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March 7th, 2026

Saturday Movies: Precision Rimfire Matches — NRL22 & PRS 22

MARS modern american rimfire series tactical NRL22 sunday gunday Center-X PRS .22 David Luu

Rimfire tactical-style matches are now one of the fastest-growing types of rifle competition in the country. The USA has seen a big growth in rimfire tactical matches over the last six years. NRL22 and PRS Rimfire matches are held throughout the country. Right now there are probably ten times as many rimfire tactical matches as sanctioned PRS and NRL centerfire matches. The reason is simple — rimfire ammo is much less costly, and clubs can run challenging rimfire tactical matches at nearly any outdoor gun range that allows shooting out to 200+ yards.

The National Rifle League (NRL) started off sponsoring major centerfire tactical matches, similar to PRS competitions. That proved successful so the NRL added a .22 LR Rimfire series, called NRL22. The NRL22 rimfire discipline has been a major success, as rimfire guns are fun to shoot and ammo is very affordable. The most popular NRL22 matches have drawn up to 200 rimfire competitors. And now PRS has its own PRS .22 Rimfire series.

Precision Rimfire Match with Through-the-Lens Video

Here’s an interesting video featuring a top-tier .22 LR MDT-chassis rifle. The host, Pieter “Piet” Malan from South Africa, runs the excellent Impact Shooting YouTube Channel, which now has 320+ videos on target shooting and hunting. This video features a TriggerCam unit attached to the scope, so you can see hits on the targets, just as the shooter does.

rimfire precision .22 LR NRL 22 PRS Piet South Africa

NRL22 — Affordable, Challenging Rimfire Competition Series

NRL22 is a great way to get into competition shooting with minimal expense. There are currently eight (8) classes: Open, Base, Young Guns, Ladies, Air Rifle, Old Guns, Semi-Auto, and Adaptive. Base Class is for the budget-minded shooter — the combined MSRP of Rifle and Optic may not exceed $1650.00 (for example spend $800 on a rifle and $850 on a scope). That keeps the sport affordable. The other classes have no price limits on Rifle and Optic. The “Young Guns” division is for competitors 17 years or younger. Visit NRL22.com to find an NRL22 match near you. CLICK HERE for full NRL22 rules with 2026 updates.

Precision Rimfire Competition Match Report

This excellent video covers a big rimfire precision match, the King of 0.28 Miles event, held at the Rush Lake Range in MN. The video shows multiple stages with targets out to 300 yards, followed by a 465-yard challenge. Host Dave shot the match with a Vudoo Gunworks V22 rifle in a Grayboe Ridgeback stock, with a Trijicon Accupower 4.5-30x56mm FFP scope. The ammo was Lapua Center-X, a top-tier choice.

Rimfire Ammo Selection — Why Comparison Testing Is Important

Every gun and barrel is different, so you should test various ammo types in YOUR rifle. Additionally, you can benefit from lot testing with particular ammo types to optimize your ammo choice even more. If you’re serious about rimfire accuracy, lot testing can be very helpful, whether at your own rage or a testing center. There is no replacement for starting with a good lot of ammunition your rifle likes.

First Rimfire Precision Match — Lessons Learned

Here’s a helpful video for folks getting started in the Precision Rimfire game. Our buddy F-Class John, a top F-Open competitor (and YouTube video creator), is getting starting in the .22 LR precision discipline. Here he provides lessons learned from his first .22 LR precision match.

Tripod Review — Options for Precision Rimfire Shooters

In this video, Joshua Thomas reviews an excellent, affordable full-size shooting tripod for rimfire precision matches. You’ll find many more honest and informative gear reviews on the Pursuit of Accuracy YouTube channel. And on Joshua’s website, Pursuitofaccuracy.com, you’ll find gear recommendations and free downloadable targets. Joshua’s CZ 457 precision rimfire rifle was featured in our Bulletin.

free prs nrl target factory pursuit accuracy

jonathan Ocab v-22 vudoo action MPA BA Comp chassis rimfire tactical NRL22 sunday gunday Center-X 6mm creedmoor PRS

The NRL22 match format is a great shooting discipline. NRL22 offers a high fun factor at relatively low cost. You don’t have to reload match ammo. A couple of 50-round boxes of .22 LR ammo will get you through the match. While some people bring lots of gear to matches, that’s by choice and not by necessity. You can keep it simple and still be competitive (and win).

