quickly, as these instructors are some of the best that I’ve ever seen.
They are known to have conducted training for members of the US Military and LE units at the tip of our nation’s spear. Not to mention training with Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, and other “cool guys” at the very sharpest tip of America’s spear. That’s a pretty impressive resume.
Thunder Ranch is located in Lakeview, Oregon, up in the mountains. It is surrounded by forest and mountain peaks, a truly breathtaking sight. Two long-time students recently purchased the company. Nothing has changed, though, except for an increased opportunity for courses.
Clint Smith is a legend in the firearms community and is the founder of Thunder Ranch. If you’ve never seen a guy in his 70s out on the range barking commands and training future generations of American Sheepdogs, it’s an amazing sight.
This man has forgotten more about firearms knowledge and tactics than most of us will ever know. He then imparted that knowledge to his wife and his staff, and it shows.
A Fully Qualified Staff
Clint is still teaching, although he didn’t teach the range portion of this three-day class. But he did teach the classroom portion and the walk-through of the Terminator 3 Shoot House. His staff taught the range portion of the class.
We had his right hand, Jack Daniel, as well as Brandon White and Colton Miller as instructors. Watching these guys shoot was just absolutely incredible, a true reality check. Now granted, this is what they do every day, so naturally, they are going to be exemplary shots.
Thunder Ranch has a staff of mixed backgrounds, from the US Military to active and retired Law Enforcement to lifelong shooters and students of Thunder Ranch. Jack, Brandon (both LE backgrounds), and Colton ran this Defensive Handgun 1 Red Dot course and were very patient.
They took the time to work one-on-one with any of the students who needed the help. The class was small, only 12 of us, so it was a great learning experience. It is fair to mention, though, that Thunder Ranch limits classes to 14 students per class.
Before proceeding to further instructions, the staff made sure we were all good with the previous block of instruction. This was followed by the command, “Top Off and Drink Water!”
The targets from our block of instruction don’t lie. I made the mistake of thinking that my new 25-yard zero wasn’t quite right when we were shooting up close and personal (7 yards). Sure, I thought I knew my holdover, but I was pretty humbled once Jack took my pistol and shot roughly one hole with three rounds. There’s that word again.
We also conducted offset drills to show the different offsets of the red dot and iron sights.
A New Era of Defensive Shooting
It’s no secret that America’s Police Officers, in general, are not the best shots with a pistol. And some are even worse with a long gun. I’m not poking the Thin Blue Line in the eye here. I spent a career wearing a badge and have nothing but respect. However, I’ve seen plenty of my fellow LEOs who were barely able to make minimum qualifications.
That being said, I’ve always been a pretty good shot because I invested the time, money, and sweat. But there is always room for improvement, hence my “open-mind” approach to attending these schools.
The Thunder Ranch Defensive Handgun 1 Red Dot class was very enlightening. I learned that the old LE and NRA ways of shooting were not the best way to shoot defensive handguns anymore. As Dylan once said, “The times they are a-changin’.”
My results were proof enough. I started out with good hits but not good or tight enough groups. I tried it the Thunder Ranch way and was awestruck with the results. As an experienced shooter with roughly 27 years of carrying a pistol, both on and off duty, I learned that I was not shooting up to my full capabilities.
I opened my mind, allowed the information to flow in, applied it, and learned that there actually was a better way of shooting a handgun.
Class Prep & Gear Selection
Before attending one of these classes, it’s always best to check the local weather conditions. Even if there’s thunder and lightning, training will still happen, so dress for the weather. Bring lots of sunblock and bug spray, as the mosquitoes can be relentless depending on the time of year.
Thankfully, there is a 5.11 store near me. So, I went there for some pants and T-shirts made for the range and a hat for the class.
Gear is very important—don’t cheap out. Literally, every person in the class had a battle belt of some kind. I chose a 5.11 Maverick Battle Belt as it was available in-store for immediate purchase and fit my needs. It worked like a charm, and I’m very happy with it.
