Ken Pullen Assoc. LLC

Long Range Shooting Tips:

Many people always say they can shoot out to 1,000 yards, no problem. Hitting a target at 1,000 yards isn't the issue, it's can you hit a target at 800 yards, 900 yards, etc. consistently on the first or second shot? And not just keep shooting til you finally hit the target.

Some common problems that cause issues at long range are:

Scope is not mounted correctly on the gun - with the biggest issue being the scope is NOT mounted with zero cant on the rifle. The best way to tell if your scope has any cant is by doing a Tall Target Test at 100 yards to see if at 15 mils or 30 MOA that the shots are tracking straight up the center line. The second issue that often causes a shooter to miss left or right at 1,000 yards or more is if they do not have the gun level when they fire the shot.
Example: For the average long range gun/ammo, if you have 2 degrees of cant to the left or right, either because the scope is not perfectly mounted vertically or you hold the gun off level by 2 degrees, you will be hitting approximately 7 inches off center just from that very slight cant which you most likely cannot see with your eye. A 5 degree cant, again, either from improper scope mounting or you have the gun slightly unlevel when you fire the shot, you will be off center of the target by approx. 17 inches. If you then add in the wind consideration and you miss call how much wind you have from left to right by just 2 mph with a 5 degree error in cant, then you can be off left or right of center of target by 25 inches or more, depending on the bullet you are firing. So in long range shooting, all of the very tiny errors quickly add up to serious precision/accuracy issues at 1,000 yards or more, so work on eliminating as many of the small errors as possible for better success.

Another common problem for long range shooters is starting with an error in distance to the target, or not having precise muzzle velocity. A good rule of thumb is that at 1,000 yards, if you think the target is exactly 1,000 yards, but it is really 1,010 yards, that 10 yards of difference in target distance will in most cases cause about a 10 inch lower hit at 1,010 yds vs 1,000 yards. Also, if your Muzzle Velocity (MV) if off by 20 fps at a 1,000 yards or more, then you could be off by 10 inches or more on your elevation just because of that small error in MV. Therefore, for long range shooting you need to be checking MV with a very good chronograph frequently to make sure you are using a good MV for your gun and not the MV listed on your ammo box. MV will change as the barrel round count changes, also MV can shift just due to the temperature of the powder. For instances if you leave your bullets sitting in bright hot sun and the powder heats up, it could cause a shift in MV and thus be causing you an error in elevation holds at over 1,000 yards. The same with using a range finder to obtain target distance, get a good quality range finder to help reduce errors in obtaining the correct distance. Getting a error in distance of 10 yards at long distances can result in huge errors in elevation calculations.

Being a great long range shooter requires a high degree of attention to small details to be consistent with your elevation and wind corrections to hit a target. It starts with setting up your gun and scope correctly, having exceptional fundamental shooting skills, and making sure the information you are using in a ballistic solver are good and correct numbers and not just a lucky guess.

Hope these tips help you solve some of the issues you may be having with long range accuracy.

Good Luck with the Long Range Shooting and have some FUN!

Peacemaker National Training Center PNTC

Two upcoming classes at PNTC in May that Randy and I will be teaching:

May 11th 9am Full Day Class - NRA Basic Pistol Class
Cost: $150.00 This class is for the beginner pistol shooter that would like to learn firearm safety, fundamentals of shooting, cleaning/maintaining your firearm. Great introductory class for a novice, with live fire on the range. Recommend 200 rounds of ammo for this class. Class size limited. To register send me a PM or email with Basic Pistol as the subject to be placed on the list. Payment to be made the day of the class at PNTC.

May 18th 9 am Full Day Class - Defensive Handgun Course
Cost: $200.00 The class is aimed at those individuals that carry a handgun or have a CCW and wish to improve their skills in handling and shooting a handgun. Skills included in this course will be to re-enforce good fundamentals, shooting while moving, weapon retention, shooting around barricades, tactical reloads, handling malfunctions during a self defense situation, shoot no shoot situations, and much more. Most students normally shoot between 200-250 rounds minimum during this class. Class size limited. To register PM or email me with Defensive Handgun in the subject line to reserve your spot. Payment to be made to PNTC the day of the event.