Tips for NRL22 Competitors
by Jonathan Ocab
I am a match director at my gun club and run our local NRL22 matches. People often ask me for tips for competing in NRL22. First, I recommend getting the course of fire for the month in advance and practicing those stages at the range. Here are other specific tips that should help NRL22 competitors improve their gun-handling and match results.

1. Dry Fire Practice — If you are not able to do live fire practice at the range, I encourage shooters to practice their shooting positions at home via dry fire. Setup props or barricades with pasters or other faux targets on a wall in the garage or inside the house and run through each stage.

2. Scope Magnification Level — The most common issue I see with newer shooters in NRL22 is the tendency to maximize their scope magnification. The timer will start, and the shooter gets into position on a target, but the scope is set to 15x or higher and the shooter can’t find the target. The shooter lowers the magnification, locates the target, and then increases the magnification again, takes the shot, transitions to another target, and repeats the process of decreasing magnification, locating target, etc. Novice NRL22 shooters should try using the mid-range magnification. Try shooting 7x-12x and learn to balance field of view and target image.

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March 6th, 2026

How to Read the Wind — Expert Tips from Emil Praslick III

Berger Bullets Applied Ballistics Wind Reading Zero direction speed windy

Emil Praslick III is widely recognized as one of the greatest wind wizards on the planet — a master at identifying wind value and direction, and predicting wind cycles. As coach of the USAMU and top civilian teams, Emil has helped win many high-level championships. In the three videos we feature today, Emil, who works with Capstone Precision Group (Berger, Lapua, SK, Vihtavuori) and Team Applied Ballistics, explains how to determine wind direction and velocity using a variety of indicators. Praslick, now retired from the U.S. Army, was an 18-time National and 2-time World Champion coach with the USAMU.

Video ONE: Wind Theory Basics — Understanding “Wind Values”

In this video from UltimateReloader.com, Emil explains the basics of modern wind theory. To properly understand the effect of the wind you need to know both the velocity of the wind and its angle. The combination of those variables translates to the wind value. Emil also explains that the wind value may not be constant — it can cycle both in speed and velocity. Emil also explains some of the environmental conditions such as mirage that can reveal wind conditions.

Emil Praslick III Berger SWN Wind calling reading

Video TWO: Determining the Direction of the Wind

Key Point in Video — Find the Boil
Emil explains how to determine wind direction using optic. The method is to use spotting scope, riflescope, or binoculars to look for the “Boil” — the condition in mirage when the light waves rising straight up. The wind will generate that straight-up, vertical boil in your optics when it is blowing directly at you, or directly from your rear. To identify this, traverse your scope or optics until you see the boil running straight up. When you see that vertical boil, the direction your optic is pointing is aligned with the wind flow (either blowing towards you or from directly behind you).

Video THREE: The No Wind Zero Setting

In this second video, Emil defines the “No-Wind Zero”, and explains why competitive shooters must understand the no-wind zero and have their sights or optics set for a no-wind zero starting point before heading to a match. In order to hit your target, after determining wind speed and direction, says Emil, “you have to have your scope setting dialed to ‘no wind zero’ first.”

Emil Praslick III KO2M

Coach of Champions — Emil Praslick III
SFC Emil Praslick III, (U.S. Army, retired) works with Berger Bullets and Applied Ballistics. Emil served as the Head Coach of the U.S. National Long Range Rifle Team and Head Coach of the USAMU for several years. Teams coached by Emil have won 33 Inter-Service Rifle Championships. On top of that, teams he coached set 18 National records and 2 World Records. Overall, in the role of coach, Praslick can be credited with the most team wins of any coach in U.S. Military history.

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March 5th, 2026

Get INFO about Smallbore and Air Rifle 2026 National Matches

camp perry cmp national matches petrarca 3 position range air rifle smallbore rimfire

Registration is now open for the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) 2026 National Smallbore and Air Rifle events. These will be part of the 2026 CMP National Matches held at the Camp Perry National Guard Training Base in Clinton, Ohio. Review the 2026 National Matches schedule and event info on the CMP website. CLICK HERE for 14–page Smallbore and Air Gun Championships summary, and CLICK HERE for National Matches 2026 Event Calendar.

