Rifle level 1: Instructor Rob

Rifle level 1: Introduction to Rifles

1. Welcome 

• Who’s it for? New rifle owners, first-time shooters, or anyone wanting to refresh their knowledge.

• What we’ll cover today:
  Safety
  Parts of a Rifle
  Types of Rifles
  How Rifles Work
  Shooting Fundamentals
  Responsible Ownership
  Hands-On (Optional Live Fire or Dry Fire)

2. The 4  Rules of Firearm Safety

 Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
Never point the muzzle at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Know your target and what’s beyond it.

3. Rifle Anatomy & Terminology

Basic Parts of a Rifle

• Barrel

• Muzzle (may have a muzzle brake or flash hider)

• Stock (buttstock, cheek rest)

• Receiver

• Trigger & Trigger Guard

• Bolt / Charging Handle (depending on action type)

• Magazine (internal or detachable)

• Safety Selector / Safety Mechanism

• Sights / Optics / Scope

4. How Rifles Work

• Bolt-Action: Load round → Close bolt → Fire → Manually cycle bolt to eject and reload.

Semi-Automatic: Load mag → Chamber round → Fire → Rifle cycles automatically.
Optional animation or slow-mo video helps here!

5. How to Safely Handle and Operate a Rifle

Condition Check (Is it loaded? Safety on?)
Proper Carry Positions:

• Low ready vs high port?

• Sling carry

• Muzzle awareness always!

Loading/Unloading:

• Magazine in/out

• Chamber round

• Eject round

 Using the Safety

6. Shooting Fundamentals

Stance: Athletic, balanced, weight slightly forward.
Grip: Support hand forward on handguard, firing hand high grip on pistol grip (or stock).
Mounting the Rifle: Firm into shoulder pocket, cheek weld on stock.
Sight Picture / Sight Alignment:

• Iron sights or optic

• Front sight focus (for irons), clear target (for optics)

Trigger Control: Smooth, controlled press—don’t slap!
Breath Control: Exhale, pause, press trigger.
Follow-Through: Maintain sight picture after the shot.

7. Zeroing & Adjusting Sights (Intro Level)

• What is “zeroing” a rifle?
  Adjusting sights/optics to hit where you aim.

• Common zero distances: 50 yd, 100 yd, 200 yd

• Iron sight adjustment basics: Elevation (up/down), Windage (left/right)
  Know Your Rifle’s Capabilities

• Effective range

• Ammo types

8. Range Safety & Etiquette