I have just become aware of PRS but know little to nothing about it. I did see that they have different divisions for different guns and different classifications for shooters depending on how well you shoot throughout the year. What I really haven't seen is the format. Are they shooting steel or paper or a mix of both. I have heard that the matches start at 1000 yards. Is this true? I will have more questions about guns and gear later but for now I would just like to know about course of fire and targets including sizes.
Questions about PRS???
- Thread starter CZ223
- Start date
There is a lot of good info here. http://precisionrifleblog.com
The few matches that I have attended have had a "cold bore" shot at 100 yards and also steel targets of
various sizes from 200 to 1100 yards. Shooting positions varied also.
Joe
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
It's always a mix of both plus movers which are steel as well. The sizes of the targets vary with the distance and degree of difficulty which the Match Directors decide. In essence, a 0.5 MOA rifle will perform just fine in any of the matches. The course of fire can vary with distances as short as 100 yards out to a pinch beyond 1,000 yards with everything in between. The course of fire is generally not published or discussed until the first day of competition. Each competition can have a unique course of fire due to terrain and conditions.
It's more fun to watch a video of a match than trying to describe one:
Here is the 2016 Finale:
Regards.
I forgot to add that the matches usually contain stressors such maximum times, running between targets, climbing rocks and shooting from odd positions.
XTR
F-TR obssessed shooting junkie
This is probably not the best site on the WWW for PRS info. In addition to the link above there is a whole PRS forum on SnipersHide.com.
As far as I know PRS or "Precision Rifle Series" is a licensed/trademarked name, there are a lot of other matches out there with same or similar format that are not "PRS". Probably called "tactical something" or "precision something". These type of matches shoot to what ever distances are available on the ranges where they are held. Not all ranges can get out to 1000 or beyond.
As far as I know they mostly shoot steel. (be aware that some matches also have pistol stages)
As far as I know PRS or "Precision Rifle Series" is a licensed/trademarked name, there are a lot of other matches out there with same or similar format that are not "PRS". Probably called "tactical something" or "precision something". These type of matches shoot to what ever distances are available on the ranges where they are held. Not all ranges can get out to 1000 or beyond.
As far as I know they mostly shoot steel. (be aware that some matches also have pistol stages)
Average target size is ~2MOA steel plate, average target range is usually somewhere around 600 yards, ranging from 200ish to 1200ish yards. A typical match will have you shooting 8-10 stages in a day, each stage consists of 8 to 12 rounds fired within a 90 - 120 second time limit. A typical stage course of fire will have you shooting multiple positions from various natural and man made obstacles, engaging multiple targets. There's not really any running or athletic demands but you stay busy, moving position to position, locating the correct target, dialing elevation, managing support gear like a shooting bag rest, etc. Most matches are 2/3 shooting from some sort of supported position and 1/3 prone, with the longer targets or smaller targets being prone.
It's a lot of fun.
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
Here is the 2016 GAP Grind, one of the PRS series big matches. It's in a Pro-AM format. The filming shows a lot of the ranges and targets along with a distance shot of the movers:
This is the K&M version:
This is a longer, more detailed video from 2013 (note the downpour...)
I'll have to look for the stills.
Stills:
Stills:
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PRS has a bit more gamesmanship than I like. I prefer a more relaxed approach where no one will look down on you for bringing what you got and shooting your best.
Palo Alto (near Baton Rouge) has a Field Precision Rifle match that I like a lot, and lots of other clubs have similar events. I'd start with a search of what's available at the ranges closer to your residence and work your way out. PRS is likely something you work up to as you develop your equipment and skills.
Palo Alto (near Baton Rouge) has a Field Precision Rifle match that I like a lot, and lots of other clubs have similar events. I'd start with a search of what's available at the ranges closer to your residence and work your way out. PRS is likely something you work up to as you develop your equipment and skills.
I shoot a lot of PRS including the 2016 Gap Grind you see the video to above. If you find static, square, benchrest shooting less than satisfying, You'll love it. Its a totally different sport. Gun's are built more around a reliability view point than absolute accuracy. That said, my match rifle and trainer are both 1/4 minute rifles.
You arent going to be neck turning brass and running low neck tension loads in PRS. Its gotta work everytime otherwise youll have problems.
We do a lot of prone, barricade, positional and other styles of shooting. Limited paper, lots of steel and movers. We will shoot anywhere from 100-1200 yards depending on the stage and many times you are "running the range" so youll be sending shots out at 2,3,4,8,1000 yards under tight time restrictions that force you to use your reticle rather than dial.
You arent going to be neck turning brass and running low neck tension loads in PRS. Its gotta work everytime otherwise youll have problems.
We do a lot of prone, barricade, positional and other styles of shooting. Limited paper, lots of steel and movers. We will shoot anywhere from 100-1200 yards depending on the stage and many times you are "running the range" so youll be sending shots out at 2,3,4,8,1000 yards under tight time restrictions that force you to use your reticle rather than dial.
