Long-Range Pistol & Rifle Shooting for Beginners

Smith & Wesson pro shooter Jerry Miculek reveals the secrets (and surprises) of long-range shooting with handguns and rifles.

posted on October 13, 2021
** 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. **

Did you know that long-range shooting isn't just for long guns? Although we tend to think of long-range shooting as the province of precision rifles, handguns can be extremely accurate out to distances that would surprise you. Who better to explain how that works than world-record-breaking pro shooter Jerry Miculek?

In this video from Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS series, Miculek describes and demonstrates the basics of long-range shooting for both handguns and rifles. As with all things shooting, having the right gun, ammo and optic combination is only the first step. Accuracy requires that you master three fundamentals of shooting: sight picture, trigger control and breath control. Of those three, which is the most important when you're trying to shoot for distance? Trigger control, insists Miculek, is the most critical.

However, even if you're still working on your trigger control, there are many simple tips to improve your distance accuracy right now. Even a new shooter can improve their long-distance game; let Miculek and GUNSMARTS show you how!

Latest

Deering Turkey Leftovers NWTF Wild Turkey Salad Sandwich Full Hero Wild Turkey Salad Sammy Justin Adams Scaled
Deering Turkey Leftovers NWTF Wild Turkey Salad Sandwich Full Hero Wild Turkey Salad Sammy Justin Adams Scaled

6 Recipes to Use Up Leftover Wild Turkey

Roasted a turkey lately? If you’re awash in leftovers, these six recipes will help you clean out the fridge and make good use of every last bit of turkey meat.

4 Rules NRA Instructors Should Follow When Training Students

Don't stop with the the bare minimum when it comes to safety in the classroom. Go one step further and implement additional rules that apply to your location.

Tips for Setting Up a Tripod in Your Deer Blind

It's trickier than it looks. Here's how to make sure you and your tripod are in the ideal position for getting your game on target.

Uniquely American: The American Bison

The American bison is North America’s largest land mammal.

4 D’s of Securing Your Home

When it comes to making your home a hard target for intruders and burglars, it’s all about these four steps.

New Guns 2025: Springfield Armory SAINT Victors

Shorter, lighter and handier are all reasons this new iteration of the SAINT is a great choice for women learning how to use an AR-platform rifle.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.