CLICK to Register for 3P Smallbore & Air Rifle Nat’l Matches »
CLICK to Register for Smallbore Prone National Matches »
CLICK to Register for Other Air Gun National Matches »

Smallbore (Rimfire) Events at Petrarca Range
The National Smallbore lineup includes iron sights and any sights prone events as well as 3×20 (three-position) individual and team matches. Smallbore events are fired on the covered outdoor electronic target line of Camp Perry’s Petrarca Range.

camp perry cmp national matches petrarca 3 position range

This video covers the Smallbore competition at the 2021 CMP National Matches at Camp Perry.

National Air Gun Matches at Gary Anderson Competition Center
Air rifle and/or air pistol competitors can participate in the National Air Gun Matches, held on the electronic target range at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. The CMP Air Pistol Matches will take place at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center located on Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio.

camp perry cmp national matches petrarca 3 position range air rifle smallbore rimfire

Schedule Allows Competitors to Shoot Both Smallbore AND Air Rifle Events
The National Smallbore and National Air Gun phases have been arranged in tandem to allow athletes the option of competing in both disciplines, with an aggregate event included for those firing in air rifle and three-position smallbore competitions.

About the National Matches:
The National Matches event is comprised of the CMP National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches, National Games Matches, National Smallbore Matches, National Air Gun Championships, and the National Mid-Range and Long Range Matches. The month-long series also includes a variety of educational clinics for all experience levels. All events are open to the public, with spectators welcome.

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March 4th, 2026

BYOB — How to Build Your Own Barricade for Tactical Training

6.5 Guys Ed Mobley Steve Lawrence

Here’s a great Do-It-Yourself project for tactical shooters. Ed and Steve of 65Guys.com have created a versatile wooden barricade designed for easy transport. The goal with this design was to create a stable barricade that offers a variety of shooting positions, but can also fit in the bed of a pick-up or the back of an SUV. The 69″ tall barricade is hinged in the middle, so it’s just 27″ wide. To deploy the Barricade you simply fold it open and then nest the lower wings in ground-level stands.

We call this the BYOB Project — Build Your Own Barricade. Anyone with basic wood-working skills should find the Barricade pretty easy to make. The only tricky part is cutting the side Dado joints for the left and right lower wings. But when you’ve got it completed, you have a low-cost unit that is versatile and sturdy yet easy to pack in a truck and carry out on the range. In the video below the 6.5 Guys showcase their Gen 2 barricade and explain how to build one just like it.

Looking at the 6.5 Guys Modular Barricade
The Modular Barricade was drawn up by Steve in PowerPoint and then dimensions added. Once the entire plan was created, Steve cut components to size and then used ordinary wood screws and wood glue to assemble the barricade frame. This was done to ensure maximum rigidity due to the light weight construction using 2″ x 2″ frame members. A long piano hinge was used to allow the Barricade to fold in half, while still having high torsional rigidity. Each of the Barricade openings are 12″ x 12″ square. This consistent ‘window’ spacing allows interchangeable panels with different cut-out shapes to be placed at varies heights/locations in the Barricade.

Modular Barricade Key Features
— Lightweight construction using low-cost 2×2 wood beams.
— Collapsible frame with center hinges for easy transport and deployment.
— Multiple Support levels at 6″ vertical intervals (6″ variance R to L).
— Modular port design allows ports to be changed and moved as desired.

6.5 Guys Ed Mobley Steve Lawrence


CLICK HERE to Download 6.5 Guys Barricade Plans PDF »

6.5 Guys’ Modular Barricade — Construction Tips
The Modular Barricade can be constructed over a weekend with the proper materials and basic shop tools such as a power saw and electric screwdriver. Steve used a router for the side panel dado joints but a table saw could also be used for that task. Steve’s only real issue with the build involved the port panels — getting them to fit right. The 2″ x 2″ frame wood wasn’t always straight; even a small variation in the wood could cause a port panel to be too tight or too loose. Steve had to do a lot of extra sanding and planing to get the port panels to fit just right.

