Just because you do a good job at pulling a trigger does not mean you’re a rifleman. Just because you can calculate trajectory at long-range and dial a solution into your rifle scope does not make you a rifleman. Hitting steel, paper, or even an animal at long-range really has very little to do with being a rifleman.
So what is a rifleman?
Merriam-Webster says a rifleman is, “a solider armed with a rifle” or “one skilled in shooting with a rifle.” Speaking as simply as possible about what a rifleman is, we would have to agree. However, just because a solider is armed with a rifle does not mean he can hit anything with it. And, just saying someone is skilled at something leaves a lot on the table. Compared to someone who cannot type at all, I’m skilled. Compared to a true typist, I suck.
I assume this is why terms like marksman, sharpshooter, or expert became popular ways to describe someone’s skill with a rifle. But, I think it is possible to be expertly skilled with a rifle and still not be a real rifleman. At least as my mind defines what a real rifleman is.
So, without further conjecture or speculation, here is the Empty Cases’ Guide to Being a Real Rifleman.
THE GUIDE
- Real riflemen know what they can and cannot do with their rifle.
- Real riflemen know how to carry a rifle, regardless of the situation.
- Real riflemen know what a shooting sling is and how to use it on either their support or strong side.
- Real riflemen know how to get into and shoot from the four primary positions.
- Real riflemen never lower their rifle to cycle the action.
- Real riflemen know the maximum point-blank or 1/3-second range of their rifle.
- Real riflemen get closer when they can get closer, and steadier when they can get steadier.
- Real riflemen don’t violate the basic safety rules.
- Real riflemen can shoot with open sights, scopes, and with both eyes open.
- Real riflemen can shoot from their weak side when they have to.
THE TEST
To be considered a real rifleman you should have to pass a test, a simple test.
It should not be complicated; real riflemen do not have to be geniuses.
It should not take a box of ammo; if you cannot demonstrate your rifle skill in four or five shots, you cannot do it with 20.
It should be conductive almost anywhere; a 100 yard range should be sufficient.
It should require demonstration and mastery of the basic rifleman skills.
THE EXAMINATION
- Start standing, with the rifle – loaded with no more than three rounds – slung on your shoulder.
- On signal, hit a five-inch target at 25 yards from the standing position, a five-inch target at 50 yards from the kneeling position, a five-inch target at 75 yards from the seated position and a five-inch target at 100 yards from the prone position.
- Do it all within 30 seconds.
If you can pass this test on demand, you are a rifleman and any other task you might need to perform with a rifle should come easy, with just a smidgen of practice.
If you cannot pass this test, you might be a marksman, a sharpshooter, or even an expert. But, you are not a rifleman.