Any questions or to register, email: [email protected]

Info Tidbit for those Long Range Shooters: FYI

Aero Dynamic Jump -
Aero Dynamic Jump takes place when you have wind moving near the front of the barrel at the time of your shot.

When the wind is moving from right to left across the barrel with a rifle that has rifling that is Right Twist, then the bullet will move higher with Aero Dynamic Jump. Normally less than 1" movement after leaving the barrel.

When the wind moves left to right with a right twist barrel then the bullet will move downward. Normally less than a 1" movement after leaving the barrel.

Note: With Aero Dynamic Jump the vertical change will remain constant during the travel to the target at long ranges. (It does not continue to move higher or lower from Aero Dynamic Jump) BUT, the wind moving across the barrel when the shot is fired can/will shift the trajectory (direction of travel) of the bullet after leaving the barrel, but this horizontal shift will continue to expand as the bullet travels a long distance to the target, thus making your wind call on a target much more difficult to determine accurately.

Remember: Wind moving close to the ground acts like a fluid and follows the changes in terrain.

Upcoming Training Announcement:

As some of you know, I have been meeting with the new management at Peacemaker National Training Center in reference to doing some training classes for PNTC. During our meeting today, we did agree to start scheduling some upcoming classes.
I will provide more details once the classes are posted on the website for registration. Just wanted to give a heads up for those that need to plan ahead for scheduling purposes.

Saturday, May 4th Basic Pistol Class - this will be an all day class for new handgun shooters which will include classroom and live range fire. New shooters will learn firearm safety, fundamentals of shooting that will include stance, grip, proper trigger control, etc. The student should feel confident in their skills to safely handle a handgun and understand the basic shooting fundamentals upon completion of the class.

Saturday, May 11th Defensive Handgun Class which will include some classroom instruction and lots of range live fire time to include things like, shooting on the move, shooting around barricades, shooting while moving to cover/concealment, handgun retention, shoot-no-shoot situations, and much more. This will be an all day class.

We are also working to schedule some Conceal Carry Classes for the various states and looking to plan several 3 day Long Range Rifle Classes for those individuals that desire to learn and understand proper rifle set up, ballistics, making wind corrections, solid fundamentals of long range shooting, as well as spotting for other shooters. I will keep you posted. Any questions, just let me know.

I will continue to offer private training for those interested in obtaining the required training to obtain a Concealed Carry Permit, and additional shooting skills.

Questions about Maryland Conceal Carry - I have people ask me about getting a Conceal Carry Permit for the state of Maryland, so, I'm going to try to give a brief answer to some of those questions, even though the process is a bit complex.

Why would anyone that does not live in MD want to obtain a Wear and Carry Permit for the state of MD? Probably the most logical reason would be that MD does not recognize many adjacent states CCW permits, and by MD law you cannot pass through the state with a loaded weapon without a Wear and Carry Permit. If you travel through MD on business or visiting family, or friends and wish to carry a handgun, then you either need to have a Wear and Carry Permit issued by MD or have the handgun unloaded and not in immediate reach in your vehicle. The State Police recommends it be unloaded and carried in the trunk or cargo area of the vehicle.

Types of Permits in Maryland:

HQL - Handgun Qualification License: 4 hour min. class for the HQL which you must have in MD before you can rent or purchase a handgun. The state outlines the minimum core subject matter to be instructed. Once you complete the HQL Class and completed the online application and approved, you may then rent or purchase a handgun in MD. This online application is located at the Maryland State Police website.

Wear and Carry Permit - Minimum of 16 hours of instruction with specified rounds of live fire at 3 yds, 5 yds, 7 yds, and 15 yds. The state police outlines the minimum core subject matter to be taught in this 16 hour class, plus successfully obtaining a passing score on the live fire course. Once the training is completed you will need to arrange to have fingerprints done at a MD Approved location, have a passport style photo with a white background, documentation showing completion of the 16 hour training course and then complete all of the online application and attach the info for the fingerprints, photo, etc. to the online application to apply for the Wear and Carry Permit. Application and info at MSP website. (Note: they Do Not accept fingerprints from out of state agencies, so you will need to travel to MD to have them done)

Renewal of the Wear and Carry - The state requires the completion of an 8 hour in service training prior to renewal. You then complete the online application and pay the appropriate fees.

