Defensive Rifle Program
Defensive Rifle Level 1
Brooks Battlegroup Defensive Rifle Program Level 1 is designed to provide instruction on basic rifle fundamentals, including firearms safety, nomenclature, manipulation, presentation, and engagement. By the end of this course, each student will be able to safely manipulate a semi-automatic defensive rifle and efficiently present and engage targets within 100 yards.
Defensive Rifle Level 2
Brooks Battlegroup Defensive Rifle Level 2 builds directly on the skills taught in Level 1 and is designed for shooters who have a solid grasp of the fundamentals and want to become faster, more efficient, and more consistent under increasing problem-solving demands. Level 2 reinforces safe gun-handling until it becomes second nature—developing a habitual, automatic safety mindset that frees you to focus on performance and decision-making during training.
Defensive Rifle Level 3
Brooks Battlegroup Defensive Rifle Level 3 is an advanced course that incorporates and builds on all skills taught in Levels 1 and 2, then pushes students into more complex rifle-handling, movement, and problem-solving in realistic environments. DR3 is designed to make safe rifle-handling truly automatic while students learn to conquer higher-pressure scenarios, increased distance standards, and more challenging terrain and structures.
Defensive Rifle Program
Level 1
Brooks Battlegroup Defensive Rifle Program Level 1 is designed to provide instruction on basic rifle fundamentals, including firearms safety, nomenclature, manipulation, presentation, and engagement. By the end of this course, each student will be able to safely manipulate a semi-automatic defensive rifle and efficiently present and engage targets within 50 yards or less.
Course Overview
Students will transition from classroom theory to live-fire range drills, focusing on the mechanical operation of semi-automatic defensive rifles (AR-pattern and similar). The curriculum emphasizes developing consistent shooting habits, efficient handling, and a safety-first mindset.
Core Curriculum
Firearms Safety
Comprehensive review of the four cardinal rules of gun safety
Range safety procedures and commands
Secure home storage considerations for rifles and ammunition
Rifle Anatomy / Nomenclature
Major components and function (upper/lower, bolt carrier group, buffer system, magazine)
Mechanical cycle of operation
Understanding optics/iron sight systems at a fundamentals level
Common malfunctions and immediate action (Type 1 and Type 2)
Fundamentals & Marksmanship
In-depth coaching on:
Athletic stance and balance under recoil
Rifle-to-body interface (stock placement, shoulder pressure, cheek weld)
Grip and control at the forend and pistol grip
Sight alignment/sight picture (irons and/or red dot basics)
Breathing, trigger press, follow-through, and recoil management
Manipulation & “Presentation”
Ready positions (low ready/high ready as applicable) and muzzle management
Presentation: bringing the rifle from ready to the target efficiently while building a stable firing position
Reloads (emergency and administrative)
Basic weapons handling habits that support safe, consistent performance
Range Drills (Live Fire)
Zero confirmation / basic offset discussion (as applicable to sighting system)
Accuracy standards at realistic distances
Recoil control and cadence work
Target engagement fundamentals inside 50 yards
Supervised drills reinforcing safe manipulation, trigger control, and consistency
Maintenance
Basic field stripping, cleaning, and lubrication
Inspection points and basic preventative maintenance
Course Details
Duration: 8 Hours (includes classroom and range time)
Capacity: Limited to 12 students for a high instructor-to-student ratio
Cost: $479.00 per person
Defensive Rifle Program
Brooks Battlegroup Defensive Rifle Level 2 builds directly on the skills taught in Level 1 and is designed for shooters who have a solid grasp of the fundamentals and want to become faster, more efficient, and more consistent under increasing problem-solving demands. Level 2 reinforces safe gun-handling until it becomes second nature—developing a habitual, automatic safety mindset that frees you to focus on performance and decision-making during training.
This course expands beyond static fundamentals and introduces higher-level defensive rifle skills, including more complex malfunction recognition and clearance, efficient reloads, presentation and moving, engaging multiple targets, and applying cover effectively while shooting.
