NRABB Gun /Air Rifle

Home Course InstructionsCOURSE OUTLINE& LESSON PLANS

 NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION

Youth Programs11250 Waples Mill Road

Fairfax, Virginia 22030-7400Telephone: (703) 267-1550; FAX: (703) 267-3999 

Produced by the Youth Programs Department of the Education & Training Division

A Publication of the National Rifle Association

  

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See Note Page for Course Introduction, Policies and Conduct.

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See Note Page for Course Introduction, Policies and Conduct.

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See Note Page for Course Introduction, Policies and Conduct.

See note page for required materials and equipment

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Next Slide Starts the Presentation Follow the prompts on the note pages when

presenting the lessons.

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NRABB Gun /Air Rifle

Home Course Instructions

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Orientation Goal

To provide beginning shooters with the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to shoot an air rifle safely under the direct supervision of an Adult.

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NO AMMUNITION in the classroom

NONE !Firearms UNLOADED Action OPEN On the table in front of you

No pellets/projectiles in the rifle

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

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Policy Regarding no Ammunition in the Classroom Restrooms and Drinking Fountains Emergency Telephones and Exits Policy Regarding Refreshment/Snack Schedule for breaks and Lunch Air Conditioning and Heating Adjustments Policy Regarding Cell Phones or Pagers Handbooks

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Lesson I: Introduction to BB/Air Rifle Safety, Parts, and Operation

As a result of this lesson, participants will be

able to: State the goal of the BB/Air Rifle Home Course

Instructions Class Name the three fundamental NRA rules of safe gun

handling and demonstrate them with a specific air rifle model.

Name the three major components of an BB gun Air Rifle and describe their functions.

Safely demonstrate how to handle a specific BB gun or Air Rifle in a safe manner.

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SAFETY!!!is ALWAYS the primary concern when handling firearms, whether the guns are located in the home,

at the range or in the field!

WHAT do you think is the PRIMARY concern when handling firearms?

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Major Causes for Accidents

1. Ignorance – the lack of knowledge of firearm safety or operation

2. Carelessness – Failure to apply one’s knowledge when handling firearms!

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Accidents?

What do you think are the major causes of gun accidents?

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NRA Gun Safety Rules

ALWAYS keep your gun pointed in a safe direction

ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

ALWAYS keep your gun unloaded until ready to use

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Rifle Parts…Air Rifle

Front Sight

Muzzle

Butt

Loading Port

Toe Pellet Magazine

TriggerTrigger Guard

Safety Forearm

BarrelComb Grip

Rear Sight

Chamber

Piercing Tube Cap

Pump Lever Barrel Break Action

Demonstrate Air Rifle Operation

Instructor demonstration only Simulate loading

Cocking

Firing “Dry-fire only” Check the Owner Manual to ensure you can dry-fire your

air rifle.

UnloadingDuring Live-fire on the range, your instructor will load

and unload the air rifle for you.17

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ReviewLesson I – Safety, Parts & Operation

Safety Gun Handling Rules Parts Operation

What are your Question?

Next lesson is the Introduction to Ammunition and the Fundamentals of Air Rifle Shooting

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Lesson II: Introduction to

Ammunition and The Fundamentals of Air Rifle Shooting

As a result of this lesson, participants will be able to: Identify the three items to check to determine the proper

ammunition for their BB/Air Rifle Identify and define the two major types of air rifle

malfunctions and explain how to respond safely when they occur.

Determine the dominant eye. Explain the fundamentals of rifle shooting and

demonstrate them from the benchrest position.

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Picture from Federal Cartridge

AmmunitionParts of the Pellet

Head

Skirt

Waist

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Air Rifle AmmunitionPotential ammunition malfunctions

Air Rifle MISFIRE: AN Air Rifle MISFIRE IS THE FAILURE OF THE GUN TO PROPEAL THE PELLET OUT OF THE CHAMBER OF THE GUN. Action to take:

• THE GUN SHOULD BE KEPT POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION .• RAISE YOUR HAND TO NOTIFY THE RANGE SAFETY OFFICE YOU NEED HELP.• THE INSTRUCTOR WILL DIRECT YOU TO RECOCK THE GUN AND REFIRE.

