Best Rifles for Competitive Shooting

Introduction

Time to read: 8 minutes

Date: 05/05/23

Competitive shooting is a great way to improve your skills and have fun at the same time. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned shooter, there is a competition for you. From straight target shooting to varying forms of run-and-gun, there are many different types of competitions to choose from. When it comes to choosing the right rifle for competition shooting, there are a few things to consider, such as the type of action you want and the type of ammunition you want to use. 

Bolt action and lever action rifles are favored for different reasons by different types of shooters. Historically lever action rifles, often called repeating rifles, were developed before bolt-action rifles. While lever guns are still popular among enthusiasts and collectors, the bolt-action rifle replaced the lever gun as a service weapon in both militaries at the time and as the preferred “modern” rifle as it shot faster, was more reliable, and could fire a more powerful round.

Modern military snipers prefer bolt action rifles because it allows the shooter to control when the spent brass is ejected so as to not give their position away. Many long-distance sport shooters prefer bolt action rifles because the bolt stays locked in place reducing the amount of recoil passed on to the shooter.

Semi-automatic rifles are usually the most popular choice for modern sporting rifles as they allow for fast and accurate follow-up shots with minimal input from the shooter, preserving their sight picture. Centerfire ammunition is more powerful and typically more accurate than rimfire ammunition, therefore much more common. Unless you’re firing historical weapons or .22LR (.22 caliber Long Rifle–a very specific type of round) 99.9999% of ammunition you find will be centerfire. The industry as a whole shifted to centerfire ammunition because it was cheaper, easier to manufacture, and more reliable than rimfire. Knowing what type of rifle and ammunition will best suit your needs when competing is essential in order to maximize your performance and have the most fun possible.

Definition of Competitive Shooting

Competitive shooting is a form of shooting sport where participants compete against each other to achieve the highest score, fastest time, or a combination thereof. There are many different types of competitions, from those that focus on speed and accuracy to those that focus on long-range shooting. Popular types of competitions in the US include shotgun clays, trap, skeet, sporting, pistol (USPSA, IDPA, steel challenge, etc.), and ISSF-style target shooting (Three-Position (3P) smallbore, 3P air rifle). 

Competitions can vary in length from long distance to short distance. Participants typically bring their own rifle to the competition, with the preferred type of rifle changing depending on the type of shooting competition. Many long-range shooters prefer bolt action rifles with extra long barrels for their low recoil and precision accuracy, while speed shooters tend towards short barrel semi-automatic rifles for their light weight, ease of maneuverability, and the speed of follow-up shots. If you’re just getting started in competitive shooting, the best bet is to find a local club or range that hosts the type of competition you’re interested in.

Lengths Used at Competitions 

Competitions can vary in length from short to long distances. Short-distance competitions may involve shooting at targets that are anywhere from a few yards away up to 300 yards away, while long-distance competitions may involve shooting at targets from 600 yards to over a mile away. The type of competition you choose will depend on the type of rifle you have, your skill level, and the type of shooting you want to do. 

For example, if you’re looking for a competition that focuses on extreme accuracy and precision, then a long-range shooting competition may be best. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a competition that focuses on speed, agility, and maintaining accuracy under pressure, then a short-distance competition may be more suitable. 

No matter what type of competition you choose, it’s important to remember that all shooting relies on the same fundamentals of marksmanship. Make sure to practice with your rifle before entering any competitions so that you can become familiar with it and hone your skills.

Pure Competition Rifle vs Dual Purpose Rifle 

When it comes to choosing the right rifle for competition shooting, there are two main options: a pure competition rifle or a dual-purpose rifle. A pure competition rifle is designed specifically for competition shooting and may have features that would be impractical on a dual-purpose rifle. These rifles are typically heavier, feature a hair-trigger, and have more precision tuning options such as a cheek weld plate that is adjustable to the millimeter. However, these rifles are generally more expensive and require more maintenance than a dual-purpose rifle. 

A dual-purpose rifle is designed to be used for activities other than competitive shooting such as hunting or defense but have been adapted to a specific competition . These rifles typically have features that make them suitable for both activities, such as adjustable stocks and triggers as well as the ability to mount a wide range of optics and accessories. They are significantly more durable and usually more affordable than pure competition rifles as they are designed for regular use in the field. However, they may not have the same level of performance features as a pure competition rifle. 

Ultimately, the choice between a pure competition rifle and a dual-purpose rifle will depend on your budget, your needs, and the type of competition you plan to participate in. Both types of rifles can be effective in competitions, but it’s important to choose one that suits you best.

Types of Actions 

One of the main considerations when choosing the right rifle for competition shooting is the type of action you want. There are three main types of actions: bolt action, lever action, and semi-automatic. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Bolt action rifles are typically preferred by long-range shooters as their lack of moving parts transfer less recoil to the shooter and make them generally more reliable and easier to maintain. However, they can be slower to operate, which can be a disadvantage in some competitions. Lever action rifles are usually faster to operate but not as accurate, and can be more difficult to maintain–not to mention, rarely called for in competition shooting, other than specific styles like Cowboy Three Gun. 

Semi-automatic rifles are typically the most popular choice for competition shooting as they allow for quick follow-on shots and work well in a wide variety of roles. As a trade-off they have significantly more moving parts than bolt action rifles which will transfer more recoil to the shooter, are more difficult to maintain, and while rare can result in malfunctions that aren’t seen with other types of rifles

As you go about selecting an action type for your rifle, it is important to consider the type of competition you will be participating in and the type of ammunition you want to use. For distance shooting you’ll want a specialized round designed for long ranges, these typically come in larger calibers, 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester are some of the most popular.

Shorter distance and dynamic ranges will use a medium-sized rifle round, .223 caliber or 5.56 NATO are the most popular as they have a good effective range, low recoil, and decent stopping power. Many competition-only rifles such as Three-Position or 3P limit competitors to shooting .22 Long Rifle (.22LR) as its small size and limited effective range increases the number of locations capable of safely hosting these competitions, additionally, it has a low recoil and cost per round. 

Conclusion

Competitive shooting is an exciting and rewarding sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There are a variety of competitions available, ranging from single-round events to long-term leagues and tournaments. With the right rifle and the right competition, you can have a great time participating in competitive shooting. When choosing the ideal rifle, it’s important to consider the type of competition you’re interested in and the type of rifle that will best suit your needs.

Pure competition rifles are designed specifically for competitive shooting and are usually impractical for anything else. Dual-purpose rifles, on the other hand, are designed for hunting or defense and have been adapted to competitive shooting, and offer a level of practicality lacking in competition-only rifles. It’s also important to consider the type of ammunition you’ll need for your rifle, different distances, lanes, methods, and strategies will benefit greatly from different ammunition types and certain competitions will limit shooters to a specific type of ammunition.

Finally, it’s important to find a local club or range where you can practice, many will host their own competitions or at the very least have information on how to participate in competitions. A good coach never hurts either, community is what makes it fun!

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