Thanks for all the info. I had watched a couple videos on you tube but really couldn't see what they were shooting at. I will check out the sites mentioned. But don't stop now, keep it coming. for those who have shot this what are you running gas or bolt? I was all ready to set up a bolt gun but I do have a couple AR 10's that might do the job with a little tweaking. Just to get started mind you. I have a couple model 12 Savages that could be rebarreled to 300 win., 6.5 Creedmore or 6.5x284.
its super fun! Most likely people will help you out at a match, if you ask for it. Talk to the Match Director to set you up with an experienced shooter to help you navigate your way around.
Run a bolt or gasser either one will work, i prefer a bolt gun. Of the one you listed your 6.5creed will work the best. Due to factory ammo can be bought that way you don't cry too hard when you lose your brass on a stage.
Run a bolt or gasser either one will work, i prefer a bolt gun. Of the one you listed your 6.5creed will work the best. Due to factory ammo can be bought that way you don't cry too hard when you lose your brass on a stage.
Kurz
Silver $$ Contributor
I believe that PRS shooters are just as helpful as all of the rest of American shooters. If you have questions, ask. If you need some help, ask. Someone will jump up to lend a hand. Go watch a match first to get a feel for the level of activity and the types of targets and distances. Don't forget that there are train-up days and warm up days prior to most matches. Check the match schedules to see when they are offered and the cost.
I shoot bolt action rifles mostly for any competition but after being beaten soundly on a mover stage, I changed horses for a while. I built a gas gun and with a little practice, ran the mover stage completely on many courses. You need a properly built gas gun though since the entry level ARs will not have the accuracy and reliability you will want. But it is perfectly acceptable to dance with who you brung.
I shoot bolt action rifles mostly for any competition but after being beaten soundly on a mover stage, I changed horses for a while. I built a gas gun and with a little practice, ran the mover stage completely on many courses. You need a properly built gas gun though since the entry level ARs will not have the accuracy and reliability you will want. But it is perfectly acceptable to dance with who you brung.
Virtually everyone is running the most aggressive muzzle brake available or a suppressor (but almost exclusively brakes). On some stages in the interests of keeping the match moving there will be multiple people on the line with only one shooting at a time. In other words you will be getting blasted by muzzle brake wash. Both plugs and muffs are a must.
The time pressure is significant so there is a surprisingly large premium placed on staying on target, and that is why everyone uses a brake.
Most stages require 8 - 10 Rounds so magazine capacity is also a time factor. A 10-round magazine is a significant advantage over two 5 round magazines
From what I've read many matches require you to take everything with you and do not offer opportunities to go back to your vehicle to get more or less stuff. Be prepared to carry with you everything you need for the entire day.
Some of the firing is prone but much of it is unsupported with the front of the rifle resting on something perhaps stable perhaps less than stable. Bring a squeezable rear bag but don't expect to use it very often.
To get around this problem the very competitive shooters wear an inflatable bag under their right elbow which they use to support shooting hand and shoulder. There is an equipment race element to this sport like any other.
The time pressure is significant so there is a surprisingly large premium placed on staying on target, and that is why everyone uses a brake.
Most stages require 8 - 10 Rounds so magazine capacity is also a time factor. A 10-round magazine is a significant advantage over two 5 round magazines
From what I've read many matches require you to take everything with you and do not offer opportunities to go back to your vehicle to get more or less stuff. Be prepared to carry with you everything you need for the entire day.
Some of the firing is prone but much of it is unsupported with the front of the rifle resting on something perhaps stable perhaps less than stable. Bring a squeezable rear bag but don't expect to use it very often.
To get around this problem the very competitive shooters wear an inflatable bag under their right elbow which they use to support shooting hand and shoulder. There is an equipment race element to this sport like any other.
I am looking hard at the Savage 12 LRP in 6.5 creedmoor. It only comes with a 4 round mag. It can be run in production that way but what if I buy an aftermarket 10 round mag. Will that put me in open? I am having a hard time finding my answers to these and other question which is whay I am relying on you folks.
The nationally ranked shooters I know are not doing that. Minimal gear (like a simple sandbag) and speed and practice are the name of the game. There's always something that proclaims to be a piece of equipment that will make some huge difference, but the reality is that more gear is often a hindrance and the best shooters will win regardless.
Don't worry about falling in the "production" class. Many local club regions don't recognize the sub-classes and simply let everyone compete together, at least that's how it is in our region. On the national circuit for the big 2 day official PRS matches there is a tactical class and a production class, but the number of shooters participating in the production class is very small (only 13 people nationally right now).
If you intend to buy a rifle for PRS style shooting, the number one thing you need for a feature set is a 10 round AICS pattern magazine. The Savage LRP would not fit the bill, but their 10 BA Stealth would. The most common rifle you see new shooters choosing is the Ruger Precision Rifle. They generally shoot well, and there are a couple other brands of rifle that are similarly priced and equipped you could check out.
Once you've got a rifle, bipod, 10 round mag and some sort of small sandbag you can use as a rear bag or to support between the rifle and a barricade I would go shoot your first match. Everything will be much more clear after you do it a bit.
If you want to do well in your first match, practice dry firing from supported positions like a ladder or chair. Do it a lot and get good at it and you will do well in the sport.
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