Note: BE SURE that the instructor you select is certified by the MSP and has an instructor number on file with the State Police, which you will need that number to complete any of the online applications! They will not accept NRA or USCCA Instructors if they have not been approved and issued an Instructor Certificate by the MSP.

I hope this brief explanation of the process helps those who have asked about the requirements.

I am an approved MD Instructor, so if you are trying to get into a class or need further information, just send me a message or email.

2A Proposed Gun Laws passed by Va General Assembly:
Thank You Governor Youngkin for standing behind the Va Citizens that support 2A rights. The General Assembly sent 30 gun control bills to the Governor to sign into law in Va this session. The Governor vetoed all of those 30 gun bills below to prevent them from becoming law in Va on July 1st. Here is a summary:

HB2, bans “assault fi****ms” and magazines holding more than 10 rounds made after July 1, 2024. The definition of “assault firearm” is expanded to capture more types of fi****ms. It also prohibits ownership of “assault fi****ms” by young adults. VETOED!

SB2, bans “assault fi****ms” and magazines holding more than 10 rounds made after July 1, 2024. The definition of “assault firearm” is expanded to capture more types of fi****ms. It also prohibits ownership of “assault fi****ms” by young adults. VETOED!

SB99, prohibits the carry of “assault fi****ms” in public areas, regardless of whether they are loaded, and removes an exemption for CHP holders. VETOED!

HB175, prohibits the carry of “assault fi****ms” in public areas, regardless of whether they are loaded, and removes an exemption for CHP holders. VETOED!

HB183, requires all fi****ms in a home, that are not being carried by the owner, to be locked up if there is a minor present. VETOED!

SB258, expands the things a judge can consider and must consider when issuing an Extreme Risk Protection Order (Red Flag). VETOED!

SB273, requires a five-day waiting period for firearm sales. VETOED!

HB318, allows for frivolous lawsuits against the gun industry in a blatant attempt to litigate a legitimate industry out of business. VETOED!

SB327, makes it illegal for young adults to purchase an “assault firearm.” The definition of “assault firearm” is expanded to capture more types of fi****ms. VETOED!

SB338, creates a commission to study the social, physical, emotional, and economic effects of gun violence on communities across the Commonwealth. VETOED!

HB351, requires a person purchasing a firearm to sign a certification that no minor lives in the home, otherwise a locking device must be included with the firearm. VETOED!

HB362, adds “dating relationship” to the definition of a “domestic relationship” for purposes of prohibiting guns for misdemeanor domestic violence. VETOED!

SB368, requires all fi****ms in a home, that are not being carried by the owner, to be locked up if there is a minor present. VETOED!

SB383, prohibits fi****ms in higher education buildings unless part of an authorized program or activity in that building. VETOED!

SB447, creates a $500 fine and makes a vehicle subject to towing if there is a visible handgun inside an unattended vehicle. VETOED!

HB454, prohibits fi****ms in higher education buildings unless part of an authorized program or activity in that building. VETOED!

HB466, severely restricts recognition of out-of-state CHPs. VETOED!

SB491, allows for frivolous lawsuits against the gun industry. VETOED!

HB585, prohibits home-based Federal Fi****ms Licensees from operating within 1.5 miles of any elementary or middle school. VETOED!

HB637, creates a training program to make more frequent use of Substantial Risk Orders (Red Flags). VETOED!

SB642, adds “dating relationship” to the definition of a “domestic relationship” for purposes of prohibiting guns for misdemeanor domestic violence. VETOED!

HB797, removes NRA and USCCA training courses from the list of qualified training courses to get a CHP. It also requires the firing of ten rounds of ammunition. Interestingly, the House cognate for this bill, SB522, died for lack of a conference committee report. VETOED!

HB798, takes away a person’s right to own a firearm for several types of misdemeanor convictions, including simple assault. VETOED!

HB799, requires a person to be fingerprinted when applying for a new or renewed CHP. Applicant pays the fingerprinting fee. VETOED!

