What I Learned from My First Year Competing in PRS Matches
When I signed up for my first Precision Rifle Series (PRS) match, I had no idea how much I would learn in just a single season. I had been shooting recreationally for years, but PRS introduced me to an entirely new way of thinking about rifles, optics, and my own skill level. If you are considering trying out PRS matches, or you are just interested in improving your skills for tactical shooting and tactical competition, let me share what I learned from my first year.
One of the first things I had to master was MOA. Before competing, I knew that MOA stood for “Minute of Angle,” but I never truly understood how it applied in real-world shooting. MOA meaning became clear when I started dialing my scope for targets at 400, 600, and even 1,000 yards. At 100 yards, 1 MOA equals about one inch, which sounds simple enough. But in PRS matches, when you are shooting at varying distances under time pressure, you have to make those calculations fast. For example, if my impact was six inches low at 600 yards, I knew that meant I needed about one MOA of elevation correction for every 100 yards — so six MOA up got me back on target. Understanding this relationship between MOA adjustments and point of impact became second nature over the season.
I quickly realized that having the right LPVO or precision optic was a game-changer. LPVO, or Low Power Variable Optic, might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of long-range shooting, but some shooters are using LPVO scopes with great success in tactical matches where speed and close-to-midrange engagements are common. I tried several optics before settling on the best LPVO for my needs. The key was finding an LPVO optic with clear glass, reliable turrets, and a reticle that allowed me to hold for windage and elevation when time didn’t allow for dialing. In a PRS match, seconds matter, so being able to hold over using a reticle with MOA or MRAD subtensions can be the difference between hitting or missing a target.
Another major lesson was learning how to manage stress and time under pressure. In tactical competition, you don’t have the luxury of taking forever to set up a perfect shot. You are often given 90 to 120 seconds to engage multiple targets from different positions. This forced me to streamline my gear and my process. I learned that less is often more — a solid bipod, a stable shooting bag, and an optic I trusted were far more valuable than a bunch of extra gear I rarely used. The best LPVO or precision optic is one you know inside and out, so you can make adjustments without thinking twice.
Wind calls were another area where I improved dramatically. Reading wind is one of the hardest parts of precision rifle shooting, and PRS matches give you plenty of practice. At first, I struggled to understand how much a 10 mph crosswind could push my bullet off target at 800 yards. But as I learned more about MOA meaning and how to convert wind into angular adjustments, I became more confident. I started making quick wind holds using my reticle instead of trying to dial for wind. This saved me valuable time and let me stay engaged on the target.
Maintaining my optics and rifle became part of my routine. After every match, I would check my LPVO scope or precision optic for loose turrets, clean the lenses, and verify that my zero had not shifted. A reliable optic is critical for PRS, and any shift in zero can cost you points. I also learned to keep a small kit with me during matches that included a lens cloth, torque wrench, and spare batteries for my illuminated reticle. Tactical shooting is not just about pulling the trigger — it is about keeping your gear combat-ready and consistent.
Another big takeaway from my first year was how much the PRS community helped me grow. PRS competitors are some of the most generous people I have met in the shooting world. Experienced shooters were quick to explain the difference between MOA and MRAD, show me how to build stable shooting positions, and even loan me gear when I needed it. I learned that tactical competition is as much about learning and improving as it is about winning. This encouraged me to keep practicing between matches, running dry-fire drills at home, and spending time at the range confirming my dope.
If you are considering competing in PRS, my advice is to invest in a solid LPVO scope or precision optic and learn how to use it fully. Know how to dial MOA adjustments accurately, and memorize your rifle’s data for distances from 100 to 1,000 yards. Understanding MOA meaning is just the beginning — you need to be able to translate that into quick, precise actions under pressure. The best LPVO for PRS-style shooting will offer clear markings, repeatable tracking, and durable construction that can handle rough stages and hard use.
I also learned the importance of physical conditioning. PRS matches often require you to get into awkward positions, carry gear, and move quickly between stages. A solid level of fitness made it easier to stay steady behind the rifle and recover between stages. Tactical competition is surprisingly demanding physically, and being in shape helped me stay focused and keep my heart rate manageable for those longer shots.
Perhaps the most important lesson was that PRS is not just about shooting — it’s about problem-solving. Every stage is a puzzle. You have to analyze the target array, decide whether to dial or hold, choose the best shooting position, and manage your time. MOA, LPVO scopes, and all the gear in the world won’t save you if you don’t have a plan. Over the course of my first year, I got better at making those decisions under pressure, and that led to better stage scores and a lot more fun.
By the end of my first PRS season, I had learned more about precision rifle shooting than I had in years of casual range time. I became fluent in MOA, learned how to make quick adjustments with my LPVO optic, and gained confidence in my ability to engage targets at varying ranges. Tactical shooting and tactical competition taught me to trust my gear, prepare for every variable I could control, and adapt quickly to the ones I couldn’t.
If you are on the fence about competing, I highly recommend giving it a try. Start with one match, bring the gear you have, and focus on learning. Pay attention to how your MOA or MRAD adjustments translate on the target, take notes after every stage, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Over time, you will develop the skills and confidence to perform under pressure, and you might even discover that PRS becomes your favorite shooting discipline.
What I learned from my first year in PRS matches has carried over into every other kind of shooting I do, from hunting to recreational range days. The combination of technical knowledge, mental discipline, and practical experience makes you a better marksman overall. Whether you are running the best LPVO or a high-magnification precision optic, the fundamentals remain the same: know your rifle, know your data, and stay consistent. PRS will challenge you, frustrate you, and ultimately make you a more capable shooter.