The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) has created a series of instructional videos about High Power Rifle shooting, Service Rifle shooting, 3-Gun matches, and pistol competition. We’ve linked five of these informative USAMU videos today along with a special profile video on Amanda Elsenboss, who, as a USAMU shooter, has won both the Long Range and High Power National Championships in recent years.
In addition, as a major BONUS, we link twenty (20) informative articles authored by expert USAMU shooters and coaches. Those excellent, detailed articles covering a wide range of topics including rifle positions, wind reading, fitness training, trigger control, nutrition, training plans, and much more.
Amanda Elsenboss — National HP and Long Range Champion
The gifted SSG Amanda Elsenboss won the 2019 NRA Long-Range Championship and the 2021 High Power National Championship. In 2022 Amanda also won the National President’s Rifle Match, the first woman ever to do so. Those accomplishments place Amanda among America’s legendary shooters. Amanda started shooting at age 8 with her father, then began competitive marksmanship at age 13. In 2009, she joined the U.S. Army as part of the USAMU rifle team. She has left full-time service, but is now a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Sight Alignment and Trigger Control
In this USAMU Shooter’s Corner instructional video, SFC Kenneth Rose explains key elements of using sights on a service rifle. Rose also explain how to make the trigger pull at the optimum moment when the sights are perfectly aligned and steady.
How to Set Up Sling and Rifle for Prone Shooting
In this video, the USAMU’s SGT Jonathan Wannemacher explains how to set up a service rifle sling for prone rifle shooting. Wannemacher has earned a number of coveted awards including the the Distinguished Rifleman Badge and President’s Hundred Tab.
Rifle Grip, Stance, and Body Position for 3-Gun Action Matches
SFC Daniel Horner, now with SIG Sauer, is arguably the best 3-Gun action shooter on the planet. Horner has won multiple major 3-Gun Championships, shooting rifle, shotgun, and pistol in timed action matches. Horner’s speed, accuracy, and mobility is without peer. In this video, Horner shows techniques for AR-type rifle shooting in 3-Gun competition.
Amazing Trick Shot with Air Rifle
In this Trick Shot Tuesday video SPC Ivan Roe shoots a pill (at two different angles) off the top of a balloon. Very impressive shooting! Ivan hails from Manhattan, Montana and has been a notable member of the USAMU International Rifle Team.
How to Use Data Books During Matches
Data books can be very valuable tools during marksmanship training. In this video, USAMU shooter SGT Lane Ichord explains Data Book basics and how to log information during practice and matches.
BONUS: 20 Marksmanship Articles from USAMU Experts
USAMU shooters and coaches have written an excellent series of articles on highpower and service rifle shooting. Many of these originally appeared in The First Shot, the CMP’s on-line magazine. Here are twenty notable USAMU expert articles:
In recent years, the California Legislature has passed a series of laws restricting the rights of California gun owners. The latest example of anti-gun legislation will hit gun owners in their pocketbooks….
If you want to practice your marksmanship in California from now on, get ready to open your wallet and pay the taxman. With the passage of AB 211, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, California shooters who use paper targets at indoor ranges will have to pay a fee for every hole they put in paper — literally. This new law, codified in the California Penal Code, states that commercial gun ranges must collect a charge of $0.38 per shot, as established by holes made in approved paper targets. This fee, the “Target Tax”, can be raised in the future at the discretion of the California Dept. of Justice.
Here’s how it will work, starting June 1, 2023, when the new Target Tax law goes into effect at California indoor ranges. First, all shooters must purchase California DOJ-approved paper targets (you may no longer bring your own). When you purchase a certified target at an indoor range, your name and the number of targets you have purchased will be recorded in a state database. Then, after your shooting session, the targets must be scanned, with the number of shot holes recorded. A charge of $0.38 per scanned hole will be added as a line item for your range session, along with the DOJ target-processing fee of $5.00 per target.
With 30 holes, the new California target tax on this left target would be 30 x $0.38 or $11.40. Conversely, the tax on the target on the right would be just 38 cents, because there is only one hole, though five shots went through the same hole. Obviously, exceptional marksmanship skills can help reduce your target tax liabilities.
