Our Rifle courses are designed with a strong emphasis on safe gun handling, ensuring every participant is well-versed in the responsibilities that come with handling firearms. But we go beyond just safety; we are dedicated to teaching extremely practical skills. Our curriculum is grounded in real-world scenarios, offering techniques that have been proven effective outside of the classroom. We do not just teach you how to use a rifle; we prepare you to use it with confidence and discernment in situations where you need it the most.
Introduction to Rifle Fundamentals (IRF)
This private course is designed for individuals or groups up to three and includes a comprehensive and practical introduction to the safe and effective use of the AR-15. Whether you are a first-time rifle owner or seeking to refresh your skills, this class provides essential knowledge and hands-on training to ensure you can operate an AR-15 safely and with confidence.
IRF is offered at both our training facility and at a live fire range. This class is great for beginners looking to learn new skills or shooters looking to fine-tune previously learned skills. IRF is an excellent prep-course for any of the 540 Defensive Rifle Series of courses.
If taken at 540, this class is strictly taught with NLTA (Non-Lethal Training Ammunition). All equipment and NLTA ammunition are provided.
Prerequisites: None
Duration: 2 Hours
Cost: $200
Defensive Rifle 1- Operations and Continuity of Fire (DR-1)
Defensive Rifle Fundamentals 1 is an introductory defensive rifle course for all new 540 students. It lays the essential foundation for safe, practical, and proven rifle handling skills — specifically with the AR-15 in a defensive situation. You will learn administrative actions with a rifle, including safe handling and storage considerations, presentation, slinging the weapon, trigger control, and reloads. Remediations of all common malfunctions are also covered in detail.
Prerequisites: None
Duration: 8 Hours
Cost: $200
Round Count: 300 rounds
- Standard range attire while conducting firearms training (weather-appropriate activewear, etc.)
- Semi-automatic rifle (AR-15) w/ at least three magazines
- 300 rounds of rifle ammunition
- Support-side magazine carrier(s)
- Sling
- Belt for range work compatible and magazine carrier
- Eye protection for day conditions and Ear protection
- Hat with brim
Defensive Rifle 2 - Protective Engagements (DR-2)
Defensive Rifle 2 is an intermediate level class that builds upon the skills and knowledge gained in Defensive Rifle 1. Defensive Rifle 2 is designed to teach more realistic scenarios that you may encounter in a deadly physical force confrontation. Unlike static range drills, this class will teach you the foundational skills required to engage in a more dynamic environment. In this class, there is less focus on fundamental gun handling skills and more on how to interact in the environment with a firearm. Topics covered: barricades, ready/carries, engaging targets/threats that are not in front of you. This class focuses on honing the skills necessary to respond effectively to dynamic and high-stress, self-defense situations. Participants will engage in more advanced drills and decision-making exercises to enhance their ability to protect themselves and others.
Successful completion of Defensive Rifle Fundamentals 1 is required to attend Defensive Rifle Fundamentals 2. This course is often taken immediately (same day) after completing Defensive Rifle Fundamentals 1.
Prerequisites: Defensive Rifle Fundamentals 1
Duration: 8 Hours
Cost: $200
Round Count: 350 rounds
- Standard range attire while conducting firearms training (weather-appropriate activewear, etc.)
- Semi-automatic rifle (AR-15) w/ at least three magazines
- 300 rounds of rifle ammunition
- Support-side magazine carrier(s)
- Sling
- Belt for range work compatible w/ holster and magazine carrier
- Eye protection for day conditions and Ear protection
- Hat with brim
- Sturdy footwear for range
Defensive Rifle 3 - Complex Rifle Engagements (DR-3)
Defensive Rifle 3 is an advanced course designed for individuals who have already completed Defensive Rifle 2 and Defensive Handgun 2. This class focuses on honing skills required to respond effectively to complex, dynamic, and high-risk self-defense situations. This class goes beyond marksmanship and drills deeper into tactical decision-making, advanced firearm manipulation, and real-world defensive situations. This class takes a very pragmatic and advanced approach to shooting versus gunfighting, real and perceived liability, as well as an introduction to the stressors that deteriorate performance in hyper violent, sudden attacks. In this class, you will refine the fundamentals with a focus on time and efficiency in movement, when and where transitions to handgun is covered, as well as primary and secondary weapon systems management.
Prerequisites: Defensive Rifle Fundamentals 2
Duration: 8 Hours
Cost: $200
Round Count: 300 rifle rounds, 100 handgun rounds
- Standard range attire while conducting firearms training (weather-appropriate activewear, etc.)
- Semi-automatic rifle (AR-15) w/ at least three magazines
- 300 rounds of rifle ammunition
- Support-side magazine carrier(s)
- Sling
- Semi-automatic pistol w/ at least three magazines
- 100 rounds handgun ammunition
- Strong-side belt or appendix concealment holster – **
- Support-side magazine carrier(s)
- Belt for range work compatible w/ holster and magazine carrier
- Eye protection for day conditions and Ear protection
- Hat with brim
- Sturdy footwear for range
** Blackhawk Serpa model holsters are strictly prohibited during live fire range training and banned in all 540 Training classes for safety reasons.