Course Curriculum (expands on Level 1):
Reinforced “automatic” safety habits and higher standards for muzzle discipline and trigger-finger management
Advanced presentation efficiency and consistency under time and movement
Reloading techniques: emergency and administrative/tactical reload concepts (as applicable)
Malfunctions beyond basic stoppages: identification, priorities, and corrective action under stress
Pivotal movement and lateral movement while presenting and engaging threats
Multiple-target engagement: target transitions, prioritization, and recoil management
Introduction to the practical use of cover: working from cover, angles, and minimizing exposure
Who It’s For:
Students who have completed Defensive Rifle Level 1 (or equivalent) and can demonstrate safe handling, consistent hits, and reliable rifle manipulation.
Outcome:
You’ll leave DR2 with stronger safety automation, smoother gun-handling, improved efficiency on the presentation and reloads, better control during movement, and practical tools for engaging multiple threats and working around cover.
Course Details
Duration: 8 Hours (includes classroom and range time).
Capacity: Limited to 12 students for a high instructor-to-student ratio.
Cost: $529.00 per person
Level 2
Defensive Rifle Program
Level 3
Brooks Battlegroup Defensive Rifle Level 3 is an advanced course that incorporates and builds on all skills taught in Levels 1 and 2, then pushes students into more complex rifle-handling, movement, and problem-solving in realistic environments. DR3 is designed to make safe rifle-handling truly automatic while students learn to conquer higher-pressure scenarios, increased distance standards, and more challenging terrain and structures.
Level 3 emphasizes moving through spaces where cover is limited or absent, understanding the difference between cover vs. concealment, and navigating common real-world environments such as parking garages, hallways, stairwells, and around vehicles—while maintaining efficient weapon control, clean presentation, and accurate hits.
Prerequisite / Performance Standard (DR2):
Students should be able to consistently engage an 8-inch circle at 100 yards prior to attending DR3.
DR3 Performance Standard:
By the end of Level 3, students will be working toward consistent hits on an 8-inch circle at 200 yards (distance, accuracy, and accountability emphasized).
Course Curriculum (includes DR1 & DR2 skills, plus advanced applications)
Advanced Rifle-Handling & Problem Solving
Refinement of presentation, recoil management, target transitions, and performance under time constraints
Higher-level malfunction recognition and clearance, including more complicated failure patterns (to include double-feeds and other complex stoppages)
Efficient reloads and rifle management while moving and working around obstacles
Movement Without Cover (Cover-to-Cover Problem)
Moving across open space when there is no cover available, from one point of cover to another
Movement techniques that reduce exposure time and improve stability for accurate shooting
When to move, when to stop, and how to shoot as movement demands change
Cover vs. Concealment / “Looks Safe” Obstacles
How to move around objects that appear protective but do not stop rounds (concealment)
Selecting angles, managing distance, and using structure intelligently to minimize risk
Avoiding “false cover” habits that get people hurt in real environments
Complex Environment Navigation
Techniques for moving and fighting through complicated structures, including:
Parking garages (pillars, vehicles, vertical angles, long sightlines)
Hallways and tight corridors (limited lateral movement, corners, threshold problems)
Stairwells and multi-level structures (elevation, balance, visibility)
Vehicles (using cars as partial cover/concealment, working around doors/engine blocks, movement lanes)
Who It’s For
DR3 is for motivated shooters who already have safe handling and solid fundamentals, and who are ready for advanced movement, longer-distance accountability, and decision-making in more realistic environments.
Course Details
Duration: 8 Hours (includes classroom and range time).
Capacity: Limited to 12 students for a high instructor-to-student ratio.
Cost: $579.00 per person
Get in touch
If you're interested in our Defensive Rifle Program or have any questions, complete the form. We’ll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.
Instructor@BrooksBattlegroup.com
772.277.1412