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 Aiming A Pistol
NRA Women The Armed Citizen Aiming A Pistol

The Armed Citizen® February 6, 2026

In the case of machete versus handgun, the outcome is probably a foregone conclusion..

Kim Rhode Receives the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award

The Olympic great and Team Winchester member received the award at the NSSF Members Meeting during the 2026 SHOT Show.

Basic Wilderness First Aid

Here are a few tips for handling some of the more common scenarios you or your party may find yourself in when out in the wilderness.

 

Federal-Sponsored Shooter Kayle Browning Wins Gold in Abu Dhabi

The January event took place at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club in Al Ain City.

Camouflage & Concealment Techniques in Nature

We take a closer look at the various camouflage techniques found in nature, why they are used, and how these methods can provide hunters, wildlife photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts ideas about how they themselves can better blend in.

How to Improve Your Firearm Student’s Confidence

Ultimately, a student’s confidence might be dependent upon his or her instructor. Here are a few tips to making sure they are performing to the best of their ability.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.