If you’re an experienced AR-15 marksman with a solid shooting foundation and a deep understanding of firearms and technique, it could be time to put your skills to the test. Competition shooting is one of the best ways to do so, but where do you start? Here, we want to discuss the ins and outs of the AR-15 competitive shooting world, including how to get involved, what you need to know, and some insider tricks and tips to give you an edge on the range. Best of luck out there!
Benefits Of Competitive Rifle Shooting
Of course, competitive AR-15 shooting allows you to showcase your skills and maybe take home a medal, but it’s far more than that. If you are a true firearms enthusiast looking for a community to share your passion, competition shooting is right for you. It is the ultimate way to meet people with similar interests, hone your skills and knowledge, and maximize the time spent doing what you love. While the sport has a competitive aspect, long-range shooting competitions are more about the community than anything else, spending weekends at the range and brushing shoulders with some of the best shooters out there.
How To Train For An AR-15 Shooting Competition
Training for competitive rifle shooting is about the same as preparing for anything else. It all comes down to practice. The amount of time you spend on the range, getting to know your AR-15, shooting different ammunition, and other techniques will all play a role in your success on the range. However, there are other routes you can take to improve your shooting, such as taking a competitive shooting course, joining a shooting league, and joining online communities. What you put in is what you will get out when it comes to competitive rifle shooting, and it’s always advised to be overprepared rather than underprepared.
Find Contests Through A Local Gun Club
If you’ve decided to start shooting competitively, not knowing exactly where to start can be intimidating. Thankfully, it is not unusual for gun clubs to host their competitions, allowing local firearms enthusiasts to test their skills against one another while socializing in the process. These smaller competitions are an excellent way to get your finger on the trigger as a new competitor and possibly meet others who can help show you the ropes of the competitive rifle shooting lifestyle.
How To Maintain An AR-15 For Competition
While nothing is stopping you from taking your everyday AR-15 out of the case and using it in a competition, it may be ill-advised. In long-range shooting competitions, marksmen typically use a competition-style AR-15 that is designed and cared for with competition shooting in mind. Some basic tips for maintaining the integrity of a competition AR-15 include:
- Performing routine checks of parts such as bolt carrier groups that are subjected to the most stress
- Cleaning your weapon after every match
- Lubricating your gun after every match
- Protect your AR-15 from dust and debris by covering it when not in use
When competitive rifle shooting, the goal is to have your AR-15 ready for optimal performance at all times. This means staying ahead of the curve in terms of cleaning and maintenance so there aren’t any issues when every shot counts.
AR-15 Upgrades To Consider
Although a stock AR-15 is still a force to be reckoned with, when shooting competitively, it’s unlikely that a barebones rifle will get you very far. Depending on the style of competition you are in, it’s likely that you are going to need to incorporate some AR-15 upgrades and accessories into your loadout. Some of the most typical upgrades implemented by AR-15 marksmen in competitive rifle shooting are:
Grips And Stocks
Two of the most basic, inexpensive, and beneficial upgrades you can make to an AR-15 are the weapon's grip and stock. Also referred to as a rifle’s “furniture,” these are two aspects of a rifle that, when upgraded, can drastically increase the control, feel, and accuracy of a firearm in a long-range shooting competition. These are a great option if you don’t know where to start with your upgrades.
Optics
Any shooting expert knows that anything that increases your ability to see the target is good for long-range shooting competitions. That’s why AR-15 optics play a major role in various competitive rifle shooting events. Depending on the shooter, using optics other than the traditional iron sight of the weapon can lead to increased accuracy and confidence when shooting. However, it is important to take note of any optics restrictions or competition regulations and prepare accordingly.
Muzzle Devices
Few weapon optimizations will help promote the accuracy and reliability of your AR-15 than muzzle devices. Designed to fit on the end of your barrel, muzzle devices help reduce a weapon's recoil, suppress flash from firing, and divert gas. In competitive rifle shooting, these are all things that can only benefit a shooter when out on the range.
Barrels
If you want to change your weapon’s feel for ultimate performance, you can never go wrong with an AR-15 barrel upgrade. In competition shooting, the norm is typically to switch your barrel from whatever your stock rifle came with. For close-range competitions, shooters rely on lighter barrels for more maneuverability, whereas in long-range shooting competitions, a heavier barrel is recommended for increased accuracy.
Triggers
The sensitivity, feel, and action of an AR-15 trigger can completely alter the performance of your weapon. Therefore, it’s extremely common for competitive rifle shooters to experiment with various trigger styles and materials until they find what works best for them. A rifle’s trigger can make or break the firearm's performance, so choose wisely.
Whether you’re a competitive rifle shooting veteran or are just getting into the sport, Wing Tactical has everything you need to give you the edge against the competition. With countless AR-15 upgrades, parts, and accessories, we’re prepared to get you fitted with all the necessary components to make you a fierce competitor in the range. Shop online today!