Photo by SFC Brandon Green, 2018 National High Power Champion.
The prestigious CMP National Matches will be held at Camp Perry, Ohio this summer, July 12 through August 9, 2026. The President’s 100 Match runs Monday, July 27th, followed by Individual and Team Trophy Matches. And the Garand and Modern Military events kick off on August 1st, while 600-yard Mid-Range rifle matches run August 3-4, with Long Range following, concluding with the Palma Team match on August 9.
For those competing at Camp Perry this summer, we offer some insights from Tyrel Cooper, a multi-time National Champion. A past member of the USAMU, Cooper’s shooting resume includes five national championships (one each in 2008, 2011, 2012, and two in 2013). He won the 2013 NRA National Long Range Championship, as well as the 2013 NRA National Service Rifle Championship. In this article, written in 2014, Cooper explains the mental preparation that helped him win National Titles in 2013.
Below is a 2012 file photo of Ty Cooper shooting a service rifle. Cooper won the 2013 Long Range Championship using a Nesika-actioned bolt gun chambered in 7mm SAUM.
Mental Preparation by Tyrel Cooper Getting focused mentally is an important part of preparation for Perry. In 2011 I was chasing Sherri Gallagher, since then I have been chasing Brandon Green[.] If I get beat by a Service Rifle I am going to make him or her work for it. So there is your peak into my mental process. I go for the top and if I am hanging with them then the Service Rifle National Championship will come, Kind of like how I shoot for X’s and Tens will come.
Now I understand everyone is at different levels. You have to figure out what your goals are and then lie to yourself that you’ve already achieved them. Here is a trick that I used back in 2008: When I was a kid just starting out, my Dad made me read several books on shooting. One of them being With Winning In Mind by Lanny Bassham. One of the things I remember from his book is that he would make notes and place them where he would see them often. They contained his goals or stated he was already a world champion. I took a page from his book and did the same thing.
I made 3×5 cards and wrote my personal best 500 and 800 aggregate scores and taped on the horn of my truck, above the radio in my truck, on my laptop and a few other places I would see them often. Every time I saw those I would tell myself that I average those scores and I would get used to seeing them. By doing this you are lying to yourself to overcome the mental blocks the subconscious mind lays out for you.
I went from my worst year in 2007 to winning my first National Championship in 2008. I kind of slacked off in 2009 because I had reached my goals and didn’t set new ones and it showed, so I had to find new goals and motivation which I did and that pushed me back to the top.
Long story short, this is a mental sport and you have to figure out what you need to do to perform at your highest levels and breaking through those mental road blocks. You have to figure out how to get yourself to relax and control your mind keeping calm when you are shooting a personal best, either standing or on the day.
Here is a tip from my mental process from shooting. First I shoot for Xs, I took the line from the movie The Patriot and applied it to my shooting, “Aim small, miss small” and it is true. If you accept wide shots then you will keep shooting wide shots.
Winning Techniques for Rifle Competition
Slow, Solid, Smooth, Center
Always focus on the positive and good shots, and what you did physically and mentally, when you shot them. When I am nervous and need to calm myself down I tell myself: slow, solid, smooth, center.
Slow
I want my movement to be slow…
I can shoot Tens and Xs all day with slow movement.
Solid
Solid like a rock, a rock doesn’t move and that’s how I want my positions. By saying solid it reminds me to go through my little checks to make sure I am doing what I need to do make that happen.
Smooth
Smooth — that is my trigger word for smooth movement. You don’t want fast choppy movement but slow and smooth. This also reminds me to be smooth on the trigger. You can be smooth-fast or you can be smooth-slow but you have to be smooth and most people aren’t when they think they are. Just before leaving the USAMU, I walked up and down the line of five shooters during a rapid fire string and only one of them was smooth with their trigger control. It’s the second most important thing when it comes to shooting.
Center
This reminds me that I want my shots in the middle. It is just a positive reinforcement of where I want my shots to go. I shoot a reverse flat tire so it also kind of reminds me as to what I am looking for.
