The mandatory foundation for every rifle‑training student.
Course Overview
Whether you’re brand‑new to rifles or looking to sharpen your fundamentals, Rifle Basics gives you the essential knowledge, safety habits, and precision skills you need before moving on to advanced urban‑defense training. The program is split into two complementary modules:
- Finding Your Zero (Sight‑In) – Master the science and technique of zeroing any rifle platform.
- Safety & Familiarization – Build a rock‑solid safety mindset and become fluent with rifle operation and maintenance.
Both modules are prerequisites for all subsequent Urban Defense Academy rifle courses.
Module 1 – Finding Your Zero (Sight‑In)
Learning Objectives
- Ballistic Understanding – Grasp how your specific ammunition behaves in flight and why that dictates your zeroing distance.
- Optic Theory – Translate MOA/MIL clicks into real‑world bullet placement; adjust iron sights, red‑dot, or magnified optics.
- Sight Alignment & NPOA – Achieve a perfect sight picture and natural point‑of‑aim from a stable shooting position.
- Zeroing Process – Perform boresighting, conduct the initial zero, and validate the final zero with repeatable methodology.
- Zero Distance Selection – Evaluate common zero distances (25 yd, 50 yd, 100 yd) and choose the optimum setting for urban‑defense scenarios.
- Mechanical Offset – Calculate and compensate for the offset between line‑of‑sight and bore line at close quarters.
Practical Skills
- Stable Platforms – Prone and bench‑rest techniques to minimize human error during sight‑in.
- Marksmanship Fundamentals – Breath control, trigger control, and sight picture for tight groups.
- Troubleshooting – Identify and correct common zeroing mistakes; perform quick rifle‑maintenance checks that affect accuracy.
Prerequisites & Gear
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite | None – this is the entry point for all students. |
| Indoor Instruction | 1 hour (equipment safety, theory, dry‑fire drills). |
| Range Time | Minimum 2 hours live‑fire (additional 30‑minute increments billed separately). |
| Rifle | Semi‑automatic (AR/AK recommended) or bolt‑action with iron sights or optics. |
| Ammunition | 100–200 rounds of consistent, quality ammo. |
| Equipment | Eye & ear protection (electronic preferred), three magazines, sling, cleaning kit, notebook. |
Note: Successful completion of this module is required before advancing to any other rifle‑based curriculum.
Module 2 – Safety & Familiarization
Learning Objectives
- Four Universal Safety Rules – Intensive review and hands‑on practice of the core firearm safety principles.
- Home Storage & Security – Best practices for securing rifles against unauthorized access.
- Legal Carry & Transport – Overview of state/local regulations for transporting rifles to ranges or other locations.
- Range Etiquette – Standard commands and procedures to keep everyone safe on the range.
Rifle Operation & Maintenance
- Component Nomenclature – Identify action, safety mechanisms, bolt/carrier group, muzzle, etc.
- Loading & Unloading – Administrative, tactical, and positive unloading drills.
- Malfunction Clearing – Immediate‑action drills for “tap, rack, roll” and other common failures.
- Field Stripping – Safe disassembly to the appropriate level for cleaning and maintenance.
- Sling Use – Proper fitting, retention, and transition techniques.
Prerequisites & Gear
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite | None – this module must be completed before the Zeroing module (unless instructor waives). |
| Indoor Instruction | 1 hour (classroom safety briefing, dry‑fire handling). |
| Range Time | Minimum 1 hour live‑fire to apply handling skills. |
| Rifle | Same as above – semi‑automatic (AR/AK) or bolt‑action. |
| Ammunition | 50 rounds of quality ammo. |
| Equipment | Eye & ear protection (electronic preferred), three magazines, sling, cleaning kit, notebook. |
Note: Safety and familiarity are the bedrock of all subsequent training; this module is mandatory before any live‑fire zeroing work.
Combined Course Summary
| Component | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor Classroom | 2 hours total (1 hr Safety, 1 hr Zeroing) | Theory, safety rules, sight‑in fundamentals, dry‑fire practice. |
| Live‑Fire Range | Minimum 3 hours total (2 hrs Zeroing, 1 hr Safety) | Apply zeroing techniques, reinforce safe handling, practice malfunction clearing. |
| Gear Required | – | Protective eyewear & hearing, magazines, sling, cleaning kit, notebook, 150‑250 rounds total. |
Why This Matters
- Confidence: Students leave knowing their rifle will hit exactly where they aim and that they can handle it safely under any circumstance.
- Competence: Mastery of both precision and safety creates a solid platform for all advanced urban‑defense courses.
- Compliance: Meets legal and academy standards for responsible firearm ownership and training.
Next Steps
- Enroll in the Rifle Basics program (both modules).
- Prepare the listed gear and ammunition.
- Attend the indoor classroom session, then schedule your minimum range time.
- Complete the assessments for each module to receive certification—required before any further academy training.
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