How to Shoot an Assault Rifle

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Semi-automatic rifles can be useful. Whether it's just going hunting, a decoration, or for any other reason, it's always good to learn how to shoot it. Of course, you'll be wondering where you can learn, how you will learn, and some other basic facts. Fortunately, you're in the right place! In this guide, you'll learn some basics on how to shoot a semi-automatic rifle, such as the Ak47.

Steps

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  1. You will have to operate this to put a cartridge in the chamber, clear stoppages and clear the weapon (make it safe). [1]
  2. Load it with cartridges, and insert it into the magazine well. Make sure it latches, or locks into place. [2]
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  3. A round (cartridge) should feed up from the magazine. Release the handle, and the bolt should slam home, feed a round into the chamber, and lock into place. If you are not immediately about to fire, engage the safety catch. DO NOT touch the trigger until you are about to fire. [3]
  4. Next, retract the operation rod and inspect the chamber visually (look to see it is empty) and physically (put a finger into the chamber to check it is empty). It is usually a good idea to lock the bolt back if possible, to show at a distance that it is empty. Not all rifles are able to do this. AK/Kalashnikov rifles for instance cannot, though AR/AR15/M16-style ones can. [4]
  5. If you are not sure of what is behind the target, do not fire. Ideally, you will be doing this at a shooting range, or a quarry with a high bank to shoot toward to stop stray bullets. [5]
  6. This will probably be a lever or button on the side of the action, but this varies considerably according to the rifle in question. [6]
  7. DO NOT touch the trigger until you are ready to fire. [7]
  8. Hold the forestock (barrel area, usually covered in plastic or wood) of the gun with your 'off' hand or you can hold it close to the front end of the handguard for a more accurate shot. Note that the closer your off-hand is to the front of the barrel, the more steady your support will be. (support hand)(if you're right-handed use your left hand; if you're left-handed use your right hand). [8]
  9. Bring the butt of the gun to the front of your shoulder, between your chest muscle (or breast) and the front ball of your shoulder. If this feels awkward, move your support hand down the barrel or towards you until it feels right.
  10. Place this eye where it can see past the rear sight but not to the sides of it (don't put your eye right next to the sight, but make sure you are not looking over the sight). If you are pulling the trigger with your right hand the left side of the butt/stock should be firmly pressed against your right cheek below the cheekbone (this is called a gun mold). [9]
  11. You will want to put the front sight in the 6 o'clock position, in the center of your sight picture, aligned with your target.
  13. when you have just breathed out. U.S. Marine training tutorials advise that single shots should be taken while holding ones breath for no more than 3 seconds.
  14. If you determine that your round went right, correct to the left, if it goes left, correct right. This adjustment is called "windage". If you are shooting high, aim lower, or if you hit low, aim higher. This is known as elevation.
  15. Plan your next target or method.
  16. These guns are designed to put a bullet in the air in a short time, and if you are in a safe location, and have the ammunition, you may want to try some rapid-fire. Most legal versions of assault rifles in the United States are semi-automatic, so they only fire once each time the trigger is squeezed, but by holding the rifle and rapidly squeezing and releasing the trigger, you may be able to achieve a faster rate of fire.
  17. Whenever possible, always clean the barrel by inserting the cleaning rod into the breach (back) of the barrel, not the muzzle (front). Depending on how the gas system is designed to operate, you may or may not need to clean the gas tube. Check for cleaning instructions specific to you rifle before you start, and beware small pins and springs. A magnet can help to keep track of these small parts, which are more common on modern AR designs. [10]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What's the correct stance when shooting an assault rifle?
    Mark Schneider
    Firearms Instructor
    Mark Schneider is a Firearms Instructor based in Denver, Colorado. His journey into the world of firearms, novice gunsmithing, shooting, and tactics began nearly two decades ago. Over the course of his career, he has amassed over 18 years of firearms instruction experience and 10 years of security experience, predominantly in the realm of armed uniformed security. Mark has run a licensed security company and holds a license as an armed security guard with the City & County of Denver. Mark holds NRA certifications and has held multiple roles, including NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, NRA Inside The Home Protection Instructor, NRA Outside The Home Protection Instructor, NRA Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor, and NRA Chief Range Safety Officer. Mark’s extensive training history includes a wide array of tactical and security courses, encompassing advanced pistol, rifle, and shotgun training, close-quarter combat, ambushing tactics, and more.
    Mark Schneider
    Firearms Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing the target squarely. Grip the rifle firmly, positioning your hands and elbows for stability. Ensure a comfortable cheek weld and align the sights, then nestle the stock into your shoulder. Focus on your natural point of aim, control your breathing, and maintain trigger discipline. After each shot, keep the sights on target for follow-through. Practice regularly in a controlled environment, like a shooting range, emphasizing safety and awareness of your surroundings.
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  • Question
    How do I aim an assault rifle?
    Community Answer
    You aim it just like any other rifle... you line the front and back-sight up with the target.
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  • Question
    How do I use a foregrip?
    Community Answer
    To use a foregrip you need a railed front grip, which doesn't always come with an AR. To obtain a railed grip, contact your gun provider. Once you have your rail and grip, slide the foregrip on and tighten the bolts. To comfortably use it, mount it so your hand can reach it easily and it's not too far forward.
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      Tips

      • Clean and lubricate the gun after each firing session.
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      • Learn how to use firearms safely. This is probably the most important thing to know with guns. It is often worth paying for a course approved by your region's firearms users group. In the US, this will probably be the NRA. In the UK, a Home Office approved club will give you instruction.
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      • If at any point you store your rifle, remember to keep it empty out of harm's way. This is especially important if you have children who might accidentally stumble upon it.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • An assault rifle.
      • Ammunition.
      • A safe place to shoot.
      • Targets.

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about firearms, check out our in-depth interview with Mark Schneider .

      References

      1. ↑ https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/AK-47_Operator%27s_Manual
      2. ↑ https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/AK-47_Operator%27s_Manual
      3. ↑ https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2017/4/6/using-an-ak-47-for-self-defense/
      4. ↑ https://www.armystudyguide.com/content/Prep_For_Basic_Training/prep_for_basic_common_tasks/unload-an-m16a2-rifle.shtml
      5. ↑ https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2017/4/6/using-an-ak-47-for-self-defense/
      6. ↑ https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2017/4/6/using-an-ak-47-for-self-defense/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy2u3mb8QK4
      8. ↑ https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM3-22.9%2803%29.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM3-22.9%2803%29.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.unl.edu/armyrotc/HandbookChapters/Chapter10.pdf

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