Q&A for How to Shoot an Assault Rifle

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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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Question

How do I use the under-barrel grenade launcher?

Community Answer

A special permit may be needed to own a grenade launcher. Under-barrel grenade launchers are attached to a bottom Picatinny rail on the underside of the barrel shroud. They have a slow rate of fire, as they carry only one round and have to be manually reloaded after every shot.

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Question

Do I need upper body strength to accurately hit targets with an assault rifle?

Community Answer

Assault rifles are heavy, weighing in at 2 to 4 kilograms. To accurately hit a target for extended periods of time you will need strong, steady arm and shoulder muscles. When firing in full auto, an increased amount of strength may be needed to control the weapon's rapid muzzle climb.

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Question

When aiming at 200m, do I aim higher or lower than on 100m?

Community Answer

If you don't adjust your sight for different ranges, you would shoot higher. For example, with a shotgun with fixed iron sights, you would aim higher the farther out you shoot.

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Question

I have a new AR-15. Will I always have trouble getting my chamber fully shut so it will fire, or am I not doing something right?

Community Answer

If the chamber is not shutting fully, then I would recommend cleaning the insides of the rifle and lubricating the action with gun oil. That should help.

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