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

Women For Gun Rights Logo 2
Women For Gun Rights Logo 2

Women for Gun Rights Announces Inaugural 2026 Award Recipients at National Summit Gala

Four distinguished honorees were recognized for outstanding contributions to Second Amendment advocacy, leadership and service.

Buying Your First Duck Gun

Want to buy a shotgun for duck hunting? Here’s what to consider.

Remember Rule 4!

“Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it” is easy to forget when you’re scared or hyped up.

Call for Nominations: Women's Wildlife Management/Conservation Scholarship

This $5,000 renewable, one-year scholarship is available to qualified full-time college juniors or seniors majoring in wildlife management/conservation.

 

3 Tips for Getting Your Firearm Student on Target

Here are some simple but effective ways to get your student on paper in quick order for early confidence building.

The Armed Citizen® October 16, 2026

Waiting for authorities to arrive is not always an option when a crazed intruder is intent on getting to you first.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.