With the current drastic shortage of reloading components — powder and primers in particular — many folks are finding it difficult to load sufficient live ammo for matches. And when you CAN find primers, they may cost as much as $300 per thousand! Even if you’re able to pay that crazy price for primers, if you can’t find suitable powder, then you can’t shoot.
Thankfully the Precision Rifle Series (PRS) team has developed a new form of competition ideal for this challenging era of component shortages. In the new Sonic Tactical Series (STS), the PRS organization offers an affordable, fun form of competition that is not powder/primer dependent at all. And STS competitors never have to worry about burning out those costly custom barrels. That’s because STS matches are all about the fun of tactical togetherness, without the hassle of hand-loading, or the frustration of misses. STS is all about fun with guns with zero cost-per-shot. Now that’s something we can all appreciate.
The new PRS Sonic Tactical Series (STS) will feature full multi-stage matches, complete with varied shooting positions, barricades, moving targets, and ranging exercises. You will do everything just like a normal PRS match, but without burning precious ammunition (or using up barrel life). All stages will be run via dry-fire but with AUDIBLE confirmation of “virtual” hits on target. The exciting shout of “Impact!” will confirm your hits after dry-firing at the target. Experiencing the adrenaline rush of hearing the word “Impact!” is what this game is all about, hence the Name Sonic Tactical Series (STS).
It’s fun to shoot STS Matches with your significant other. Ramia Whitecotton Facebook photo.
You can shoot an STS match without having to worry about loud noises or muzzle blast. All you’ll hear is that reassuring “Impact!” from your partner. BTW, this is a great way to get your wife or girlfriend involved in the shooting sports. She’ll enjoy instant gratification from your loud “Impact!” shout, with no painful recoil or blustery muzzle blast.
Any types of rifles can be used at STS matches including inexpensive Airsoft rigs. Put the money you save into your tactical wardrobe. Remember, a real man can never have too much camo!
All STS matches are conducted with two-person teams. The first team member will aim at the target, range it with his FFP MilRad reticle, center his crosshairs, and then yell “Bang”. His partner must wait the appropriate time and then yell “IMPACT” loudly, so everyone within two counties can hear. The two-person team that has the best correlation between true shot-over-distance time and the issuance of the word “Impact” will win the stage. So Be Loud and Be Proud!
In STS Matches, competitors work as a team. The triggerman ranges the target, then steadies his aim, and shouts “Bang!”. His partner calculates the exact flight time then yells “IMPACT!”… the louder the better!
Former Army Ranger sniper instructor Ryan Cleckner is the author of the best-selling Long Range Shooting Handbook. Cleckner hosts a series of videos that cover shooting techniques appropriate for tactical and PRS-type disciplines. Here are five short videos that cover various aspects of shooting techniques and rifle set-up. We think PRS/NRL competitors (and long-range hunters) can benefit from these videos.
“Consistency is the key to accuracy.
You need to think about a system of how you’re going to shoot that is not only comfortable, but [is] repeatable when you’re shooting.” — Ryan Cleckner
In this first video, Cleckner explains proper scope position. Ryan finds that some shooters place the scope too far forward or too far rearward. If the scope is too far back you may have issues with eye relief and stock reach to shoulder. If it is too far forward, you may have cheek-weld problems or get neck strain.
Cleckner offers a simple method to check your scope position: “To see if your scope is set up properly … close your eyes, lay your head on your gun, get completely comfortable, and only when you are set-up, then open your eyes. If you can’t see clearly through your scope, CHANGE something [such as comb height or scope position]”. “When you open your eyes, if you see some scope shadow [i.e. the black ring around the edge of the scope picture], figure out which way you need to move your head to get rid of that shadow, and then make adjustments to either your position, the rifle, or the scope.”
Cleckner prefers shooting off a bag when in the prone position, when that is practical. The bag provides a more stable support than a small Harris-type bipod, doesn’t require pre-loading the rifle, and there is less bounce or hop on recoil.
Former Army Ranger sniper team leader Ryan Cleckner explains how important it is to keep your rifle straight up and down when long-range precision shooting. Cleckner demonstrates with an AR-10 modern sporting rifle how slight cant to your rifle can cause a miss over long distances.
Here Cleckner covers some of the basic points of trigger control on tactical-style rifles. These basic principles apply to both single-stage and two-stage triggers. NOTE: For benchrest rigs, with ultra-light pull weights, more refined techniques may be appropriate.