Where and How to Use the Barricade for Training
Because the 6.5 Guys’ Modular Barricade is so easy to move, you can simply pack it up and deploy it at your local range for practice. (Do ensure club/range rules allow shooting from barricades.) While the Barricade is designed to sit on the natural ground, the base stands can also be placed on concrete if your range does not allow deployment forward of the normal firing line. While you can use the Barricade for training on your own, Ed and Steve say novice shooters can benefit from a formal clinic.

In the video below, the 6.5 Guys discuss precision rifle training with Scott Satterlee, an instructor with Core Shooting Solutions. This video explains why new shooters should consider enrolling in a formal training clinic. Topics covered are: typical course format and “curriculum”, the gear needed to participate in a precision rifle clinic, and skills shooters should practice before attending the clinic.

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February 26th, 2026

Great .22 LR Rimfire Accuracy at 200 yards — Australia Fly Shoot

Australia Australian SSAA Rimfire smallbore .22 LR Fly Shoot 200 yard record group accuracy Canberra Australia Eley Tenex

What kind of accuracy do you think is possible from a rimfire benchrest rifle? If we said 0.44 MOA you might not be surprised, thinking this was at 50 yards. But how about 0.44 MOA accuracy at TWO HUNDRED yards. Now that’s impressive. Consider this — at 200 yards, a 10 mph crosswind will push that little 40gr bullet 15.3 inches. Here’s the story, which comes from the Land Down-Under, Australia.

A few seasons back, Australian John Lavaring shot a group at 200 yards that would make most centerfire shooters proud. The five-shot group, with all shots in the center 10-Ring, measured just 0.93 inches. That works out to 0.44 MOA at 200 — mighty impressive for a .22 LR. Recorded at a Rimfire Fly Shoot benchrest event in Canberra, Australia, this 200-yard target set two new Australian SSAA National records! John was using ELEY Tenex ammunition.

Congratulations to John Lavaring for a spectacular demonstration of how well a rimfire rig can shoot — even at 200 yards. We rarely shoot our .22 LR rifles past 50 meters. Maybe it’s time to start a Rimfire ELR series, with targets at 200 or even 300 yards. What do you think of the Rimfire ELR idea? Leave comments below.

Australia Australian SSAA Rimfire smallbore .22 LR Fly Shoot 200 yard record group accuracy Canberra Australia Eley TenexAnschutz 54 Benchrest Rig
The rifle was a Anschutz model 54 Match in a custom benchrest stock. John’s record-setting rig features a barrel block, which you can see forward of the action. Scope is a Bausch & Lomb BR model. We don’t have the round count on Lavaring’s barrel, but good rimfire benchrest rifles can often get 10,000 rounds (or more) of accurate life.

Rimfire Ballistics at 200 Yards
Some folks may be wondering about .22 LR ballistics at 200 yards. Well, with a 25-yard zero, the 200-yard drop for John’s 40gr Tenex ammo is 54 inches, assuming 0.145 G1 BC and 1085 fps muzzle velocity per ELEY website. And at 200 yards, a 10 mph crosswind will push that little bullet 15.3 inches! We’re told the winds were pretty tricky when Lavary shot his record group. This makes his achievement all the more impressive — we have to admire John’s wind-reading ability.

This ELEY ammo has proven to be exceptionally accurate. Here is a short video showing TEN rounds of Tenex shot from a machine rest with target at 50 meters.

Ten Rounds ELEY Tenex at 50 meters:

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February 24th, 2026

MidwayUSA Foundation Grants $7.5 Million to Youth Programs

Midwayusa foundation millions dollars grants youth shooting programs

Midwayusa foundation millions dollars grants youth shooting programsIn its latest funding cycle, the MidwayUSA Foundation paid over $7.5 million to youth shooting sports teams and organizations. This record-breaking late 2025 grant cycle provided over $5.7 million to 970+ youth shooting teams and over $1.6 million to organizations that work with youth shooting programs. Since 2008, the MidwayUSA Foundation has paid nearly $80 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports over the years. Foundation grants assist with costs for ammunition, targets, entry fees, and travel. Grants also help cover coach certification costss.

