Best AR Shooting Drills: A Comprehensive Guide

Improving your accuracy and efficiency with an AR rifle is crucial for both recreational shooters and competitive marksmen. To help you achieve your shooting goals, we’ve compiled a list of the best AR shooting drills. These drills are designed to enhance your skills in various dimensions, from marksmanship to tactical proficiency.

Drill 1: The One-Minute Accuracy Drill

This drill is perfect for honing your basic marksmanship skills. The goal is to hit a target with five shots within one minute. Start by standing at a distance of 25 yards from the target. Load your AR rifle with ammunition and aim for the center of the target. Begin the timer and take your shots as quickly as possible without compromising accuracy. Repeat this drill at different distances and with different types of targets to challenge yourself further.

Drill 2: The Rapid Fire Drill

The rapid fire drill is designed to improve your shooting speed and control. Begin by standing at a distance of 15 yards from the target. Load your AR rifle with ammunition and aim for the center of the target. Start the timer and take five shots as quickly as possible. After each shot, reload and continue shooting. The goal is to maintain accuracy while increasing your shooting speed. This drill can be challenging, so take breaks as needed to avoid fatigue.

Drill 3: The Moving Target Drill

This drill is excellent for improving your tactical skills and ability to engage moving targets. Set up a target at a distance of 25 yards and move it in a controlled manner. Begin by standing at the starting point and aim for the center of the target. When the target moves, take a shot and then move to a new position. Continue shooting at the moving target, adjusting your aim as needed. This drill will help you develop your ability to track and engage moving targets.

Drill 4: The Reload and Engage Drill

This drill is designed to improve your reloading skills and ability to engage targets quickly after reloading. Begin by standing at a distance of 15 yards from the target. Load your AR rifle with ammunition and aim for the center of the target. After taking a few shots, simulate a reload by removing the magazine and inserting a new one. Once the magazine is loaded, aim for the center of the target again and take another shot. Repeat this drill multiple times to improve your reloading speed and accuracy.

Drill 5: The Low Light Shooting Drill

This drill is essential for improving your shooting skills in low-light conditions. Set up a target in a dimly lit area or use a flashlight to simulate low-light conditions. Begin by standing at a distance of 25 yards from the target. Load your AR rifle with ammunition and aim for the center of the target. The goal is to hit the target with five shots within one minute. This drill will help you develop your ability to shoot accurately in low-light conditions.

Drill 6: The Stance and Grip Drill

This drill focuses on improving your shooting stance and grip. Begin by finding a comfortable shooting position. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly. Hold the AR rifle with a firm grip, ensuring that your index finger is on the trigger. Practice maintaining this stance and grip while taking shots at the target. This drill will help you develop a consistent and stable shooting platform.

Drill 7: The Trigger Control Drill

This drill is designed to improve your trigger control and reduce the risk of flinching. Begin by standing at a distance of 25 yards from the target. Load your AR rifle with ammunition and aim for the center of the target. Take a deep breath and slowly squeeze the trigger until the shot is fired. Practice this technique multiple times, focusing on maintaining a steady trigger pull. This drill will help you develop a smooth and controlled trigger squeeze.

Drill 8: The Follow-Up Shot Drill

This drill is excellent for improving your ability to take follow-up shots quickly and accurately. Begin by standing at a distance of 15 yards from the target. Load your AR rifle with ammunition and aim for the center of the target. After taking a shot, quickly aim for the center of the target again and take another shot. The goal is to maintain accuracy while taking follow-up shots. This drill will help you develop your ability to quickly engage targets after the first shot.

Drill 9: The Close Quarters Battle Drill

This drill is designed to improve your shooting skills in close quarters. Begin by standing at a distance of 10 yards from the target. Load your AR rifle with ammunition and