Countdown to CMP National Matches:
Story Tip from ELR Researcher. We welcome reader submissions.
Want to learn the basics of position shooting? Then you should check out an article by Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus, in On the Mark digital magazine (Summer 2014, pp. 6-13). This article covers all the key elements: body position (prone, sitting, standing), sling use/adjustment, sight picture, aiming process, and trigger control. While this 8-page article was specifically written for Rimfire Sporter shooters, the techniques described by Anderson apply to all types of position shooting, whether you shoot air rifles, smallbore rifles, or centerfire rifles.
Here’s what Anderson says about aiming — how to keep your sights steady and get them centered on the middle of the target:
Trigger Contact and Center As soon as aiming at the target begins, the index finger must move from the trigger-guard to contact the trigger. It is important to get initial pressure on the trigger as soon as aiming begins. Then the shooter must focus on the sight picture and centering the sight picture movements over the aiming point. No one, not even champion shooters, can hold the aligned sights perfectly still. The sights are going to move a little bit or a lot, depending on the shooter’s skill level. The secret is to center those sight picture movements over the aiming point on the target (see trace illustration) before pulling the trigger.
When the sight picture movements on the target are centered, the last step in firing the shot is to add… smooth pressure on the trigger until the shot breaks.
Anderson also discusses the 5 Basics of Shot Technique:
BONUS: Olympic Gold Medalist Jamie Gray
Here’s an interesting video about three-position shooting. Produced by GOnra Media, this video demonstrates rifle hold and body alignment for prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling positions. Olympic Gold Medalist Jamie Gray demonstrates the proper stance and position of arms and legs for each of the positions. Ideally, in all of the shooting positions, the shooter takes advantage of skeletal support. The shooter should align the bones of his/her arms and legs to provide a solid foundation. A shooter’s legs and arms form vertical planes helping the body remain stable in the shooting position.
How and Why to Create a Dummy Round
When you have a new custom rifle built, or a new barrel fitted to an existing rifle, it makes sense to create a dummy round. This should have your preferred brass and bullet types, with the bullet positioned at optimal seating depth. A proper dummy round helps the gunsmith set the freebore correctly for your cartridge, and also ensure the proper chamber dimensions.
Respected machinist, tool-maker, and gunsmith Greg Tannel of Gre-Tan Rifles explains: “I use the dummy round as a gauge to finish cut the neck diameter and throat length and diameter so you have [optimal] clearance on the loaded neck and the ogive of the bullet just touches the rifling.” He recommends setting bullet so the full diameter is just forward of the case’s neck-shoulder junction. “From there”, Greg says, “I can build you the chamber you want… with all the proper clearances”.
Greg Tannel has created a very helpful video showing how to create a dummy round. Greg explains how to measure and assemble the dummy and how it will be used during the barrel chambering process. Greg notes — the dummy round should have NO Primer and No powder. We strongly recommend that every rifle shooter watch this video. Even if you won’t need a new barrel any time soon, you can learn important things about freebore, leade, and chamber geometry.
Must Watch Video — This has been viewed over 810,000 times on YouTube:
This has been a very popular video, with over 810,000 views! Here are actual YouTube comments:
That is the best explanation I’ve ever seen. Thank you sir. — P. Pablo
Nice video. You do a very good job of making this easy for new reloaders to understand. I sure wish things like this were available when I started reloading and having custom rifles built. Once again, great job, and your work speaks for itself. — Brandon K.
Beautiful job explaining chambering clearances. — D. Giorgi
Another Cool Tool — The Stub Gauge
When you have your gunsmith chamber your barrel, you can also have him create a Stub Gauge, i.e. a cast-off barrel section chambered like your actual barrel. The stub gauge lets you measure the original length to lands and freebore when your barrel was new. This gives you a baseline to accurately assess how far your throat erodes with use. Of course, as the throat wears, to get true length-to-lands dimension, you need take your measurement using your actual barrel. The barrel stub gauge helps you set the initial bullet seating depth. Seating depth is then adjusted accordingly, based on observed throat erosion, or your preferred seating depth.