In tactical events, when you’re shooting on the clock and loading from a detachable magazine, you should manipulate the bolt smoothly but strongly. Here Cleckner demonstrates how to cycle a tactical-type rifle. He says, “You should be running the bolt on your rifle with authority. Run it like you mean it!” NOTE: Completely different techniques are appropriate for custom benchrest rifles that manually feed.
Long Range Shooting Handbook — A Good Resource
Cleckner’s Long Range Shooting Handbook covers a wide range of topics important for precision marksmanship — both shooting skills and technical matters. You can view Sample Chapters from Ryan’s Book on Amazon.com. Cleckner’s book is designed as an intro to key concepts such as MOA vs. Mils, External Ballistics, and Environmental Effects. Included are personal tips and advice based on Cleckner’s years of experience as a sniper instructor and special operations sniper.
The Long Range Shooting Handbook is divided into three main categories: What It Is/How It Works, Fundamentals, and How to Use It. “What It Is/How It Works” covers equipment, terminology, and basic principles. “Fundamentals” covers the theory of long range shooting. “How to Use It” gives practical advice on implementing what you’ve learned, so you can progress as a skilled, long range shooter.
There will be a new NRL competition series in 2021 — NRL HUNTER (NRLH). This will complement the popular NRL tactical series and NRL22 rimfire series. For its inaugural (first-ever) 2021 season, NRL HUNTER will host nine regional hunting matches, followed by the NRL HUNTER Championship — the Grand Slam Finale. The Season Championship will take place August 2-8, 2021 at the Cameo Shooting Complex in Grand Junction, Colorado. The championship match will be directed by NRL HUNTER developer Scott Satterlee and the NRL’s Director of Match Operations.
NRL HUNTER 2021 Series Schedule (Ten Events):
1. Nehawka, Nebraska – February 19-21, 2021
2. Farmington, New Mexico – March 5-7, 2021
3. Arbuckle, California – March 26-28, 2021
4. Mount Pleasant, Tennessee – April 16-18, 2021
5. Laramie, Wyoming – April 23-25, 2021
6. Dupuyer, Montana – May 6-9, 2021
7.Hammett, Idaho – May 21-23, 2021
8. Dalton, New Hampshire – June 25-27, 2021
9. Price, Utah – July 23-25, 2021
10. NRL HUNTER Grand Slam Season Championship
Grand Junction, Colorado – August 2-8, 2021
The first-ever NRL HUNTER match will take place in Nebraska, February 19-21, 2021:
NRL HUNTER, a division of National Rifle League (NRL), is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It provides a competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their skills, gear, and local hunting terrains. To participate in matches, hunters must purchase a $100 Annual NRLH membership ($75.00 for Young Guns). For more information, visit NRLHUNTER.org.
There will be three gear-based Classes: Open Heavy, Open Light and Factory. In addition there will be separate Ladies and Young Guns divisions.
NRL HUNTER’s founders state: “Hunting isn’t merely a hobby or pastime; it is our way of life. For us, it is about community, education, and a strong foundation of ethical harvesting. It is the desire to be the most proficient hunter possible, it is the passion that has driven NRL to develop the NRL HUNTER series[.]”
Bushnell will be the Title Sponsor of the 2021 season of NRL HUNTER. “We are truly honored to have Bushnell on board as our Title Sponsor for the NRL HUNTER Series,” stated Travis Ishida, NRL President. “This is a terrific partnership in which both groups share the same vision and passion for the hunting community.” Since 1948, Bushnell has offered a full line of products for hunters. Bushnell now sells riflescopes, binoculars, rangefinders, spotting scopes, and trail cameras.
AccurateShooter’s Target Page provides over 50 FREE downloadable targets. You’ll find all types of targets — sight-in targets, varmint targets, rimfire targets, bullseye targets, tactical targets, load development targets and more. CLICK HERE for all our free targets, including our popular LOAD DEV target.
On this load development target, all your load data fits neatly in the boxes under each target. The diamonds have 1/2″ sides and you can align your cross-hairs on the horizontal and vertical lines. When we test, we crank in a little elevation, setting the point-of-impact higher. That way our shots fall in the gray circles, leaving the red diamonds intact for precise aiming.
