Precision Rimfire Competitions

If you’re looking for an easy way to get into competitive shooting, precision rimfire competitions might be the perfect entry.

Maybe you’ve been contemplating getting yourself or your family into shooting sports, but aren’t sure where to start. Or you’ve been participating in other types of shooting competitions and want to explore something new.

Whatever your reason, precision rimfire competitions (PRCs) are an easy way to have fun out on the range. They are generally cheaper, quieter, and involve shorter target distances, making them very accessible. Let’s go over a few reasons why you might consider participating in a precision rimfire competition.

Dialing Down the Cost

Chances are, especially if you already shoot or hunt, you own a rifle that can be used in a precision rimfire competition, ie. the beloved .22 Long Rifle. Just make sure you find the type of ammunition it likes and dial it in with a high-quality scope. These are just a couple things that, for starters, will help you find some success out of the gate.

A high-performance scope will probably be the most costly piece of equipment. But it’s the most crucial part to success on the range. You’ll need a scope adequate for the distance you’ll be shooting, which we’ll talk about later in this article.

If you want to make a new investment, consider a rifle compatible with at least a 10-round magazine. Matches vary, so you might need to change out magazines depending on the staging scenario. As the sport grows, some rifle manufacturers are making match-ready rifles. However, for the sake of those looking to purchase a new rifle, the .22 platform is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of long-range rifles.

Ammunition for a .22 is cheaper too. Ammo these days is pricey, especially if you shoot competitively. But .22 ammo won’t put as big of a dent in your wallet as much as centerfire ammo will. If you’re new to shooting, you’ll probably go through a lot of rounds in the early stages of zeroing in your rifle and practicing. So starting out with rimfire shooting is ideal for beginners.

Rifle rests are another cost and consideration. For precision rimfire competitions, a bag will likely be your best option.

A Shorter Shot

PRCs provide shorter-range shooting opportunities compared to other matches where centerfire rifles are required. You’ll also find the diversity among the various stages a lot of fun too. Stages are basically obstacles or stations on a course that a shooter must fulfill. And most of the targets at these stages are at shorter distances.

While some long-range rifle competitions can involve targets as far out as 1,000 yards or more, PRCs are as close as 25 and can extend out to 400, depending on the match. This is great for youth and novice shooters wanting to build their experience or old pros looking to hone their long-range shooting skills.

Setting the Stage for Shooters of all Backgrounds

Precision rimfire competitions offer different components beyond just varying target distances. Stages in a PRC can also vary by shooting position transitions based on the obstacle, the number of shots allowed at each target, and the time the shooter has to shoot at each stage. And each of these elements contribute to the diversity of experiences precision rimfire competitions offer.

Whether you’re looking to practice for other competitions, refine your skills as a hunter, or to simply get the family involved in something new, precision rimfire competitions are great for anyone looking for another way to get into competitive shooting. Hopefully they offer the variety of shooting elements and experiences you might be looking for. So if you’re curious, give one a shot!