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Precision Rifle Series

The Precision Rifle Series (PRS) is a leading global organization in the sport of competitive precision rifle shooting. It oversees an annual points race that includes both the PRS Pro-Bolt Gun Series and the PRS Regional Series. The PRS Championship Shooting Series has become synonymous with precision rifle competition and currently tracks scores for more than 6,000 active shooters. The PRS organizes 40 of the most prominent national pro-level precision rifle competitions and continues to grow its Regional Series, which hosts hundreds of one-day matches across the United States. Internationally, the PRS has expanded into countries such as South Africa and Australia. With more than 1,000 professional-level competitors and a growing international presence, the PRS has become a cornerstone of the precision rifle community, from local grassroots events to major national championships. Recognized as the primary governing body for organizing local, regional, and national matches, the PRS plays a key role in score tracking and promoting the practical long-range rifle discipline. Its mission is shaped by input from competitors, match directors, and industry sponsors, with a focus on delivering high-quality competition and fostering opportunities for shooters of all skill levels. PRS events vary widely in design and challenge, reflecting the "outlaw" nature of the sport. Each match is unique, with diverse stressors and fundamentals that test competitors in different ways. Regional differences are prominent, with matches in Texas and Oklahoma differing significantly from those on the West or East Coast. This variety enables shooters to challenge their skills through both two-day national Pro Series events and one-day local Regional Series competitions. The sport’s foundation is rooted in real-world scenarios drawn from military, law enforcement, and hunting applications. Whether a shooter is seeking local competition or aiming to challenge the best in the nation or the world, the PRS offers a structured path for participation and advancement.


Vision

The PRS aims to continue its expansion as the world’s premier precision rifle organization.


Mission

To promote and grow the sport of competitive precision rifle shooting in a safe, fair, and practical manner for shooters of all skill levels and ages.


Promote the Sport

The PRS seeks to raise awareness of competitive precision rifle shooting and inspire broader participation.


Build a Base

The organization is committed to expanding its membership and strengthening all levels of competition, from grassroots matches to top-tier national events.


Expand Connections

The PRS fosters collaboration among competitors, match directors, and industry leaders through its organizational structure, innovation, and strategic partnerships.


Achieve Sustained Competitive Success

The PRS supports continued success and development through local, regional, and national competitions, contributing to the long-term growth and visibility of the sport.


History and Equipment

Competitive long-range rifle shooting began gaining traction in the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
during the
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. Early matches emphasized practical
marksmanship A marksman is a person who is skilled in precision shooting. In modern military usage this typically refers to the use of projectile weapons such as an accurized scoped long gun such as designated marksman rifle (or a sniper rifle) to shoot ...
, often simulating real-world scenarios encountered by
military A military, also known collectively as armed forces, is a heavily armed, highly organized force primarily intended for warfare. Militaries are typically authorized and maintained by a sovereign state, with their members identifiable by a d ...
personnel,
law enforcement Law enforcement is the activity of some members of the government or other social institutions who act in an organized manner to enforce the law by investigating, deterring, rehabilitating, or punishing people who violate the rules and norms gove ...
officers, and
hunters Hunting is the Human activity, human practice of seeking, pursuing, capturing, and killing wildlife or feral animals. The most common reasons for humans to hunt are to obtain the animal's body for meat and useful animal products (fur/hide (sk ...
. Unlike traditional
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or benchrest competitions, these events incorporated targets placed at varying distances and required shooters to engage from improvised positions such as
barricades Barricade (from the French '' barrique'' - 'barrel') is any object or structure that creates a barrier or obstacle to control, block passage or force the flow of traffic in the desired direction. Adopted as a military term, a barricade denote ...
, rooftops, or natural terrain. The Precision Rifle Series (PRS) was formally established in
2012 2012 was designated as: *International Year of Cooperatives *International Year of Sustainable Energy for All Events January *January 4 – The Cicada 3301 internet hunt begins. * January 12 – Peaceful protests begin in the R ...
to bring consistency and organization to this growing discipline. It introduced standardized
rules Rule or ruling may refer to: Human activity * The exercise of political or personal control by someone with authority or power * Business rule, a rule pertaining to the structure or behavior internal to a business * School rule, a rule tha ...
,
scoring SCORE may refer to: *SCORE (software), a music scorewriter program * SCORE (television), a weekend sports service of the defunct Financial News Network *SCORE! Educational Centers *SCORE International, an offroad racing organization *Sarawak Corrido ...
, and a season-based format, helping unify match directors and competitors under a single competitive structure. One core regulation was the adoption of ballistic limits to preserve
steel Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that demonstrates improved mechanical properties compared to the pure form of iron. Due to steel's high Young's modulus, elastic modulus, Yield (engineering), yield strength, Fracture, fracture strength a ...
targets and ensure safety. PRS rules stipulate that rifles must not exceed a caliber of 7.82 mm (0.308 in) or a muzzle velocity of 980 m/s (3,200 ft/s). Today, the PRS includes multiple competition
divisions Division may refer to: Mathematics *Division (mathematics), the inverse of multiplication * Division algorithm, a method for computing the result of mathematical division Military *Division (military), a formation typically consisting of 10,000 t ...
such as
Open Open or OPEN may refer to: Music * Open (band), Australian pop/rock band * The Open (band), English indie rock band * ''Open'' (Blues Image album), 1969 * ''Open'' (Gerd Dudek, Buschi Niebergall, and Edward Vesala album), 1979 * ''Open'' (Go ...
, Tactical,
Production Production may refer to: Economics and business * Production (economics) * Production, the act of manufacturing goods * Production, in the outline of industrial organization, the act of making products (goods and services) * Production as a stat ...
, and Gas Gun, as well as shooter
categories Category, plural categories, may refer to: General uses *Classification, the general act of allocating things to classes/categories Philosophy *Category of being * ''Categories'' (Aristotle) *Category (Kant) *Categories (Peirce) *Category (Vais ...
including Junior,
Lady ''Lady'' is a term for a woman who behaves in a polite way. Once used to describe only women of a high social class or status, the female counterpart of lord, now it may refer to any adult woman, as gentleman can be used for men. "Lady" is al ...
,
Senior Senior (shortened as Sr.) means "the elder" in Latin and is often used as a suffix for the elder of two or more people in the same family with the same given name, usually a parent or grandparent. It may also refer to: * Senior (name), a surname ...
, and Military/LEO. Competitors must declare their division when registering for the season and may compete in multiple divisions if properly enrolled. Regardless of division, all participants shoot the same course of fire, and scoring is based on performance.


