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
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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
| Type | Best 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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APR
28
IDPA Match
Competition
USPSA
May 26, 2007 IDPA Classifier Match May 10, 2007 Indoor IDPA Match Apr 21, 2007 USPSA Match Apr 12, 2007 Indoor IDPA Match Mar 24, 2007 IDPA Match
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Parma Rod and Gun ClubParma Rod and Gun Club, Parma, NJ
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APR
28
Annie Oakley Initial Safety Class
Competition
Ladies
This class is required for first time Annie Oakley participants. You can bring your own eye and ear protection, or we can provide it to you for a small donation. The classroom session is from 6:30 p.m. to about 7:45 p.m. After class, we take you out on the range where we walk you through how to use one of our guns. Be sure you are wearing weather appropriate clothing, as well as clothing appropriate for the gun range. We recommend that you wear closed-toed shoes (flip flops are not recommended), and make sure the neckline on your top is high enough that hot shells won’t go down the front of your shirt (hot metal can burn you – especially when it gets caught in your clothing). We ask that for this class you leave your personal weapon at home if you have one. The first time you attend our class you will be trained on our guns. When you come back for the next session you can bring your own weapon and ammunition. To sign up, go to the Annie Oakley Womens Program Sign Up form, read through all of the information, and complete the form. You will receive a verification to your e-mail once you submit the form. Sign Up
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Annie Oakley Women's Shooting ProgramAnnie Oakley Women's Shooting Program, New York, NJ
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APR
28
New Firearms Training
Training
Do you have a new firearm, rifle or pistol? are you not 100% sure on how to use it safely? are you just looking for some basic handling instructions? This class is for all new firearm owners to give them a chance to familiarize themselves with their new firearm, so you don’t wind up brining it to us in a box of parts. This class is free if you have purchase a firearm from one of our facilities. $20 if you purchased elsewhere.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026• 18:00:00
The Range at Ballantyne, IncThe Range at Ballantyne, Inc, Indian Land, SC
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APR
28
Shotgun Shooting Hours
Competition
Trap
OCSC SHOTGUN CLUB HOURS The OCSC Shotgun Club is open for shooting to members, guests and non-members every Tuesday & Wednesday from 6 – 10 pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 4 pm. The club sells 12 and 20 gauge ammunition (lead shot only). Come on out and give shotgun shooting a try… we offer trap, wobble trap, skeet (steel shot only), 7-yard & 12-yard upland angles, 5-stand and flurry.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026• 18:00:00
Shotgun RangesShotgun Ranges, Clarkston, MI
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APR
28
Boy Scouts
Competition
Boy Scouts at Oakland County Sportsman's Club in Clarkston, MI. Check with the host club for match details, start times, and registration.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026• 19:00:00
Oakland County Sportsman's ClubOakland County Sportsman's Club, Clarkston, MI
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APR
28
High School Trap
Competition
Trap
Trap Fields and Clubhouse For more information please contact Sean Grundon
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Siuslaw Rod & Gun ClubSiuslaw Rod & Gun Club, Florence, OR