For those preferring a video guide, you may view it here on YouTube. Enjoy the insanely beautiful graphics on my new GTX 3080Ti. Edit for 2022 - Sorry no snow. The devs have disabled it.
If the integrated video does not work (It doesn't for me) you can go direct to it HERE <<<Click.

NOTE: The videos above have been updated to 2022 standards. Enjoy :)

I am going to assume you know how to hold your right mouse button and click your left mouse button. Instead, I will skip ahead to basic marksmanship.

Near Targets - For simplicity's sake, let's assume "Near" means any target within 25 meters. If you are at the range, that is the first set of targets to your right
At this near distance, anywhere within your sight is fine, but for max accuracy, use the exact top of your sight. That will guarantee a hit nearly every time.

Mid Range Targets - I consider anything 50-100 yards to be mid range in WoR. The aiming rules are identical at mid range. Use the exact top of your sight/sight pin when aiming. It was a bit harder to time a screenshot for this one so I apologize.

Long Range - Here is where it gets tricky. At long ranges, say 100 or more yards, you have to start competing with bullet drop. Yes, the game most certainly does have bullet drop which was confirmed to me by a few of the devs. Bullet drop is also on the practice servers (Confirmed via George C. and TrustyJam). When aiming this far out, it is important to wait until the left and right sway of your rifle is at a minimum. You have a bit more play room up and down since us humans are taller than we are wide, but it's not an easy shot. Aim with the top of your sight slightly below the bullseye (except with the Mississippi rifle which uses the center of the sight) <<Updated for 2021



I stole that last screenshot from another practice session. I hit the bullseye though, I promise! *Crosses fingers*

Thus concludes your basics training. It really is THAT simple. Up next, external factors.

There is much more than simply aiming at the target when it comes to accuracy.

Fix Bayonets! - One would assume that the bayonet reduces accuracy, but it actually doesn't. In fact, what it does is increase the sway of your rifle and the time until your rifle "settles" into relative steady aim. You should only fix bayonets when your commanding officer tells you to or when in close quarters combat (obviously).

Also, it should be noted that bayonets drag your rifle down at a much higher rate than normal. They are a heavy piece of metal on the end of a heavy piece of metal atop a big chunk of wood after all! For those 100+ yard shots, skip the bayonet. <<What was I thinking? ALWAYS use a bayonet, unless using a Sharps or Whitworth rifle :) If you can learn to be a good shot with a bayonet on, you will be a master with it off. To be honest, I'm a better shot with it on at this point.

Crouching/Kneeling - As stated in the video, the accuracy of your projectile is a constant. At long distances, that accuracy is reduced but it still falls within a set of parameters programmed by the developers. That being said, kneeling doesn't technically improve your accuracy. What it DOES do is majorly reduce the sway of your weapon after aiming.

In a standing position, you are looking at 5-7 seconds before your aim is fairly steady. While crouched, it's under 3. However, crouching also increases the penalty to your team if you die. Keep that in mind. Crouching while skirmishing = good. Crouching in formation = bad (except behind walls or when told to by your commanding officer). Update for 2021: Rifles actually steady a bit faster than they used to. Definitely a positive change since this guide first came out.

Weapon Type - Thought it goes without saying, the type of weapon you use will also determine how well and how fast you shoot. If you are blessed enough to be given a carbine, God's gift to the trigger happy, you can send a lot of lead at the enemy compared to your brothers with their muzzle loaders.

Also, different weapons have different sight widths. I prefer those with minimalist sights such as the Enfields. I should also note, some guns, particularly those belonging to militia companies tend to be smooth bore muskets. These are not very accurate beyond mid range BUT they come with buck and ball! What's that you ask? Think SHOTFUN...err SHOTGUN. Hit 5 on your keyboard if using a smoothbore. You're welcome. (In 2020, the button was switched from 2 to 5).

Here's where this guide becomes purely my opinion. However, I can back up these opinions with hard evidence. Hours and hours at the in game range (I have no life) have certainly improved my shot. Below are two drills that I think will improve your accuracy significantly.

Sprint Drills - These can be done anywhere on the practice map but are best done at the range since you get to see the results of your shots. From the aiming post, sprint about 20 paces in the opposite direction of the targets. Once you arrive, do an immediate about face and fire WITHIN 3 SECONDS at the middle of the last 3 targets.
You can kind of see the targets in that screenshot. Do these sprint drills as often as possible. You will refine your ability to shoot on the run if you do so. Remember, no more than 3 seconds! If you can do it sooner, all the better.

Pinpoint Drills - This is probably the one I spend the most time on. At the range (confederate and union) there are 3 sets of targets. However, if you look really hard, there is a 4th set of targets way out in the distance. Do all of your practice with these. The long and mid range ones are for sissys with pistols and smooth bores.

As stated earlier, use the bottom of your sight when aiming. A couple hours of these and you will be amazed at your contribution during skirmish fights. Or heck, even line battles.

A line of crack shots is worth their weight in gold.

Quick shoutout to the 4thNJ for showing me this practice in their drill.

Quadrant Firing: One of the easiest ways to practice your shots at close and medium range. Quite simply, place an imaginary cross section over the target and attempt to land one shot in each quadrant. See image below.

Challenge yourself by landing one in 1, then 2, and so on. Start with the closest target. Once you have accomplished this, move on to the second closest one and so on.

You...could try the 4th set of targets, but landing 4 shots consistently where you intend for them to go at that range is EXTREMELY difficult. I normally recommend quadrant firing on only the first 3 sets of targets.

Hope that helps!

Do I claim to be an amazing shot? No. Am I a hardcore vet who knows everything about War of Rights? Heck no. Has my aim improved? Yes. So much yes.

As someone who really loves this era in history, I find it very easy to spend an hour or two at the in game range, if only because I love shooting guns from this era. Having spent just shy of 1k hours (updated for 2022) or so hours there, I think I am at least somewhat qualified to guide those who are interested in becoming a terrific shot.

I hope this guide was useful and I hope to see you all at the range or on the battlefield. If you have any questions or would simply like to talk with a fellow gamer and ACW era scholar, add me on steam. Thanks all!