Basics of Rifle Shooting – Houston Class Guide
If you're taking this class in Houston, here’s exactly what to expect.
If you're not in Houston, use this guide to structure your own introductory rifle class or teach others in your community.
This class is primarily focused on teaching students how to safely operate and shoot AR-15 pattern rifles in a controlled, indoor range environment. If you're new to the platform, this is where to start.
Key Terms You Should Know
Mechanical Offset
The vertical distance between your optic and the bore of your rifle. At close range, your point of aim and point of impact will not align unless you compensate. On most AR-15s, this offset is roughly 2.5 inches.
Zero
The distance at which your point of aim and point of impact intersect. Most shooters zero their AR-15 at either 25, 36, or 50 yards. This affects your bullet trajectory at all other distances.
Operating the Safety
The safety selector on an AR-15 toggles between “safe” and “fire.” The rifle should remain on safe until your sights are on target and you are ready to shoot. Once you’re done shooting, the safety goes back on.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this class, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate safe behavior with a rifle on and off the firing line
- Understand and apply the four rules of firearm safety
- Operate the safety selector correctly at all times
- Understand mechanical offset and apply it to shot placement
- Demonstrate fundamental rifle shooting skills
- Place rounds accurately at close defensive distances
- Leave with the confidence to train independently
- Teach these basics to others
Foundational Skills We’ll Cover
Same fundamentals as pistol, applied to rifle:
- Stance – Athletic and squared to target for stability
- Grip – Strong firing grip with correct support hand placement on the rail
- Sight Alignment – Centering red dot or irons in relation to the bore
- Sight Picture – Adjusting for offset, placing dot over the intended impact point
- Trigger Control – Smooth press without disturbing aim
- Follow Through – Stay on sights, assess impact
- Support Hand Pressure – Keeps the rifle stable, especially under recoil
- Operating the Safety – Always on safe unless shooting, return to safe when done
Flat Range Holdover Table (20-Yard Max)
| Zero Distance | 10-Yard POI | 20-Yard POI | Hold Needed at 10 yd | Hold Needed at 20 yd |
| 25 yards | ~1.8 inches low | ~1.0 inch low | Aim 1.8 inches high | Aim 1 inch high |
| 36 yards | ~2.0 inches low | ~1.3 inches low | Aim 2 inches high | Aim 1.3 inches high |
| 50 yards | ~2.2 inches low | ~1.5 inches low | Aim 2.2 inches high | Aim 1.5 inches high |
These values are estimates based on a 5.56 NATO or .223 rifle with a red dot or LPVO mounted at standard AR height. Actual performance may vary slightly.
Course of Fire – 50 Rounds Total
Paced in 5-round strings. Check target between each string.
Target zone: Center A-Zone
Distance: 3 to 20 yards
Goal: Apply mechanical offset, refine consistency, build confidence
Phase 1: 3 Yards (15 Rounds)
- String 1 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. Mark hits. Focus on safety operation and trigger press - String 2 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. Address low hits by applying mechanical offset - String 3 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. If grouping is achieved, move to 7 yards
If shots are inconsistent or hitting too low, repeat at 3 yards until corrected.
Phase 2: 7 to 10 Yards (15 Rounds)
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String 4 – 5 rounds
- Bring target back. Mark hits. Confirm understanding of offset
-
String 5 – 5 rounds
- Bring target back. Address shot placement and refine stance or grip
-
String 6 – 5 rounds
- Bring target back. If group is centered, move to 15 or 20 yards
Phase 3: 15 to 20 Yards (20 Rounds)
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String 7 – 5 rounds
- Bring target back. Assess offset compensation and hold consistency
-
String 8 – 5 rounds
- Bring target back. Evaluate any drift or stringing
-
String 9 – 5 rounds
- Bring target back. Lock in hold and safety control
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String 10 – 5 rounds
- Bring target back. Final group for confidence and progression
Notes
- Total: 10 strings of 5 rounds = 50 rounds
- Grouping and safe handling are the primary goals
- Target should be examined and marked between each string
- Students must practice returning the rifle to safe before moving or adjusting
- Instructors should reinforce mechanical offset corrections early and often