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

NRA Women The Armed Citizen Shooting A Pistol
NRA Women The Armed Citizen Shooting A Pistol

The Armed Citizen® February 13, 2026

Teach your children well—and that means never to commit crimes, especially ones that can end your life.

New Guns 2026: Henry's Deadeye Revolvers now with Sight Upgrades

The new Deadeye models feature upgraded sights that enhance accuracy for target shooting and plinking.

Offensive Strategies for Defensive Driving

Incorporate these offensive driving tactics so you are less on the defense.

How to Train Cross-Eye-Dominant Firearm Students

If you are a firearms instructor, don't let a student simply "compensate" for being cross-eye dominant! Follow these tips for proper training and a more successful student.

Try Something New by Trying Something Old

Want to revive that "new hunter" feeling? Here are a few ways to keep the excitement going from year to year. 

We Love It: Lena Women's Stretch Flannel Shirt and Shirt Jacket from Vertx

We all crave our favorite “comfort foods” when cooler weather invites hibernal tendencies. Now, with the “Lena Collection” by Vertx, we have “comfort clothes.”

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.