California Targets Must Be Culturally Tolerant and Non-Discriminatory
AB 211 also includes a series of provisions which specify the types of targets which may be purchased. First, as you might expect, all targets must be printed on recycled paper. Second, no target may contain any “hate speech” or “micro-aggressions”. Third, while targets may still show human silhouette-style outlines, any targets which depict a protected minority type or non-binary gender type are forbidden. Likewise, any target that shows discernable culture, religion, or national origin are forbidden. So, a target showing a bearded male wearing a turban would be forbidden. If you had such a target, the range owner would be required, under AB 211, to confiscate it. Shown below are two types of targets that would be illegal in California under AB 211. NOTE: It is unclear whether a zombie target would be allowed, if the Zombie is unknown gender, ethnicity, or culture.
We want to remind our readers that there is a great Smith & Wesson Rebate program right now with $50, $75, and $100 Rebates on a wide selection of pistols and rifle. But TAKE NOTE — you better act fast. This Firearm Frenzy Rebate Program ends April 2, 2023 — that’s just two days away. To qualify, all purchases must be made no later than 11:59 pm on 4/2/2023.
There are a lot of S&W pistols and rifles on sale but we noted two exceptional packages that are great values. The first is a S&W M&P 2.0 Pistol Combo Kit that normally retails for $750. With the sale discount, and the S&W Rebate, your full price is $499.99. The kit includes a 15rd Mag, and two 23rd mags, plus a knife, and other accessories — all in a nice, large fitted carry case. Below the photo is a video that shows the nice details of this kit.
This video shows the details of this $750 retail combo kit available now for $499.99. It’s worth watching as the host opens the kit and shows ALL the details. KYGUNCO is sold out but you can get this same combo kit from Palmetto State Armory. NOTE: $100 Rebate will not be available for purchases AFTER 4/2/2023!
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Rifle with Case and Accessories
Here’s a great little AR-type .22 LR rimfire rifle that is fun for NRL22 matches, rimfire 3-gun matches, and rimfire cross-training. This M&P 15-22 Bundle Pack includes an S&W logo Coyote Tan Range Bag (with mag slots), Walker Clear Sport Glasses, and Surefire EP3 Ear Pro. The M&P 15-22 SPORT has a 16.5″ barrel and comes standard with folding sights, M-LOK front handguard, and adjustable Magpul MOE SL rear stock. This rimfire rifle has been shown to be quite reliable, with a good trigger and true AR ergonomics — a big plus for cross-training. Right now you can get this 15-22 Bundle Pack for $421.07 AFTER $75 S&W Rebate. The regular KYGUNCO price (without rebate) is $496.07.
Congratulations to Erik Cortina winning the 2023 South African F-Open Target Rifle Championship with a Grand Aggregate score of 687-65X. This match was the domestic South African F-Class Championship, which preceded the 2023 F-Class World Championships which conclude on April 1, 2023.
The 86th South African Open Target Rifle Championships were held March 10-18th at the Genl De Wet Shooting Range in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The multi-day individual match had some tough conditions with twitchy, strong winds and rain delays.
Cortina, fresh off his first-place finish at the Southwest Nationals, used Lapua 6.5 PRC cases necked up to 7mm in his 7mm PRCW. He also took second in the President’s Cup, fourth in the Jack Mitchely Cup, and 11th in the Dalrymple Cup. Cortina is sponsored by Lapua.
“Traveling ten thousand miles and competing on an unfamiliar range is always nerve racking, but it’s comforting when the preparation pays off and things fall into place,” said Erik Cortina.
Cortina is currently in South Africa with the U.S. F-Class team competing in the 2023 F-Class World Championships. Eric Cortina finished 14th in the F-Open Division at the Worlds, which was won by B.J. Engelbrecht of South Africa. Visit 2021fcwc.com/fcwc-2023-results to stay up-to-date on Team USA’s accomplishments in the two divisions. The Team competition concludes tomorrow, April 1, 2023.
