09/08/2025 Basic Defensive Rifle West Shore Sportsmen’s Association

Sept 8/9, 2025

0830-1630 each day    Cost: $450

West Shore Sportsmen’s Association, 562 Ridge Road, Lewisberry, PA 17339

This class combines a streamlined version of Intro to Defensive Rifle and Level II Rifle, and is meant for the AR-15 style platform, in .223 caliber or 5.56×45 NATO.

Day 1: This course is designed for the prospective, new or inexperienced AR-15 rifle owner. The course consists of a half day in the classroom beginning with SAFETY, learning the history, cycle of operation, function, field disassembly/assembly, nomenclature, safe loading/unloading, basic malfunction clearances, and sighting options, both iron sights and Red Dot Sights or LPVO’s. (low power variable optics)

Ammunition types, ballistics and performance choices discussed in the context of mission.

No live ammunition in the classroom, “dummy rounds” provided.

Second half of the day will be on the range and will consist of live fire drills in the basic firing positions of standing and prone. Zeroing the rifle will be worked through; why and at what distances.

Single rounds, multiple rounds, reduced target zones, and efficient gun handling will be demonstrated and practiced.

Day 2: Safety, Dry-fire manipulations review (loading, unloading, stances, positional shooting)

Malfunctions and Clearances (dry-fire and live)

Off set, Rapid engagements, increasing distances, multiple round engagements, multiple targets, timed evolutions, decision making, close with accuracy drills.

• 600 rounds of appropriate ammo
• AR-15 style rifle
• At least two (2) functional rifle magazines
• Billed cap, eye and ear protection, dress for weather, shooting mat recommended.
• Eye/ear protection
• Bring lunch/drinks (refrigerator on site)
• NOTE: KNOW if your rifle is made for 5.56, which will accept both .223 and 5.56, or .223. Do NOT use 5.56 ammo in a rifle chambered for .223 only.
• NOTE: Know the value of your adjustments for both iron sights and, if applicable, your red dot sights. Usually expressed in “MOA per click,” can be found in owner’s manual for your sights, or online by make/manufacturer. Know in advance and all of our lives will be easier.
• Limited number of rental rifles available and reserving one must be done in advance.  This option is for prospective AR owners who have not yet decided on a make/model. All rentals accept 5.56 or .223.