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

Beretta 694 Black Dlc Left Lede (1)
Beretta 694 Black Dlc Left Lede (1)

New Guns 2026: Beretta 694 Black DLC Shotgun

The new shotgun is an upgraded, modernized version of one of the most trusted shotguns in the clay-shooting world.

New Guns 2026: Smith & Wesson M&P Metal HD Series

The two new pistols are the M&P9 M2.0 Metal HD and Competitor HD, with purpose-based designs right out of the box.

4 Internal Factors that Affect a Firearm’s Performance

Want maximum output from your firearm? Follow these tips to ensure your gun is a keeper.

ScentLok's Ridge Series for Women

ScentLok says it has combined all the favorite features from the men's line with a fit that is proven to help women feel comfortable and agile in the field.

Federal Announces America 250th Commemorative Target Loads

The America 250th line features target-friendly loads across rifle, handgun, rimfire and shotshell categories.

Remington Introduces We The People, 250th Anniversary of the USA Ammunition

The special-edition line include a mix of popular calibers packaged in 250-count boxes and limited-run commemorative buckets.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.