Rifle Shooting Courses

Overview of Rifle Shooting Courses

Our Rifle shooting courses are designed to teach individuals the fundamental skills needed to safely and effectively use a rifle. Whether you are a beginner looking to get started with rifle shooting or an experienced shooter aiming to refine your skills, these courses provide comprehensive training on rifle safety, marksmanship, and various shooting techniques. A well-structured rifle shooting course will help you develop the necessary skills and confidence to handle a rifle with precision, whether for sport, hunting, or self-defense.

What Rifle Shooting Courses Can Provide:

Comprehensive Safety Training:

Safety is the number one priority in any firearms training course. Our Rifle shooting courses begin with thorough instruction on firearm safety, including safe handling, storage, and operation of the rifle.

Students learn the basic rules of gun safety, such as treating every firearm as if it is loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

Understanding Firearm Mechanics and Operation:

Our Rifle courses teach participants the mechanics of their specific rifle model, including how to load, unload, clean, and maintain it.

Students gain an understanding of rifle components, such as the barrel, action, bolt, and sights, and learn how to properly care for and troubleshoot their firearm to ensure its functionality and longevity.

Basic Marksmanship Skills:

One of the core aspects of rifle shooting courses is developing basic marksmanship skills. Students learn proper shooting stances, grip, and trigger control, which are essential for accurate shooting.

Techniques for breathing control, sight alignment, and trigger squeeze are taught to improve accuracy and consistency, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in rifle shooting.

Zeroing and Sight Adjustment:

These Rifle courses teach students how to zero their rifle, adjusting the sights or scope to ensure that shots hit the intended target at specific distances.

Students learn how to make adjustments for windage, elevation, and parallax, allowing them to effectively shoot at varying ranges and conditions.

Positioning and Shooting Techniques:

Students are introduced to various shooting positions, including standing, kneeling, sitting, and prone, and learn when to use each position for optimal stability and accuracy.

Techniques for shooting in different environments and conditions, such as low light or in the field, are also covered to help students become more adaptable to real-world shooting situations.

Advanced Marksmanship and Long-Range Shooting:

For those with more experience, our advanced rifle shooting courses offer training in precision shooting and long-range techniques. Students learn to shoot accurately at greater distances, factoring in variables such as bullet drop, wind, and environmental conditions.

These courses may include instruction on using bipods, shooting off barricades, or shooting from a moving position to increase proficiency in tactical situations.

Target Engagement and Movement:

Students practice target engagement under different scenarios, learning how to transition between targets quickly and accurately.

In tactical or defensive rifle courses, students are trained to engage moving targets and shoot from a variety of positions, including shooting while moving, using cover, and transitioning between different stances.

Scenario-Based Training:

Some rifle courses incorporate scenario-based training, where students engage in simulated real-world situations, such as tactical defense, varmint hunting, or competition shooting.

These scenarios help participants develop the decision-making skills needed to respond to different types of threats, targets, and shooting environments.

Mental Focus and Stress Management:

Our Rifle courses often address the mental aspect of shooting, including how to stay focused, calm, and composed under pressure. Learning how to manage stress, control emotions, and make sound decisions is critical, particularly in defensive or tactical shooting.

Students develop the mental discipline needed to maintain accuracy, even in high-stress situations.

Preparation for Hunting or Tactical Use:

Our Rifle shooting courses can prepare students for specific applications, such as hunting, competitive shooting, or tactical defense.

For hunters, courses provide specialized training in shooting at moving targets, long-range shots, and field shooting. For tactical users, the focus is on rapid target acquisition, defensive techniques, and precision in dynamic environments.

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

Many rifle courses include an important component on the legal and ethical aspects of firearm use. Students learn about local and federal laws regarding hunting, self-defense, and the use of firearms in public spaces.

Understanding the ethical implications of using a rifle, especially in self-defense situations, is critical to responsible firearm ownership and use.

Building Confidence and Skill Progression:

Throughout the course, students build confidence as they progress in their shooting skills. Whether they are learning to handle a rifle for the first time or refining their accuracy for competition, each lesson is designed to ensure steady improvement.

With the help of instructors, students can track their progress and gain the knowledge and experience necessary to shoot with confidence in a variety of situations.

$ 100

Per Student

NRA First Steps Rifle Orientation Course

This course is an introductory, hands-on training program designed to teach beginners the essential skills needed to safely handle and shoot a rifle. This comprehensive course covers the fundamental aspects of firearm safety, rifle operation, shooting techniques, and maintenance.