As far as holsters go, my go-to company for most holsters is G-Code. Their XSR Level 2 Duty Holster is absolutely perfect for an exposed carry holster. It’s got some good retention, but not as serious as a level 3 LE duty holster.
Anyone who might be curious about different retention levels should know that if you practice on a regular basis, you will defeat them subconsciously when you draw. It will become muscle memory after a while.
When I carried my issued duty gun in a Safariland Level 3 duty holster, I could clear leather fast enough to make John Wesley Hardin proud. If you practice hard, you will develop that skill over time. The G-Code XSR Level 2 Duty Holster is perfect for that task.
Handgun Selection
Deciding on a pistol to bring for this class was an easy choice. I’ve had a custom, tricked-out Glock 19 (Gen4) that has been a safe queen. Since I don’t believe in safe queens, it came out to get the royal treatment at Thunder Ranch.
Glock is S-L-O-W to get with customer suggestions and implement change. It is one of my favorite hand heaters, no doubt, but in its factory form, it is left wanting.
Dialing in the Pistol’s Performance
The best place so far that I’ve found to perfect what Glock won’t is Continuous Precision, located in Milford, MI. This company has it going on!
The absolute best Glock trigger I’ve ever used is the company’s “Enhanced Duty Trigger,” bar none. It’s approximately 5-5.5 lbs. but feels so smooth. You can easily take it to the wall and let off without cranking off a round—perfect in my opinion. On the other hand, you can pull it all the way back and feel how crisp this trigger really is.
In addition to the trigger, it was further accurized by swapping in a Wilson Combat match-grade drop-in stainless-steel barrel. Continuous Precision had Great Lakes Custom Works stipple an aggressive pattern into the grips. I want to be able to hold that beast in the worst of circumstances, whether “sweaty, muddy, or bloody.”
Continuous Precision cut up the slide so it would be easier to grip it no matter the circumstances. Likewise, it can be racked off of any surface, including a bad guy’s face and clothing. People have asked if carrying it next to the skin is uncomfortable, but it’s not too bad. You get used to it.
Continuous Precision was kind enough to send this Glock out for some personal touches. This included engraving the rose and shield from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in D.C. on both sides of the frame. The company also painted the slide in a distressed Thin Blue Line custom paint job.
It’s special to me as I know a few of the brave officers whose names are engraved on that wall. It was a tribute to them, as well as all of the other good cops out there. Not to mention a reminder of my time spent chasing bad guys and taillights.
Mounting a Red Dot Optic
It’s a red dot class, right? So, we need an optic. My pick was the Holosun HS507C-X2 w/the ACSS Vulcan reticle. I’ve long been a fan of Holosun and their optics. I know, “Made in China” is not very desirable, but it’s all about quality control.
I’ve got this same optic on a Krebs AK Pistol that is missing two of its solar panels from a total beatdown test of that AK. A metal file, a rasp, some paint, and that Krebs AK is still a mean machine. That same Holosun HS507C-X2 is still on it to this day, missing solar panels and all.
If you want the ACSS Vulcan reticle on this Holosun, it’s only available at the Primary Arms website.
A light was mandatory, so the Streamlight TRL-1 HL weapons-mounted light was chosen for the job. Its 1000 lumens were perfect in the low/no-light shoot house without bleaching what was in front of me. The beam on this Streamlight did the job nicely.
Day 1—Class Is in Session
Day 1 started with classroom instruction and what I like to call “Mindset Therapy.” If you are squeamish, can’t take ball-busting, curse words, or feel the need for a cry room, then sitting in a class with Clint Smith is not for you.
The man is a walking HR violation, but he’s realistically honest, and that’s what’s important. He makes me feel right at home, like I was back in my old Airborne unit, and the old timers are teaching a lesson. It’s always taught with colorful language and a banter of surprisingly creative metaphors.
Hey, that’s how I learned the best rifle training in the world as a U.S. Paratrooper. Clint reminded me of those old grisly NCOs that we all truly respected and even feared. Not a finer instructor on the planet, though.
