Precision Shooting Series Organizations: Elevating the Sport
Precision shooting has emerged as a popular sport in the United States, with numerous organizations and clubs dedicated to promoting and nurturing the sport at various levels. These organizations provide a platform for shooters to showcase their skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and learn from seasoned professionals. This article introduces you to some of the top precision shooting series organizations in the USA and the roles they play in supporting the sport's growth.
Precision Rifle Series (PRS)
The Precision Rifle Series (PRS) is one of the premier precision shooting organizations in the United States. Established in 2012, PRS organizes and governs a variety of precision shooting events, including regional and national-level competitions. With a mission to promote and grow the sport of precision rifle shooting, PRS offers a competitive platform for shooters to test their skills, learn from experienced professionals, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The organization also maintains a comprehensive ranking system for its competitors, ensuring a fair and transparent competition environment.
PRECISION RIFLE SERIES (PRS) organzation
1. PRS Pro Series
The PRS Pro Series is designed for professional and highly experienced shooters. Competitors in these events are required to engage targets at varying distances, often between 300 and 1,200 yards, using precision rifles. The courses of fire in these events are complex and demanding, requiring shooters to exhibit exceptional skills in marksmanship, wind reading, and target acquisition.
Caliber and Rules:
• Maximum caliber allowed is .30, and maximum muzzle velocity is 3,200 feet per second (fps).
Rifles must have a functional safety.
The use of muzzle brakes is allowed, but they must not exceed 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches in length.
Shooters must adhere to strict time limits for each stage of the competition.
The match director will provide specific rules and requirements for each event.
2. PRS Regional Series
The PRS Regional Series caters to shooters looking to compete at a regional level. These events offer an opportunity for shooters to participate in competitions closer to home and are designed to be more accessible to a broader range of competitors. The courses of fire in the Regional Series are slightly less complex than the Pro Series, but still require competitors to demonstrate excellent marksmanship and wind-reading abilities.
Caliber and Rules: Caliber and muzzle velocity restrictions are the same as in the Pro Series.
Equipment restrictions and rules may vary slightly from the Pro Series but are generally consistent across events.
The match director will provide specific rules and requirements for each event.
3. PRS Tactical Division
The PRS Tactical Division is tailored to competitors using rifles chambered in either .223 Remington/5.56 NATO or .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO. This division aims to provide a more standardized competitive platform for shooters using common military and law enforcement calibers.
Caliber and Rules:
• Rifles must be chambered in .223 Remington/5.56 NATO or .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO.
Maximum muzzle velocity for .223 Remington/5.56 NATO is 3,000 fps, and for .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO, it is 2,800 fps.
Other rules, including equipment restrictions and time limits, generally align with those of the Pro Series and Regional Series.
4. PRS Production Division
The PRS Production Division targets competitors who prefer to use more affordable, factory-produced rifles and equipment. This division seeks to level the playing field by minimizing the impact of expensive custom rifles and gear on competition outcomes.
Caliber and Rules:
• Rifles must be factory-produced and have an MSRP of no more than $2,500.
Riflescopes must also be factory-produced and have an MSRP of no more than $2,000.
Caliber and muzzle velocity restrictions are the same as in the Pro Series.
Other rules, including equipment restrictions and time limits, generally align with those of the Pro Series and Regional Series.
Please note that the specific rules and restrictions for each event may vary depending on the match director's discretion. It is essential to consult the official match booklet or website for each competition to understand the exact rules and requirements.
PRS .22 LR
The PRS .22 LR is a dedicated rimfire competition within the Precision Rifle Series. This competition is designed to make precision shooting more accessible to a wider audience, including beginners and experienced shooters alike. The .22 LR events are more budget-friendly and have lower barriers to entry, as .22 caliber rifles and ammunition are more affordable and widely available. Additionally, these events provide an excellent training platform for shooters looking to improve their skills in wind reading, positional shooting, and other aspects of precision shooting.
The PRS .22 LR competitions typically include the following divisions:
1. Open Division
The Open Division allows shooters to use any .22 LR rifle, optic, and support equipment without restrictions on the overall cost of the gear.
Caliber and Rules:
• Rifles must be chambered in .22 LR.
There are no specific price restrictions on rifles, optics, or other equipment.
Distances for targets typically range from 25 to 300 yards, depending on the specific event.
Other rules, including equipment restrictions and time limits, may vary depending on the match director's discretion.
2. Base Division
The Base Division is designed to provide a more level playing field for shooters who prefer to use factory-produced, budget-friendly .22 LR rifles and equipment.
