Beginner Match April 13th, 2024
Register Here (Registration Opens 3/4/2024 at 8pm) Please read the FAQs below.
Our annual beginners match is focused on bringing new shooter to precision rifle competition. We provide a low stress, relaxed and fun environment for shooter to see how a PRS style match runs, test their skills, and equipment. The focus at this match is shooter education, and familiarization, competition is secondary. While the match is a scored event, shooters are encouraged to coach each other, try new gear and learn from the experienced shooters who RO the match.
The only required gear for the match is a rifle, ammo, and scope capable of 1 MOA or better. The scope must have a method to apply elevation correction and enable the shooter to engage targets at various distances between 300-700 yards (holdover or adjustable scope turret), and a positive attitude. Shooters are encouraged to bring snacks, water, and sun block. Ear protection is required, and eye protection is strongly suggested.
Experienced shooters from our community volunteer their time to grow the sport and ensure new shooter have a positive first at a long range competition. Support gear such as shooting bags, tripods, etc. are provided by our experienced shooter community so new shooters have an opportunity to try a variety of equipment. In addition, various manufactures have generously donated support equipment for new shooter to use and experiment with at this match.
Shooter start the day with safety brief designed to highlight some of the precision rifle specific safety procedures and all NRA rules. Shooters will be walked through the course of fire and provided time to ask questions. All shooter will then be required to verify zero at 100 yards. After shooters verify their zero, shooters will be divided into 4 squads, each squad will be assigned an experienced shooter to monitor safety, assist stage ROs and answer shooter questions. Each stage will be demonstrated by an experienced shooter. As shooters progress through the stage RO will call corrections and coach shooters as needed.
Special thanks to Ketsrel Ballistics, Vortex Optics, and Short Action Precision for helping to make the 2023 Beginners Match a success
See the full agenda below.
Please see Road to PRS YouTube series for actual footage from our 2023 match.
2024 Match agenda
7:30-8:00am Shooter Sign in
8:00-8:15am Shooter Safety Brief (All shooter must be present at this time.)
8:15-9:00am Stage walk throughs
9:00-9:30am All Shooters Verify zero at the 100 yard range
9:30am-4:00pm Shooter break in to squads and rotate through 8 challenging stages
When shooting is concluded we will have a short debrief and provide final scores.
FAQ Section
Q: I have military Training. Do I still qualify for the beginner’s match?
A: Thank you for your service. Yes, you can still shoot the beginner’s match.
Q: Is my cartridge allowed at the match?
A: All cartridges’ with a bullet diameter of .308 (7.62mm) or less, AND a standard case head of ~.479 (308 Winchester case head) or smaller, AND a muzzle velocity of less than 3,150 feet per second are allowed.
Some examples of permissible cartridges: 308 Winchester, 6.5mm Creedmore, 6mm Creedmore, 223 Remington, 243 Winchester, 260 Remington, 6.5 Grendel, .30-06
Some examples of excluded calibers: 300 Winchester Magnum, 300 Winchester Short Magnum, 7mm Magnum, 6.5PRC, 338 Lapua Magnum, 14-221 Walker
NO EXCEPTIONS
Q: I shoot another discipline competitively, can I still shoot the beginners match? (IPSC, USPSA, High Power, Service Rifle, Across the Course, F-Class, bench rest, 22lr precision, ELR, Three Gun, Cow Boy Action, etc.)
A: Yes, you can still shoot the beginner match. The only shooting discipline experience that would exclude you from participating in the beginners match is PRS or NRL centerfire competition.
Q: I shot the beginners match last year. Can I do it again?
A: No, but feel free to sign up for a regular match. Let the match director and people in your squad know if you feel you need assistance.
Q: I shot a Mason-Dixon, National PRS/NRL, or <other> PRS/ NRL match before but it was a few years ago. Can I shoot the beginner’s match?
A: No, but feel free to sign up for a regular match. Let the match director and people in your squad know if you feel you need assistance.
Q: I missed the sign-up and now the match is sold out. Can you please let me in?
A: No. Our matches fill up fast and we have limited capacity. but feel free to sign up for a regular match. Let the match director and people in your squad know if you feel you need assistance.
Q: I only have access to shoot 100 yards. Can I still shoot PRS?
A: Yes. Make sure you have a 100 yard zero and a ballistic calculator app on your phone or printed out.
Free Ballistic Apps for iPhone and android: BallisticsARC, Streyloc, Hornady 4DOF
Free PC based Ballistic Calculator: JBM ballistics https://www.jbmballistics.com/ballistics/calculators/calculators.shtml
YouTube instructions for BallisticARC: https://youtu.be/e5X4Qy5q1Y4
Q: what is the round count for the begginer’s match?
A: All our matches are about 100 rounds, please bing a few extra just in case.
Q: Can I shoot a semi Auto?
A: Yes, but it must have a magnified optic with adjustable turrets or some way of holding over from 300-1000 yards.
2020 Shooter testimonials:
“A guy like me that has only ever put a little over 550 rounds behind a rifle down range really appreciates all the help. You guys really know how to make someone with no experience feel comfortable and confident.” - 2020 competitor
“What an awesome event...This Beginners Match was 1st class and was well organized. The team could not have done a better service to the new [precision rifle] shooting community.”-2020 competitor
“The beginners match was absolutely awesome today, thank you to all the RO’s that volunteered their time it was run very well and I had an absolute blast and learned a lot.”-2020 competitor
Images from the 2020 Beginners Match at NHPRC
