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300m rifle shooters in kneeling and standing positions at 2013 USAS Championship, Fort Benning
shooting-sports/precision-rifle

Precision Rifle

Precision rifle shooting encompasses several disciplines focused on accurate rifle shooting at extended distances. PRS (Precision Rifle Series) matches challenge shooters with field courses at distances from 100 to 1,000+ yards.

how to start PRS
precision rifle for beginners
PRS rifle setup
NRL22 for beginners
best caliber for PRS

01 // LEARN

#01

What is Precision Rifle?

Understanding this shooting discipline

Precision rifle shooting encompasses several disciplines focused on accurate rifle shooting at extended distances. PRS (Precision Rifle Series) matches challenge shooters with field courses at distances from 100 to 1,000+ yards. NRL22 offers similar challenges using rimfire rifles at shorter distances.

Matches test marksmanship fundamentals, wind reading, and positional shooting skills. The sport has grown rapidly with clubs hosting local matches nationwide and national championship series drawing thousands of competitors.

Types & Variations

PRS (Precision Rifle Series)
NRL22 (National Rifle League 22)
NRL Hunter
F-Class
Benchrest

02 // START

#02

Getting Started with Precision Rifle

Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners

Getting into precision rifle doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.

Essential Equipment

What you need to get started

1Bolt-action rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor or similar (PRS)
2Quality scope with exposed turrets (4-24x or higher)
3Bipod and rear bag
4Ballistic calculator app
5Wind meter (Kestrel recommended)

Safety & Rules

Know these before your first shot

1All shots from designated shooting positions
2Time limits per stage (typically 90-180 seconds)
3Points for first-round hits, misses are zero
4No coaching during stage execution
5All equipment must meet division specifications

Pro Tips for Beginners

Advice from experienced shooters

Start with NRL22 to learn match format affordably
Build solid positional skills before worrying about gear
Practice reading wind at every opportunity
Dry fire practice is essential
Join a local precision rifle club for mentorship

What Does Precision Rifle Cost?

Realistic budget expectations

Getting Started

$2,500-4,000 (rifle + scope)

Basic equipment to begin

Competitive Setup

$5,000-12,000+

Quality gear for serious shooters

Per event/match:$50-150 per match
Ammo per session:$150-300 (80-120 rounds match ammo)

Hidden costs to consider: NRL22 is dramatically cheaper to start ($500-1,500 total setup). Start there before investing in centerfire PRS gear.

PRS Caliber Comparison

Compare your options

TypeBest For
6.5 Creedmoor

Most popular PRS caliber. Excellent ballistics, manageable recoil, widely available.

Most shooters - best balance of performance, recoil, and barrel life
6mm Variants (6 GT, 6 Dasher)

Flatter trajectory, less wind drift. Shorter barrel life, more recoil-sensitive.

Competitive shooters optimizing for performance
.308 Winchester

Classic caliber, heavier recoil, more drop at distance. Barrel life excellent.

Budget-conscious shooters, those with .308 already

03 // ASK

#03

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about precision rifle

New to precision rifle? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.

Find answers to common questions about precision rifle. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.

6.5 Creedmoor is the most popular caliber for good reason - excellent ballistics, manageable recoil, and affordable ammo. Quality bolt actions from Bergara, Tikka, or Ruger provide excellent value. Budget $1,500-3,000 for a competitive starter rifle.

Yes, NRL22 is the best entry point. Using 22 LR rifles, you learn all the match skills - positional shooting, time management, and stage planning - at a fraction of centerfire costs. Many clubs host monthly NRL22 matches.

Most PRS shooters use 5-25x or similar scopes. Higher magnification helps at distance but makes positional shooting harder. Quality glass and reliable tracking matter more than maximum magnification.

Quality match 6.5 Creedmoor runs $1.50-2.50 per round. A typical match requires 80-120 rounds. Many competitors handload to reduce costs and improve consistency. NRL22 runs about $0.10-0.15 per round.

