{"id":12181,"date":"2015-10-05T19:45:09","date_gmt":"2015-10-05T19:45:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/?p=12181"},"modified":"2015-10-18T17:43:47","modified_gmt":"2015-10-18T17:43:47","slug":"the-empty-cases-guide-to-being-a-real-rifleman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/empty-cases.com\/blog\/the-empty-cases-guide-to-being-a-real-rifleman\/","title":{"rendered":"The Empty Cases’ Guide to Being a Real Rifleman"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"w-9\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Just because you do a good job at pulling a trigger does not mean you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

So what is a rifleman?<\/p>\n

Merriam-Webster says a rifleman is, \u201ca solider armed with a rifle\u201d or \u201cone skilled in shooting with a rifle.\u201d 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\u2019m skilled. Compared to a true typist, I suck.<\/p>\n

I assume this is why terms like marksman, sharpshooter, or expert became popular ways to describe someone\u2019s skill with a rifle. But, I think it is possible to be expertly skilled with a rifle and still not be a real<\/em> rifleman. At least as my mind defines what a real rifleman is.<\/p>\n

So, without further conjecture or speculation, here is the Empty Cases\u2019 Guide to Being a Real Rifleman.<\/p>\n

THE GUIDE<\/p>\n

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  1. Real riflemen know what they can and cannot do with their rifle.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. Real riflemen know how to carry a rifle, regardless of the situation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
      1. Real riflemen know what a shooting sling is and how to use it on either their support or strong side.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
          \n
        1. Real riflemen know how to get into and shoot from the four primary positions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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          1. Real riflemen never lower their rifle to cycle the action.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \n
            1. Real riflemen know the maximum point-blank or 1\/3-second range of their rifle.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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              1. Real riflemen get closer when they can get closer, and steadier when they can get steadier.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  \n
                1. Real riflemen don\u2019t violate the basic safety rules.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                    \n
                  1. Real riflemen can shoot with open sights, scopes, and with both eyes open.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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                    1. Real riflemen can shoot from their weak side when they have to.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                      \"w-1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

                      THE TEST<\/p>\n

                      To be considered a real rifleman you should have to pass a test, a simple test.<\/p>\n

                      It should not be complicated; real riflemen do not have to be geniuses.<\/p>\n

                      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.<\/p>\n

                      It should be conductive almost anywhere; a 100 yard range should be sufficient.<\/p>\n

                      It should require demonstration and mastery of the basic rifleman skills.<\/p>\n

                      THE EXAMINATION<\/p>\n