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

Horman Savagerx Lede
Horman Savagerx Lede

Savage Arms RXR22: An All-Purpose Family Carbine?

This handy little rifle stands out from the crowd by embracing readily available components.

3 Compact Defensive Pump-Action Shotguns

There is more than one way to shrink the size of popular defensive shotguns.

Jessie Harrison Wins the U.S. IPSC Nationals

Widely regarded as the winningest female competitive shooter in history, no other woman has amassed as many championships or set as many speed-shooting records.

NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Now Open for 2027

The Y.E.S. program gives rising high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience American government, history and the Constitution firsthand.

Remington Launches Branded Hunting Dog Products

Remington-branded pet products are now available in approximately 275 Walmart stores nationwide and on Chewy.com, extending the brand's reach into the growing pet category.

Team PROOF Research Women Finish on Top at 2026 IPRF World Championship

Kate Estes of Huffman, Texas, captured 1st place and World Champion title in the Ladies Division, followed by teammate Grace Vaughn of Oviedo, Fla., finishing in an impressive 4th place.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.