The AR-15 rifle is a weapon that has been in high demand recently. More people are purchasing and shooting them than ever before. A whole new world of AR-15 cartridges has emerged, and there are now more than a dozen powerful rounds to choose from. As hunters have explored these calibers for their intended purposes on game other than deer, they've also found that the rifle is excellent at hunting North American big game like elk and wild hogs as well as varmints such as coyotes.

If you are going to use an AR-15 as your hunting gun, you should make sure that you learn the tips to improve your shooting skills.

Read more: 5 Best 22 Rifles for Squirrel Hunting

1- Pull the Trigger Lightly

“The less input you give to the rifle while shooting, the more accurate it will be,” says Seekins.

To maintain a steady aim, you want to keep the pressure from your cheek and hands on the gun as minimal as possible. Avoid trying to force the reticle on target by pushing with your rifle after it's been positioned. Instead of bearing down with your face against stock or forcing reticles into engagement by hand-torquing, position yourself so that when aiming naturally at an object - even one not specifically in view yet – this is where you’ll be pointing.

Seekins recommends that AR shooters should not grip the pistol grips with their trigger hand thumbs. Most precision rifle shooters - even those with bolt guns - often place the thumb of their trigger hand on top of the stock, gently resting it against its surface. They have found success using this technique, which makes it easier to shoot accurately at long ranges.

2-  Upgrade Your AR-15

The AR-15 rifle series is one of the most accurate and customized rifles in production. With so many different customizable options, it’s easy to find a package that works for your needs. Some upgrades are purely cosmetic but others can make you more accurate by improving various components such as sights or trigger assembly among other things.

While upgrading your AR-15, it is better to start with improved barrels, AR15 upper receiver, new trigger groups and better buttstocks. These upgrades provide you better accuracy at long distances.

Improved Barrels

One way to improve the accuracy of your AR-15 is by installing an aftermarket barrel with a longer length. A 16" barrel will often come stock on this rifle, but going for a light 18 inch option can help you achieve more accurate shots and have less wind drift as well. An even heavier contoured version might be best if you are looking to maintain heat in order to make sure rounds stay on target.

New Trigger Groups

Upgrading your trigger can transform the way you shoot entirely, giving you a clean break and a lighter pull. Depending on your preference, there are several different triggers that provide their own advantages when it comes to precision shooting:

Single-stage triggers: With a single-stage trigger, you can get into the action as soon as your finger touches down. This style of pull is perfect for those who want power and speed!

Two-stage triggers: Two-stage triggers are like a little safety net to catch you before your shots go off. They're also great for beginners or those who need an extra reminder of the correct gun and trigger hand positioning.

Better Buttstocks

Foldable stocks are great for the tactical scene, but if you're looking for better accuracy at long distances or want to make your rifle more comfortable and versatile, then consider investing in an upgrade. Different upgraded buttstocks are available with benefits like added shock absorption, extra grip against your shoulder while aiming down sights and a place where you can rest your cheek comfortably as well. Changing out a stock is really easy - just remove fixed stocks using a flathead screwdriver and collapsible ones by unscrewing them from their castle nut wrench.

Upper Receiver

The AR-15 can be customized to suit each user's needs. Whether one wants a gun for hunting or precision shooting, they are able to adjust their handguard and upper receiver until that specific purpose has been fulfilled.

3- Use a Bipod

The pressure is key with shooting a rifle, but the use of bipods for bolt guns can be tricky. If you put too much force on it, then it will end up being play in the legs and may not stabilize properly. Conversely if you don't apply enough weight to take out all that slack from your weapon's leg system—then when you shoot slowly or hold off at long range because they are so good-looking your shots won't go where I want them to.

The normal way to shoot a rifle with a bipod is to load it by putting forward pressure on the butt pad with your shoulder taking away any potential slacking within its leg system; With bolts however things get tricky.

4- Improve Yourself Mentally

When it comes to ARs, one of the most dangerous features is their high-capacity magazines. With 20 or more rounds at your disposal, you may be lulled into a sense that everything will be alright because if you miss with just one shot there are so many others available.

This is a dangerous mindset and needs to be avoided.

Mentally educate yourself as if you had a single-shot. Always focus on getting an accurate shot with each release of the trigger.

5- Use Magazine Cleverly

Here are a couple more tips to consider with your magazines. Don't load them all the way up- it puts extra pressure on your bolt, which can lead to degraded accuracy and just make reloading take longer than you want while you are hunting.

Also, the last shot in a magazine has less than half the recoil of an average shot, which can change your point of impact.