Storm Tactical Targets — Hundreds of FREE, Printable Targets
If you want an even greater selection of targets, specialized for PRS and NRL shooters, Storm Tactical offers a vast collection of tactical targets, available in three different versions: MOA, MIL Yards, and MIL Meters. These target sets were created with input from Sniper’s Hide. Storm Tactical also created a great rimfire target set. This includes side-by-side target blocks for fun, one-on-one competition. If you shoot NRL22 or just enjoy shooting with a buddy, we highly recommend the rimfire target set.
Overall there are 299 Storm Tactical Targets in four sets.
CLICK links to launch each Storm Tactical target collection. Then you can click the download icon to save to your hard drive. OR, you can scroll up and down to select the target(s) you like which you can tell your printer to print. We do recommend downloading the complete archives. File sizes are listed.
Here’s a Tikka T3 in Third Eye Tactical cerakoted chassis.
Rimfire Twin Target, for One-on-One Shooter Challenges
You’ll find this fun target on the third page of the Rimfire Target Pack. Just download the PDF file and instruct your printer to deliver page three. Or print out all six (6) rimfire targets if you like.
In this video, former Army Ranger sniper team leader Ryan Cleckner explains how proper head and scope position is a critical component to accurate shooting. Ryan finds that some shooters place the scope too far forward or too far rearward. If the scope is too far back you may have issues with eye relief and stock reach to shoulder. If it is too far forward, you may have cheek-weld problems or get neck strain. Cleckner cautions: “When you are in a good prone position, you don’t want any strain in your neck muscles or back.”
In the video, Cleckner offers a simple method to check your scope position:
“To see if your scope is set up properly … close your eyes, lay your head on your gun, get completely comfortable, and only when you are set-up, then open your eyes. If you can’t see clearly through your scope, CHANGE something [such as comb height or scope position]”.
“When you open your eyes, if you see some scope shadow [i.e. the black ring around the edge of the scope picture], figure out which way you need to move your head to get rid of that shadow, and then make adjustments to either your position, the rifle, or the scope.”
“Very often you’ll open your eyes and realize you need to move further back or further forward. Instead of moving your position [or head], move the scope and get it set up properly.”
Tip on Viewing Your Reticle:
Cleckner: “Sometimes it can be difficult to focus between the target and the reticle, even with the parallax adjusted properly. I recommend you focus only on the reticle. Just like the front sight on a rifle or a handgun, that reticle is what you can control, and it’s what matters. Focus on a crisp, clear reticle, in a stable platform, and all that’s left is trigger control.”
Long Range Shooting Handbook — A Good Resource
Cleckner’s Long Range Shooting Handbook covers a wide range of topics important for precision marksmanship — both shooting skills and technical matters. You can view Sample Chapters from Ryan’s Book on Amazon.com. Cleckner’s book is designed as an intro to key concepts such as MOA vs. Mils, External Ballistics, and Environmental Effects. Included are personal tips and advice based on Cleckner’s years of experience as a sniper instructor and special operations sniper.
The Long Range Shooting Handbook is divided into three main categories: What It Is/How It Works, Fundamentals, and How to Use It. “What It Is/How It Works” covers equipment, terminology, and basic principles. “Fundamentals” covers the theory of long range shooting. “How to Use It” gives practical advice on implementing what you’ve learned, so you can progress as a skilled, long range shooter.
Ryan Cleckner was a special operations sniper (1/75 RGR) and he served as a U.S. Army sniper instructor. Currently he works as a firearms industry executive and practicing firearms attorney.
This Sunday GunDay article showcases multiple PRS/NRL tactical-type precision rifles. All these impressive rigs are featured in a long-running thread in our AccurateShooter Forum. In that thread, titled Post Pics of your PRS Match Rifles, you’ll find dozens of current PRS/NRL competition rigs. These feature a wide variety of actions, stocks, optics, muzzle devices, and support bags.
Many guys who posted photos of their PRS/NRL rifles also listed the rifles’ components, optics, triggers, and other accessories. If you are thinking about building a rifle for PRS/NRL competitions, or just for fun field-style shooting and varmint hunting, definitely delve into today’s Sunday GunDay story. You’ll find good suggestions about chambering, barrel contours, and optics choices. In addition, many of the photos feature bipods, tripods, and various support bags. This is a quick way to compare accessory components.
