So, you’ve got yourself an AR15, and you’ve been enjoying some shooting with it. Now, you want to enhance your accuracy, but where do you start? In this blog, we’ll share four effective ways to improve your accuracy with your AR15 rifle.
1. Perfect Your Grip
A proper grip is fundamental to controlling your rifle and boosting your sustained rate of fire accuracy. Keep your hands comfortably apart, with your non-firing hand gripping the handguard as far forward as possible. Wrap your hand around the handguard and position your thumb over the top for better control and reduced muzzle rise during rapid shooting.
The correct grip allows you to stop precisely on target while transitioning between multiple targets, similar to opening a gate where ultimate control comes from swinging it from the farthest point.
Grip your rifle like you mean it. A loose grip can cause the rifle to jump around in your hand. Grip it tightly with an extended and locked arm, with a thumb over grip on the handguard and you will see your control become greatly enhanced.
2. Optimize Buttstock Position
To achieve optimal rifle positioning and enhance control, pay close attention to the alignment of your buttstock and the placement of your optic. Start by positioning the top edge of your buttstock no more than an inch above your shoulder. For ideal stability, secure the buttstock within the “pocket” formed beneath your collarbone, where you can feel the starting point of your shoulder ball socket. Drawing the rifle snugly into this pocket will noticeably improve your overall control.
Additionally, extend the buttstock to a comfortable length that suits your individual pull. It’s important to factor in your choice of sight or optic as well. Red dot sights without magnification offer hassle-free eye relief, while magnified optics come with a designated eye relief range that guarantees optimal sight clarity. The height of your optic plays a role in buttstock placement on your shoulder: excessively high optics force the buttstock downward, lifting your head away from an ideal cheek weld – the connection between the buttstock and the underside of your cheekbone. Conversely, overly low optics push the buttstock upward, forcing your head down and adversely affecting cheek weld.
Strive for a harmonious balance where all components align effortlessly and comfortably. Achieving the perfect configuration might require minor adjustments, as individual body dimensions vary. Remember, the goal is to establish a seamless connection between your body, rifle, and optic, resulting in heightened control and precision.
3. Adopt a Boxing Stance
Embrace a boxing-type stance for shooting, with your legs shoulder-width apart and your left foot slightly forward. Bend your knees slightly and turn your waist toward the leading foot. A slight forward bend at the waist helps absorb and counteract recoil. Leveraging your body’s natural recoil counteraction enhances your ability to remain in the firing position during rapid fire sequences. Experiment with different stances to find what suits your body and shooting style best.
Incorporating a sling can significantly contribute to stabilizing your firearm, and I suggest opting for a 2-point sling, such as the Vickers Blue Force or an equivalent model. Leveraging your sling as a tightening mechanism to secure your weapon’s position proves to be an excellent stabilizing technique.
Here’s how to maximize its benefits: Raise your lead hand underneath the sling, and gently wrap it around your forearm. To ensure optimal stability, adjust the sling’s tension to the point where it provides a slight pressure on your arm. This deliberate tension assists in firmly anchoring the firearm into the designated pocket, promoting a more secure hold and tighter grip.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Continuous practice is the key to mastering accuracy. Find an outdoor carbine range that permits rapid fire and practice regularly. Start with small targets at 10 yards, firing 5 rounds slowly while focusing on grip, buttstock position, and stance. Gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy. Once you’re consistently hitting a 2-inch circle, move back to 15 yards and repeat the process. Practice until your form becomes second nature, like breathing.
Remember, muscle memory is essential for accuracy, so practice diligently to make these techniques automatic.
Final Thoughts
By perfecting your grip, optimizing buttstock position, adopting a boxing stance, and engaging in regular practice, you can significantly enhance your accuracy with your AR15 rifle. Once you’ve mastered these techniques, you can explore additional adjustments to your rifle for optimal performance. But for now, focus on these fundamental elements and enjoy becoming a more accurate shooter.
BE SAFE, SHOOT STRAIGHT, AND HAVE FUN!