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

Sally Talbott 2026 Bianchi Cup High Woman Lede
Sally Talbott 2026 Bianchi Cup High Woman Lede

Sally Talbott Earns High Woman Honors at 2026 CMP Bianchi Cup

Talbott, a member of Team Accuracy X and a former member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Service Pistol Team also earned Open .22 Champion honors and finishing 2nd overall in the Open Division.

Team Remington's Madison Sharpe Wins Top Honors at the 2026 Southeast Regional Championships

Team Remington’s Brandon Powell also won his second consecutive NSCA regional championship.

National Bowhunter Education Foundation's Marilyn Bentz Receives Ann Hoyt Award

The award is reserved for those deserving women who have demonstrated excellence in career achievements and service to the archery community as an administrator, bowhunter, businessperson, coach, competitor or official.

Why You Should Buy a Duck Stamp

The story behind how we got the federal duck stamp and why you should consider buying one even if you don’t hunt.

 

Ruger Safety Bulletin: LCP MAX Manual Safety Models

The recess that retains the safety lever detent spring may not be machined properly, but the other safety mechanisms, including the trigger safety, are not affected and will still function properly.

Review: KelTec PR-3AT Defender Package

The latest addition to this company’s fixed magazine series is lightweight and pocket sized!

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.