In total, this latest funding cycle provided over $7.5 million to the youth shooting sports community. This payout includes funds to youth shooting teams, organizations, and grants were provided to certain donor-advised endowments. A shout-out to the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin for being at the top of the list in cash grant recipients and dollars paid to teams. In addition to youth shooting teams, the MidwayUSA Foundation provides funds to key state, regional, and national organizations that support youth shooting sports.

Midwayusa foundation millions dollars grants youth shooting programs

Rachel Augustine of Missouri 4-H Foundation stated: “The grants we receive from the MidwayUSA Foundation play a crucial role in the success of Missouri 4-H shooting sports. They help us provide essential funding for equipment, volunteer training, and state and national contests, as well as events. Through 4-H shooting sports, youth gain confidence, leadership, and responsibility, while developing a lifelong appreciation for shooting, hunting, and the outdoors.”

Donations Are Tax-Deductible
Donations made to MidwayUSA Foundation are tax-deductible and 100% of each donation goes to the endowment of the donor’s choice — nothing is removed for operations.

Midwayusa foundation millions dollars grants youth shooting programs

The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow youth shooting sports by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. For more information please visit MidwayUSAFoundation.org or call 1-877-375-4570.

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February 23rd, 2026

New Int’l Team Events at CMP Camp Perry Summer Program

CMP national matches mid-range long range f-Class palma rifle team competition

CMP Introduces International Team Event for 2026
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has added a new International Team Match during the 2026 National Mid/Long Range events at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio. The International 12-Person Team Match will be held Sunday, August 9, featuring a Palma team course of fire with record shots at 800, 900, and 1000 yards. The event is set to include competitors from the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. After the Camp Perry events conclude, the teams will travel to Ontario, Canada for the Canadian Fullbore Championships.

The National Mid/Long Range rifle events run August 3-9, 2026, as part of the CMP’s annual National Matches. Open to competitors of any experience level, these events feature individual and team competitions on Camp Perry’s Viale Range, fired completely on outdoor eTargets from 600 to 1000 yards. The National Long Range series will also include a 4-person Palma team match.

REGISTRATION Opens March 1, 2026
Registration for the 2026 National Matches opens March 1st, a week from now. Go to TheCMP.org/cmp-matches/national-long-range-matches to get complete information on the CMP’s National Long Range Matches, including programs, target info, and match schedules. On that page, you will find a registration link that activates 3/1/2026.

CMP national matches mid-range long range f-Class palma rifle team competition

“We’re excited to host teams from Canada and Great Britain for the first time at a CMP Long Range event,” said Sara Rozanski, CMP Highpower Rifle Coordinator. “It offers us an opportunity to showcase our targets and facilities to top international competitors while making our own mark in the global Long Range community.”

CMP national matches mid-range long range f-Class palma rifle team competition

CMP National Mid/Long Range Matches — Events and Course of Fire:
Matches include Match Rifle, Service Rifle, Palma, F-Open, F-TR, F-Practical, and/or AR Tactical.

Mid-Range 3×600 – three 20-shot strings slow prone at 600 yards in 22-minute time blocks
600-Yard Two-Person Team Match – 20 shots per team member at 600 yards
Camp Perry Palma Match – 15 record shots at 800, 900, and 1000 yards, at each firing line in 22-minute time blocks
Viale, Critchfield, Henry, Kerr, McMaken & Speaks, Baesel Memorial individual matches – 20 record slow prone shots in 30 minutes at 1000 yards
Bataan Memorial 4-Man Team Match – 20 shots slow prone by each member at 1000 yards
Winder Memorial Iron 4 Man Team Match – 20 record shots per team member in 47 minutes at 1000 yards
Willis Lee, Jr. Memorial Two-Person Team Match – 20 record shots per team member in 47 minutes at 1000 yards
Gen. Edward S. Bryant Memorial Two-Person Team Match – 20 record shots per team member in 47 minutes from 1,000 yards

About the Camp Perry National Matches:
Held at the Camp Perry National Guard Training Facility in Ohio since 1907, the Annual National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches represent some of the biggest and most popular shooting competitions in the Western Hemisphere. The 2026 National Matches schedule includes CMP National Air Gun Matches, National Rifle Matches, National Pistol Matches, National Smallbore Matches, and the National Mid/Long Range Matches. The CMP will also run popular Small Arms Firing Schools covering on safety and fundamentals for Pistol, Rifle and Smallbore Rifle disciplines.

