Looking for PRS Beginner Tips

[Tim Barker]

Hey all, I am shooting my 2nd match ever and my first 2 day match this weekend and am putting this out to see if anyone has any tips or tricks for me going into this. My main goal is to have some fun and learn but ideally I’d like to not zero out half the match, so if anyone has any wisdom they can impart I’d sure love to hear it!

 

[1911Shootist]

Lots of great info here and some excellent videos on YouTube and elsewhere. Search is your friend.

 

[mmlook]

go to a club match, ask to be squaded with an experienced shooter

tell the squad you are new, hopefully they don't haze you too badly , lol

but yeah, ask for help

things that shouldn't be a problem at a local match, or even a national match to be honest, as a new shooter
1. spot/get corrections on the clock
2. extra time if needed
3. help with dope
4. borrow any and all gear needed

 

[ramslammer]

Take your time on the clock better to get 5 rounds off with impact then 10 with zero impacts. Build a solid base light hold and slow press. Learn to use a Schmedium bag correctly it and a good bipod will cover 90 percent of your stages.

 

[Shayne Ward]

Hey all, I am shooting my 2nd match ever and my first 2 day match this weekend and am putting this out to see if anyone has any tips or tricks for me going into this. My main goal is to have some fun and learn but ideally I’d like to not zero out half the match, so if anyone has any wisdom they can impart I’d sure love to hear it!

Hi Tim,
I would assume you are shooting Okie Showdown? Thats a great first match except for the winds can be unpredictable at times. You will do fine. Just remember to let everyone know you are new and I promise you will get great help. I am the Rimfire MD at Gravestone Precision Shooting in Lipan, TX. If you can make it down here for a Club level centerfire match I will personally squad with you and show you the ropes. 3rd Saturday of every month. Feel free to PM for more details.
Same offer goes out to any of you that might be interested in coming to shoot a match here at Gravestone. We would love to have you!

 

[bbyars]

Be a "one bag man" before you get too in depth in all the other gamer stuff. Like ramslammer said, get a decent bag AG +1 or Wiebad tatortot and get really comfortable with shooting off of obstacle at different height. Dryfire is your friend, and dont sacrifice building a good position to be fast. Move quick and shoot slow. Watch what the best guy in the squad does to break down a stage and utilize time. If you cannot see your misses, youre probably shooting too fast or do not have correct body position. Have fun and remember to breathe.

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[Mulepackhunter]

Just show up and be on top of your safety. You will get tips all through the match. Never seen new shooters show up and not get a bunch of help. Just be honest up front and welcome help.

 

[kthomas]

1. Keep things simple: don't try to incorporate a bunch of bags or gadgets. This is one of the biggest mistakes I saw back when I was shooting PRS somewhat regularly. Most stages you can get buy with just a barricade bag. Resist the temptation to drag a tripod around every stage for rear support.

2. Listen to the stage brief, understand the stage and come up with a plan for how you are going to shoot the stage. Keep #1 in mind here.

3. Make sure you can identify all targets with your bare eyes, take mental notes of any features that may help identify the target in the scope.

4. Know target distances and what DOPE you need to engage each target. Use whatever tool you need to keep track of this throughout the stage (arm board, etc).

5. When you're "on deck" to shoot, get your rifle ready. Make sure you have (X2) full mags. Scope caps removed. Correct parallax set. Correct magnification set. The first targets DOPE already dialed.

6. When it's your turn to shoot, make sure you ask any remaining questions you have about the stage with the RO. I always confirm the stage sequence with the RO before going on the clock. Make sure your chamber flag is removed. Insert mag here if allowed. Follow your game plan.

7. Be safe and have fun! This is the most important. Nobody cares what your score is, especially as a new(er) shooter. Just be sure to be safe and pleasant around - that's all anyone asks.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

There are quite a few worthwhile posts for beginners in this thread. Here are a couple of mine...

• Hints
• Things newbies do

Be safe and have fun! This is the most important. Nobody cares what your score is, especially as a new(er) shooter. Just be sure to be safe and pleasant around - that's all anyone asks.

^^^ This. Nobody will remember your score, but if you fuss and act like a dick... yeah, I can tell stories from 30+ years ago about pissy whiny complainers.

Good luck.