HB916, creates a Substantial Risk Order (Red Flag) reporting system. VETOED!

HB939, prohibits fi****ms within 100 feet of an electoral board, voter registration, voter satellite building, or a drop-off location or absentee voter precinct. VETOED!

HB1174, makes it illegal for young adults to purchase an “assault firearm.” The definition of “assault firearm” is expanded to capture more types of fi****ms. VETOED!

HB1195, requires a five-day waiting period for firearm sales. VETOED!

HB1386, provides that any locality that adopts an ordinance prohibiting the public carrying of fi****ms shall not have workplace rules that are less restrictive than such ordinance. VETOED!

HB1462, creates a $500 fine and makes a vehicle subject to towing if there is a visible handgun inside an unattended vehicle. VETOED!

Range Therapy Day Today -
Took advantage of the nice weather to get out to the range today and get in some practice. I almost always shoot the same ammo, but had bought 1,000 rounds of Magtech and decided to give that a try today instead of the ammo that I normally shoot. No complaints for a cheaper ammo, no misfires and seemed reasonably consistent from round to round.

1" Orange Dot target was with my Sig 320 Max 9 mm with about a one inch group of 5 shots at 15 yards. The orange dot is 1" in size.

The second target was using my EDC which is a Sig Tac Ops with Holosun EPS green dot. With the smaller Tac Ops gun using the Magtech I shot a 1.75" group of 5 shots at 15 yards. Definitely not as good with the smaller EDC gun as the competition 320 Max.

Getting older, it's getting more and more difficult to keep these old hands steady for really accurate shots. Getting old is Not for the Faint of Heart. 🤣🤣🤣

My Opinion on a couple topics people ask me about:

I will start out by saying that No handgun/rifle or type of ammo will make you a great shooter if you Do Not have solid shooting skill fundamentals. A person with good shooting fundamentals and an average firearm will almost always out-perform the guy with the expensive hardware but who lacks the fundamentals of shooting.

Ammo - I firmly believe in using quality ammo. When I shoot my 9mm handguns for precise accuracy in training or a competition I always use the exact same brand and grain of bullet, because I know it is going to be very predictable. If I am just going out to shoot some drills for speed to hit center mass while moving, or doing tactical reloads, etc. then sometimes I will use something a bit cheaper so I can save a few bucks on each box and have fun. There are some cheap brands of ammo that I WILL NOT SHOOT through any of my guns, so be careful with cheap ammo.

Example: When I shoot at 40 yards with my 9mm if I use the ammo I shoot all the time for the best accuracy, I would normally expect to shoot a reasonable group of about 4-5 inches. If I shoot something like Blazer or Magtech of the same grain I find that my groups are often as much as 2" more, or a group of about 6-7" is not uncommon. It just seems some of the less expensive ammo's do not have the same precision on load of powder and bullet weight which makes them less expensive so at longer distances those larger standard deviations in muzzle velocity will cause a shift in point of impact. You will see a much larger shift and change in rifle ammo and point of impact when shooting out at 1,000 yards or more with ammo that has a large deviation in muzzle velocity between each bullet. If you are shooting rifle ammo and the standard deviation is over 20 or 25 feet per second (fps), it is very difficult to be consistent at a distance over 1,000 yards. At a distance of 200 yards or less for hunting it is not as big of a factor at those closer ranges.

Rifle Ammo for Long Range Precision: Each rifle/barrel will have a specific ammo it shoots the best. So, find that brand/grain, etc. and stick with that one bullet if you want to be consistent at long range.
By using the exact same brand and grain every time in my long range rifle, I know what to dial for various distances without having to calculate each time. Keep in mind that the temperature and humidity will have an impact on elevation correction adjustments. For my rifle and ammo I know if it is around 60 degrees and low humidity I will dial 32 minutes of angle (MOA) for 1,000 yards, but if it is 90 degrees and 90% humidity that I will be dialing about 33.25 MOA for the same distance. At 1,000 yards, that 1.25 MOA change means a difference in point of impact of 12.5 inches just because of the change in temp and humidity.

