The Art of the Rifle

[Werewolf]

Is the book by Jeff Cooper titled The Art of the Rifle any good? Is the instruction it provides worth it for someone with basic to intermediate rifle skills? Will it improve one's ability to use a rifle if the techniques are practiced?

In other words would the folks who have read this book please say whether or not it is worth the read?

 

[Mulliga]

If you are a novice at rifle shooting, it is a good read. Not everyone agrees with Col. Cooper, but the Art of the Rifle gives relatively uncontroversial marksmanship advice. If you already have some formal training, it probably won't do you much good.

I have it and found it useful, partly because I was raised in an non-gun household.

 

[MrMurphy]

Even for someone who's been shooting for years, it's a good read. Going over the basics again never hurts.

For someone with a basic/intermediate knowledge, it would be an excellent read. Cooper does have occasionally controversial opinions on things, but on hunting and shooting in general, he's forgotten more than many of us have ever learned.

I've been shooting for 20 years and continously for the last decade or so (Once I was old enough to buy ammo and guns) and since the fifth grade read extensively books on marksmanship, warfare, reference books etc so I can rattle off all sorts of odd things. I know proper sight pictures, how to use a sling right, how to adjust sights, etc just from reading (before I did it in person) BUT I can bet I'd find things in that book I don't know yet.


Buy it. You won't regret it.

 

[ACP230]

I re-read mine every so often. I can still learn from it.

 

[Northwest Cajun]

I have it and have re-read also. I feel it has some good tips. I've even built a scout rifle.


Cajun

 

[roo_ster]

If you already know how to hit a gnat's a$$ at 1000m, then Cooper's "The Art of the Rifle" is probably too basic for you.

OTOH, if you want a fine primer for rifle marksmanship, you have found it.

I re-read my copy every once in a while, especially if it has been a while since shooting a rifle in the field.

It is a straight-forward, easy reading resource.

 

[Mannlicher]

no matter which camp you are in, those that worship Jeff, or those that take him with a grain of salt, his book Art of the Rifle is a must read. No serious rifleman should be without a copy.

 

[roscoe]

It is definitely good for the basics, but you will learn a WHOLE lot more just by hanging out around this forum.

 

[M2HMGHB]

I got a book called dead on that's pretty decent.