Air Rifle SQUIB LOAD: A SQUIB LOAD IS WHEN AN Air Rifle DEVELOPS LESS THAN NORMAL PRESSURE, AND RESULTS IN THE PELLET FAILING TO EXIT THE MUZZLE AND LODGING IN THE BORE. IF SIGNS OF A SQUIB LOAD ARE ENCOUNTERED:

• REDUCED NOISE Action to take:

• THE GUN SHOULD BE KEPT POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION .• RAISE YOUR HAND TO NOTIFY THE RANGE SAFETY OFFICE YOU NEED HELP.• THE INSTRUCTOR WILL DIRECT YOU TO:

OPEN THE ACTION OF THE Air Rifle CHECK THE BORE FOR PELLET. KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION PUSH PELLET OUT OF BARRELL. RELOAD AND FIRE.

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Extend arms forward and form opening between the hands

With both eyes open, look at a distant object through opening

Bring hands to face while looking at object – Opening will be aligned with the dominant eye

Shooting FundamentalsDetermining the Dominant Eye

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Feet flat on the ground with the legs relaxed.

Seated directly behind the front support, leaning slightly forward.

Butt of the air rifle in the shoulder close to neck.

Elbows on the table to support the air rifle.

Support hand under the Forearm.

Trigger hand. Face firmly against the stock

with eye looking straight down the sights.

Bench Rest Position

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Prone Supported Position Position is 45 degrees off the firing line. Feet and legs are flat on the ground with the legs relaxed. Butt of the air rifle in the shoulder close to neck. Elbows on the ground to support the air rifle. Support hand under the Forearm. Trigger hand. Face firmly against the stock with eye looking straight down the sights.

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Air Rifle Shooting Fundamentals

1. AIMING (sight alignment & sight picture)

2. BREATH CONTROL

3. HOLD CONTROL

4. TRIGGER CONTROL

5. FOLLOW-THROUGH

FUNDAMENTALS “Aiming” Notch Rear and Post Front Sight

FRONT SIGHT IS IN SHARP FOCUS

Sight Alignment

Sight Picture 6 O'clock Hold on the

Bullseye

With Post-and-Notch sights:

The tops of the front and rear sights are even

The front post is centered in the rear notch

FUNDAMENTALS “Aiming” Aperture Rear and Post Front Sight

FRONT SIGHT IS IN SHARP FOCUS

Sight Alignment Sight Picture6 O'clock Hold on the

BullseyeAperture Rear and Post Front Sight

The tops of the front is center in the rear sights aperture

FUNDAMENTALS “Aiming” Aperture Rear and Aperture Front Sight

FRONT SIGHT IS IN SHARP FOCUS

Sight Alignment Sight PictureBullseye is center in the

front sight apertureAperture Rear and Post Front Sight

The front aperture is center in the rear sights aperture

FUNDAMENTALS “Aiming” Scope

FOCUS ON THE CROSS HAIRS

Sight Alignment Sight PictureCross Hairs are centered

on the targetLooking through the scope , You

see the whole scope tube (not just small hole in tube)

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Body movement while breathing can produce gun movement that impairs shooting.

Stop breathing momentarily while firing the shot! (Respiratory pause, a moment between breaths)

Shooting FundamentalsBreath Control

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Shooting FundamentalsHold Control

Body movement affects the shot. Hold your body still.

Hold control allows you to maintain the proper sight picture and sight alignment during the process of firing the shot.

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Shooting FundamentalsTrigger Control

Trigger is moved straight to the rear in a smooth, continuous manner without disturbing the sight alignment.

Gradually and evenly increasing pressure until the BB gun/Air Rifle fires.

