So, you've got a steady hand, a keen eye, and a burning desire to put your shooting skills to the test. Well, you're in luck! Precision rifle competitions are the perfect way to showcase your marksmanship and have a blast while doing it. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a complete newbie, this blog post will give you the lowdown on how to get started in the world of precision rifle competitions. Get ready to lock and load!
What exactly are precision rifle competitions?
Before we dive in, let's make sure we're all on the same page. Precision rifle competitions are events where shooters compete against each other to demonstrate their accuracy and precision with a rifle. These competitions typically involve shooting at targets from various distances and positions, all while battling against the clock. It's like a high-stakes game of darts, but with way more firepower!
What gear do you need?
First things first, you'll need a rifle, or one to barrow. And not just any rifle, but a precision rifle. These babies are specially designed for long-range shooting and are the tool of choice for precision rifle competitions. Don't worry, you don't have to break the bank to get started. There are plenty of affordable options out there that will get the job done. Here's a great shop to start looking at gear and rifle options. They're a family owned, small business so feel free to ask questions, the owner and his wife are happy to help, plus they're competitors too!
Next up, you'll need some optics. A good scope is essential for spotting your targets and making those long-range shots. Again, asking someone who's been around the block is a great way to learn what you need and don't need in an optic.
Of course, you'll also need some basic shooting accessories like a bipod and a shooting bag. These will help stabilize your rifle and make those tricky shots a little bit easier.
How do you prepare for a competition?
Now that you've got your gear sorted, it's time to start practicing. Precision rifle competitions require a combination of skill, technique, and mental focus. It's like playing chess, but with bullets. Find a local shooting range or gun club where you can hone your skills and get comfortable with your rifle.
Don't forget to work on your physical fitness too. Precision rifle competitions can be physically demanding, with shooters often required to shoot from unconventional positions or move quickly between shooting stages. So, hit the gym, do some yoga, or take up Pilates. Your body will thank you later. Plus, this sport is known as 'tactical yoga' by competitors....so there ya go.
What can you expect at a competition?
Each stage will present its own unique challenges, from shooting at different distances to engaging moving targets. You'll need to adapt quickly, think on your feet, and keep your cool under pressure. BUT that's not what you're aiming for at your first few matches. When you first start, just focus on getting to know the rules, like safety expectations, what NDs (negligent discharge) and ADs (accidental discharge) are (and their consequences), how the shooters rotate starts on stages, proper positioning/bag setup (watch the PROs and see if you can tell the differences in why they're stable and you're not/or other newer shooters are not.
It'll feel like an action movie and you'll be tempted to 'beat the clock' but don't. Focus on making impacts. If you have a high impact to shots taken ratio, you'll speed up with time as your positioning and comfort level goes up. It's easier to have the percentage of shots on target already high and speed up than it is to speed up and then get accurate.
Remember to have fun!
At the end of the day, precision rifle competitions are all about having fun and pushing yourself to be the best shooter you can be. So, don't take it too seriously. Embrace the camaraderie, make some new friends, ask for help and to try other's gear out, and enjoy the thrill of the competition. And who knows, you might just discover a hidden talent for hitting the steel under pressure!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rifle, load up your gear, and get ready to take aim at the world of precision rifle competitions. It's time to show off your skills and have a blast while doing it. Happy shooting!