He covered a wide range of subjects in class, from “Don’t shoot fast, shoot good!” to “Communicate, Move, Shoot” and a host of others, while pounding home safety, all with a realistic approach to training.
After the classroom instruction, we broke for chow and then met up on the firing line. Jack, Brandon, and Colton were all there to work with us and teach us some basics. They covered the presentation of the pistol with proper grip, sight alignment, trigger pull, and recovery.
It was truly amazing watching Jack tell me to aim at the target, put my finger on the trigger, and then let him pull my finger back to send the round downrange. All without losing my sight picture or letting it move. To my surprise, the rounds were pretty much all touching in a tight cluster.
We did lots of drills and lots of reloading.
Day 2—More Rounds, More Better
Day 2 was more of day 1 on the range with shooting and movement instruction. Communication, movement, and proper shooting techniques were all drilled into us. We set and confirmed zeroes on our red dots and did more shooting. I brought 1,000 rounds with me and shot all but a box or two at Thunder Ranch.
I will say that the Fiocchi Range Dynamics 9mm 100gr Frangible ammo was amazing to shoot. It is surprisingly very clean-burning ammo. I ran a bore snake through my pistol every night and was amazed at how clean it still was. As long as I did my part, those Fiocchi Freedom Seeds were all in nice, tight groups.
During lunch, Jack put on an impromptu tourniquet class for us, which we all found very useful and were thankful for. Then, it was on to more training.
We wrapped up Day 2 with Clint taking us through the Terminator 3 Shoot House, giving pointers on the next day’s live fire inside.
Day 3—To the Shoot House!
Day 3 was more shooting out on the range, followed by more drills. We also shot steel from 50 yards and then 100 yards from the prone firing position. Nobody was getting up until they hit steel. It’s a rewarding feeling and a sure confidence booster!
Then, it was on to the shoot house. Each person went one-on-one with Colton as a coach through the Terminator 3, engaging the bad guy(s). It was a rush, for sure!
After the shoot house, we ran some more drills and then had the daily wrap-up of dry fire exercises. This was followed by another safety brief.
Before dismissal for the day, Heidi Smith congratulated and handed everyone their certificates. After class, Jack, Brandon, and Colton all volunteered to stay and work with anyone who felt they needed additional instruction.
The Takeaways
My takeaway from this class is that it’s nothing short of amazing. You aren’t treated like some random student when you attend Thunder Ranch. You are treated like family.
Seriously, some of us ate our lunches in Clint and Heidi’s kitchen. That’s how relaxed the environment is in the downtime there. Everyone is polite and very professional. Well, unless you screw up. Then you may get a “Clintism” in your direction while everyone else laughs at you, not with you—a very important distinction.
We learned the comparisons and contrasts between exposed and closed emitters on various optics (one window vs. two windows). The closed emitter is viewed as best, especially for duty in inclement climates. I can see why, given that it’s easier to keep the glass clean and none of the electronics are exposed.
However, in contrast, I can see the value in a single window exposed emitter optic such as the Holosun HS507C-X2. I’ve literally sent that thing to hell and back, and it’s still working like the grunt it is. It’s also slightly smaller.
The instructors ran a mix of optics (open and closed emitters) depending on the firearm they happened to be carrying at that time. Logic says that a proper pistol optic should have its battery accessible without having to separate the optic from the slide, regardless of the manufacturer.
Realistic Training at Thunder Ranch
Volumes could be written about the various Thunder Ranch courses that are available. It’s an impressive place that has some of the best firearm instruction one can get. Likewise, it’s for serious shooters who are serious about becoming better in the field of marksmanship.
Thunder Ranch teaches realistic logic-based training with a professional approach. After all, you invest the tuition, ammo and gear, travel, hotel, and food, so you want great instruction, right?
After attending a Thunder Ranch class, you will be amazed at what you learn and find applicable in your own daily life and training. I took my son there and am looking forward to seeing my daughter learn from the Jedi Marksmen at Thunder Ranch as well.
Time and money well spent for a priceless education.
For more information, please visit ThunderRanchInc.com.
