Basic Defensive Rifle is an informational and hands-on class in the use of the modern semi-automatic rifle as a home defense weapon. The class is based on the most common self-defense rifles, of which the AR15 platform is the overwhelmingly dominant example. The Ruger Mini-14 (based on the Garand platform) and the AK family of rifles (commonly but incorrectly referred to as the AK47) are also suitable for the class (if you are bringing a rifle other than an AR15 platform, please inform Indy Arms when you register for the class).
Rifles are extremely effective home self-defense weapons, and they have both advantages and limitations. These need to be understood and respected to use the rifle effectively and safely.
Rifle handling safety, range safety, and safe storage are addressed. We will go through the basic operating systems of these platforms, and the most common malfunctions. We will practice basic handling, operation, loading and unloading with dummy ammunition in the classroom, and proper mounting of the rifle and use of the sights. The course concludes with live-fire session on the range, shot at various distances and speeds. And can be shot with both iron sights and with optics if those are available. It is important to have usable iron sights on the firearm. Optics can be finicky, depend on batteries, and can sometimes be difficult to dial in.
This course will consist of about 2 ½ hours of classroom material and practice, and about 1 ½ hours of live-fire range time. The class is nominally four hours in length, but sometimes runs a bit longer, based on student questions.
Students will shoot 150 rounds of ammunition (see “Customer Responsibility/Gear” section below).
Course Goal
“To allow the student to understand the operation and appropriate use of the defensive semi-auto rifle, and to provide information and basics that will allow the student to practice and improve those skills.”
Lessons
- Basic Rifle, Home and Range Safety
- Rifle Operating Systems.
- Common Malfunctions.
- Loading and Unloading
- Proper Mounting and Sighting Technique
- Live Fire Range Exercises
- Equipment and Ammunition
- Review and Questions
Prerequisites: None
Course Completion: Students will receive an Indy Arms Company certificate of attendance upon completion of the course.
Cost: $99.00
Included:
- Rental Rifle if needed (Students are encouraged to bring their own rifle)
- Personal Protection Equipment: Eye and Ear Rental
- Targets
Customer Responsibility/Gear:
- Complete Liability Waiver prior to the start of class – Click Here
- 150 Rounds of ammunition (All centerfire rifle ammunition must be purchased from Indy Arms Company, either at time of check-in for class or previously and stored with us), 2 magazines, and functioning iron sights
- Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to class for check in
- Rifle
- AR-15 Platform chambered in .223, 5.56, 22LR, or pistol calibers
- Mini-14 chambered in .223 or 7.62
- AKS Platform chambered in 7.62
NOTES:
- This class is specifically designed for the AR-15 platform. Other rifles are allowed; however, the student must understand that certain lessons and drills may need to be modified or skipped if using a different rifle. We strongly suggest the used of an AR-15 platform for this class.
- Students may purchase ammo from Indy Arms or bring their own ammunition for use in a class as long as it adheres to Indy Arms’ ammunition policies.
- Students under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult (ask about a youth discount for training classes)
- Students arriving more than 10 minutes after the designated start time may not be allowed into class and will need to reschedule
***Please arrive 15- 20 minutes early to complete the necessary check in process before any training class. This will give us time to verify your range waiver at the counter. This is also the time to buy ammo, holster, hearing and/ or eye protection or anything else you will need for the class. Classes start promptly and we don’t want you to miss anything.***
12/04/2020, RWC, Updated