Basics of rifle shooting
The Basics of Rifle Shooting course teaches safe handling, proper technique, and foundational marksmanship skills for new and developing rifle shooters. From safe gun handling to live-fire fundamentals — build the skills that make every range session safer and more accurate.
CERTIFICATION
NRA-Aligned Basics of Rifle Shooting
FORMAT
In-person, Hands-on Instruction
WHO'S IT FOR
Beginners, new rifle owners, hunters, and anyone looking to build a solid rifle shooting foundation
NRA
ALIGNED
CURRICULUM
100%
HANDS-ON
RANGE PRACTICE
0
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED
LA
BASED IN
LOS ANGELES
ABOUT THIS CERTIFICATION
SAFE, accurate rifle shooting starts here
The Basics of Rifle Shooting course is designed for anyone who wants to learn to handle and shoot a rifle safely, accurately, and responsibly. Whether you've recently purchased your first rifle, are preparing for hunting season, or simply want to understand proper technique from the ground up — this course gives you everything you need to shoot with confidence.
ERE's experienced instructors cover the full picture — how rifles work mechanically, how to handle them safely in every situation, and how to apply the marksmanship fundamentals that produce consistent, accurate results downrange. You'll spend significant time in hands-on practice, applying each concept before moving to the next.
By the end of this course you'll understand your rifle, know how to handle it safely in any situation, and have the practical shooting skills to use it responsibly at the range, in the field, or at home.
Course callout: NRA-Aligned Basics of Rifle Shooting Hands-on range instruction · Mechanical understanding to live-fire accuracy · No prior experience required
CURRICULUM
what you'll learn
What the Basics of Rifle Shooting Course Covers
01
The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
The non-negotiable foundation of every safe shooter — you'll know these rules, understand why each one exists, and apply them automatically every time you handle a rifle.
02
Rifle Types, Actions & How They Work
Bolt-action, semi-automatic, lever-action, single-shot — how different rifle actions operate, their advantages and applications, and what's happening mechanically when you load, fire, and unload each type.
03
Safe Handling, Loading & Unloading
How to safely handle a rifle in every situation — at home, at the range, and in the field. Loading, unloading, verifying the chamber, and safe carry positions for every environment.
04
Shooting Position & Stability
Prone, seated, kneeling, and standing — the fundamental shooting positions for rifle and how to achieve a stable, consistent platform that supports accuracy in any environment.
05
Natural Point of Aim
How to align your body with your target so that your rifle points naturally where you're looking — reducing muscle tension, improving consistency, and making accurate shooting far less effortful.
06
Sight Alignment, Sight Picture & Target Acquisition
Using iron sights, scopes, and red dot sights correctly — what proper alignment looks like, how to acquire your target consistently, and how sight picture translates to accuracy downrange.
07
Trigger Control & Follow-Through
How to press the trigger without disturbing your sight picture, the importance of follow-through after the shot, and how to build the muscle memory that makes consistent accuracy automatic.
08
Ammunition, Calibers & Safe Storage
Understanding rifle calibers, ammunition selection for different applications (target shooting, hunting, sport), and California-compliant safe storage practices for rifle owners.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE
Built for Anyone starting their rifle journey
First-Time Rifle Shooters — Never shot a rifle before? This course starts at the very beginning and builds your skills progressively in a safe, structured environment.
New Rifle Owners — You've purchased your first rifle. Before you head to the range on your own, learn how to handle it safely, understand how it works, and shoot it accurately.
Hunters Preparing for Season — Whether you're a first-time hunter or returning to the field after time away, this course sharpens your fundamentals and builds the confidence to shoot accurately when it counts.
Returning Shooters — Refreshing your skills and correcting bad habits is just as valuable as learning from scratch. This course rebuilds your foundation the right way.
Sport Shooting Beginners — Interested in target shooting or long-range sport shooting? The fundamentals covered in this course are the building blocks for everything that comes next.
Anyone Who Wants to Shoot Safely & Accurately — You don't need a specific reason. If you want to learn to shoot a rifle responsibly and well, this is where to start.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
What to bring to class
A valid government-issued photo ID
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes and appropriate range clothing
Eye protection and ear protection (if you have your own — we can advise on what's available)
A willingness to learn — everything else is provided
Contact us when you register and we'll send you a complete preparation checklist before your class date.
UPCOMING COURSES
Ready to start shooting?
Try a free intro class first - or jump straight into the full Fear to Fire Weekend experience.
FREE · NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
"BE READY" FREE INTRO CLASS
FREE
Location: Hollywood Production Center · 1149 N. Gower St., Hollywood, CA
Duration: 60 minute class · 45 minute instruction + 15 minute Q&A session
Covers: CPR, Stop the Bleed, AVIRT, Pistol Safety & FSC Overview
Dates: Dates coming soon - contact us to be notified.
LIMITED SEATS · OCTOBER 3 - 4, 2026
FEAR TO FIRE WEEKEND - RIFLE
$695
Location: Oaktree Gun Club · 9am-5pm · Both Days
Day 01: Red Cross, CPR / AED / First Aid · Stop the Bleed · AVIRT + FAK Kit included
Day 02: NRA Basics of Rifle Shooting + California FSC Test
Included: Over $480 in certifications and gear · Gun rental & ammo extra
$150 non-refundable deposit reserves your seat. Balance will be split into two equal payments. Deposit applicable to future courses in the same calendar year if you need to reschedule.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got questions? We've got answers
Do I need prior experience to take this course?
No. The Basics of Rifle Shooting course is designed for complete beginners. We start with safety fundamentals and build from there — no prior shooting experience is required or expected.
Will I shoot during the course?
Yes. Live-fire range practice is a core component of the course. You'll apply every skill covered in the classroom with hands-on shooting under direct instructor supervision.
Do I need to own a rifle to take this course?
Contact us in advance and we can advise on firearm availability for the course. If you own a rifle and want to bring it, let us know when you register so we can confirm it's appropriate for the course format.
Is this course useful for hunters?
Absolutely. The marksmanship fundamentals, safe handling practices, and field carry positions covered in this course are directly applicable to hunting. Many hunters take this course to build a stronger technical foundation before heading into the field.
What is the NRA alignment of this course?
ERE's Basics of Rifle Shooting course follows NRA-aligned curriculum standards, providing structured, comprehensive instruction built on nationally recognized firearms education principles.
Can I book a private session for my group?
Yes. ERE offers private group sessions for the Basics of Rifle Shooting course. Contact us for pricing and to schedule a date that works for your group.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing you can move in. Bring or be prepared to wear eye and ear protection during all live-fire exercises.
How long is the course?
Contact us for current course duration and scheduling information.
Ready to build your rifle skills from the ground up?
The Basics of Rifle Shooting course gives you the safe handling skills and marksmanship fundamentals to shoot accurately and responsibly.
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