What distance to zero your handgun?
Everyone has a different use for their handgun and a different preference depending on it's use. I personally zero all my handguns for 15 yards and that gives me a good estimate on how to hold on the target for the most precise shot. For instance with a 9mm handgun the rough rule of thumb if you zero at 15 yards is that shooting from 3-5 yards you can expect to hold about .75" over top dead center to hit your desired point of impact. (the impact is going to be lower) At 35 yards you can expect to have to hold about .75" below the dead center to make impact at dead center. (impact will be higher since you are further away and are zero'd for 15 yards) All of those estimates are approximate based on your barrel length and muzzle velocity of your ammo. Rule of thumb is if you zero at 15 or 20 yards that when shooting at a closer distance expect to hit slightly lower on the target and when shooting at further distances you can expect to have a point of impact slightly higher. (Only really matters for those of us with OCD and want to be really precise. LOL)

Sorry, this got a bit longer than expected!

Training Tip for those who Conceal Carry:

Sorry for not posting anything recently, got busy with so many things going on and just getting caught up! Those that follow this page, know I'm big on doing Dry Fire Practice, especially since many people have trouble finding time to get to the range and due to the high cost of ammo. With dry fire you can practice at home for many of the things you need to do to help keep you comfortable with your firearm.

Holsters: IWB = Inside the waist band OWB = Outside the waist band. The primary purpose of a holster is to permit the safe carry of your firearm, and the key component of that function is to make sure the trigger and trigger guard are covered by the holster to prevent an unwanted discharge. So, have a Good Holster! Remember that drawing form a holster and re-holstering are some of the most dangerous times for a possible unwanted discharge, so use good safety skills and lots of dry fire practice with the holster before attempting to do live fire training.

Dry Fire Training Tip: Drawing while in a vehicle.
I find that Not Many people that conceal carry ever practice drawing the firearm from the holster while inside your vehicle. Many incidents happen when you are in or around your vehicle, so you should make sure you practice and maintain your skills on quickly and safely drawing from a holster while sitting in your vehicle. Some people find once they start practicing this skill that they may have selected the wrong holster, or maybe have been carrying the firearm in the wrong position on their body. So, practice. Remember most incidents happen very quickly and when you least expect it, so training is critical. The majority of the incidents will last around 3 seconds or less, and the first shot is normally fired in less than 1.5 seconds, which is why in training we try to be proficient enough to draw from our holster and safely fire the first round in 1.5 seconds or less. This dry fire practice should also include quickly/safely moving any cover garment you may be wearing out of the way when you draw the firearm.

Note: Remember that the general rule is if you are shooting a 9mm round from inside your vehicle out through the windshield at someone in front of your vehicle (or about 21 feet away from you) that the first couple shots are mostly likely going to hit your target about 9-12 inches higher than your point of aim. Adversely, if you are standing in front of the vehicle and shooting into the vehicle, then you can normally expect your 9mm round to hit about 9-12 inches lower once it passes through the windshield going into the vehicle. (these distances in the impact of the bullet greatly depends on the type of ammo you are using. Round nose ammo may change path of travel even more) The general rule when shooting through a windshield is you want to try and shoot through the same hole or general area with each shot so that after multiple rounds in the same hole it will flatten out the path of travel for the bullet.

Be SAFE and Practice. If not on the range, at least dry fire at home!

Virginia Legislative Update: Gun legislation heading to the Va Governor's Desk to either sign into law or veto.