Matt’s Duo at the Range
Forum member “Matt_3479″ posted two of his tactical rifles during load development at the range. These two rigs are quite different. The upper rifle features a Defiance Deviant action with TriggerTech special in a Manners T5A Elite stock with Mini Chassis. The barrel is a 27″ Hell’s Canyon 1:9.5″-twist chambered for the .300 Norma. Matt says he is still working on his load tune, but the cartridge is able to drive 215gr bullets at 3150-3200 FPS.
The second rifle (below) boasts a Terminus Zeus action with TriggerTech Diamond trigger. The chassis is a Kinetic Research Group (KRG) Whiskey 3–Gen 6. The barrel is a 26″ K.S. Arms Ltd. 1:7″-twist chambered for the 25 Creedmoor cartridge. Matt says this 25 Creedmoor cartridge will drive 131gr bullets at 2890 FPS.
Wooley’s Wicked Accurate 6mm Creedmoor
This tack-driving 6mm Creedmoor from Forum member “Wooley” shows how accurate that cartridge can be with in a good rifle with a great barrel. This Nightforce-equipped rifle produced a 0.217″ 5-shot group with Hodgdon H4350 powder. Impressive!
Tactical .223 Ackley in Accuracy Int’l Chassis
This handsome tripod-mounted rig belongs to Forum member “Hoser”. This now features a Terminus action with barrel chambered for the .223 Ackley. Hoser is happy with his new 3-lug action: “Very happy with the switch to a 3-lug Terminus action, it feeds like butter. I have about 500-600 rounds on the action and it keeps getting smoother. I finally threw my Bighorn TL2 and 3 in the trash [due to crappy feeding] — a good call. Bighorn used to be such a top-shelf company too.”
MPA Comp Duo — Upgrades in Progress
These two rifles belong to Forum member “GoLong”. While they both feature MPA Comp chassis systems, if you look carefully, you’ll note that each has a different butt pad and grip. Owner Golong tells us he is planning some upgrades: “I am moving the gray chassis to a different action and going with an Accuracy Int’l AI AX chassis. I also ordered up a lateral-adjustable cheek piece and … a thinner butt pad from MPA. I am also moving from the MPA mounts for both of these and replacing them with SPUHR 4002s.”
Tactical Trio — 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, .223 Rem
Here are three rifles all belonging to Forum member “300 Whisper”. They are all fitted in Manners stocks. At left is a 6.5 Creedmoor with Defiance action. In the middle is a 6mm Creedmoor with Defiance action. And on the right is a .223 Rem with factory Tikka tactical barreled action. For middle rifle optics, 300 Whisper notes: “I am debating on putting on a DMRII or another SWFA HD on the 6CM.”
6.5 Creedmoor (left) — GAP built Defiance Deviant, Bartlein 24″ med Palma 1:8″-twist barrel, Manners T4A stock (mini chassis), Timney Calvin Elite trigger, metal cerakoted matte brown. Scope: SWFA HD Mil FFP.
6mm Creedmoor (middle) — Alpha Omega build Defiance Tenacity, Bartlein heavy Palma 26″ 1:8″-twist barrel, Manner T2A with Mini Chassis, TriggerTech trigger, Area 419 brake, metal Cerakoted matte black. Scope: Bushnell DMRII with G2 reticle Mil FFP.
.223 Rem — (right) Tikka Tac3 barreled action, varmint contour, 1:8″-twist, Timney trigger, Manners PRS1 stock with Mini Chassis and ARCA rail, Metal Cerakoted matte black, Surefire brake, Atlas bipod. Scope: Bushnell DMR mildot Mil FFP.
Pair of Rifles in Accuracy Int’l Stocks
Here is a nice pair of rifles belonging to Forum member “M16_4_Real”. The top rifle, in an AI AE MKII folding stock, has multiple barrel/chambering options: Gradous 6 Dasher, A-Team Precision 6 Dasher, Accurate Ordinance 6.5×47 Lapua, and Accurate Ordinance 6XC. The optic is a Premier Heritage 5-25x56mm Gen2 XR in Nigtforce UL Ti Rings. There are Area 419 Hellfire brakes on two of the barreld. The owner runs a Samb300 thumbrest plus 3D-printed data card mount. Ammo is held with a MDT 12-rd Dasher mag. The sandbag is a Waxed Canvas OG Game Changer Git Lite.
