How Do I Become a Better Marksman With an AR?

Shooting, whether for hunting, sporting or profession, is a challenging and enjoyable activity. An AR, or assault rifle, is a fairly high-powered weapon that has the potential of firing multiple rounds accurately. However, it can often be difficult to maintain a tight grouping when rapid firing or at distance, not to mention when starting out with such a weapon.

Things You'll Need

  • Large quantity of ammunition
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Targets
  • Safe shooting facility
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Instructions

    • 1
      A professional range is always preferable for safety and consistency.

      Select your range with care. If you are not using a professional range, where you are shooting should have a large, clear and substantial backstop that will absorb numerous rounds and minimize the risk of ricochets and unintended injury. Place your target in a location where it is clear of obstructions and against the backstop allowing significant room for misses. A professional range should have that covered, but if you are not using one, you need at least 10 yards on either side of the target to allow for safety.

    • 2

      Look through your sights. It does not matter if you are using optics or iron sights, familiarity with your sights is key to accuracy. Do not fire the weapon. Maintain a constant view of the target through your sights. Keeping both eyes open, concentrate on your breathing and your heart beat and the movements it causes in the rifle. Identify your dominant eye, the one that focuses clearly on the front sight and target, and align your rifle and sights accordingly.

    • 3

      Inhale for four seconds. Hold your breath for four seconds. Exhale for four seconds. Hold your breath for four seconds. Repeat this while focusing on the target through your sights. This exercise will slow your heart rate and make you more conscious of the effects of breathing and heartbeat on your targeting.

    • 4

      Fire the weapon. Fire only a single shot with time between each shot. Take your time. While still breathing as described in Step 3, time your shots to come in between your heart beats. As the butt of the weapon is held tight against your shoulder, the pulse from the subclavian artery can actually cause a minor shift in the weapon, affecting the flight path of the round.

    • 5

      As you continue to fire the weapon, you may choose to increase the rapidity of fire. While doing so remember to compensate for recoil by realigning the sights with the target. As the fire increases with speed, the accuracy will become less true due to recoil, the time spent aiming, and the timing of each round. Only practice will make you more accurate.