• HB2, bans “assault fi****ms” and magazines holding more than 10 rounds made after July 1, 2024. The definition of “assault firearm” is expanded to capture more types of fi****ms. It also prohibits ownership of “assault fi****ms” by young adults.
• SB2, bans “assault fi****ms” and magazines holding more than 10 rounds made after July 1, 2024. The definition of “assault firearm” is expanded to capture more types of fi****ms. It also prohibits ownership of “assault fi****ms” by young adults.
• HB46, requires someone holding fi****ms for a prohibited person to be 21 or older and to live at a different address.
• SB47, requires someone holding fi****ms for a prohibited person to be 21 or older and to live at a different address.
• SB57, prohibits a CHP holder from carrying a concealed handgun on the premises of a restaurant or club that serves alcoholic beverages.
• SB99, prohibits the carry of semi-automatic fi****ms with certain cosmetic features in public areas and removes an exemption for CHP holders.
• SB100, requires serialization of homemade guns made after 1968.
• HB173, requires serialization of homemade guns made after 1968.
• HB175, prohibits the carry of “assault fi****ms” in public areas, regardless of whether they are loaded, and removes an exemption for CHP holders.
• HB183, requires all fi****ms in a home, that are not being carried by the owner, to be locked up if there is a minor present.
• SB225, requires schools to text or email subjective information on guns to parents at the start of a school year.
• SB258, expands the things a judge can consider and must consider when issuing an Extreme Risk Protection Order (Red Flag).
• SB273, requires a five-day waiting period for firearm sales.
• HB318, allows for frivolous lawsuits against the gun industry in a blatant attempt to litigate a legitimate industry out of business.
• SB327, makes it illegal for young adults to purchase an “assault firearm.” The definition of “assault firearm” is expanded to capture more types of fi****ms.
• HB351, requires a person purchasing a firearm to sign certification that no minor lives in the home or a locking device must be included with the firearm.
• HB362, adds “dating relationship” to the definition of a “domestic relationship” for purposes of prohibiting guns for misdemeanor domestic violence.
• SB363, makes it unlawful to possess, sell, or distribute a firearm with an altered serial number.
• SB368, requires all fi****ms in a home, that are not being carried by the owner, to be locked up if there is a minor present.
• SB383, prohibits fi****ms in higher education buildings unless part of an authorized program or activity in that building.
• SB447, creates a $500 fine and makes a vehicle subject to towing if there is a visible handgun inside an unattended vehicle.
• HB454, prohibits fi****ms in higher education buildings unless part of an authorized program or activity in that building.
• HB466, severely restricts recognition of out-of-state CHPs.
• SB491, allows for frivolous lawsuits against the gun industry.
• HB498, requires schools to text subjective information on guns to parents at the start of a school year.
• SB515, prohibits fi****ms in hospitals.
• SB522, removes NRA and USCCA training courses from the list of qualified training courses to get a CHP.
• HB585, prohibits home-based Federal Fi****ms Licensees from operating within 1.5 miles of any elementary or middle school.
• HB637, creates a training program to make more frequent use of Substantial Risk Orders (Red Flag).
• SB642, adds “dating relationship” to the definition of a “domestic relationship” for purposes of prohibiting guns for misdemeanor domestic violence.
• HB797, removes NRA and USCCA training courses from the list of qualified training courses to get a CHP.
• HB798, takes away a person’s right to own a firearm for several misdemeanor convictions, including simple assault.
• HB799, requires a person be fingerprinted when applying for a new or renewed CHP.
• HB861, prohibits fi****ms in hospitals.
• HB939, prohibits fi****ms within 100 feet of an electoral board, voter registration, voter satellite building, or a drop-off location or absentee voter precinct.
• HB1174, makes it illegal for young adults to purchase an “assault firearm.” The definition of “assault firearm” is expanded to capture more types of fi****ms.
• HB1195, requires

Virginia Legislative Update:
Looks like more than 30 anti-gun laws will be heading to the Governor's desk after this General Assembly ends here in Va. Unknow at this point how many the Governor will Veto once they hit his desk, but we are hoping he will stand firm on supporting the 2A and veto many of them, since Va already has a very strong set of laws in place. Let's hope our Governor stands us in support of 2A.

Someone sent me a message asking about HB 113??

HB 113 if it passes and becomes law would make it illegal to possess a handgun for 5 years after a second DWI Conviction. That would mean after a second DWI Conviction you would not be able to have a handgun in your home for self-defense, or a handgun in your possession at any time.

Va already has a law in place that if you are convicted of DWI, even a first offense, you cannot be issued a CHP for 3 years. So, with a DWI Conviction currently, you would have to wait 3 years to get your CHP, but you can still possess a handgun, just not carry it concealed. HB 113 says with a second DWI Conviction you would be prohibited from even possessing a handgun in your home or anywhere else for 5 years, similar to having a felony conviction which prohibits you from owning a firearm.

Hope that answers the question and clears up any confusion.