The lower rifle, in an AI AX chassis with Kelbly Atlas action, also has multiple variants: Kelbly 6 Dasher, Kelbly 6.5×47 Lapua, and PBB 6GT (new GAP cartridge). The Steiner T5Xi 5-25x56mm SCR optic rides in Nightforce UL TI rings. The 6.5 barrel has a PVA Jet Blast brake, while the 6mm barrels can use Area 419 Hellfires.
Other accessories include: MHA ARCA rail, Samb300 thumbrest, Hoptic USA 2-rd Quiver, Yow-Tech data card mount, and RDS E-Dope Card. The bags show are a SAP Lightweight rear bag, plus a Sticky Pint Size Game Changer Git Lite.
Tripod Details — Behind the two rifles is a high-tech Innorel RT90C Carbon Fiber Bowl Tripod equipped with Innorel BH-55 ball head, Bushnell Bino Mount, Kydex Timer Mount, Raush Tripod Hammock, and 6″x9″ clipboard. Gear on the tripod includes: German Precision Optics 10x50HD Binoculars, Kestrel 5700 Sportsman, and Amazon touch screen timer.
Rock Solid Chassis with Defiance Alpha 11 Action
This rig belongs to Forum member “Eric 32″. That chassis may not be familiar to many readers. It is a Rock Solid brand chassis, featuring MST vertical grip. As built by GA Precision, this rifle boasts a Defiance Alpha 11 action from Short Action Customs (SAC) with Huber 2-stage trigger. The barrel is a Bartlein 1:8″-twist chambered for 6XC and fitted with SPR barrel “bugnut” and Area 419 Hellfire brake. The Schmidt & Bender 5-26x56mm P4F scope rides in a Spuhr 4003 mount.
6mm Dasher in Manners TCS Stock
We don’t know much about this cool rifle, except that it is chambered for the ultra-accurate 6mm Dasher and the action sits in a Manners TCS Stock. Maybe the proud owner, Forum member “jsimonh”, can provide some details in the comments. We just like the camo paint scheme, great ergonomics/adjustability, and suppressor with matching camo cover.
Every year the NRA Publications group announces Golden Bullseye winners for various product categories (rifle, handgun, shotgun, optics, gear etc.). These awards are like the Oscars for the shooting industry. There are many Golden Bullseyes given out each year because there are separate awards given by different NRA Magazines — including American Rifleman, Shooting Illustrated, and American Hunter. Here are the 2021 Rifles of the Year (Golden Bullseye Winners) as chosen by each of those three publications.
American Rifleman 2021 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Benelli LUPO
The LUPO is Benelli’s first bolt-action rifle (“Lupo” is Italian for “wolf”). This new chassis-style hunting rifle allows for user fitting/customization out of the box. The LUPO design boasts no less than seven exclusive Benelli patents. It offers a built-in recoil reduction system, adjustable trigger plus grip-to-trigger “reach” customizable via receiver/stock spacers. The Airtouch Grip surfaces allow for a firm, comfortable hold on the rifle. The action comes with rails and an ambi-safety. Fort its innovative LUPO Benellit offers a 3-shot sub-MOA guarantee.
American Hunter 2021 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint
We’re in the thick of hunting season now, so we’re featuring an impressive new hunting rig from Springfield Armory. The new Model 2020 Waypoint rifles feature advanced carbon-wrapped barrels*, TriggerTech triggers, and carbon-fiber, hand-painted camo stocks. The actions are pretty impressive too — with precision machining, enlarged ejection port, and integral recoil lug. These Waypoint rifles rival full-custom hunting rigs, yet are reasonably affordable. Starting price is $1699.00 with stainless barrel, while the deluxe model with carbon-wrapped barrel and adjustable cheekpiece is still under $2,400.00.
Handsome Hand-Painted Carbon-Fiber Stocks
Minimum gun weight with carbon-wrapped barrel and fixed cheek is just 6.6 pounds.
Shooting Illustrated 2021 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Savage Axis II Precision
The Savage AXIS II has has been given a Precision Series upgrade with a MDT Chassis designed for Savage AXIS II platform. The MDT black aluminum chassis features an olive drab injection-molded skin. It has adjustable comb height while length of pull adjusts via spacers. An MLOK™ fore-end allows easy fitting of accessories. This rifle features a black-finished action fitted to 22″ carbon steel, button-rifled heavy barrel with threaded muzzle. The Savage AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 to 6 pounds pull-weight.
