The Tactical U Training Encyclopedia is one place for every Tactical U lesson film: free, short animated films that each answer one question, sorted by subject. Rifle (AR-15) is first. Precision rifle, pistol and more follow.
Every film has its own page with the answer first, the key numbers, how it works, a transcript and its limits. Find a topic A to Z, by subject, or by film.
Start here
New to the AR-15? Start with how it works.
Watch How an AR-15 Works for the firing cycle, then AR-15 Parts Explained for the names of the parts. Then zero it: AR-15 Zero Explained.
Rifle: AR-15
A to Z
A
- AR-15 Parts
- Every major part named and shown working, muzzle to buffer. How the rifle works
- AR-15 Zero
- How 25, 36, 50 and 100 yard zeros change the bullet path. Zeroing
B
- Bolt Lock
- Why the bolt locks back on an empty magazine. How the rifle works
- Buffer and Buffer Spring
- What slows the bolt carrier and drives it home. How the rifle works
C
- Click Value
- Why the same sight click moves a short rifle more. Sights and optics
F
- Firing Cycle
- The 8 steps every shot runs: fire, gas, unlock, extract, eject, return, feed, lock. How the rifle works
M
- Malfunction Diagnosis
- Use the cycle to see which step stopped. How the rifle works
- Marksmanship Fundamentals
- The seven fundamentals, from stance to follow-through. Fundamentals
R
- Red Dot Zero by Riser Height
- A best zero chart for common red dot mount heights and barrel lengths. Zeroing
S
- Sight Radius
- The distance between your iron sights, and what it changes. Sights and optics
- Suppressor Mount
- How the muzzle device and locking collar hold the suppressor. How the rifle works
By Subject
Fundamentals
How the rifle works
Sights and optics
Zeroing
The Films
| Film | Subject | Question it answers |
|---|---|---|
| How an AR-15 Works | How the rifle works | How does an AR-15 work? |
| AR-15 Parts Explained | How the rifle works | What are the parts of an AR-15? |
| AR-15 Zero Explained | Zeroing | Which AR-15 zero distance should I use? |
| Best AR-15 Red Dot Zero by Riser Height and Barrel Length | Zeroing | What is the best red dot zero for my riser height and barrel length? |
| Iron Sight Radius Explained | Sights and optics | What is sight radius and what does it change? |
| Rifle Marksmanship Fundamentals Explained | Fundamentals | What are the rifle marksmanship fundamentals? |
Coming Next
Rifle: Precision and Scopes, Pistol and more are in production. Each new film gets its own entry here when its page is live.
Rifle Training That Covers This
A video shows how the rifle works. A class puts it in your hands, with an instructor watching. These Tactical U rifle pages cover rifle handling, malfunctions and zeroing:
- Tactical Rifle Fundamentals (Rifle Level 1): handling, loading, malfunction clearing and confirming your zero. Read its gear list first.
- Rifle Training Overview compares the Tactical U rifle classes in one place.
- Rifle Training in Fort Lauderdale covers the same carbine skills in its Phase 1 training.
What Students Say About Tactical U Rifle Instruction
From Google reviews of Tactical U classes. These reviews describe in-person training, not this video.
“The training is extremely comprehensive and goes deep into how a rifle actually works, while also covering a wide range of possible scenarios.”
“He explained in a logical sequence all aspects of safety, handling and operating the rifle.”
Train This Skill With Tactical U
Confirm current availability, requirements and total cost before booking.
Training Encyclopedia FAQs
What is the Tactical U Training Encyclopedia?
Free short animated films from Tactical U Firearms Training, in one place, sorted by subject. The Rifle section (AR-15) is first; precision rifle, pistol and more follow. Each film answers one question, such as how the AR-15 cycles or which zero to use, and each has its own page with the film, key numbers, a transcript and limits.
Who makes these lessons?
Tactical U Firearms Training in South Florida, led by Stephen L. Cohen. The films are animated with AI and checked against the rifle and the numbers on each page.
Do these lessons replace a class?
No. They explain how the rifle works. A class puts the rifle in your hands with an instructor watching, and that is where you confirm it.