Run the
Rifle.
Classroom theory plus live-fire range time on the AR-15 platform. Setup, sling and optics, sight picture, zeroing, trigger control, live-fire drills at varying distances, and an introduction to defensive rifle use. New and intermediate shooters welcome.
Carbine Skills. Real Reps.
The AR-15 is the most popular rifle platform in the country and one of the most misunderstood. Most owners learned from YouTube. Rifle 101 fixes that.
Rifle 101 is built for new and intermediate AR-15 shooters who want a real foundation — not bad habits picked up at a casual range day. We open in the classroom: platform overview, controls, manual of arms, and the why behind every safety rule. Then we move to the line for live fire under the direct eye of the instructor.
By the end of the course you'll know the AR-15 platform inside and out, how a sling and optic should actually be set up, zeroing and basic holds, and what trigger discipline looks like at varying distances. We also cover ready positions and the basics of defensive rifle handling — enough to know what comes next, not enough to confuse "introduction" with advanvced training.
This is the foundation course. Defensive carbine, force-on-force, and tactical scenario work are downstream — they require this work first.
What You'll Learn.
Five modules. Classroom-first, then live-fire. Each builds on the last so the rifle starts to feel like an extension of you, not a piece of equipment you're managing.
Safety & Handling
- Loading, unloading, and storage procedures
- Universal safety rules — applied to long guns
- Safe handling on the line and off
Setup & Equipment
- AR-15 platform overview and controls
- Sling setup and proper carry positions
- Optic basics and gear recommendations
Shooting Fundamentals
- Stance, grip, and rifle mount
- Sight picture and zeroing
- Trigger control under recoil
Live-Fire Drills
- Engaging targets at varying distances
- Improving shot placement and recoil control
- Real-time instructor feedback on the line
Intro to Defensive Use
- Ready positions and rifle transitions
- Movement and situational awareness basics
- Honest framing of what's beyond this course
Who It's For.
Honest framing — this course is great for some shooters and the wrong fit for others. Read both lists before you book.
You're Good To Go.
- This is your first time behind an AR-15, or you've shot one but never had real instruction
- You own an AR-15 (or are about to) and want to actually run it well
- You've completed Handgun 101 and want to add the carbine to your toolkit
- You want a foundation before moving to defensive carbine or tactical work
- You're 18 or older with no firearm prohibitions
This Isn't The Fit.
- You're already running drills and want defensive carbine or force-on-force work — book Private Instruction instead
- You want pistol fundamentals — book Handgun 101 instead
- You're a Massachusetts resident who needs your LTC certification first — book LTC-033 instead
- You're under 21
- You want to shoot multiple platforms or specialty rifles in one session — Private Instruction is more flexible
What To Bring. What To Expect.
Show up ready and the day runs smooth. We supply the rest.
Come Prepared.
- Eye + Ear Protection Loaners available if you don't have your own
- Range-Appropriate Clothing Closed-toe shoes, long sleeves help with hot brass
- Your Own AR-15 (Optional)Rentals available — perfectly normal not to own one yet
- Sling, Optic, and Mags Bring what you have. We'll help dial in what's missing.
- Ammunition ~300–500 rounds of 5.56 / .223; available on-site if needed
- A Notepad (Optional) Some students take notes during the platform overview
How The Day Runs.
- Classroom First Platform deep-dive, controls, manual of arms, safety brief
- Range Walk-Through Layout, commands, line procedures before any rounds go down
- Live Fire, Instructor on the Line You shoot. We watch. We coach. You get better.
- Optic Zero (If Applicable) We'll help you zero your rifle so it's truly yours when you leave
- Honest Next Steps At the end, we'll tell you what we'd train next — Private Instruction, more range time, or Handgun 101 if you haven't yet
Book Your Session.
Pick a date that works, lock in your spot. Class size is intentionally small. If a slot you want isn't showing, text 781-402-4650 and we'll see what we can do.
Already Running The Rifle?
Once Rifle 101 clicks, the next step is Private Instruction — defensive carbine work, draw-from-ready drills, force-on-force scenarios, and movement under pressure. Haven't done pistol yet? Handgun 101 builds the same foundation for the platform you'll likely carry. Not sure where to go next? Text 781-402-4650 and we'll talk it through. No upsell, no pressure.
SUN: BY APPOINTMENT
MON: 12PM - 6PM
TUES-FRI: 10AM - 6PM
SAT: 10AM - 3PM