SURPRISE yourself when the gun shoots.

Shooting FundamentalsFollow-Through

In Air Rifle Shooting:

Follow-through means to maintain aiming (perfect sight alignment and acceptable sight picture), breath control, hold control, and trigger control until the gun settles back into the aiming area after firing.

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Shooting FundamentalsThe Fundamentals…A Review

1. “Maintaining perfect sight alignment and acceptable sight picture.” –

2. “Stop breathing.” –

3. “Holding still.” –

4. “Moving only your trigger finger.” –

5. maintain position, and continue aiming, breath control, hold control, and trigger control until the gun settles back into the aiming area after the shot is fired.” –

AIMING

BREATH CONTROL

HOLD CONTROL

TRIGGER CONTROL

FOLLOW-THROUGH

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Most Important Fundamentals!NOTE – The TWO most IMPORTANT shooting fundamentals are……..

“Maintaining sight alignment” – AIMING

“Moving only the trigger finger” – TRIGGER CONTROL

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ReviewLesson II – Safety, Parts & Operation

Identify in the ammunition for your air rifle

Ammunition malfunctions Eye dominance Fundamentals of shooting

What are your Question?

Next lesson is the Introduction to Rifle Shooting from the Benchrest

Position

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Lesson III: Introduction to Air Rifle Shooting from the Benchrest Position

As a result of this lesson, participants will be able to: Understand the range and range layout. Explain the three basic range commands, the procedures to

be followed if one has a problem with a firearm or drops ammunition, and any applicable range rules which apply to the facility being used. 

Safely shoot a target from the benchrest position using the fundamentals of air rifle shooting.

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Range Safety Briefing

Range layout

Ready Area

Firing Line

Target Area

Back Stop

Restroom

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Range Safety Briefing

NRA 3 Gun Safety Rules

ALWAYS keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.

ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

ALWAYS keep your gun unloaded until ready to use.

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Range Safety BriefingRange Commands

“Load”

“Commence Firing”

“Cease Firing”

Problem with Air Rifle

RULES FOR USING AND STORING A GUN When you are shooting -- whether hunting,

recreational practicing, or competing -- these rules must always be followed:1. Know your target and what is beyond2. Know how to use your gun safely3. Be sure the gun is safe to operate

RULES FOR USING AND STORING A GUN Continued”

4. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun5. Wear eye and hearing protection as appropriate6. Never use alcohol or drugs before, or while shooting7. Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized

persons 8. Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting

activities require additional safety precautions.

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At The Firing PointEight Steps in learning a shooting position

1. Study the characteristics of the position.

2. Practice the position without the air rifle. Focus on correct position of body

3. Practice the position with the air rifle.

4. Align position to the target. Adjust the position to the Natural Point of Aim.

5. Dry-fire at the blank target: Review Aiming, Breath Control, Hold Control, Trigger Control and Follow-through.

6. Live-fire at the Blank target -five shots

7. Adjust sight (Zero the rifle): Move the group to the center of the target.

8. Resume live fire exercise

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Feet flat on the ground with the legs relaxed.

Seated directly behind the front support , leaning slightly forward.

Butt of the air rifle in the shoulder close to neck.

Elbows on the table to support the air rifle.

Support hand under the Forearm.

Trigger hand holds the grip. The entire weigh of your head

should rest on the stock, with your eye looking straight through the sights.

Study the characteristics of the position.

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Practice the Position Without the Air Rifle Pretend you have an invisible air rifle and focus on the correct

position of your body. Feet flat on the ground with the legs relaxed. Seated directly behind the front support, leaning slightly forward. Air Rifle butt firmly in your shoulder close to your neck. Elbows on the table to support the air rifle. Support hand under the rifle forearm. Firm grip on the air rifle with the trigger hand. Move your head to the approximate area of the gun stock.

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Practice the position with the air rifle.