The National Matches are conducted by a partnership between the CMP and Ohio National Guard. Learn more by visiting the CMP website at TheCMP.org/cmp-national-matches.

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February 21st, 2026

The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters — Good Wind-Reading Resource

wind reading book Camp Perry Miller Cunningham

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” — William Arthur Ward

Readers often ask us: “Is there a decent, easy-to-comprehend book that can help my wind-reading?” Many of our Forum members have recommended The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters by Linda Miller and Keith Cunningham.

New Edition — Hardback and eBook
The latest, updated edition of The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters was released in May 2020. This 144-page book, first published in 2007, is a great resource. But you don’t have to take our word for it. If you click this link, you can read book excerpts and decide for yourself. When the Amazon page opens, look below the book cover photo, and click the bar labeled “Read Sample”. This lets you preview chapters from the Wind Book, and view some illustrations. Along with the hardback edition ($21.07), Amazon offers a Kindle (eBook) edition for $14.99.

Other books cover wind reading in a broader discussion of ballistics or long-range shooting, such as Applied Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting by Bryan Litz. But the Miller & Cunningham book is ALL about wind reading from cover to cover, and that is its strength. The book focuses on real world skills that can help you accurately gauge wind angle, wind velocity, and wind cycles.

All other factors being equal, it is your ability to read the wind that will make the most difference in your shooting accuracy. The better you understand the behavior of the wind, the better you will understand the behavior of your bullet. — The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters

The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters covers techniques and tactics used by expert wind-readers. There are numerous charts and illustrations. The authors show you how to put together a simple wind-reading “toolbox” for calculating wind speed, direction, deflection and drift. Then they explain how to use these tools to read flags and mirage, record and interpret your observations, and time your shots to compensate for wind.

I believe this is a must-have book if you are a long-range sport shooter. I compete in F-Class Open and when I first purchased this book and read it from cover to cover, it helped me understand wind reading and making accurate scope corrections. Buy this book, read it, put into practice what it tells you, you will not be disappointed. — P. Janzso

If you have one book for wind reading, this should be it. Whether you’re a novice or experienced wind shooter this book has something for you. It covers how to get wind speed and direction from flags, mirage, and natural phenomenon. In my opinion this is the best book for learning to read wind speed and direction. — Muddler

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February 19th, 2026

Five Ways to Become a Better Handgun Shooter

pistol training skills bellevue gun club
Photo from Training Program at Bellevue Gun Club, Washington State’s “premier indoor shooting facility”.

At AccurateShooter.com, our primary focus is precision target shooting with rifles. But it’s definitely fun to shoot pistols too, and we bet most of our regular readers own handguns. Here are five tips for shooting safely and accurately with handguns. These pointers will help you advance your skills and have more fun with your pistols and revolvers.

1. Make Sure Safety Is Number One

Whether you own one gun or one hundred, gun safety must always be your main priority. In this video, Smith & Wesson Team Captain Julie Golob covers the basics of gun safety.

2. Start with a .22 LR Handgun

Pistol Shooting Tips Target Mentor safety training

We strongly recommend that new pistol shooters start off with a .22 LR rimfire handgun. The .22 LR cartridge is accurate but has very low recoil, less “bark” than a centerfire, and very little smoke and muzzle flash. New shooters won’t have to fight muzzle flip, and won’t develop a flinch from the sharp recoil and muzzle blast common to larger calibers. With the .22 LR, the trainee can focus on sight alignment, breathing, and trigger pull. When he or she has mastered those skills, move on to a .38 Special or 9mm Luger (9x19mm).

What gun to use? We recommend the 10-shot Smith & Wesson Model 617. This is ideal for initial training, shooting single action, slow-fire. You want to focus on sight picture and holding steady. Shown above is the 4″-barrel Model 617 which balances well. There is also a 6″-barrel version. It has a longer sight radius, but is a little nose-heavy. Both are great choices. They are extremely accurate and they boast a very clean, precise trigger.

browning buck mark buckmark stainless udx rimfire .22 LR pistol

If you prefer a semi-auto .22 LR pistol, we recommend the Browning Buck Mark series. Buck Marks are very accurate and very reliable. There are now 58 different Buck Mark models, priced at $469.99 to $839.99 MSRP. Retail prices start at about $330 for a basic Buck Mark Camper 22 UFX model. Like the S&W Model 617, a good Buck Mark will serve you for a lifetime.