Rifles and Accessories

Most PRS competitors use custom or semi-custom
bolt-action rifles Bolt action is a type of manual firearm action that is operated by ''directly'' manipulating the turn-bolt via a bolt handle, most commonly placed on the right-hand side of the firearm (as most users are right-handed). The majority of bo ...
paired with high-magnification variable-power scopes. Popular cartridges include 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5mm Creedmoor, and 6mm Dasher selected for their flat trajectories, low recoil, and ballistic efficiency. Minimal recoil allows shooters to stay on target and spot their own impacts, a critical skill during competition. Shooters also rely on various shooting accessories to enhance stability and accuracy across stages. Common tools include support bags, tripods, ballistic data cards, wind meters, and mobile ballistic calculators. These matches challenge a shooter’s technical proficiency, decision-making, and ability to adapt under time constraints and environmental stressors. PRS events represent a blend of precision marksmanship and
fieldcraft Fieldcraft comprises the techniques and methods involved in living, traveling, or making military or scientific observations in the field. The term "fieldcraft" is used in a broad range of industries including military, oil and gas, wildlife and ...
, emphasizing real-world shooting scenarios across a variety of dynamic positions and terrain. Participants are ranked both within their division and by classification level
Pro Pro is an abbreviation meaning "professional". Pro, PRO or variants thereof might also refer to: People * Miguel Pro (1891–1927), Mexican priest * Pro Hart (1928–2006), Australian painter * Mlungisi Mdluli (born 1980), South African ret ...
, Semi-Pro,
Marksman A marksman is a person who is skilled in precision shooting. In modern military usage this typically refers to the use of projectile weapons such as an accurized telescopic sight, scoped long gun such as designated marksman rifle (or a sniper ri ...
, or
Amateur An amateur () is generally considered a person who pursues an avocation independent from their source of income. Amateurs and their pursuits are also described as popular, informal, autodidacticism, self-taught, user-generated, do it yourself, DI ...
based on seasonal performance.


PRS Pro Bolt Gun Series

The PRS Pro Bolt Gun Series is the national-level championship circuit within the Precision Rifle Series (PRS). It features over 40 premier two-day matches held across the United States and serves as the highest level of competition within the PRS. Participants include professional marksmen, military and law enforcement personnel, and skilled amateur shooters competing for top standings.


Structure and Participation

To participate in the Pro Bolt Gun Series, competitors must purchase a PRS Pro Series membership. Members may enter any sanctioned two-day match to earn points toward the national standings. Shooter profiles, scores, and rankings are automatically maintained on the PRS website.