Below is a detailed summary of what the course covers:

Introduction to Firearm Safety

The course begins with a strong emphasis on firearm safety, which is the cornerstone of responsible gun ownership and use. Participants learn the Fundamental Safety Rules that must be followed at all times:

Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Always keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use.

Safety protocols are reinforced throughout the course, and participants also learn range safety rules to ensure a safe shooting environment.

Introduction to the Rifle

Participants are introduced to the parts and functions of a rifle. This section covers:

Rifle components: Understanding the major parts of the rifle, such as the stock, action, barrel, sights, and trigger.
Operation of the rifle: A detailed explanation of how the rifle works, including how to load, unload, and handle it safely.
Hands-on practice: Students practice identifying the components of a rifle and properly handling and loading the firearm under supervision.

Fundamentals of Shooting

The core focus of the course is to teach the basic shooting techniques. Participants are guided through the following fundamentals:

Proper stance: Learning how to stand, sit, or kneel to ensure stability while shooting.
Grip: How to hold the rifle properly to maintain control and accuracy.
Sight alignment and sight picture: Understanding how to line up the front and rear sights to aim accurately.
Trigger control: Proper finger placement and the mechanics of pulling the trigger smoothly for a clean shot.
Breathing control: Techniques to steady the rifle and improve accuracy by controlling breathing during shooting.

In addition to classroom instruction, participants practice these skills through dry fire exercises, where they simulate shooting without using live ammunition. This helps reinforce the proper techniques before firing live rounds.

Live Fire Practice

Once students are comfortable with the basics, they move to the range for live-fire practice. Under the supervision of a certified instructor, students will:

Practice shooting at targets, both at close and medium distances.
Receive individual feedback to improve accuracy and technique.
Learn to handle different shooting positions (standing, kneeling, sitting) and adapt their techniques accordingly.

Range Etiquette and Safety:

Proper range etiquette is covered to ensure that students understand the rules and behaviors expected at shooting ranges. This includes:

How to safely approach the firing line and communicate with instructors.
The importance of range commands and the actions required when given specific instructions.
What to do in case of a misfire or malfunction and how to handle such situations calmly and safely.

Rifle Maintenance:

Proper maintenance and care of a rifle are key to ensuring its longevity and safe operation. Students learn:

How to clean and lubricate a rifle after use.
Basic maintenance procedures, such as disassembling and reassembling the rifle for cleaning.
Tips for storing rifles securely and safely, including the use of gun safes and locks to prevent unauthorized access.

Course Review and Certification:

At the conclusion of the course, participants review all the topics covered and address any questions. The course ends with the awarding of the NRA First Steps Rifle Course Completion Certificate, recognizing their achievement in safely handling and shooting a rifle.

$ 150

Per Student

NRA Basics of Rifle Shooting Course

This course is designed to teach individuals the fundamental skills, safety practices, and responsibilities of rifle shooting. It provides both classroom instruction and practical, hands-on training to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of safe and effective rifle use. Here’s a detailed summary of what the course covers:

Introduction to Rifle Shooting

Course Overview: Introduction to the course structure, goals, and the importance of safety.
Types of Rifles: The course covers various types of rifles, including bolt-action, semi-automatic, lever-action, and others, as well as the appropriate uses for each.
Rifle Components and Terminology: Students learn about the parts of the rifle (e.g., barrel, stock, sights, action) and the terminology associated with shooting.

Safety and Responsibility

Firearm Safety Rules: This course emphasizes the Fundamental Rules of Firearm Safety
1. Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. Always keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use.
Safe Gun Handling: Emphasis on how to handle and store firearms safely to prevent accidents.
Range Etiquette: Basic rules and procedures for behaving safely on a shooting range.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding the legal responsibilities of gun ownership and the ethical implications of firearm use.

Rifle Operation

Loading and Unloading the Rifle: Step-by-step instruction on safely loading and unloading a rifle.
Operating the Action: How to manipulate the action of various types of rifles (e.g., bolt, lever, semi-automatic).
Ammunition Basics: Information on different types of ammunition and how to properly load and handle cartridges.

Marksmanship and Shooting Fundamentals

Proper Stance: Instruction on the importance of body positioning, including standing, kneeling, sitting, and prone positions.
Grip and Hold: How to grip the rifle correctly and maintain proper control for accuracy.
Sight Alignment and Sight Picture: Understanding the relationship between the front and rear sights and how to align them for precise aiming.
Trigger Control: Techniques for squeezing the trigger smoothly to avoid jerking the shot.
Breathing and Follow-Through: The importance of controlling your breath and maintaining proper follow-through after each shot to improve accuracy.