Caliber and Rules:
• Rifles must be chambered in .22 LR and have an MSRP of no more than $1,500.
Riflescopes must have an MSRP of no more than $1,000.
Distances for targets typically range from 25 to 300 yards, depending on the specific event.
Other rules, including equipment restrictions and time limits, may vary depending on the match director's discretion.
3. Junior Division
The Junior Division is specifically designed for young shooters under 18 years of age who want to participate in .22 LR precision shooting competitions. This division encourages youth involvement in the sport and helps them develop their shooting skills.
Caliber and Rules:
• Rifles must be chambered in .22 LR.
There are no specific price restrictions on rifles, optics, or other equipment.
Distances for targets typically range from 25 to 300 yards, depending on the specific event.
Other rules, including equipment restrictions and time limits, may vary depending on the match director's discretion.
Precision Rifle Series (PRS) hosts a variety of events that cater to the diverse skill levels and interests of precision shooters. They offer multiple disciplines, each with its own set of rules and caliber restrictions. Here, we provide an overview of some of the primary events and disciplines organized by PRS, along with the rules and caliber restrictions associated with each:
PRECISION RIFLE SERIES (PRS) division
| Division | Caliber | Rifle Price Limit | Optics Price Limit | Typical Target Range | Age Restriction | Estimated Participants in the USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRS Pro Series | Max .30 caliber, 3,200 fps | None | None | 300 to 1,200 yards | None | 50 to 200 per event |
| PRS Regional | Max .30 caliber, 3,200 fps | None | None | 300 to 1,200 yards | None | 100 to 300 per event |
| PRS Tactical | .223 Rem/5.56 NATO or .308 Win/7.62 NATO | None | None | 300 to 1,200 yards | None | 50 to 150 per event |
| PRS Production | Max .30 caliber, 3,200 fps | Max $2,500 (MSRP) | Max $2,000 (MSRP) | 300 to 1,200 yards | None | 50 to 150 per event |
| PRS .22 LR Open | .22 LR | None | None | 25 to 300 yards | None | 100 to 500 per event |
| PRS .22 LR Base | .22 LR | Max $1,500 (MSRP) | Max $1,000 (MSRP) | 25 to 300 yards | None | 100 to 500 per event |
| PRS .22 LR Junior | .22 LR | None | None | 25 to 300 yards | Under 18 | 20 to 100 per event |
other series
National Rifle League (NRL)
The National Rifle League (NRL) is a shooting sports organization that primarily focuses on long-range rifle shooting competitions. The NRL has several divisions within its organization, including:
Open Division: This division is open to all competitors, regardless of skill level or equipment. Shooters in this division can use any rifle, any optic, and any other equipment they choose.
Production Division: In this division, competitors use off-the-shelf, factory-produced rifles and optics. This division is designed to promote competition among shooters who use similar equipment.
Tactical Division: This division is designed for shooters who use tactical-style rifles and equipment. Shooters in this division are limited to using specific types of rifles, optics, and other equipment that are commonly used in military and law enforcement settings.
Ladies' Division: As the name suggests, this division is open to female competitors of all skill levels. Competitors in this division can choose to shoot in any of the other divisions as well.
Junior Division: This division is open to young competitors under the age of 18. Shooters in this division compete with rifles and equipment appropriate for their age and skill level.
These divisions are designed to accommodate a wide range of shooters and skill levels, and to encourage participation and competition within the shooting sports community.
The American Precision Shooting Association (APSA)
The American Precision Shooting Association (APSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of precision shooting sports in the United States. APSA focuses on promoting safe firearm handling, sportsmanship, and fair competition. The organization hosts a variety of matches and events, ranging from local to national levels, and provides resources and support to its member clubs. APSA also collaborates with other shooting organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions to promote the sport and advocate for responsible firearm ownership.
U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA)
While the U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) primarily focuses on action shooting sports, it also has a precision shooting component. USPSA offers various competitive divisions and classifications, including precision rifle events. The organization provides a competitive platform for shooters to test their skills against others in the country and fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among its members. USPSA competitions prioritize safety, sportsmanship, and fair play while emphasizing the importance of skill, accuracy, and speed.
The growth of precision shooting in the United States has led to the establishment of numerous organizations and clubs dedicated to promoting the sport. These organizations provide opportunities for shooters to participate in competitions, learn from experienced professionals, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. By supporting the growth and development of precision shooting, these organizations are playing a crucial role in elevating the sport to new heights.