Finale Qualification

Qualification for the PRS Pro Series Finale requires three total match scores for the season. At least one of those scores must come from a designated Finale Qualifier Match, which is selected and rotated annually to promote geographic diversity and fairness. Shooters may attend multiple qualifier matches to improve their performance. However, only those with a qualifying score from a sanctioned event will receive an invitation to the Finale. This rule applies to all PRS divisions and categories. The Finale contributes up to 40% of a competitor’s final season score (weighted 60/40).


Match Hosting

Prospective Match Directors interested in hosting a Pro Series event must apply through PRS administration. The Pro Bolt Gun Series is considered one of the most competitive rifle circuits in the country.


PRS Regional Series

The PRS Regional Series is a division of the Precision Rifle Series that promotes precision rifle competitions at the club and regional level. It offers a more accessible alternative to national-level two-day matches, especially for competitors constrained by travel and cost. The series includes hundreds of one-day matches across the U.S., catering to a wide range of participants from junior shooters to experienced professionals.


Participation

To compete in the Regional Series, shooters must purchase a PRS Regional Series membership. Members may enter any affiliated one-day match to accumulate points toward their regional standings. Shooter profiles and scores are automatically tracked on the PRS platform.


Finale Qualification

To qualify for the Regional Finale, shooters must include at least one of their top three scores from a designated Regional Finale Qualifier match. These qualifiers are selected annually by Regional Directors and distributed geographically. The requirement applies to divisions and categories including: Open, Tactical, Production, Gas Gun, Sportsman, Lady, Junior, Military/LEO, Senior, and Suppressor. The Finale accounts for up to 40% of a competitor’s total season score (weighted 60/40).


Club Participation

Match directors and clubs may apply for Regional Series affiliation through the PRS website. Upon approval, clubs receive: * A dedicated PRS Club Profile page with internal standings by division. * Optional use of the PRS site for registration and scoring (with a 7% processing fee). * Automated score uploads via PractiScore links, eliminating the need for spreadsheets. All shooter scores count toward club and regional standings. Clubs are subject to a $3 per-score fee to support administrative infrastructure.


Overview

The PRS Regional Series supports grassroots competition while offering centralized scoring and standardized recognition. It provides a path to national-level participation and fosters local community engagement in precision rifle sports.


PRS Rimfire Series

The PRS Rimfire Series is a club- and regional-level competition circuit focused on .22 LR precision rifles. It mirrors the structure of the PRS Regional Series while maintaining flexible match design and grassroots accessibility.


Purpose and Philosophy

Designed to promote affordable and scalable competition, the Rimfire Series enables participants to engage in precision shooting with reduced costs and barriers. Matches are primarily hosted at the club level, offering a competitive environment supported by national-level infrastructure. Key features include: * Local club matches contributing to national standings. * Accessible match formats. * Automated shooter tracking and scorekeeping through the PRS platform.


Match Format

In line with PRS tradition, the Rimfire Series emphasizes match director autonomy. Each course of fire is independently designed, and match structure may vary significantly by region. This approach allows flexibility while promoting challenge and diversity across the sport.


Series Structure

The Rimfire Series operates within the same framework as the Regional Series. Shooter standings are tracked nationally, while clubs benefit from tools for registration, scoring, and data management. The series serves as both a developmental platform for new shooters and a competitive arena for seasoned marksmen.


Series Comparison


Divisions, Categories, and Classifications

The Precision Rifle Series (PRS) includes three bolt gun divisions and one gas gun division. Shooters must declare their division when registering and are allowed to compete in multiple divisions during the season, provided they register accordingly. It is each shooter’s responsibility to ensure their scores are applied to the correct division. Failure to do so may result in match disqualification (DQ).


Open Division

* Bolt-action rifles may not exceed a bore diameter of 7.62 mm (.30 inch) or a velocity of .


Tactical Division

* Tactical bolt-action rifles are limited to .308 Winchester and 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington. The 5.56/.223 may not exceed , and the .308 may not exceed . Wildcat or modified cartridges are not permitted. Gas guns (AR-style rifles) may be used in this division under the same restrictions.


Production Division

* Bolt-action rifles must not exceed $3,000, and optics must not exceed $2,500, based on MSRP listed on the manufacturer's website. * Rifles must be commercially available in the original manufacturer's configuration, which includes the stock (or chassis), action, barrel, and trigger.