ALWAYS keep your gun pointed in a safe direction

Keep the air rifle pointed straight down range

ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

Your trigger finger is straight and positioned along side the receiver

Focus on correct position of your body. Feet flat on the ground with the legs relaxed. Sitting directly behind the front support, leaning slightly forward. Butt of the air rifle firmly against the shoulder close to your neck. Elbows on the table to support the air rifle. Support hand under the forearm of the air rifle. Firm grip on the air rifle with your trigger hand. Face firmly against the stock with eye looking straight down the sights.

Align position to the targetNatural point of aim

ALIGN THE POSITION TO THE TARGET The area on the target that the air rifle naturally points

to when the shooter relaxes in position.

Shooter is pushing the air rifle into the middle of the target, when relaxed the rifle would naturally lay to the right of the center

Shooter is pulling the rifle into the middle of the target, when relaxed the air rifle would naturally lay to the left of the center (some body adjustment may be required)

Natural point of aimCenter

oftarget

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Dry-fire Check your Natural Point of Aim Dry-fire at the blank target

The blank target will help you to focus on sight alignment (the relationship between the front and rear sights)

When the trigger breaks the whole position should not move! The front and rear sight should remain aligned!

Fundamental of Shooting are:

1. “Maintaining perfect sight alignment and acceptable sight picture.”2. “Stop breathing.” – respiratory pause3. “Holding still.” – 4. “Moving only your trigger finger.” – 5. “To maintain position, and continue aiming, breath control, hold control, and

trigger control until the gun settles back into the aiming area after the shot is fired.” –

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Live-fire at a blank target Exercise Requirements:

From a benchrest or prone supported position Shoot five – three shot groups Each group must be small enough to be covered by a quarter to count.

“Commence Firing” Inspect down range area prior to commencing fire to ensure no one is down

range.

“Cease Firing” Inspect each air rifle to ensure they empty prior to letting anyone go down

range to change targets.

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Resume live fire exerciseat Bullseye Target

Resume live firing exercise Requirements:

From a benchrest, or prone, supported position Shoot five – five shot groups Each five shot group must be smaller than a quarter and in the center of the

bullseye to count.

“Commence Firing” Inspect down range area prior to commencing shooting to ensure no one is

down range.

“Cease Firing” Inspect each air rifle to ensure it is empty prior to letting anyone go down

range to change targets.

Adjusting the sights “Zeroing the air rifle”

Calling the shot, using the "Clock System." Locate the center of the group.

Use the clock system to locate shots Move the rear in the direction you want to move the impact.

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Rear Sight

Move left Move Down

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

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ReviewLesson III: Introduction to Air Rifle Shooting from the Benchrest Position

What are the three basic range commands?

8 NRA Rules to be followed when shooting and storing an air rifle

What have you learned from your practice of the fundamentals of air rifle shooting?

What are your Questions?Next lesson is the Introduction to

Cleaning, Storage, and Training Opportunities

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Lesson IV: Introduction to Air Rifle Cleaning, Storage, and Training Opportunities

As a result of this lesson, participants will be able to: Importance of Cleaning your firearm. Outline the three safety guidelines to be followed when cleaning an

air rifle. Identify materials needed to clean an air rifle. Explain and demonstrate how to clean an air rifle safely. Name the NRA rule for safe firearm storage, and discuss options for applying

this rule when storing an air rifle. Discuss the hygienic guidelines to be followed concerning exposure to

airborne particulate lead, or cleaning solvents. Discuss the benefits of receiving additional air rifle training through the NRA

Basic Firearm Training Program.

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Importance of CleaningPurpose of Cleaning

Remove metal fouling

Remove rust & crud

Protect the air rifle from rust, corrosion and wear

Make sure air rifle is correctly assembled and functions properly

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1. Gun Oil. (designed for Air Guns)2. Clean cloth.3. Small brush.4. Other materials as indicated by Owners Manual.

