AR-15 MARKSMANSHIP ESSENTIALS — ZERO TO PRECISION

AR-15 Marksmanship Fundamentals

Course length: 4 hours total — 2 hours classroom, 2 hours live-fire range

Focus: The six fundamentals of marksmanship + practical zeroing of your AR-15

Skill level: Beginner → Intermediate (new shooters welcome; prior firearm safety knowledge helpful but not required)

Ratio: Small group class 2-1 Student to Instructor Ratio

Course overview

This compact, hands-on class teaches the six fundamentals of marksmanship for the AR-15 platform and shows how those fundamentals combine to produce consistent hits and a proper zero. You’ll spend the first half learning concepts, dry-fire practice, and drilling muscle memory; the second half reinforces those skills with structured live-fire exercises and a practical zeroing procedure so your rifle and eyes work together downrange.

Learning objectives — what you’ll be able to do by the end

Demonstrate correct rifle holds and positional setup for standing, prone (supported & unsupported), and seated positions.

Describe and apply sight alignment and sight picture consistently.

Use breathing and trigger manipulation techniques to fire more precisely.

Manage recoil so follow-up shots are faster and on target.

Perform a basic, repeatable zeroing procedure for an AR-15 (documented zero).

Troubleshoot common zero and accuracy issues (parallax, cheek weld, inconsistent trigger press).

Recommended round count (estimate):

Expect to shoot ~100–150 rounds depending on how many positions and zero confirmations you perform. Instructors will scale drills to time and student skill.

What to bring / what’s provided

Student brings: AR-15 in safe working order, 2–3 magazines, minimum 100 rounds (more recommended), eye & ear protection, cap, gloves (optional), water, ID. If you have an optic, bring it; the class covers both iron sights and common optics.

Instructor provides: Targets, adjustment tools (basic), spotting/feedback, safety gear if needed, and demo rifles (if needed).

Safety & prerequisites

All shooting done under supervised range command. Strict safe-direction, finger off trigger until ready, and magazine/bolt safety rules enforced.

Minimum age and legal considerations follow range policy. Bring ID.

No prior AR-15 experience required, but familiarity with basic firearm safety helps.

Outcomes, metrics & follow-ups

Instructor will evaluate each student on consistent application of the six fundamentals and on following the zeroing steps.

Students leave with: a documented zero (POA/POI and distance), a short personalized practice plan, and recommended follow-up drills to continue improving.