Do you know how gun primers are made — how the explosive elements are applied into those tiny cups? Find out by watching this video filmed at a Federal ammunition factory. It starts out with empty primer cups loaded, 1000 at a time, into trays using vibration (0:05 time-mark). While much of the process is automated, there is still a significant role played by production workers who apply a green, paste-like charging compound to the inside of hundreds of primer cups.
At the 0:17-second time-mark you can see the factory worker “charging” the primers with the priming compound. After the cups are filled, then the plate of cups “mates up with a plate of anvils” (0:40 time-mark). Then the primers are unloaded from trays and inspected.
Primer “Mysteries and Misconceptions” Article
There is an excellent article about primers on the Shooting Times website. This authoritative Shooting Times article explains the fine points of primer design and construction. The author reveals some little-known facts about primers and corrects common misconceptions. Here are some highlights:
Size Matters
Useful Trivia — even though Small Rifle and Small Pistol primer pockets share the same depth specification, Large Rifle and Large Pistol primers do not. The standard pocket for a Large Pistol primer is somewhat shallower than its Large Rifle counterpart, specifically, 0.008 to 0.009 inch less.
Magnum Primers
There are two ways to make a Magnum primer — either use more of the standard chemical mix to provide a longer-burning flame or change the mix to one with more aggressive burn characteristics. Prior to 1989, CCI used the first option in Magnum Rifle primers. After that, we switched to a mix optimized for spherical propellants that produced a 24% increase in flame temperature and a 16% boost in gas volume.
Foiled Again
Most component primers have a little disk of paper between the anvil and the priming mix. It is called “foil paper” not because it’s made of foil but because it replaces the true metal foil used to seal early percussion caps. The reason this little disk exists is strictly a manufacturing convenience. Wet primer pellets are smaller than the inside diameter of the cup when inserted and must be compacted to achieve their proper diameter and height. Without the foil paper, the wet mix would stick to the compaction pins and jam up the assembly process.
Are you looking to get started in tactical/practical competitions? Or perhaps you already have have some PRS/NRL experience but want to upgrade your equipment and enhance your match results. Here are eight videos that can help you improve your game. These videos feature top PRS/NRL competitors and knowledgeable manufacturers’ representatives. You’ll find other related videos on the Long Range Precision Shooters YouTube channel.
Shooting a PRS Match for the First Time
Here’s an amusing video from the land Down-Under — Australia. The video covers a club PRS match, showing various shooting positions. Around the world, the PRS discipline is growing rapidly, particularly with younger marksmen under 35. The matches are fun and fast-paced and the sport is much more dynamic and physically challenging than benchrest or F-Class competition.
Building a Custom PRS/NRL Rig
Action, trigger, barrel, chassis, rails, and optics — this video from Burris covers all the key components of the modern PRS/NRL rifle. This video discusses the pros/cons of various configurations and the explains what to look for in a PRS/NRL riflescope.
How Accurate Are the Top PRS Shooters?
In this video, MDT put three top centerfire PRS shooters to the test, running them through some of the most difficult stages. The goal? To showcase the level of accuracy and precision these top shooters can achieve. From shooting off barricades to hitting targets from rooftops and rocks, these shooters demonstrate why they are considered among the best in the world. Top-tier modern PRS/NRL rifles when shot prone from a bipod at 100 yards can do 1/3-MOA or better for three shots.
Cartridge Choice for PRS and Tactical Competition
This video reviews many of the different cartridge options popular for PRS-style competition. The video examines pros and cons of various cartridge choices, focusing on accuracy, recoil, mag-feeding, and value for money. This segment features G.A. Precision owner/founder George Gardner.
Most top PRS shooters are using 6mm cartridges these days. These deliver excellent accuracy with lower recoil and cheaper bullet cost. Popular choices include 6 Dasher, 6 BRA, 6mm Creedmoor, 6XC, and the new 6GT cartridge, which is sort of a stretched version of a 6mmBR. It has a bit more case length for better feeding, and greater case capacity than a 6BR so you can shoot 105-108 grain bullets at 2950 fps with ease. That’s a popular Dasher accuracy node that the 6GT can achieve at somewhat lower pressures.