Shooting Techniques and Practice

Dry-Firing Exercises: Practice firing the rifle without ammunition to develop muscle memory and proper shooting mechanics.
Live-Fire Exercises: Practical, hands-on shooting on a range, under the supervision of an instructor. Students apply what they have learned in a controlled, real-world setting.

Zeroing and Sight Adjustment

Sight Adjustment: How to adjust the rifle’s sights to ensure the shots hit the target where intended.
Zeroing the Rifle: Techniques for ensuring the rifle is “zeroed” (i.e., the point of impact matches the point of aim) at a specific distance.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Basic Rifle Maintenance: Instruction on how to properly clean and maintain a rifle, including the cleaning of the barrel, action, and overall care.
Routine Inspections: How to check for wear and damage, and when to perform maintenance to ensure safe and reliable rifle operation.

Course Conclusion and Certification

Review and Testing: A review of the key concepts and skills learned during the course. Students may be required to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in shooting.
Completion Certificate: Upon successful completion of the course, students receive an NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course certificate, acknowledging their knowledge and skills in rifle shooting.

Instructor-Led Guidance:

This course is taught by our certified NRA instructors, who provide one-on-one guidance and feedback throughout the training. This ensures that students are practicing techniques correctly and receiving personalized tips to improve their skills.

$ 150

Per Student

AR-15 Introductory Course

This course is designed to provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge required to safely and effectively operate the AR-15 rifle. This course covers key aspects of firearm safety, the mechanics of the AR-15 platform, essential shooting techniques, and maintenance procedures. Through a mix of classroom instruction and live-fire exercises, students will gain the confidence and competence needed to handle the AR-15 in a variety of scenarios.

What this course covers:

Firearm Safety

The course begins with a thorough safety briefing to ensure that all students understand and apply the basic safety rules of firearm handling. Participants will learn critical safety principles, including proper muzzle discipline, trigger control, and target identification. This portion of the course emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe environment on the range, with specific guidelines for emergency procedures.

Understanding the AR-15 Rifle

Students will be introduced to the major components of the AR-15 rifle, including the upper and lower receivers, bolt carrier group, trigger assembly, and sights. Instructors will explain the role of each component in the rifle’s operation, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of how the AR-15 functions. This knowledge is essential for performing maintenance and troubleshooting the rifle effectively.

Basic Operation Procedures

The course will cover the essential operation procedures for the AR-15, including loading and unloading the rifle, chambering a round, and cycling the action. Students will gain hands-on experience performing these procedures under the supervision of instructors, ensuring they understand how to handle the rifle safely and efficiently in a variety of scenarios.

Zeroing the AR-15 Sight System

Properly zeroing the rifle’s sight system is crucial for accurate shooting. During this segment, students will learn how to adjust both iron sights and optics for different ranges, ensuring the rifle is accurately sighted for both close and extended-range engagements. The course will cover the steps for zeroing at short (25 yards) and longer distances (50-100 yards), giving students the tools to ensure their rifle is accurately calibrated for various shooting conditions.

Magazine Changes and Reload Drills

A critical skill for efficient shooting is the ability to change magazines quickly and safely. Students will practice basic magazine changes, both in standing and prone positions, and will learn emergency and tactical reload techniques. The course will include timed drills to help participants develop muscle memory and speed in performing reloads under pressure.

Trigger Control and Aiming Techniques

Proficiency in trigger control is essential for accuracy. Instructors will guide students through the fundamentals of trigger control, including how to maintain a smooth and consistent trigger pull. Students will also practice proper aiming techniques, focusing on how to align the sights for precise shot placement. This section will emphasize the importance of controlled breathing and body position in achieving consistent, accurate shots.

Field Stripping, Cleaning, and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keeping the AR-15 in good working condition. This segment will teach students how to safely field strip the AR-15 rifle, clean the bore, gas system, and bolt carrier group, and reassemble the rifle for continued use. Students will also learn how to identify signs of wear or damage and how to properly lubricate the rifle to ensure its reliability.

Identifying and Responding to Mechanical and Ammunition Failures

In this portion of the course, students will learn to identify and respond to common mechanical failures (e.g., failure to eject, double feeds) and ammunition issues (e.g., misfires, squib loads). Instructors will guide students through immediate action drills, ensuring they know how to quickly resolve malfunctions and get their rifles back in working order without compromising safety.

Course Conclusion

Upon completion of our AR-15 Introductory Course, students will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the AR-15 rifle. They will understand the basic operation of the rifle, be able to perform reloads and trigger control drills with confidence, and know how to properly clean and maintain their firearms. Additionally, students will be able to safely identify and respond to mechanical failures, ensuring that their rifles remain in optimal working condition.

