Lessons From a Legend: Jerry Miculek's Competition Rifle How-To

Have you ever wondered what sets a competition rifle apart from a "regular" AR-15? Wonder no longer!

posted on September 14, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

If you're a regular NRA Women reader, then you know that AR-15s—also called Modern Sporting Rifles, MSRs and "black guns"—are the most common platform for rifle competition. However, many shooters consider that platform as just a starting point ... and the more advanced shooters get, the more advanced their rifles. But what exactly does a competition rifle need to do that it can't do right out of the box? What kind of upgrades do you need? And can you do the upgrades yourself?

All of the above are complex questions, and who better to answer than world-famous pro shooter (and quite possibly the best shooter alive) Jerry Miculek? Smith & Wesson recently electrified the competitive-shooting world with its all-new Volunteer series of AR-15-style rifles, so what better example from which to work? In this fantastic step-by-step how-to video from S&W's GUNSMARTS series, Miculek walks you through all the bells and whistles of a competition rifle, from the buttstock, to the sling mount, to the optic ... everything your ideal competition rifle needs, and how to install it all. It's easier than you think, and you'll see and feel the difference right away!

Latest

Rao Glassbedding Non Floated Barrel Photo By Hallowellco Website
Rao Glassbedding Non Floated Barrel Photo By Hallowellco Website

Firearm Terminology: Understanding Rifle Glass Bedding

Glass bedding and free-floating barrels can no doubt improve the accuracy of your firearm, but you still need to do your part and become proficient with your firearm.

New Guns 2026: EAA Balikli Blue Label Over-Under Shotgun

Included in the introduction is a youth model, offered in .410 bore with 18.5″ barrel and an adjustable length of pull.

Henry Repeating Arms' New Rifle Series Gives Back to our National Forests

The National Forest Foundation Edition Rifle Series honors America’s National Forests and Grasslands while contributing to conservation projects across nearly 200 million acres of public lands nationwide.

Women for Gun Rights Launches First National Membership Program

The new program reflects increasing demand from supporters who want to become more actively involved in advancing WGR's mission of education, safety, and constitutional advocacy.

NRA Women’s Wilderness Escapes: Vacation from the Ordinary

Women of all skill levels and walks of life experience adventure in a safe, judgement-free Southwestern paradise.

The Armed Citizen® Reload March 20, 2026

The defensive gunshots fired by these women were non-fatal—but they left a lasting impression with the perpetrators.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.