Team USA during practice day at F-Class World Championships in South Africa.
World F-Class Championships
The 2023 World F-Class Championships began on March 26, 2023 (after the South African Championships). The individual F-TR and F-0pen competitions are now complete. Team competition continues.
Shown below are the Individual F-Open and F-TR Grand Aggregate scores for the World F-Class Championships. There are links to the full results, along with tables of the Top 20 for each division. There were 116 F-Open competitors and 131 F-TR shooters. South African marksmen dominated the event.
Looking for a 1911 pistol? The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is raffling off a vintage 1911 pistol for competitors who register for the upcoming 2023 CMP Bianchi Cup International Pistol Tournament. The 2023 Bianchi Cup match runs May 23-26 in Hallsville, Missouri.
Those who sign up for the CMP Bianchi Cup BEFORE May 1, 2023 will be automatically entered into the 1911 raffle.* Additionally, two 500-rd bricks of .22 LR standard velocity surplus ammo will also be raffled off. So there are three chances to win overall.
To have a chance to win, you must officially register for the 2023 Bianchi Cup. ALL paid registrants will be automatically entered for the raffle. To learn more and REGISTER for the 2023 Bianchi Cup, go to the CMP 2023 Bianchi Cup Web Page.
About the CMP Bianchi Cup
The Bianchi Cup International Pistol Tournament was first held in 1979, making it the second longest running pistol championship in the world. This year, it will be hosted by the CMP for the first time, May 23-26, 2023, at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Missouri. The Bianchi Cup has been called the most prestigious pistol tournament in the world. Due to the high accuracy required in each stage of the Bianchi Cup, the tournament is considered one of the most difficult handgun championships on the planet.
The Bianchi Cup is Comprised of Four Events:
Practical Event: Competitors fire at distances from 10 yards to 50 yards under varying time limits from the shooting line.
Barricade Event: Competitors fire at targets on either side of the barricade at different distances and under varying time limits from within shooting boxes and behind barricades.
Falling Plate Event: Competitors fire at eight-inch round steel plates arranged in banks of six at distances from 10 to 25 yards under varying time limits.
Moving Target Event: Competitors fire from within shooting boxes at distances ranging from 10 to 25 yards at a target moving from left to right, with the target exposed for six seconds.
Bianchi Cup Open Class Pistol — Features in Review
Position Shooting with Pistols at Bianchi Cup
Competitors shoot from both standing and prone positions and are also required to shoot with both strong and weak hands at various stages. There are no make-up shots in the Bianchi Cup, adding to the difficulty.
* The raffle is open to U.S. citizens only. If a non-U.S. citizen is drawn, he or she will receive $500 in place of the 1911 pistol. Those who have already purchased a pistol are still permitted to win.
Online registration for the 2023 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury is open now at the NRA Competitive Shooting web portal. If you want to shoot at Camp Atterbury this summer, register soon.
The 2023 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury will run July 8 and conclude August 6, 2023. The Nationals will include the High Power Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, and Precision Pistol National Championships.
The 2023 NRA Rifle and Pistol Championships at Camp Atterbury will start with OTC (Over the Course) High Power Rifle competition. The High Power events run July 8 through July 28, 2023. This overlaps with the Precision Pistol Championships, slated for July 18-22, 2023. In 2023, the Smallbore 3-position event runs from July 25 through July 29, with Smallbore prone competition running July 30 through August 6, 2023.
2023 NRA NATIONAL MATCHES Schedule
Camp Atterbury, Indiana: July 8 – August 6
High Power Rifle Events — July 8-28
OTC (Over the Course): July 8-15
Team Match: July 14
Mid-Range: July 16-21
Long-Range: July 23-28
Palma Individual Match: July 27
Palma Team Match: July 28
Precision Pistol Events — July 18-22
.22/.22 EIC: July 20
Center Fire/Dist. Revolver: July 21
.45/Service Pistol EIC: July 22
Smallbore (.22 LR Rimfire) Rifle Events — July 25-August 6
3-Position: July 25-29
Prone: July 30-August 6
2023 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury Calendar
Camp Atterbury is a National Guard training facility located in Edinburgh, Indiana, which is about 37 miles south of Indianapolis.
