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

GTM Avenue Large Satchel Concealed Carry Bag GTM Image
GTM Avenue Large Satchel Concealed Carry Bag GTM Image

New Gear 2026: GTM Original Expands The Avenue Collection

The satchels are crafted from USA top-grain cowhide and distressed buffalo leather, offering a refined blend of fashion, function and personality.

SLG2, Inc. and Walk The Talk America Unite to Advance Firearm Safety

The partnership will provide practical resources that encourage safe firearm handling, secure storage and meaningful conversations surrounding mental health.

The Armed Citizen® Reload June 26, 2026

The law was on a woman's side quite literally all the time, which didn't end well for her ex-cop boyfriend.

Henry Repeating Arms’ America's 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition Collection

Now shipping to dealers, the trio of collector-grade lever-action rifles mark the nation's 250th anniversary of independence.

Savage 220 Harvester Woodland Slug Gun Review

If you live in a state that limits your deer-hunting firearm options, the Savage 220 Harvester Woodland could be your answer to finding a shotgun that fits well, manages recoil, and offers the adjustability needed for comfort and confidence.

A Real-Life Situational Awareness Example

The author recently had to practice what she preaches when an ordinary night turned into a Condition Orange situation.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.