CLICK HERE for a full write-up on a 6GT rifle build by Mike McCasland (Texas Precision). This includes load development suggestions and a 6GT reamer print. The popular 0.120″ freebore chamber allows for the majority of high-BC 6mm projectiles. Mike had good luck with the pointed 107gr Sierra Match Kings (SMK), as well as the 110gr Hornady A-Tips in his rifle.
Road to the PRS
This video from Kestrel offers good advice on getting started in PRS/NRL shooting. Experts demonstrate multiple shooting positions and offer advice on shooting from barricades. Topics covered include rate of fire, scope use, and equipment selection.
PRS Tactical Division Explained
In this video MDT Shooter Matt Stiner explains the basics of competition in the PRS Tactical division. The video covers rifle, cartridge choice, optics, and key accessories. He also explains how to set up your PRS Tactical rig for best results. In addition Matt talks about bullet and brass options.
Savage 110 Elite Precision — Good Production Class Choice
This Alabama Arsenal video shows the Savage 110 Elite Precision on PRS Match stages using bags, tripods, and bipods, firing from stone barriers, field frames, and wood platform supports. If you are in the market for a PRS rifle, this video, which now has 355,000 views, is well worth watching. It covers specific features including trigger, chassis, magazines, and Atlas attachment. NOTE: The price limit for Production Class has risen significantly over the years, with a current MSRP max of $3000 for the rifle and $2500 for the optic.
PRS on a Budget — Converting a Basic Rifle for PRS Use
Top of the line rifles for competition are exceedingly expensive, but there is another option if you have a rifle in the safe that doesn’t get much use. Top F-Class shooter and wind coach Keith Glasscock notes: “I converted my .223 Remington varmint rifle into a Tactical class/PRS training rifle to save costs on ammunition and barrels so I can get better, faster.” Keith shows a very logical way to get started in the PRS/NRL game.
Many hunters and precision rifle competitors use muzzle brakes because these ported devices reduce felt recoil significantly. That makes a real difference getting back on target for quick follow-up shots. While many rifle owners appreciate the benefits of muzzle brakes, they may also neglect their brakes, allowing hard carbon and powder residue to build up. Not good. You should regularly clean your muzzle brake to remove fouling and carbon build-up.
As Mark Edgreen posted: “Carbon build up on the crown and in the brake is a recipe for poor accuracy.” And another gunsmith reported that customers complained about guns that “shot out way too early” but they only needed to have the brakes cleaned.
Gunsmith and PRS/NRL competitor Jim See recently reminded his Facebook Fans about the importance of cleaning muzzle brakes: “How many times do I have to say it? You need to maintain your rifles. Clean your muzzle brakes people!”. Jim, who runs Elite Accuracy LLC, notes that hard carbon build-up in brakes can definitely harm accuracy. Look at this example:
Muzzle Brake Cleaning Methods
There are various methods for cleaning a brake, we list a variety of techniques, but we would start with NON-corrosive ultrasound. You’ll want to remove the muzzle device before doing these tasks.
1. Use Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine with cleaning solution. This may be the most efficient method: “I place my brake in the ultrasonic cleaner. Shiney as new.” (Jim Moseley).
2. Spray with commercial Carb Cleaner and brush. Then apply anti-corrosion coating.
3. Soak in half hydrogen peroxide and half vinegar. Suggestion: “Let sit over night and carbon melts off. Brush remaining carbon off, rinse and put the brake back on.” Apply anti-corrosive before mounting.
4. Soak in 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar and brush. (Be sure to apply anti-corrosion coating, such as Eezox, after soaking).
5. Tumble in liquid solution with stainless pins. Comment: “Comes out slightly faded, but perfectly clean on stainless, non-painted brakes though.” Warning — do NOT do this with threaded brakes — tumbling could affect threads of screw-on brakes. Also, tumbling can harm painted or Cerakote finishes.
