Guide on How to Use an AR-15

Despite how it looks, the AR-15 is quite easy to operate. Most rookies exaggerate the difficulty of learning how to use an AR-15 because of its extremely aggressive, intimidating stance. When in reality, even beginners can master this military rifle.

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Basic Step-by-Step Guide on How To Use an AR-15

Step 1: Load the Bullets Into the Magazine

Lay down the rifle and bullets on a table. Make sure you use a sturdy table underneath so you can press the magazine against it while loading the rounds.

Once you’re ready, grab the AR-15 magazine with your dominant hand and grab one with the other. Next, carefully align the round onto the top of the magazine. Beginners might have trouble with this at first, especially if they have shaky hands and aren’t used to heavy rounds.

Afterward, press on the round until it sinks into the magazine. To prevent jamming in between shots, slide the round back to align it with the magazine’s back.

Repeat until you fully load the magazine.

Step 2: Insert the Magazine Into the AR-15

Grab the AR-15 rifle, align the fully loaded magazine with the magazine well, then push until the magazine locks into place. Tug on the magazine a bit to test if you inserted it correctly.

Pro Tip: Do not store your rifle loaded. If you’re learning how to use an AR-15 for home defense, we strongly suggest practicing loading the magazine as quickly as you can.

Step 3: Load a Round

Once you lock the loaded magazine, pull the chamber to load a round into the rifle. As you cock the charging handle, you should see the round entering the chamber through the ejection port and upper receiver gap.

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Step 4: Identify the Target

Next, it’s time to identify the target. AR-15 shooters generally have two choices when it comes to aiming; you can either use optics or iron sights. If you’re using the default iron sights, simply flip the sight up, then aim at your target.

Optics, on the other hand, require a bit more work. Calibrate your optics correctly, check the batteries, and see if the reticle’s appearing on the optic screen.

Step 5: Fire the Rifle

Once you have your target locked, assume the correct shooting stance, switch the safety lock off, then pull the trigger while aiming at the target. Do not close your eyes midway through the shot—even if the loud shot shocks you a bit.