Last year (2022) was the first time the NRA National High Power Championships were fired on electronic targets. Range Six at Camp Atterbury was outfitted with 30 Silver Mountain Targets Solo e-target systems, along with 10 more in reserve. One other nice feature of Camp Atterbury is the large, modern covered range. This is used for smallbore and pistol competitions.
Would you like gun and outdoor industry companies to learn what products you favor, or what types of hunting you prefer. Then you may want to take a FREE SURVEY.
Your responses help the hunting, recreational shooting, and defensive firearms markets develop new products and improve services. The results are shared with conservation and advocacy groups, allowing them to advance conservation and pro-second amendment issues. To participate, go to ShooterSurvey.com or HunterSurvey.com. NOTE: An email address is required.
Here are some interesting results from recent surveys:
NOTE: Results exceed 100% because many shooters use multiple firearms and/or bow types.
NOTE: Results exceed 100% because many hunters pursue multiple species.
If you take the survey, you get a chance to win a $100 gift card. Each quarter, respondents are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards to the outdoor retailer of their choice.
About Shooter Survey and Hunter Survey
Southwick Associates launched the HunterSurvey and ShooterSurvey in 2006 to help state Fish & Wildlife Agencies, conservation organizations, and the outdoor equipment industry understand what hunters, recreational target shooters, and personal protectors want and need. Survey results reflect the attitudes and habits of hunters and recreational shooters across the United States and are analyzed to develop new products, provide better services, and make smarter decisions that help improve public hunting, recreational shooting, and protection opportunities.
All survey responses are kept strictly confidential. Only summaries of the responses are used in reporting. However, to take the survey you must provide an email address to Southwick Associates. We recommend you NOT sign up with a primary business or personal email.
This article copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction is allowed.
For many riflemen, reading the wind is the toughest challenge in long-range shooting. Wind speeds and directions can change rapidly, mirage can be misleading, and terrain features can cause hard-to-predict effects. To become a competent wind reader, you need range-time and expert mentoring. In the latter department, Frank Galli, founder of Sniper’s Hide, offers a detailed digital resource: Wind Reading Basics for the Tactical Shooter.
Wind Reading Basics is much more than a 47-page eBook — it has charts, instructions for ballistic calculators, and even embedded videos. Galli explains: “We break down the formulas, walk you through using a ballistic computer, and give you all the information in one place. From videos, to useful charts, we make it simple to get started. It’s all about having a plan, and we give you that plan.”
Galli’s Wind Reading Basics, priced at $7.99, can be downloaded from iTunes for iPads, iPhones and iOS compatible devices. Here are sample sections from the eBook (which includes videos):
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
⏺ Amazing deal — save $190 on semi-auto home defense 12 gauge shotgun
Need a home defense gun? Well, here’s a steal of a deal — get an impressive 12 gauge auto-loading (semi-auto) defensive shotgun for just $209.99. The Emperor Firearms 12ga SR5 features tactical sights, forearm accessory rail, and a 5+1 capacity.
2. Powder Valley — Ginex Small Rifle Primers, $79.00 per 1000
⏺ Very affordable primers — save $20-$30 per 1000
If you need primers but don’t want to break the bank check out these Unis Ginex small rifle primers. Users report dependable ignition and good performance. These Unis Ginex primers have received good reviews from verified purchasers, and they cost less than nearly all other small rifle primers on the market. NOTE: For this deal there is a case quantity minimum of 5000 primers.
3. MidwayUSA — Texas Star Target, $199.99
⏺ Fun, rotating interactive target, now $100 OFF
Here’s a great interactive target for fun at the range — and right now it’s $100 off! The Birchwood Casey Texas Star Target features five plates made from tough AR500 steel. The 48″-tall Texas Star Target is a rotating target system for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. When one of the five, 6″ AR500 plates is hit, the star rotates. The target, which spins on industrial, greaseable bearings, can be disassembled easily for convenient transport. The Texas Star’s metal components feature a durable black powder coating.
4. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Spring Optics Sale
⏺ Great deals on Vortex and Leupold scopes, spotters, rangefinders
Have you been hunting for a new scope, laser rangefinder, or spotting scope? Head over to Sportsman’s Warehouse for the Spring OPTICS SALE. With leading brands such as Leupold, Vortex, and SIG Sauer being heavily discounted, you can grab the new optics you need AND save money.
5. Amazon — BOG Clamping Tripod, $161.45
⏺ Excellent, rugged clamping tripod for hunters and tactical shooters
Taking stable and safe shots while standing can be a struggle without the right gear. Whether for hunting, PRS, or target shooting, consider the BOG DeathGrip Aluminum Tripod. This tripod features a 3-position leg lock for prone, kneeling, sitting, or standing positions. The clamping section at the top holds the rifle securely. This tripod features an adjustment knob allowing up to 25 degrees of tilt adjustment and the tripod can pan 360 degrees. And the clamping head has a tension control that provides a secure grip. For a bit more money ($181-$184), BOG offers this same clamping tripod with high quality Realtree Escape Camo and Realtree Mossy Oak Camo finishes.
6. Natchez — March Madness Sale, Frankford Arsenal
⏺ Big sale with lots of good discounts
Frankford Arsenal offers an extensive line of reloading equipment — tumblers, priming tools, powder dispensers, case prep centers and more. You’ll find a huge selection of Frankford Arsenal gear on SALE this week at Natchez. Save up to 15% on nearly everything Frankford Arsenal makes, including the excellent Priming Tool, Intelli-Dropper, and Case Prep Center.
7. Amazon — Caldwell Stinger Rest, $95.09
⏺ Good choice for sighting-in hunting rifles — big savings right now
The Caldwell Stinger Rest is a good platform for sighting-in hunting rifles. Plus it also works great as a rifle holder for cleaning chores. Now just $95.09 on sale, the Caldwell Stinger Adjustable Ambidextrous Rifle Shooting Rest is a great value. With a “no wobble” rack and pinion front elevation system, cam-over front rest locks, rigid steel tube frame, and rear fine elevation adjustment, this rest provides a solid platform. And with open-center, dual frame design, this Stinger Rest works with ARs and lever action guns.
⏺ 9x19mm carbines are becoming very popular, and this is a quality rig
The Beretta Cx4 Storm 92 Carbine is a compact, ergonomic carbine with many good features. This 9mm Luger (9x19mm) carbine features a 16.6″ barrel and a Picatinny rail for optics. The pistol caliber Beretta Cx4 Storm 92 carbine accepts Beretta 92 handgun magazines — a big plus. That way Beretta pistol owners can use the same ammunition and magazines for both their handgun and rifle. That makes for more fun at the range.
9. Mile-High Shooting — Fix It Sticks AR15 Kit, $96.00
⏺ If you shoot an AR often, you shoot definitely get this tool kit
If you own an AR, you need the right tools. One of the best AR tool kits is the Fix It Sticks AR15 Field Maintenance Kit, now on sale for $96.00. This kit is out-of-stock elsewhere so grab one while you can. The Fix It Sticks AR15 Maintenance Kit includes a wide selection of drivers and accessories expressly made for ARs. And this Kit includes the All-In-One Torque Driver that can tension key parts such as scope mounts to the correct torque levels.
⏺ Superb, well-fitting eye protection at a great price
Every shooter needs high-quality eye protection, which should be used EVERY time one goes to the range. If you need new shooting eyewear, check out these SolidWork shooting glasses for just $12.49. These feature rugged frames and comfortable padding for the nose and temples. Strong and tough, these shooting glasses are USA ANSI Z87+ rated and German DIN EN 166/EN 170 certified. These shooting glasses feature Anti-Scratch, Anti-Fog, and Anti-Glare coatings: “Due to the special coatings, our protective eyewear is highly scratch-resistant, will not fog up, and will protect against harmful UV rays.”