04 // FIND

#04

Upcoming Events

Find precision rifle events near you

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SEP
15

Performance Handgun for Law Enforcement - Wright County

Competition

The Performance Handgun Class, sponsored by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, is a high-intensity, performance-driven training course built for shooters who want to exceed baseline standards and perform at a higher level under pressure. This course focuses on refining core handgun fundamentals while integrating speed, movement, and decision-making in realistic, stress-based training environments. Students will be pushed to execute efficiently, manage visual processing, and validate performance through structured drills and testing standards. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN • Speed, Accuracy, and Movement Integration • Levels of Confirmation and Visual Discipline • Efficient Target Transitions • Performance Under Pressure REQUIRED GEAR • Tactical or duty belt with duty holster • Handgun with a minimum of 3 magazines • 600 rounds of handgun ammunition • Eye and ear protection • Baseball hat • Water • Note-taking materials CLASS BREAKDOWN 0800 – 0830 | Safety Brief & Class Goals 0830 – 1030 | Grip, Vision, and Trigger Control 1030 – 1200 | Target Transitions & Levels of Confirmation 1200 – 1300 | Lunch & Q&A 1300 – 1500 | Target Transitions & Movement 1500 – 1630 | Performance Testing & Mini Stages 1630 – 1700 | Debrief & Individual Feedback Schedule subject to change based on range conditions and number of students. MASTER THE GUN. OWN THE FIGHT. PUSH YOUR LIMITS. TRAIN WITH A PURPOSE.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Mission Critical Concepts TrainingMission Critical Concepts Training, Rogers, MN
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SEP
15

ACFA Advisory Board Meeting

Competition

ACFA Advisory Board Meeting at Bristol Fire Department in Bristol, VT. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Bristol Fire DepartmentBristol Fire Department, Bristol, NH
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SEP
15

HAUN'S MEATS LINK SAUSAGE SHOOT

Google Calendar View Event → Sunday, September 15, 2024

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Walla Walla Gun ClubWalla Walla Gun Club, Walla Walla, WA
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SEP
15

Tuesday Night Irregular Rifles - Range 3 & Pavilion - 11:00-Dusk

Training
Night Shoot

Open to public. Sign-in at 4:30pm. NRA High Power Rifle competition in a low-pressure environment. Matches are shot weekly from late April through October, weather permitting. Scores are submitted to the NRA at the end of the season to obtain a national classification. See the attached league flyer for fees, equipment and procedures. Contact: Sam Evans at mailto: [email protected] 2026TNIRLLeague_Program

Tuesday, September 15, 202611:00:00
The RangeThe Range, Bonfield, IL
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SEP
15

SCAPSA Hit-Factor Fall Series Match

Competition
Youth

St. Cloud Area Practical Shooter’s Association (www.SHOOTSCAPSA.com). Fall TuesdayMatch Series, Hit Factor Scoring. Minimum of five matches toparticipate in series standings. Match fee is $25.00, Junior(under 16) fee is $15.00, dinner included in match fee. 5:30start, four stages. Register at https://clubs.practiscore.com/clubs/scapsa_3, walk onswelcome. Contact [email protected] or 320-204-6568with any questions.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
MATCH SCHEDULE - MN 3-Gun GroupMATCH SCHEDULE - MN 3-Gun Group, Rochester, MN
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SEP
15

Archery

Competition

Join us for Veteran Adaptive Archery on Tuesdays from 10am – 12pm at the Panola Mountain State Park Archery Range. The BlazeSports America Veteran’s Archery Program provides veterans with the opportunity to adapt military skills to a recreational setting while building confidence and camaraderie. Open to all skill levels, this program allows participants to train either recreationally or competitively using a variety of equipment. No prior experience is required—beginners are always welcom

Tuesday, September 15, 202610:00:00
Panola State ParkPanola State Park, Stockbridge, GA