About the Golden Bullseye Awards
Now in their 19th year, the NRA Publications Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge the finest products available in the shooting sports. The winners are selected by a seven-member committee consisting of editors, graphic designers and veteran NRA Publications staff, representing more than a century of collective experience in the shooting and hunting industry.
To qualify for consideration for a Golden Bullseye Award, a product must have been:
— Recently introduced and available to consumers.
— Used/tested by a staff member or magazine contributor.
— Reliable in the field, meeting or exceeding the evaluator’s expectations
— Innovative in design and function.
— Readily perceived as a value to the purchaser.
— Styled in a manner befitting the shooting and hunting industry.
“In the uncertain year of 2020, companies with in the firearm industry continued to innovate”, said American Rifleman Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Mark Keefe. American Hunter EIC J. Scott Olmsted added: “Companies in the firearm and outdoor trade industry continued to provide innovation, quality and value to us all. American Hunter is proud to honor these companies’ dedication to our pastime with 2021 Golden Bullseyes.”
Are you looking to get started in PRS and tactical/practical competitions? Here are three videos that can help you improve your game. These videos feature two top PRS competitors, and George Gardner of G.A. Precision, considered one of the founding fathers of the PRS game. You’ll find other PRS-focused videos on the Long Range Precision Shooters YouTube channel.
PRS Ace Shows Skills Barricade Technique — with POV Video
This first video features 2015 PRS Champion David Preston shooting the PRS Skills barricade. Dave Preston is widely considered the best in the nation running this PRS stage. Dave nearly always shoots 100% with the fastest recorded time. In this video you’ll see him successfully engage all eight shots in under 43 seconds — that’s crazy fast. This includes a POV sequence (4:35 time-mark) showing the actual view through Dave’s scope.
The PRS Skills Barricade is an 8-round, 4-position stage featured at most PRS matches. It’s called a “Skills Stage” as it is run the same way at every national match and gives shooters the ability to compare skill levels based on hit percentage and speed. The target is a 10″ plate at 400 yards. There are four different positions, with two shots each. Most people run this stage in about 70 seconds, some in the mid-60s, while Dave does it in the low 40s!
Know Your Limits PRS Stages — Pro Tips
The Second video showcases how 2018 Oklahoma PPS Champion Clay Blackketter approaches Know Your Limit Stages. With these particular type of stages you have to make judgment calls about your rifle’s accuracy and your ability to hold on target. You can boost your score by shooting the smallest target(s), but you risk losing points if you miss. Clay explains how best to manage a Know Your Limits stage.
Cartridge Choice for PRS and Tactical Competition
Today’s third video reviews many of the different caliber selections 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 catridges these days. These deliver excellent accuracy with lower recoil and cheaper bullet cost. Popular choices include 6 Dasher, 6mm Creedmoor, 6XC, 6-6.5×4 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 the 2950 fps node.
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 most common 0.120″ freebore chamber allows for the majority of high-BC 6mm projectiles found in both F-Class and PRS. Mike had good luck with the pointed 107gr Sierra Match Kings (SMK), as well as the 110gr Hornady A-Tips in his rifle, shown below:
Practical Shooter’s Guide
Thinking of getting started in the Practical/Tactical shooting game? Looking for ways to be more stable when shooting from unconventional positions? Then you may want to read Marcus Blanchard’s Practical Shooter’s Guide (A How-To Approach for Unconventional Firing Positions and Training). Unlike almost every “how to shoot” book on the market, Blanchard’s work focuses on the shooting skills and positions you need to succeed in PRS matches and similar tactical competitions. Blanchard provides clear advice on shooting from barricades, from roof-tops, from steep angles. Blanchard says you need to train for these types of challenges: “I believe the largest factor in the improvement of the average shooter isn’t necessarily the gear; it’s the way the shooter approaches obstacles and how they properly train for them.”
Are sound suppressors useful in competition shooting? In some disciplines, and in venues where sound “moderators” are permitted, the answer is “yes”. Some years ago Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA), published an interesting article about the use of sound suppressors (aka “cans”). The article explores the use of suppressors in Europe and in tactical matches in North America. You’ll also find an explanation of the rules and regulations governing suppressor ownership and use in the United States.
