Rifle Class Basics

How not to be "that guy" at your rifle class. 

Note that the specific type of rifle class is not specified. Instead, this piece will focus on both marksmanship and tactical classes.  Hints for one will generally hold true with the other. 


Bring the required equipment. 
You wouldn't believe the number of people who do not bring simple things to a class (including a rifle!) that are plainly listed.  Make sure to make a list and check off each item as you pack it.

Avoid steel cased ammo.
"That Guy" will say, "but I'm going to shoot xxx rounds!!" And he will have issues all day. And he wonders why the other folks rifles are working fine.  Because his buddy had "no issues" with the same steel ammo. 

Steel cased ammo is not accurate enough for marksmanship classes. Steel cased ammo is not reliable enough for tactical classes. 

Hand loaded ammo falls in the same category.  Don't bring it. 

For a marksmanship class, do not rely on flip up sights.
These sights are for backup only.  They are generally not going to have tight enough tolerances for precision work. The Rifleman has yet to see someone be able to make 5 hits on an Army 300 m zero target from 25 m, using flip up sights. One exception was $200 Diamondhead sights. 

For a tactical class, do not bring a high power scope.
Yeah, these aren't made for tactical classes.  It shows. 

Avoid "El Cheapo" optics. 
If your optic was less than $200 new, it's probably not gonna survive.  If it was under $100, it will fail.

Bring this gear:
Your range bag.
Stapler and staples.
Eye protection - clear and smoky.
Ear protection.  Electronic is often best. 
Tape.
Sight adjustment tool(s).
Allen wrenches (English & Metric).
Star wrenches.
Food & water.
Sunscreen & bug spray.
Pen and paper!!


Asking questions
If you dont get it, ask the question!
If you are always asking 3+ questions per topic, you are "That Guy."
As with everything else, moderation is key. 

If at first you don't succeed,
Do it the way the instructor told you. 

You paid to hear the instructor teach,
Avoid trying to do it for him... particularly with that person you "wanna help."
If you do this in The Rifleman's class, he will move YOU away from that poor person. 

If you learned it a different way,
From someone else, keep it to yourself.  Accept the instruction as-is. Evaluate later as to whether you will accept and integrate it, or reject it. 

Shoot *your* targets
Target identification is of the utmost importance.  Treat it as such.