Live-fire course
Intro To: Rifle
Master the fundamentals of rifle handling, shooting positions and marksmanship, with live fire at the range.
At a glance
Everything you need to know before you book
Length
3 Hours
Class size
Maximum of six students per course.
Prerequisites
None. You do not need to have taken the CFSC or CRFSC.
Format
Live fire, outdoors at the range.
Ammunition
Expect 20 to 50 rounds for standard calibres. Maximum ammunition volume is at the discretion of the student.
Language
Taught in English.
We know rifles
Start right - Build Confidence
Rifles are the most common tools used for hunting, target shooting and competition, offering precision and power in a wide range of situations.
Our Introduction to Rifles course is designed for beginners who want to master the fundamentals of rifle handling, shooting technique and safety practices. This live-fire course takes place at the range and focuses on safe handling, technique and building confidence in operating a rifle effectively.
By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of rifle mechanics and the basics of marksmanship.
Safety is our top priority. Instructors guide you through every step to ensure proper handling and operation.
Where this fits
From your first shot to your own practice
A simple, modular path. You can start here without any licensing prerequisites.
1
Learn the range
Range Orientation covers the protocols and etiquette that make range days safe. Optional, but recommended.
2
Intro To: Rifle
Build the fundamentals of rifle handling, shooting positions and marksmanship.
3
Practise and progress
Keep practising with the confidence that your habits are sound.
You do not need to own a rifle. Firearm rentals and ammunition are available for an additional fee, by prior arrangement.
Course outline
What you will cover
Live-fire training at the range, from the bench to the prone position.
Firearm safety rules specific to rifles
Understanding rifle parts and operation
Ammunition types: rimfire vs. centrefire
Fundamentals of aiming: sight alignment and sight picture
Trigger control and breathing techniques for improved accuracy
Zeroing a rifle at various distances
Range etiquette and safety protocols
Live-fire practice
Proper stance, grip, and shooting positions (benchrest, standing, kneeling, prone)
What to expect
A focused day on the range
Close supervision and plenty of repetitions. With a maximum of two students per instructor, there is time to correct small errors before they become habits.
This course is for new and experienced shooters alike. It assumes no prior experience, and it is just as useful for the shooter who wants to start a journey of formal training.
This is an outdoor course. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and expect a small amount of walking around the range.
Firearms: bring your own if you hold the appropriate license, or rent one from us for an additional fee.
Ammunition: available for purchase; the cost of the course does not include firearm rental or ammunition.
PPE: bring your own eye and ear protection if you have it; it will be provided if you do not.
Waiver: liability waivers are required for all range-based courses.
What to bring
Come prepared for a day outside
Dress for the weather. The range is outdoors, and you will be outside for the length of the course.
Bring water and a snack, and a notepad and pen if you like to take notes. Taking notes is a key part of forming good habits.
You are encouraged to bring your own eye and ear protection, although PPE will be provided if you do not have any.
A suitable rifle in any action and calibre, if you are licensed appropriately.
Factory-loaded ammunition suitable for your firearm.
Eye and ear protection (electronic ear protection preferred).
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities (no open-toed shoes) and weather-appropriate gear.
Rentals available
Bring your own or rent through us
The cost of this course does not include firearm rental or ammunition. Rifles can be rented at an additional cost by prior arrangement, and ammunition is available for purchase.
Other shooters may be present and shooting on the range while you shoot.
Where to next
Keep building your skills
Range Orientation
No live fire
The foundation course: protocols, etiquette and safety practices for the range.
Intro To: Pistol
Live fire
Handgun handling, grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control and live fire at the range.
Intro To: Shotgun
Live fire
Shotgun handling, mount, patterning and recoil management, with live fire at the range.
Questions people ask
Intro To: Rifle questions
Do I need my own rifle?
No. You can bring your own if you hold the appropriate license, or rent one from us for an additional fee by prior arrangement.
How much ammunition will I shoot?
This primarily depends on the calibre; with smaller calibres it is more cost-effective to shoot more rounds. With standard calibres, expect to shoot 20 to 50 rounds.
Will I be assessed?
No. This is a skill-building course. There are no tests or exams.
Do I need my firearms license first?
No. Students do not need to have taken or passed the CFSC or CRFSC. You only need the appropriate license if you want to bring your own firearm.
How many students per instructor?
Maximum of six students per course.
Is the course indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors, at the range, with a small amount of walking. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Will other people be shooting while I am there?
Possibly. Other range users may be present and shooting, so be prepared for loud reports from their firearms.
Can I book this privately?
Yes. This course is available as both a public and a private offering. Contact us for details.
Do I need to sign anything?
Yes. Liability waivers are required for all range-based courses.
Upcoming firearms courses
All courses are pre-booked, so secure your seat ahead of time.
Events
Proudly supporting
Proud business members of the CCFR
We are proud business members of the CCFR, and we credit them as the primary organisation responsible for opposing the continued constraints on Canadian firearms owners pushed by the federal government.
We strongly urge all firearms owners and enthusiasts to support the CCFR through membership and to purchase the legal insurance available to all members.
Ready to shoot your first rounds?
Book your Intro To: Rifle seat, or ask us about the other live-fire courses.