Air Rifle Cleaning Materials

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Safety Guidelines While Cleaning

The action must be open

The gun must be unloaded

BB’s and Pellets must not be present in the area

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1. Consult your owners manual for the proper cleaning procedure for your air rifle.

2. Use small brush and solvent to clean other parts and metal surfaces. (Air Gun Solvent only)

3. Be careful to not get solvent on seals.4. Wipe metal parts with a lightly oiled cloth.

Air Rifle CleaningProcedures

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Hygienic guideline to be followed for exposure to airborne particulate lead, or cleaning solvents

Hygiene Considerations Avoid eating, drinking or putting anything in you mouth while

shooting or cleaning BB/air guns After shooting and cleaning BB/air guns, wash hands and face with

cold water and soap, before eating or drinking. Change clothes and shower after a shooting session

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Air Rifle StorageNRA Rule: Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons

Lock Box

Safe 1. LOCK IT UP!- Lockable gun case or rug- Trigger lock- Any lockable box2. Store guns and ammunition

separatelyLocking gun case

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Next StepsAdditional Training

NRA Basic Rifle and Pistol Training Program Site www.nrainstructors.org

Additional NRA Opportunities http://home.nra.org/#/nraorg/wall/education_trainingNational Rifle Association Membership http://home.nra.org/#/nraorg/custom/membership_imagemaOther shooting Activities Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program

www.nrahq.org/education/training/marksmanship/index.asp

Optional Slides Use the following slides to teach

How to use a sling Prone Position with the sling Standing position Sitting position Kneeling position

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THE LOOP SLING

The loop sling takes longer to assume, but adds more support to the position.

PRONE POSITION

CONSISTENCY1. Head position2. Shooting hand3. Non-shooting hand4. Rifle butt position5. Elbow support

4.1.

2.3.

5.

Left arm is extendedelbow is close in, but not the under rifle

Spine is straightLeft leg is parallel

to spineRight leg is parallel to left leg

Right armis extended elbow is out to the right of the body

Right legdrawn up

Head level

STANDING POSITION

Head level

Bone structure with the edition of a support object can build a steadier standing position than just using body structure.

STANDING POSITION

2 3.

5.

4.

1Bone structure for support

CONSISTENCY

1. Head position2. Shooting hand3. Non-shooting hand4. Rifle butt position5. Elbow support

SITTING POSITIONCONSISTENCY in position1. Head position2. Shooting hand3. Non-shooting hand4. Rifle butt position5. Elbow support

Cross-LegPosition

1. 2. 3.4.

5.

1. 2. 3.4.

5.

1. 2. 3.4.

5.

Cross-AnklePosition

Cross-leg Supported Position

KNEELING POSITION

CONSISTENCY in position1. Head position2. Shooting hand3. Non-shooting hand4. Rifle butt position5. Elbow support

Bone structure with the addition of a support object

can build a steadier kneeling position than just using body structure.

SUPPORTED KNEELING

KNEELING POSITION Continued

CONSISTENCY in position1. Head position2. Shooting hand3. Non-shooting hand4. Rifle butt position5. Elbow support

3.

1.

4.

5.

2.

Bone structure with the addition of a support object

can build a steadier kneeling position than just using body structure.

SUPPORTED KNEELING

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Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program A recreational shooting activity that provides

incentive awards for developing and improving marksmanship skills.

Progression is self-paced and scores are challenging but attainable.

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/marksmanship/qualbook.pdf#page=22

http://materials.nrahq.org/go/home.aspx

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Lesson Conclusion WHAT ARE YOUR QUESTIONS?

Present the Home Course Instructions Air Rifle Completion Certificate.

Thank you for participating in the firearms training programs of the National Rifle Association.

Air Rifle 3-Position In the American Rifleman Qualification Course, air rifle

shooters have two courses to choose from. American Rifleman 3-Position Aggregate Course American Rifleman 3-Position Stage Skill Course

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/marksmanship/qualbook.pdf#page=22

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