Essential Competitive Shooting Equipment
Essential Competitive Shooting Equipment
Competitive shooting is a thrilling blend of precision, speed, and mental control where milliseconds matter and nerves of steel prevail. Forget leisurely plinking at bullseyes, where you take you time and focus on breathing. This is a sport where athletes push their limits, master their firearms, and race against the clock and each other. If you are just getting started, or contemplating entering into the world of competitive shooting, there are a few essential competitive shooting equipment you need.
Guns & Ammo
First and foremost, you need to know the rules and parameters of the specific shoot you are going to attend. Make sure all of your firearms, ammo, and equipment meet the requirements. Next, you should choose a reliable firearm that’s legal for the competition you’re entering. Consider factors like caliber, capacity, and ergonomics. You need to be familiar with your gun. Fire hundreds of rounds through it and you know it’s nuances and capabilities. While not always necessary, having a backup gun can save the day if your primary firearm malfunctions too. Along those lines, having some basic gunsmithing tools, and cleaner is a good idea, just in case you need it. When it comes to ammo, make sure you bring plenty, and then a little extra on top of that.
Personal Protective Equipment
A pistol’s bark isn’t just loud, it’s dangerous. A single shot can unleash 140 decibels, shattering the threshold for safe hearing. When it comes to protecting your ears at the range, you have three main choices: foam earplugs, basic and affordable but offering just the essentials; ear muffs, providing a stronger noise barrier especially helpful for noise-sensitive shooters; and high-tech digital ear protection, with features like noise reduction, audio input, and even selective sound amplification for both safety and convenience. Both muffs and rechargeable earplugs can be found in the digital options and you should purchase quality haring protection, like the products offered by
Sound Gear
Just like your ears, your eyes deserve top-notch protection on the shooting range. Tiny fragments of debris or ricocheting lead can cause permanent damage in a blink, so don’t underestimate the importance of proper eye gear. Shooting glasses or goggles should prioritize safety standards. They should be ANSI Z87.1+ rated and fit snugly around your eyes. You may elect to wear prescription glasses or shooting goggles instead.
Accessories
One of the more important customizable accessories is your holster. You want to practice with the holster you use to ensure a smooth draw and reholster. Remember that extra ammo? Load it in your extra magazines and have them ready to go. The clothing you wear should be durable and flexible allowing you to move quickly without catching or hindering you. Remember, every fraction of a second counts! Additionally, you might want kneepads, or pants with kneepad pockets. This will help protect you if the course required you to drop to your knees. One other clothing accessory that will be helpful are shooting gloves. They will enhance your grip and protect your hands from recoil
Check competition rules as different events may have specific gear requirements. Also, practice with your gear. Familiarize yourself with your equipment before the competition. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or a curious newcomer, the allure of competitive shooting is undeniable. It’s a test of both physical and mental prowess, demanding unwavering focus, split-second decision-making, and the ability to perform under pressure. Picture yourself navigating a dynamic course, drawing and firing your weapon with lightning speed, maneuvering around obstacles, and reloading with practiced efficiency. Each stage presents a new puzzle, testing your skills and demanding constant adaptation.
by Joseph Peters
March 2024
