What Is Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Shooting?
Whether you’re a competitor or just a spectator, PRS is worth your time. Within two minutes or less, shooters have to quickly work out how to make their mark on a series of targets using any number of stances to optimize their precision. No time to fill out your DOPE Card!
It’s not unlike watching an obstacle course meant for the most well-prepared and practiced marksmen who are up to the task. If you’re looking for something above and beyond just squeezing off a few rounds at the range, PRS may be for you.
What to Know
You’ve got a search engine at your fingertips and you’re likely no stranger to Wikipedia, so I won’t take up too much of your time with the basics. The TL;DR version that’s worth knowing is that PRS is a simulated sniper competition, oftentimes with moving targets. Many competitors use 6mm rounds since they have low recoil, and this can afford them more time to keep moving and assess how well they’re making their marks- without having to sacrifice a precious second or more recovering from recoil.
A competition typically includes around 10 timed stages, so wasted seconds can add up quickly if shooters aren’t careful. Some targets can be up to 1200 yards away and require more prep time than expected, so careful planning and having extra seconds to spare can mean to the difference between success and disappointment.
Needless to say, it’s physically demanding and requires no small amount of proficiency with your firearm. Obviously, not everyone is at the same stage of their journey with marksmanship, which is why there are categories for competitions: competitor class, amateur, military, ladies, and even juniors, to name a few. After all, nobody wants to compete against an Annie Oakley or Chris Kyle on their first competition with a firearm (at least, I don’t). So, there are decisions for you to make before you brave the upper echelons of competitors.
Now, for the sake of clarity, not all of the categories I mentioned above are available in every PRS division. For a deeper dive on divisions, age restrictions, and competition calibers, I recommend checking out Woox Journal’s Guide to Precision Shooting Series Organizations.
A Steel of a Deal
Like many target shooting events, PRS targets are typically made of steel plates. While shooters use the best optics they can to help them make their shots, the audible sound of a round hitting steel provides immediate feedback. The most important aspect of this feedback, of course, is to allow shooters to adapt their approach based on their results. Starting with no ping and sending the same way is, as I’m sure you’ve guessed, not anyone’s ideal day out at the range.
Rifles and Optics
PRS leagues and division will determine what kind of firearm(s) can be used in competitions. For the most part, semi-automatic or bolt action rifles are required, with sub-MOA capability being a must.
There are competitions using .22 long rifle, 5.56 NATO, and other usual suspects, though it’s impossible to predict what a given league or competition will allow without checking out their individual websites. But I digress. Whatever rifle you’re comfortable with, or whichever you’re most interested in using, there’s a good chance that you may be able to use it for PRS.
The same can be said for optics. But whatever the rules are, be prepared to use some weighty, high-powered optics that may compromise your agility if you’re not used to them. You’ll likely need something with adjustable MRAD, First Focal Plane, and possibly tactical red dots.
If this is too brief, I apologize for not doing a deeper dive, but I find it’s better to consider a few possibilities rather than get bogged down with a laundry list of tools you may or may not need to get started. And on the subject of tools, you will most definitely need a rest.
Take a Rest
You’re likely going to want a bipod for shooting prone, as well as a shooting bag and possibly a tripod. Setting them up and moving them will cost precious time, so it’s best not to get overzealous with investments before talking to someone in your league of choice. Find out what works for them, because it might also work for you.
How to Find a League Near You
If you’re looking to check out an event, check out the Precision Rifle Series directory on the PRS website to see upcoming competitions near you. Alternatively, the best way that I know of to find a league near you is a plain, old-fashioned internet search.
It goes without saying that there is far more to consider than I could ever include in a 1,000-word introduction, so for more details I recommend checking out Kestrel Ballistic’s “An Intro to Precision Rifle Series” and the Precision Rifle Series Homepage.
Written by: Lanna Perkins, Educational Writer
