Thinking about attending your first PRS-style match? Here's what you need to know to show up prepared and have a great time.

What to Bring

• Your rifle: Any bolt-action rifle in a common caliber (6.5 Creedmoor, .308, 6mm variants) will work. You don't need a $5,000 custom rig to get started.
• Ammunition: Bring at least 80-100 rounds. Match ammo is ideal, but quality factory loads are fine for your first match.
• Rear bag: A squeeze bag for your rear support is essential. A simple sock filled with poly-fill works in a pinch.
• Bipod: An Atlas or Harris-style bipod attached to your rifle.
• Data book or phone app: For recording your DOPE (Data on Previous Engagements).
• Eye and ear protection: Required at all times on the range.
• Water and snacks: Matches can run several hours in the New Mexico sun.
• Sunscreen and a hat: Trust us on this one.

What to Expect

A typical match consists of multiple stages, each presenting a different shooting challenge. You'll shoot from various positions — prone, barricades, rooftops, and improvised rests. Targets are steel plates at varying distances, typically from 200 to 1,000+ yards.

Each stage has a time limit (usually 90-120 seconds) and a specific course of fire. A Range Officer (RO) will walk you through every stage, so don't worry about memorizing everything.

Tips for Your First Match

• Tell people it's your first match. The PRS community is incredibly welcoming. Experienced shooters love helping newcomers.
• Focus on safety, not score. Nobody expects you to win your first match. Follow all safety commands and have fun.
• Watch other shooters. You'll learn more by observing experienced competitors than from any YouTube video.
• Don't rush. Smooth is fast. Take your time getting stable before breaking a shot.
• Ask questions. There's no such thing as a dumb question at a PRS match, especially for first-timers.

After the Match

Stick around after the match if you can. This is where the real learning happens — shooters share tips, discuss stage strategies, and build the connections that make this community special. And if you had fun, sign up for the next one!