Do you compete in rimfire benchrest, silhouette, or NRL22 matches? Then you’ll want to check out the Shooting Sports USA .22 LR Ammo Roundup released last week. That article covers .22 LR ammunition from Lapua, ELEY, SK, RWS, Norma, Wolf, and Aquila. Notably there’s a detailed discussion of Lapua’s new Long Range and Super Long Range ammo. In addition, SSUSA confirms that SK ammo (made in Germany by Nammo, parent of Lapua) and Wolf Match Target ammo (made by ELEY) both offer quite good performance for a moderate price.
The article notes that there is a much wider range of .22 LR ammo types available now than a few years ago. It’s not just a choice between cheap products and high-end match ammo. As SSUSA explains: “It used to be that .22 LR was either quite expensive match grade ammo, or it was cheap plinking or hunting ammo. Today, competitors have choices in grades of .22 LR match ammunition to suit their pocketbook or firearms.” We’ve seen good results with relatively inexpensive Norma Tac-22, and the SSUSA article says that SK performs well above its price level.
Seven Brands of .22 LR MATCH AMMUNITION
Lapua Super Long Range and Long Range .22 LR
Lapua Super Long Range and Long Range ammunition comes from Finland, and is designed for the growing long-range rimfire disciplines with targets at 100-300 yards. Lapua says this ammo delivers very low ES and SD numbers. Our friend F-Class John recently tested this ammo and confirmed it performs very well (SEE video above). “Each production lot of Lapua’s new rimfire products are test-fired in 50-round groups for dispersion”, Capstone’s Marketing Director, Geoff Esterline, said. “The results determine whether it makes Super Long Range or Long Range packaging.”
ELEY .22 LR Ammunition
ELEY has long been a top choice for .22 LR competition — both position shooting and benchrest. ELEY now offers 11 different varieties of .22 LR match ammunition, ranging in price from $7 (Benchrest Outlaw) to $20 (ELEY Tenex). If you’re in the rimfire benchrest game, you should definitely try some ELEY in your rifle.
SK .22 LR Ammunition
Numerous .22 LR ammunition types are offered by SK, suitable for a variety of disciplines — from NRL22 to Biathlon. Generally cheaper than ELEY Match ammo, SK offers good “bang for the buck”. F-Class John says it performs great considering the price. The SSUSA article notes that: “German manufacturer SK has eight match-grade .22 LR offerings, including two for pistols, one for semi-automatic rifles, and one for frigid, wintertime conditions.”
RWS .22 LR Ammunition
Sometimes hard to locate at vendors in the USA, RWS is popular among European competition shooters. The top-tier RWS ammo is a choice of many competitive shooters. RWS currently offers nine Premium Line .22 LR varieties and three Professional Line offerings. The SSUSA tester noted that RWS Rifle Match ammo shot great in his Bergara BMR, shooting one-ragged-hole groups at 50 yards and about one MOA at 100 yards. That’s great performance for $10/box ammo.
Norma .22 LR Ammunition
Norma recently introduced XTREME LR-22, a new type of competition rimfire ammo with a radical new bullet. This unique, patented bullet design has a special base with a cone (see diagram). Norma claims that this “rocket tail” design reduces drag by creating less negative pressure at the back end of the bullet. It will be interesting to see how this new bullet design works in rimfire ELR competition.
Wolf .22 LR Ammunition
SSUSA says that Wolf Match Target is a top performer in the under-$10 per box category. This is because, according to SSUSA: “It is manufactured by ELEY in England (and loaded with Vihtavuori powder) and re-branded, if online information is correct.” Wolf Match Target is available from Target Sports USA for $84.99 per thousand ($0.17 per round).
Aguila .22 LR Ammunition
Made in Mexico, Aguila .22 LR rimfire ammo is the bargain item among the seven ammo-makers featured by SSUSA. We wouldn’t choose Aguila for a benchrest or three-position match, but it could be more than adequate for a local NRL-22 match or a steel-target competition at relatively short range. Aguila .22 LR ammunition starts at under $3.00 per box.
Would you like gun and outdoor industry companies to learn what products you favor, or what types of hunting you prefer. Then you may want to take a 