Former SSUSA Editor Chip Lohman tested three rifles from the bench and found that suppressors did not harm accuracy (at least with these rigs). In fact, all three test rifles (.223 Rem, .308 Win, and .338 Lapua Magnum), shot slightly better 5-shot groups at 200 yards with a suppressor than without. However, the suppressors did alter point of impact. Interestingly, velocity standard deviation (SD) values were lower with suppressors in place for all three test rifles. This observation calls for further study.*
So the use of suppressors in competition could be a good thing. However, in the United States, current NRA High Power rules prohibit the use of sound suppressors. NRA Rule 3.16.1 subsection (a) states: “Sound Suppressors are not authorized for use in High Power competition.” In addition, there are some practical problems with suppressors — the heat rising off of a naked suppressor can create mirage problems (that’s why some shooters wrap their cans with a cover).
Despite such issues, it is now common to see moderators on rifles used in non-NRA-sanctioned tactical matches such as the Precision Rifle Series. For example, many competitors in the popular Steel Safari field challenge match use suppressors. The photo below shows our friend Zak Smith competing in the Steel Safari with his suppressed Accuracy International rifle.
Commentary — What Can We Conclude?
Obviously, this three-rifle SSUSA test was not definitive. One well might observe different results with different types of suppressors, fitted to different kinds of rifles. Mounting a suppressor to any barrel will certainly affect harmonics and “tune”. But this SSUSA study does suggest that tactical shooters, who are allowed to use suppressors in competition, may find that the benefits of suppressors (significantly reduced recoil and less noise) outweigh any meaningful accuracy loss, at least in PRS-type matches.
*The article cautions that one should not extrapolate too much from the SD numbers, given the low number of test shots. Chronograph-maker Ken Oehler, when asked to comment on the SD values stated: “[You should] report the observed SDs, but draw no conclusions until… you can do more testing with larger sample sizes.”
Considered the biggest PRS-type rifle match in the world, the 2020 GAP Grind/Bushnell Pro/Am kicks off today. The big GAP Grind runs for three days, October 2-4, at the K&M Shooting Complex in Finger, Tennessee. In association with the Precision Rifle Series (PRS), the format will again be a professional-amateur, individual and team match to promote sportsmanship and welcome new shooters to the competition scene. Competitors ranging from top professionals to those seeking their first taste of the sport are invited to attend.
The GAP Grind is held at the impressive K&M Shooting Complex in Tennessee:
Lots of Action, with 20+ Stages
The GAP Grind is a challenging, “high tempo” match with minimal down-time between stages. Over the course of 20+ stages, competitors will fire 200+ shots at a variety of steel, paper, moving, and reactive targets out to 1,200 yards. Targets vary in size/difficulty based on the shooter’s position, distance, and time allotted. Most stages include “stressors” — i.e. time limits or required movement(s).
Ramia Whitecotton Facebook photo.
The GAP Grind typically attracts over 300 competitors — half experienced shooters and the other half newcomers to the sport. The key to growing the shooting sports is attracting new shooters. The best way to bring in “new blood” seems to be the Pro-Am type format. At the GAP Grind, experienced shooters share their knowledge and guide the new shooters through the competition.
Bushnell Side Match on October 2, 2020
On Friday, October 2, Bushnell will sponsor a side match featuring the RXS-250, a new red dot optic. This is an impressive impact-resistant design, with 10 user-adjustable brightness and True Tone coatings for a sharp, distortion free image. Bushnell will provide prizes to competitors — a lucky amateur will receive a new Bushnell Elite Tactical optic. Plus range officers will receive product prizes to thank them for dedicating time to the event.
If you want an even greater selection of targets, specialized for PRS and NRL shooters, 
The lower rifle, in an AI AX chassis with Kelbly Atlas action, also has multiple variants: Kelbly 6 Dasher, Kelbly 6.5×47 Lapua, and PBB 6GT (new GAP cartridge). The Steiner T5Xi 5-25x56mm SCR optic rides in Nightforce UL TI rings. The 6.5 barrel has a PVA Jet Blast brake, while the 6mm barrels can use Area 419 Hellfires.
Every year the NRA Publications group announces Golden Bullseye winners for various product categories (rifle, handgun, shotgun, optics, gear etc.). These awards are like the Oscars for the shooting industry. There are many Golden Bullseyes given out each year because there are separate awards given by different NRA Magazines — including American Rifleman, Shooting Illustrated, and American Hunter. Here are the 2021 Rifles of the Year (Golden Bullseye Winners) as chosen by each of those three publications.