Gas Gun Division

* Open to large or small frame semi-automatic rifles without platform restrictions. Caliber is limited to 7.62 mm (.30 inch) or . All competitors shoot the same course of fire regardless of division. A 1% velocity variance is allowed for environmental and equipment factors. ''Note: A 1% velocity variance is allowed for environmental or equipment differences. All divisions shoot the same course of fire.''


Shooter Categories

The PRS also organizes shooters into various categories and classifications for further differentiation: * Categories are based on shooter demographics or professional status and may include classifications such as:


Junior

*Anyone 18 years old or younger at the start of the season is eligible to shoot in the juniors category in addition to their PRS Division.


Lady

* All female shooters are eligible to shoot in the ladies category in addition to their PRS Division.


Senior

* Anyone over the age of 55 is eligible to shoot in the seniors category in addition to their PRS Division.


Military/LEO

* Any shooter who is a full time military active duty service member or full time law enforcement officer (LEO) is eligible to shoot in the Mil/LE class in addition to their PRS division. Full and/or part time national guard or military reserve competitive shooting teams that are sanctioned by their respective military branches qualify to compete under the MIL/LE PRS category.


International

* Any international shooter (not a resident of the US) that chooses to compete in the US/CA PRS PRO Series. Not to be confused with the International Series, a shooter may participate in both.


Shooter Classifications

* Shooters are ranked based on performance throughout the season and are typically classified as: ** Pro ** Semi-Pro ** Marksman ** Amateur These classifications allow competitors to compare themselves with others of similar skill levels, while the category system recognizes diversity and participation within the sport.


Classifications

In order for shooters to be able to compete with their peers, PRS Series competitors are divided into classifications based upon their skill level and performance. The reason for the classification system is to have the ability to rank competitors and allow shooters to have true peer-to-peer recognition. This allows for goal setting and realistic achievement of attainable goals within the sport. The classification system is a yearly performance-based system in which shooters are classed for the current season based on their year prior season series score (not including their finale score). At the end of each season, shooters classes will be recalculated according to the classification bracket percentages based on their end of season pre-finale series score. The shooter will retain this classification for the entire next season and compete within this classification at the Pro Series Finale (if qualified). PRS competitors can achieve a classification of either Pro, Semi-pro, Marksman, or Amateur. Each class consists of a percentage of the total number of affiliated shooters, based on the end of season standings not including the finale. Pro shooters, for example, will be classified as the top 20% of competitors according to the standings after the last Pro Series match of the season. Competitors within the top 55 -79.9% of shooters, based on these standings will be classified as Semi-pro and so on.


Affiliations

The Precision Rifle Series has affiliated clubs in numerous countries, with clubs in Australia, the Baltic States, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Mongolia, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe, among others.


Season Scoring and Finale Qualification


Season Scoring System

The PRS points system is based on match performance. In each division (Open, Tactical, Production, and Gas Gun), the first-place shooter receives 100 points. All other competitors earn points calculated by dividing their match score by the winner’s score and multiplying by 100. Scores are rounded to three decimal places. Example: A shooter scoring 89 points in a match won with 105 points would earn (89 ÷ 105) × 100 = 84.762 PRS points. Only PRS members are eligible to accumulate season points. A retroactive grace period of seven days from a match’s completion allows new members to count scores. After seven days, scores from past matches cannot be applied. A shooter's season total is the sum of their three highest-scoring matches. To qualify for the Finale, shooters must have three scores, including at least one from a designated PRS Qualifier match. Shooters competing in multiple divisions must shoot a qualifier in each division to be eligible in both. All Finale participants must hold the appropriate PRS membership. The PRS Finale match accounts for 40% of a shooter’s final season score in both National and Regional Series standings.


National and Regional Match Requirements

;National Two-Day Matches *Must span two days, include at least 15 stages and 150 rounds *Require a minimum of 60 shooters; events below this may be reviewed for future sanctioning ;Regional One-Day Matches *Must include at least 8 stages and 65 rounds (waivable by Regional Directors) *Require 25 shooters minimum (waivable) *Must be scheduled at least 30 days in advance *PRS-sanctioned matches may not be affiliated with other competing national-level series


Finale Qualification

Top shooters in each division, category, and classification are invited to the PRS Finale. The number of qualifying slots per group is as follows: ;By Division *Open Division: Top 150 shooters *Tactical Division: Top 10 shooters *Production Division: Top 5 shooters *Gas Gun Division: Top 5 shooters ;Category *Top 5 shooters in each of the following: Lady, Senior, Junior, Military/LEO, and International (If a shooter qualifies through multiple methods, the slot is passed to the next eligible competitor.) *By Classification *Top 5 shooters in each of the following classifications: Semi-Pro, Marksman, and Amateur ;Regional Series *Top 3 Open Division shooters per region - Slots are passed down if a shooter is already qualified through the Pro Series ;International Series *Top 3 Open Division shooters from each affiliated country may qualify for the U.S. Finale. - Countries not officially affiliated with PRS are ineligible. ;Finale Practice Restriction *Pro Series Finale competitors may not practice or compete at the Finale venue within 30 days of the event (unless the range is open to the public). - Violations will result in disqualification from the match.


