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 Nra Show Wrap Up
Rao Nra Show Wrap Up

Houston, We Have NRA Members!

More than 73,000 members gathered in the country’s fourth most-populous city to celebrate their Second Amendment freedoms.

Amanda Suffecool Bestowed 2026 NRA Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award

The announcement was made at the NRA Women's Leadership Forum Brunch during the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston.

Gun Tote’n Mamas Launches Mother’s Day Empowerment Campaign

The campaign, designed to educate women on off-body concealed carry without sacrificing style, invites customers to receive 25% off all GTM products.

Welcome In! NRA Women New Energy Brunch Brings More Women into the 2A Fold

Now in its 13th year, the NRA Women New Energy Brunch, which highlights NRA's outreach programs for women, has become a cornerstone event of the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

The Armed Citizen® Reload April 24, 2026

Take the TV, take the jewelry, take the cash—but abscond with the four-legged family member and all bets are off.

Binocular Buying Guide

Shopping for binos? Here’s what to look for.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.