This course serves as a solid foundation for further advanced AR-15 training, preparing students to tackle more complex scenarios and continue improving their skills in future courses.

$1100

$ 950

Per Student

This comprehensive AR-15 Building Course is designed for individuals seeking a hands-on, in-depth understanding of how to assemble and maintain an AR-15 rifle from start to finish. Whether you’re a novice eager to build your first AR-15 or an experienced shooter wanting to learn more about rifle construction, this course provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a fully functioning AR-15 rifle tailored to your needs.

What this course covers:

Introduction to the AR-15 Platform

Understand the history, evolution, and popular uses of the AR-15 rifle.
Learn about the platform’s modularity, adaptability, and versatility, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

Components of the AR-15 Rifle

Study the key parts and systems that make up the AR-15, such as the lower and upper receivers, barrel, handguards, gas system, and trigger mechanism.
Gain an understanding of how each component contributes to the overall function and performance of the rifle.

Tools and Equipment for Building an AR-15

Familiarize yourself with the essential tools and equipment required for assembling an AR-15.
Learn about torque wrenches, punches, screwdrivers, armorer’s tools, and more, and when each tool is used in the assembly process.

Lower Receiver Assembly

Learn the step-by-step process of assembling the lower receiver, including the installation of the fire control group, trigger, pistol grip, and stock.
Understand how to properly fit and install critical parts such as the trigger pin, safety selector, and buffer tube assembly.

Upper Receiver Assembly:

Understand the process of assembling the upper receiver, including the installation of the forward assist, ejection port cover, and barrel nut.
Learn how to properly attach the barrel to the upper receiver, ensuring proper alignment and torque specifications.

Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) and Charging Handle Installation:

Gain knowledge of how the BCG and charging handle function within the AR-15 system.
Learn how to correctly install and assemble the BCG and charging handle into the upper receiver for smooth operation.

Final Upper and Lower Receiver Assembly:

Learn how to combine the completed upper and lower receivers into a fully functional rifle.
Gain insight into proper alignment, pinning, and locking mechanisms for final assembly.

Troubleshooting and Adjustments:

Understand how to identify common assembly mistakes or issues and learn how to fix them.
Learn how to make adjustments to ensure that your AR-15 functions properly and reliably.

Final Testing and Function Checks:

Learn how to perform essential function checks to ensure that your AR-15 is operating as intended.
Conduct safety checks, cycle testing, and other functions to verify the rifle’s readiness.

Customization and Upgrades:

Understand the various customization options available for your AR-15, including aftermarket parts, accessories, and upgrades.
Learn how to personalize your rifle to suit your needs, whether for enhanced performance, comfort, or aesthetics.

Maintaining and Caring for Your AR-15:

Learn proper maintenance techniques to ensure the longevity and reliability of your AR-15.
Understand how to clean, lubricate, and inspect the rifle regularly to keep it in top working condition.

By the end of this course, you will have successfully built your own AR-15 rifle and will possess the knowledge necessary to maintain, troubleshoot, and customize it according to your specific preferences. You’ll also leave with a solid understanding of the AR-15’s inner workings, ensuring you have the confidence and ability to handle future builds or repairs on your own.

What we will be building:

PSA 16″ Mid-Length 5.56 NATO 1/7 Nitride 13.5″ Lightweight M-Lok MOE EPT Rifle w/MBUS Sight Set

Features

Barrel: Chrome-moly vanadium steel barrel chambered in 5.56 NATO, with a 1:7 twist rate, M4 barrel extension, and a mid-length gas system. This A2 profile barrel is finished off with a 13.5” PSA M-Lok free-float handguard, low-profile gas block, and A2 flash hider.

Upper: Forged 7075-T6 A3 AR upper is machined to MIL-SPECS and hard coat anodized. Uppers include forward assist and dust cover. These uppers are made for us right here in the USA by a mil-spec manufacturer.

Bolt Carrier Group: Full-auto profile bolt carrier group. Shot-peened, mil-spec Carpenter 158 steel bolt. Gas Key Hardened to USGI Specifications, fastened with Grade 8 screws, and Staked Per Mil-Spec. Carrier is 8620 steel M-16 full auto profile.

Lower: The student is required to purchase their AR-15 Stripped Lower due to FFL requirements. We recommend purchasing your lower from Palmetto State Armory SKU# 39296

Backup Sights: Magpul MBUS Front and Rear Sight, Black