The Whole Shootin' Match: Competition 101

All matches are different, but here are the basics you need to know to get started in competitive shooting.

posted on September 28, 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. **

Does the term "competitive shooting" sound intimidating? That's probably because of the word "competitive," which we use because "safe and fun way to improve your skills while making new friends and learning how to shoot better" is too much of a tongue-twister. In this video from Smith & Wesson's GUNSMARTS series, you'll discover that the rules of competitive shooting are designed to level the playing field and keep you safe ... and that those rules are pretty intuitive and easy to understand. Who best to prove that than two of the world's most famous competitive shooters, Julie Golob and Jerry Miculek? 

As you'll see, competitive shooting starts and ends with safety. From the "safe area" to the likely range commands you'll hear, everything is designed to allow you to focus 100 percent on your shooting. You'll also learn what is meant by the dreaded "DQ," or disqualification ... that is to say, the shooter mistakes that can knock you out of the competition.

What the video won't reveal (but we will, because we love this fact) is that it's traditional in many matches for disqualified shooters to go get their pictures taken under the sign of a very popular fast-food chain that has the initials "DQ." Furthermore, many many famous competitors have such a photo in their archives somewhere. 

From starting positions, to target-to-target transitions, to moving and shooting skills, Jerry and Julie have you covered. Don't be intimidated, and one day you might just win the whole shootin' match.

Latest

Deering Zeroing At 25
Deering Zeroing At 25

How Bad Is It: to Sight in at 25 Yards?

If you have only a short range at which to sight in, will you be OK to shoot at 100 after sighting in at 25?

New Guns 2026: The Ruger Red Label III Shotgun

Ruger has brought back one of America’s most iconic over-under shotguns—the Ruger Red Label III—renewing the company's commitment to being a full-line manufacturer of firearms.

6 Wild Game Apps for Your New Year’s Eve Party

Throwing a party to ring in 2026? Whip up these wild-game appetizers to use up some of this year’s bounty from the freezer.

What’s a Deer Drive?

Deer drives are popular in many parts of the country. How do you pull one off?

3 Ways a Firearms Instructor Can Become a Better Teacher

You can be the best shot in your chosen firearm discipline, but if you are not a good communicator, you may not be an effective teacher.

Step Into Your Future: The NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) Awaits!

For more than 25 years, Y.E.S. has united some of America’s brightest, most driven, and patriotic youth for an unforgettable week of education, leadership and civic engagement.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.