3. Use Quality Targets with Multiple Aim Points

Birchwood Casey Target Spots neon day-glow

Birchwood Casey Target Spots neon day-glowIt’s common for new pistoleros to start shooting at cans or clay birds at a public range. That can be fun, but it’s better to start with proper targets, placed at eye level, at 7-10 yards. We like to use targets with large, brightly colored circles. Focus on putting 5 shots in a circle.

We recommend targets that have multiple bullseyes or aiming points — that way you don’t have to constantly change your target. There are also special paper targets that can help you diagnose common shooting problems, such as anticipating recoil. EZ2C makes very good targets with bright, red-orange aim points. You can also use the bright orange Birchwood Casey stick-on Target Dots (right). These come in a variety of diameters. We like the 2″ dot at 10 yards.

4. Find a Good Mentor and Watch Some Videos First

Pistol Shooting Tips Target Mentor safety training
Photo courtesy AV Firearms Training.

Too many new pistol shooters try to move right to rapid fire drills. It’s better to start slow, practicing the basics, under the guidance of a good mentor. If you belong to a club, ask if there are certified instructors who will help out. This Editor learned pistol shooting from a seasoned bullseye shooter, who got me started with a .22 LR revolver and very close targets. Over the course of a few range sessions we progressed to farther targets and faster pace. But the fundamentals were never forgotten. When starting your pistol training, it’s wise to view some instructional videos. Top Shot Champion Chris Cheng hosts an excellent Handgun 101 Series produced by the NSSF. We’ve linked one of these Handgun 101 videos for Tip #6.

5. SLOW DOWN — This Is Not a Race

When you learned to ride a bicycle, you started slow — maybe even with training wheels. The same principle applies to pistol shooting. When you get started with handguns, we recommend you shoot slowly and deliberately. Start with the handgun unloaded — just work on your sight alignment and breathing. With snap caps in place, try some dry-firing drills. Then progress to live fire. But be deliberate and slow. With the target at 20 feet, see if you can get three successive shot-holes to touch. Believe it or not, many common pistols are capable of this kind of accuracy (but you won’t see many shooters at indoor ranges who pursue that kind of precision). Once you master your form and accuracy, then you can work on your speed.

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February 17th, 2026

Improve Your Handgun Skills with Three Great Pistol Videos

tactical hyve training pistol rifle video sights trigger milrad reticle ar15 self defense

The Tactical Hyve YouTube channel currently hosts over 1,100 videos! Here are three of our favorite Tactical Hyve videos focusing on pistol marksmanship. These videos cover basic essential techniques as well as advanced handgun skills used in competition. These videos feature highly-skilled handgun experts.

1. How to Aim a Pistol with Iron Sights or Red Dot

We recommend this video for persons training for a CCW permit, or who are getting started in pistol shooting competition. The video shows proper technique for using iron sights. In addition, it offers some important advice for shooting with Red Dots. Shooting with Red Dot sights can be easier than with iron sights because you only have to put the dot on the target, rather than align front blade with rear notch. But it does take some familiarization to get things right. And persons with astigmatism can have challenges with Red Dot sights.

2. Get Your Sights Back On Target Fast

This popular video covers a very important skill for both pistol competition and defensive handgun use — getting your sights back on target quickly. This informative video covers grip, sight picture, trigger control, and how to handle recoil and muzzle rise. If you’re considering action pistol or 3-gun matches, definitely watch this video.

3. Five Most Common Pistol Shooting Mistakes

In this video, Myles, the founder of Tactical Hyve, talks about the five most common pistol shooting mistakes he sees in classes and how to correct them. Many folks begin pistol shooting without a qualified instructor. Or they try to imitate what they see on TV. This can lead to new pistol shooters forming bad habits. This video helps handgunners correct those bad habits. This popular video has 1.9 million views.

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