Gunsmithing Tip: By fitting the muzzle brake so that the barrel crown is slightly forward, it is easier to wipe carbon fouling off the end of the barrel. See photo:
As the United States approaches its historic 250th Anniversary (July 4, 2026), the National Rifle Association invites Americans to celebrate freedom by competing in the NRA America’s Rifle Challenge (ARC). The expanded 2026 ARC Across America National Challenge is a nationwide competitive shooting event. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, gun owners across the country can compete in ARC matches at participating clubs and ranges with opportunities to win prizes from ARC partners and sponsors.
To learn more about participating in NRA America’s Rifle Challenge events, visit ARC.NRA.org.
The heart of the program is the ARC Level 1 format, the foundation of the USA250 national event and the entry point for gun owners of all experience levels.
Built around practical rifle skills across four stages of fire, the Level 1 course challenges participants to demonstrate accuracy, control, and safe firearms handling.
Every ARC match is more than a competition — it’s a training opportunity. Each run on the course helps shooters grow more capable with their rifles. Participants can:
— Develop new rifle skills through structured competition
— Challenge friends and family in a fun and exciting environment
— Compete multiple times in a “Re-entry Match” format, allowing competitors to improve their score.
And, at the end of each ARC match, participants can see where they rank nationally across the country with other ARC competitors. And Veterans can meet other former service members.
How Clubs Can Host ARC Matches
The NRA’s goal is to have more than 250 clubs and ranges host ARC matches between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The program was built so clubs can run an organized, safe, and engaging event without requiring complex stages or extensive infrastructure. Clubs interested in hosting NRA America’s Rifle Challenge events can sign up on the ARC.NRA.org website.
ARC Competition Format Options
Clubs can host ARC matches using one of two range configurations:
Full Level 1 Course Format – designed for ranges with 100-yard capability Reduced Course Format – designed for ranges with 25-yard capability
Note: Both formats provide the same structured experience and competitive opportunity, ensuring that nearly any club can participate regardless of range size.
The NRA America’s Rifle Challenge (ARC) is a national rifle competition program designed to help firearm owners develop safe gun-handling skills, practical marksmanship, and confidence through structured competition. ARC events are hosted by local clubs and ranges across the country and welcome participants of all experience levels. Clubs willing to host an event will join a growing network of ranges across the country helping bring this celebration to life.
Shooting USA TV has a good show this week. Today’s broadcast features the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, held April 16-19 in Houston, Texas. This Shooting USA show features new products from many manufacturers along with interviews with noted shooters and gun industry executives. Along with the NRA Show feature, this week’s episode features a gun safe review and a new Colt ProTip about Red Dots.
Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, May 27, 2025 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
NRA Annual Meetings 2026 photo courtesy Charles Rowe.
The 2026 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits was a very successful event, with plenty of new products on display, plus a large number of informative seminars. As a quick re-cap of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings here’s a video filmed in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Congratulations to Team Vihtavuori member Doug Koenig on winning the 2026 CMP Bianchi Cup Championship, one of the world’s most prestigious pistol tournaments. Koening took the 2026 title with an impressive Grand Aggregate, shooting a Ruger SR1911 pistol. Koenig’s 2026 Bianchi Cup title marked a major milestone — his 21st Bianchi Cup Championship. The 2026 Bianchi Cup Championship brought together top competitors from across the country, making Koenig’s first place finish a major accomplishment. Throughout the Bianchi Cup match, Koenig demonstrated consistency, precision, and competitive excellence.
“I’m proud to represent Ruger and grateful for their continued support,” said Koenig. “This victory means a lot to me personally. I put in the work, trusted my preparation and trusted the products backing me.” To learn more about Doug’s accomplishments, visit KoenigShooting.com.
The 2026 CMP Bianchi Cup International Pistol Tournament was held at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri. The renowned competition, hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), took place May 21–24, 2026 — just last week. The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has governed the international competition for the past few seasons. In partnering with Green Valley, the CMP seeks to grow the event with more shooters and new divisions. The Bianchi Cup, known as the gold standard in action pistol shooting, has a 40+ year history and attracts the world’s leading competitive pistol shooters.
