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

Gtm Mothers Day Sale 2026 Lede
Gtm Mothers Day Sale 2026 Lede

Gun Tote’n Mamas Launches Mother’s Day Empowerment Campaign

The campaign, designed to educate women on off-body concealed carry without sacrificing style, invites customers to receive 25% off all GTM products.

Welcome In! NRA Women New Energy Brunch Brings More Women into the 2A Fold

Now in its 13th year, the NRA Women New Energy Brunch, which highlights NRA's outreach programs for women, has become a cornerstone event of the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

The Armed Citizen® Reload April 24, 2026

Take the TV, take the jewelry, take the cash—but abscond with the four-legged family member and all bets are off.

Binocular Buying Guide

Shopping for binos? Here’s what to look for.

20 Years of the Taurus Judge Revolver

This revolver still provides the just-right balance of features and price that turned a niche dual-caliber revolver into one of this company's most successful platforms.

What Is “Necked Down?”

Many common cartridges are simply “necked down” versions of other cartridges—but what exactly does that mean?

 

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.