In addition to what others have already mentioned, I'm assuming recoil is not an issue for you so you know there is nothing about the gun that is going to hurt you if you follow proper safety.
Before you do that initial shoot make SURE your gun is in a condition that will allow you to safely fire the weapon. I suggest spending a little money to let a qualified gunsmith check it out.
www.surplusrifle.com is an excellent resource site for info on personal gun maintenance. Just refer to the section about your gun. Learn the gun's safety features and use them whenever possible.
Then learn the basics of your weapon, making sure it's inspected for safety, cleaned and lubed and proper cleaning and lubing following each shoot.
With that I would begin practicing in a supported postion such as bench resting the rifle on an elevation on a table or in a prone position with the fore end resting on a sturdy elevation at a range of no more than 50 yards for now.
Concentrate on achieving a 'group' with the bullets hopefully forming a suitable pattern (sometimes referred to as target printing).
When some shooters first start out and find they are hitting the target, say, 3" high and 2" left of the center of the target they automatically assume it's their fault such as poor trigger control, sight pattern, sight alignment, sight placement on the target, etc. When, in reality if you are getting a good and consistant pattern it's the result of the rear and front sight alignment as they are installed on the rifle or in trigger pull mechanics.
Learn to squeeze (pulling straight back) the trigger smoothly and slowly. When learning to shoot the firing of the rifle should come as a surprise to you. If not then you are anticipating the firing and that often leads to apprehension and jerking or pushing off of the trigger which will generally throw the round off center of the target.
If you have the chance take someone with you to the range who has a good command of shooting fundamentals. If not ask the range Officers if there is someone that could watch you and give you an honest appraisal of your techniques and any suggested changes.
Pracice, practice, practice.
Last, but not least, I profess that good shooting also requires a responsibility for proper gun conditions (basic inspection, cleaning, lubing, etc.) and knowledge of proper gun safety BEFORE you ever shoot a weapon.
Remember, you are legally responsible for the outcome when the bullet leaves the barrel.
There are many sites on the internet where you can find information on gun handling and safety.
I might have said things here that you already know and, if so, I appologize. I'm just trying to cover many bases.
I know I'll remember tons that I've forgotten after I log off but I hope this helps. I guess I shouldn't write a book and let others add their thoughts.
If you need to pull away from that natural point of aim to stay on target, those biomechanical forces will affect the shot. 