These two videos show Doug Koenig in action in past years at the Bianchi Cup Range.
RCBS, one of the biggest names in the reloading and gun maintenance world, changed ownership a couple years ago. Hodgdon Powder Company (Hodgdon) acquired RCBS from Revelyst, a division of of Vista Outdoor (VSTO). Most operations of RCBS have been continued, and the full product line remains in production — presses, dies, powder measures, case prep tools, priming tools, scales and more.
Today’s Saturday Showcase feature some of the most popular and noteworthy RCBS products including single-stage, turret, and progressive presses, plus powder dispensers and other tools.
RCBS ChargeMaster Link Scale/Dispenser with Bluetooth
Having a modern, electronic powder scale/dispenser makes the hand-loading process vastly more efficient. The latest generation of powder dispensers are very accurate, and they can store charge settings for multiple cartridge types. The latest RCBS ChargeMaster Link dispenser has a modern interface, plus Bluetooth technology that “talks” to a handy App on your mobile device. The popular ChargeMaster Link is available now for $299.99 at MidwayUSA.
RCBS Combo Kit — Good Choice for Getting Started in Reloading
You can definitely save money by buying multiple reloading gear items in one combo package. RCBS offers a variety of Reloading Combo Kits which feature reloading press, powder measure, scale, priming tool, and other items. These range in price from $265-$620 on Amazon. This video reviews an RCBS Rebel Master Kit. This is a very complete starter set-up, sold for $449.99 at Midsouth.
Along with the press, we like many of the components in the Rebel Master combo kit. The powder measure works well as does the trickler, and the hand primer tool is reliable, with good feeding and plenty of leverage.
RCBS Partner Press
We think all serious reloaders should have a small, secondary single-stage press for repetitive tasks such as decapping primers. In addition, a small, compact press can be transported easily to the range. Load development can be done more efficiently when loading at the range, as you can easily modify seating depth and other variables. The RCBS Partner Press (#ad) is a great choice for a secondary press. This UltimateReloader video shows the key features of the Partner Press.
RCBS 6-Station Turret Press — Operation Tips
This editor has owned and used an RCBS Turret Press for over two decades. While certainly not as versatile/sophisticated as the Area 419 XERO turret press, this six-station RCBS press does its job handily. It is a good choice if you load multiple pistol cartridges. With six stations, you can install both a sizing and a seating die for three different cartridge types, such as 9mm Luger, .357 Magnum, and .45 ACP. It is currently $406.99 at MidwayUSA.
RCBS Brass Boss Case Prep Center
The RCBS Boss is a powered case prep center that performs multiple tasks efficiently. Priced at $214.99 on Amazon (#ad), the RCBS Boss boasts six variable, high-speed rotating stations (four at <350 RPM; two at <550 RPM). This unit is great for initial case prep (chamfering/deburring) and regular brass maintenance.
RCBS Summit — Set-UP and Field installation on Vehicle
The RCBS Summit Press (#ad) is a very unique, small footprint press that operates differently than most reloading presses. The cast-iron Summit has a large-diameter center column and die moves up and down to meet the cartridge. With this small footprint, the Summit can be used in the field. As you can see in the second video, one of our testers actually mounted a Summit Press on his vehicle (with a special pedestal) so he could load anywhere.
RCBS Bench-mount Priming Tool (Two Short Videos)
If you need to prime large numbers of cases, the RCBS bench-mount Auto Priming Tool can do so efficiently at a modest cost (currently $135.84 on Amazon #ad). It attaches to your bench so it is secure and stable. A vertical tube holds dozens of primers that feed into the pusher as you can see in these videos. Older guys who experience pain when gripping hand primer tools have praised this bench-mounted RCBS unit.
Choosing a Case Cleaning System
Here Kent Sakamoto of RCBS looks at the three main types of brass cleaning systems: Vibratory Tumbler, Wet Tumbler (with media), and Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine. Kent reviews the pros and cons of each system. Most gun owners can benefit by having an ultrasonic machine for parts cleaning as well as a tumbler for cleaning fired brass.
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