Are you ready to take your shooting skills to the next level? The Precision Rifle Series (PRS) offers an exciting, fast-paced experience for competitors at all skill levels, combining long-range precision and dynamic stage designs. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
What is PRS? The PRS is a national and regional competitive shooting organization where participants engage steel targets from 300 to 1,200 yards. Matches include unique stages designed to test accuracy and adaptability, with shooters firing 8-12 rounds in just 90-120 seconds. Regional matches typically have 10 stages in one day, while national matches span two days with approximately 20 stages. Scores are cumulative, and yearly standings determine the best shooters regionally and nationally.
Membership & Participation:
- Membership isn’t required to shoot a match but is essential if you’d like to track your scores and enjoy member discounts with top shooting brands.
- Find matches and learn more at the PRS website: Precision Rifle Series.
Gear Requirements: PRS is limited to rifles no larger than .30 caliber and with a velocity below 3,200 fps. Popular cartridges include 6mm and 6.5mm variants. A tactical class is available for .223 and .308 rifles. If you don’t have a rifle that fits, many clubs offer donor rifles and ammunition for newcomers—just reach out to your local match director.
Newcomers:
- If you’re fortunate enough to be near one of these clubs that offers donor rifles and ammo, all you might need is a ballistic calculator—which you can easily find as a free app for your smartphone.
- Once at the match, you’ll find that fellow shooters are incredibly accommodating. Most squads consist of 8–12 people, and many are more than willing to share their gear and provide guidance. Just let your squad mates know you’re new, and they’ll gladly support you as you learn the ropes!
Basic Gear Recommendations:
- Rifle & Scope: A reliable rifle with a scope capable of quick elevation adjustments. A zeroed rifle and ballistic data are must-haves.
- Backpack: A decent backpack to carry your gear and ammo is essential. It keeps your hands free while you move between stages on the firing line.
- Ammunition: Bring 100-130 rounds for regional matches and 200-250 rounds for national matches (match directors typically provide round counts).
- Support Equipment: A bipod, detachable magazines (10-round capacity recommended), a data card or armboard (vital for referencing your notes), and a shooting bag for stability.
- Optional Tools: Binoculars or spotting scopes, tripod, rain gear, cleaning wipes, and tools for minor repairs.
Pro Tips for New Shooters:
- Borrow gear before investing to discover what works best for you (e.g., shooting bags).
- Squad mates and match directors are welcoming and eager to help.
- Focus on learning and having fun—even seasoned shooters get humbled!
A Glimpse into Pro Gear: Here’s a list of what Josh Egyed, our Pro staff member, brings to the range as a PRS shooter:
- Backpack
- Rain Gear (we shoot in rain or shine)
- Rifle Cover (incase of rain)
- Armageddon Schedium plus 1 shooting bag
- Ammo
- Extra magazines (10 and 12 rounders)
- Tool kit for minor repairs
- Spotter (e.g., 15x binoculars or Swarovski BTX’s)
- Spare trigger
- Ear protection
- Towels/lens cleaning wipes
- Markers/pens for data writing
- Data card (e.g., scope mounted card)
- Kestrel (collecting data and environments)
- Spare firing pin
- Extra bipod for different applications/stage design
- Tripod for spotting and rear support on various stages
- Plastic bags to keep items dry
- Sun Shade for the rifle scope
Curious about what a professional setup looks like? Here’s the custom rifle Josh uses as a Pro PRS shooter:
- MPA chassis with an impact action
- Bartlien barrel, chambered in 25x47L (chambered by himself at JE Precision Shooting)
- Bix’n Andy trigger
- Ckye Pod or AccuTac bipod
- Vortex Razor Gen III 6-36×56 in Hawkin’s rings
- ACE brake, DN5 brake, or Area 419 Maverick for the muzzle device
Learn Through Experience: None of this gear is absolutely necessary—it’s simply an example of how deep you can dive into the world of PRS and what a professional might use to maximize their confidence and performance. The best way to figure out what works for you is to attend a match, interact with other shooters, and try their gear. Test out different chassis, stocks, and scopes to discover what suits you best. This hands-on approach will save you both time and money, preventing you from purchasing equipment that may not meet your needs in the long run.
Take the First Step: The best way to start is to show up, learn, and embrace the challenges. PRS is a humbling yet rewarding experience for shooters of all levels. If you’re local, consider joining us at Forster’s Precision Rifle Match or check us out on Facebook. Be prepared to fall in love with the fast pace, long-range challenges, and dynamic stage designs that make PRS so addictive. Hope to see you at the range!