Beginner Rifle — Course Description

Course length: 2 hours
Location: Unlimited Ammo & Range
Prerequisite: Must be legally permitted to possess/use firearms in your jurisdiction; bring government ID. No prior rifle experience required.

Course overview

This beginner-level course teaches safe firearms handling, responsible range etiquette, and the core fundamentals of rifle marksmanship. You’ll learn how to think and act like a safe shooter, understand the parts and operation of common rifles, and get supervised live-fire experience to build confidence and accuracy. The emphasis is on safety first, then steady, repeatable shooting fundamentals.

Learning objectives

By the end of the class students will be able to:

Demonstrate safe firearm handling and follow range commands consistently.
Identify basic rifle components and common cartridge types.
Describe safe storage and transportation principles.
Assume a stable shooting position and apply sight alignment/sight picture basics.
Use proper breathing, trigger control, and follow-through for improved accuracy.
Conduct basic malfunction recognition and safe resolution under instructor supervision.
Complete a supervised live-fire qualification that shows safe, controlled handling and basic accuracy.

Who should attend

New rifle owners who want to learn safe handling and fundamentals.
Shooters transitioning from pistols to rifles.
Anyone seeking a structured, safety-first introduction before independent range time.

Typical agenda

Welcome & safety briefing — rules, range commands, emergency procedures (10min)
Classroom fundamentals — rifle types, ammo basics, How-To's (30min)
Safe handling demonstrations — clearing, basic manipulation, safe handling (30min)
Shooting fundamentals — stance, grip, sighting, breathing, trigger control (10min)
Live-fire exercises — close-range drills progressing to basic target practice (30min)
Final supervised qualification & debrief — feedback, next steps, resources (10min)

What to bring / provided

Student brings:

Government-issued photo ID
Eye and hearing protection (some ranges provide)
Appropriate clothing: closed-toe shoes, no loose scarves; hat recommended
Rifle and ammunition (if course allows; check with organizer) or rent/loaner options available

Instructor / class provides:

Targets, basic range equipment, and coaching
Course handouts and safety/resource materials

Safety & range rules (non-negotiable)

All activity follows a written safety briefing and local range rules.
Firearms must remain unloaded until directed by an instructor on the firing line.
Safe direction, trigger discipline, and immediate compliance with range commands are required.
Any unsafe behavior will result in removal from the class without refund.

Instructor qualifications

Taught by certified instructors with documented range experience and current first aid/basic life support training. Instructors maintain small student-to-instructor ratios to ensure safety and personalized coaching.

Assessment & certification

Students complete a supervised live-fire exercise to demonstrate safe handling and basic marksmanship. On successful completion they receive a certificate of attendance and a recommended practice plan for continued improvement.

Rifle 101