Train with the rifles we build. Learn from the experts who run them.
When it’s time to take the shot, there’s no substitute for skill built on discipline, not luck. The Snowy Mountain Rifle Co. Long Range Academy was built for hunters who want more than gear—they want confidence earned through real-world training.
Our Precision Rifle Hunter Series puts you behind proven rifles, under the guidance of instructors who live this work every season. Whether you’re looking to extend your effective range or tighten your fundamentals, this course will push your limits and change how you think about the shot.
Get $1,500 off a premium rifle package
with any long-range academy class
For a limited time, purchase any Long-Range Academy class and receive $1,500 off a qualifying Premium Rifle Package. Package must include an SMR rifle, Nightforce NX8 scope or higher-value optic, American Rifle Co scope rings, Flatline Ops bubble level, SMR custom-cut SKB hard case, 50 rounds of rifle-matched ammo, and an Atlas or higher-value bipod.
LONG RANGE ACADEMY TRAINING FOR REAL HUNTS
This two-part series is designed for serious hunters who want field-proven performance from trigger pull to impact. You’ll train in real terrain, with real conditions, using rifles built to the same standards as every Snowy Mountain rifle that leaves our shop.
Why Train with Snowy Mountain Rifle Co.
We don’t separate training from craftsmanship. Every rifle, every shot, and every class follows the same principle: precision from the start.
Unlike other programs, our students use Snowy Mountain rifles and custom-loaded ammo built to match our own accuracy standards. That consistency means your training time goes where it should—into skill, not troubleshooting.
Set in one of the most beautiful hunting landscapes in the West, Long-Range Academy gives you the chance to train in country that feels worth traveling for. Wide valley floors. Timbered slopes. Long sightlines. Mountain weather. It is rugged, accessible, and built for the kind of field training that simply cannot be replicated on a flat square range.
Just minutes from Hamilton and within easy reach of Missoula International Airport, the academy gives you a direct path into real Montana country—close enough to get here without hassle, wild enough to make every minute on the range feel like part of the hunt.
Meet Your Instructors
Every instructor at the Long Range Academy brings a mix of field experience, competitive background, and real-world hunting success.
Paul Donaldson
Lead Instructor | President, Snowy Mountain Rifle Co.
Paul leads Snowy Mountain Rifle Co. with over a decade of experience in precision rifle design, custom builds, and long-range ballistics. A seasoned competitor in the Precision Rifle Series, National Rifle League, and Western Precision Rifle League, Paul’s knowledge comes from both the bench and the backcountry. His approach to instruction blends deep technical understanding with hard-earned field experience from years of long-range hunting and international shooting. Every class he leads reflects his belief that precision isn’t a number—it’s a standard.
John Tarmey
Instructor | U.S. Marine Corps Veteran & SWAT Sniper
John brings over 25 years of professional marksmanship and tactical experience to the Long Range Academy. After serving five years in the Marine Corps, he spent 21 years in law enforcement as a precision marksman, instructor, and SWAT Team Commander. He’s trained countless officers and shooters in rifle and pistol proficiency, emphasizing control, safety, and consistency under pressure. John’s teaching style is direct and disciplined, rooted in the same principles that guided his career. When he’s not instructing, you’ll find him hunting the mountains of western Montana with the same focus he teaches in class.
Logan Summers
Instructor | Gunsmith & Competitive Shooter
Logan’s passion for precision shooting led him to six years in the U.S. Air Force, including two overseas deployments. With a background in engineering, he brings a technical mind and a hands-on understanding of how rifles truly perform under pressure. Logan’s work as a gunsmith, guide, and competitive shooter gives him a unique ability to teach both the mechanics and mindset of accurate shooting. He focuses on helping students develop a repeatable process—so their confidence in the shot matches the capability of their rifle.
Chris Murphy
Instructor | Director of Gunsmithing, Snowy Mountain Rifle Co.
Chris is a U.S. Army veteran, precision gunsmith, long-range shooter, and dedicated big game hunter. His background across multiple weapons platforms shaped a disciplined, detail-oriented approach to marksmanship and instruction. As Director of Gunsmithing at Snowy Mountain Rifle Co., Chris builds rifles engineered for consistent, repeatable accuracy. He brings a practical understanding of ballistics, rifle systems, and how shooter and equipment work together in the field. His instruction focuses on safe, capable, and confident shooters—helping students build consistency, precision, and field-ready skills they can trust when it matters.
Ready to Train?
If you’re ready to sharpen your skill and confidence behind the rifle, fill out the form below. A member of our team will contact you directly to discuss class availability, logistics, and what to expect at the Academy.
Space is limited, and classes fill fast. Secure your spot early to make sure you’re on the line this season.