Season Results

Season Results by Division *
Open Open or OPEN may refer to: Music * Open (band), Australian pop/rock band * The Open (band), English indie rock band * ''Open'' (Blues Image album), 1969 * ''Open'' (Gerd Dudek, Buschi Niebergall, and Edward Vesala album), 1979 * ''Open'' (Go ...
* Junior *
Lady ''Lady'' is a term for a woman who behaves in a polite way. Once used to describe only women of a high social class or status, the female counterpart of lord, now it may refer to any adult woman, as gentleman can be used for men. "Lady" is al ...
* Tactical *
Production Production may refer to: Economics and business * Production (economics) * Production, the act of manufacturing goods * Production, in the outline of industrial organization, the act of making products (goods and services) * Production as a stat ...
* MIL/LEO *
Senior Senior (shortened as Sr.) means "the elder" in Latin and is often used as a suffix for the elder of two or more people in the same family with the same given name, usually a parent or grandparent. It may also refer to: * Senior (name), a surname ...
* Gas Gun


Annual Champions Overview (Summary)


Open

''*Austin Buschman won the 2022 championship in a tie-breaker over Jeff Guerry.''


Junior Open


Lady Open


MIL/LEO Open


Production


Senior Open


Tactical


Gas Gun Heavy (2017 Only)


Gas Gun Light (2017 Only)


Gas Gun Open


AG Cup

The PRS Armageddon Gear Cup Series was an optional series nested within the Pro Series, ending in December 2024. Shooters opted in by purchasing an AG Cup membership and competing in designated AG Cup Qualifier matches. To be eligible for the AG Cup finale, shooters had to complete three AG Qualifiers. The final event included a 2-day match followed by a 1-day shoot-off among the top performers.


GAP Grind

;GAP Grind / Bushnell PRO/AM” proudly presented by GA Precision and Bushnell Tactical.GA Precision/Bushnell “GAP Grind” hosted by K&M PRT
/ref> Is widely regarded as the largest and most popular precision rifle match in the world. Held in partnership with the Precision Rifle Series (PRS), this premier event follows a Professional/Amateur (PRO/AM) team format designed to foster mentorship, sportsmanship, and the integration of new competitors into the sport. Top-tier professionals, rising amateurs, and everyone in between are invited to compete in a challenging and rewarding environment. The match is hosted by K&M Precision Rifle Training at the K&M Shooting Complex in Finger, Tennessee. ;Match Format & Experience: The competition features a fast-paced tempo with minimal downtime between stages. Competitors can expect to engage in 20 or more stages over the course of the weekend. The course of fire is carefully designed to reflect real-world shooting disciplines drawn from law enforcement, military, and precision marksmanship. Participants will engage targets up to 1,200 yards, including steel, reactive, paper, and automated movers. Stages incorporate “stressors” such as time constraints and physical movement, with target size and difficulty varying by position, range, and time. All scoring is transparent, balanced, and adheres to strict standards, ensuring the most consistent teams and individuals are rewarded. Approximately 200 rounds are required to complete the course of fire. Caliber is restricted to .300 WinMag and below. The finalized course of fire is released to all competitors on-site at the start of the match weekend. ;Individual and Team Competition Each competitor participates both individually and as part of a team. Team pairings consist of one Professional and one Amateur. Professionals shoot first, unassisted. Amateurs then engage the same course of fire with guidance from their Pro partner. Scores from both days contribute to individual and team standings. *Trophies are awarded to: **Top 5 teams **Top 5 professionals **Top 5 amateurs This format allows PRS Pro Series shooters to earn points toward their season standings. Amateurs, while not eligible for Pro Series points, may earn points in the PRS Regional Series. The structure preserves the welcoming PRO/AM mentorship dynamic while integrating competitive value for experienced PRS participants.


References


External links


PRS-series Video Montage: 2012 Precision Rifle Series Finale

PRS-series Video Montage: 2014 Heatstroke Open, Oklahoma
{{Authority control Shooting sports organizations Rifle shooting sports