Precision Rifle Series Podcast

In this episode of the PRS Podcast, we're joined by retired Army Master Sergeant Jim Gilliland, a 20-year military veteran and former Army sniper, to discuss his incredible military career, his experiences in Iraq, and his connection to the world of competitive precision rifle shooting.Jim takes us back to his deployment in Ramadi, Iraq, where he made a remarkable 1,250-meter shot with an M24 chambered in .308. He walks us through the events leading up to that moment, the equipment available at the time, and the split-second decisions that went into making a shot at a distance most shooters would consider extremely challenging.We also discuss his involvement in developing military marksmanship training, the differences between military snipers and competitive PRS shooters, and some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding military sniper capabilities.Jim shares how he became involved in competitive shooting, how his wife Melissa Gilliland found her passion for the sport, and how precision rifle competition has evolved over the years.Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of fundamentals, rifle technology, training, and how the competitive shooting community can help military marksmen develop their skills.From unforgettable military experiences to the evolution of PRS, this episode offers a fascinating look at the life and experiences of one of the precision rifle community's most recognizable military veterans.

Who will take home the Golden Bullet at the PRS Pro Series Finale?In this episode we're gearing up for the final showdown of the regular season as the top competitors prepare to battle for the championship.With the standings incredibly close and several past champions in contention, the guys break down their predictions for the finale, discuss the biggest threats to the leaderboard, and make their picks for the top finishers.The conversation covers everything from match preparation and rifle setups to the pressure of competing at the highest level of the Precision Rifle Series.We also discuss the decision to make the skill stage the final stage for the top squad, how changing wind conditions could determine the winner, and whether a faster shooting strategy could give certain competitors an advantage.Plus, the guys share their thoughts on the top-ranked shooters, potential sleeper picks, and which competitors could surprise everyone when it matters most.With so many talented shooters capable of winning, could we see another repeat Golden Bullet champion, or will someone new rise to the top?Join us as we break down the contenders, strategies, and predictions heading into one of the biggest matches of the PRS season.

Is the US PRS Finale a better competition than the World Championships?In this episode we're joined by Runar Johnson, International Director of the Precision Rifle Series, to discuss the rapid growth of competitive precision rifle shooting around the world and how international shooters are stacking up against the best competitors in the United States.Runar shares his journey from Iceland to Norway, his background as a gunsmith and competitive shooter, and his role in expanding the Precision Rifle Series internationally.We dive into the growth of the European Pro Series, and we also discuss the differences between European and American PRS matches, the challenges of competing internationally, and how shooters from around the world are closing the gap with the top competitors in the US.Plus, Runar shares his thoughts on why he enjoys the US PRS Finale more than the World Championships, the debate surrounding championship formats, and his vision for the future of the Precision Rifle Series over the next five years.From international competition to the future of the sport, this episode offers a look at how PRS is growing far beyond the United States.

What does it take to manufacture the precision tools that gunsmiths and competitive shooters rely on?In this episode we visit Manson Precision Reamers and learn more about the people, craftsmanship, and processes behind their products.We're joined by the plant manager at Manson Precision Reamers to discuss the company's history, its evolution under new ownership, and what goes into manufacturing high-quality chamber reamers and headspace gauges.He shares how Manson continues to build on the foundation established by Dave Manson, while explaining the importance of precision, quality control, and helping gunsmiths and shooters find the right tooling for their needs.We also discuss the differences between carbide and high-speed steel reamers, custom chamber designs, headspace gauges, and why some competitive shooters choose to own their own chamber reamers to maintain consistency across multiple barrels.Plus, we explore custom cartridge development, the growing demand for precision gunsmithing tools, and Ken's ongoing plans for a custom 30 GT.Whether you're a competitive PRS shooter, gunsmith, or simply interested in precision rifle manufacturing, this episode offers a closer look at the knowledge and craftsmanship behind Manson Precision Reamers.

How much of what we believe about precision rifle shooting is actually backed by data?In this episode, we're joined by Cal Zant, the creator of Precision Rifle Blog, to dive into the science, testing, and research behind competitive precision rifle shooting.Cal shares how Precision Rifle Blog started, how his research has influenced the shooting industry, and what he's learned from years of testing rifle equipment and studying the gear used by top PRS competitors.We also discuss some surprising findings from his 100-yard underground testing range, including how rear tripod support can affect group size and how powder humidity can cause significant changes in muzzle velocity.Plus, we dive into rifle scopes, muzzle brakes, barrel testing, reloading techniques, neck tension, and why some of the things shooters spend the most time worrying about might not actually make them better competitors.Whether you're new to precision rifle shooting or a seasoned PRS competitor, this episode is packed with insights that might change how you approach your equipment, training, and shooting.#PRS #PrecisionRifle #PrecisionRifleBlog #LongRangeShooting #CompetitiveShooting

Austin Buschman is officially a three-time World Champion! But after another incredible performance on the world stage, he's making a major decision about his competitive shooting future.In this episode the crew break down the 2026 IPRF World Championship, the GAP Grind, and some of the toughest precision rifle matches of the season.Austin shares what it took to secure his third World Championship, the challenges of competing against the world's best shooters, and why he's decided to step away from pursuing another spot on the U.S. Open team while continuing to compete in PRS.The crew also dives into the brutal conditions at Twisted Barrel, Clay's latest match victory, Jeff's GAP Grind performance, and the unbelievable edge hits that helped decide the competition.Plus, we discuss match strategies, equipment decisions, the pressure of competing at the highest level, and predictions heading into the PRS Finale.From championship victories to heartbreaking misses and plenty of laughs, this episode has it all!#PRS #PrecisionRifle #WorldChampionship #GAPGrind #CompetitiveShooting

Leica has released several new products designed for hunters, precision rifle competitors, and anyone who needs to find, range, and engage targets more efficiently.In this episode, the team discusses Leica’s history in optics, how its range finding products have evolved, and what shooters can expect from its newest releases.The conversation covers updated displays, faster ranging, customizable information, ballistic calculations, wind inputs, mapping tools, external device connectivity, battery life, and different ranging modes for challenging field conditions.They also explain how these features can be used during hunts, precision rifle matches, and other range-and-engage scenarios.If you’re interested in premium optics, long-range shooting, or the future of range finding equipment, this episode provides a closer look at what Leica has been working on and how these new products can be used in the field.

In this episode of Straight Shooters, Austin Orgain joins the show after taking home a win with a .308, beating Austin Buschman and Clay Blackketter along the way. We break down his performance, the challenges of competing with a .308, and how Bushman's final stages played out.Dave Preston also joins us following his victory at West Coast Redemption in Oregon. He discusses his return to the top, switching back to the 6×47, his approach to match preparation, and what could be next as the PRS Finale approaches.We also dive into the upcoming WAR Rifles match, the international competition at Twisted Barrel, equipment decisions, and the race toward the PRS Finale.From match breakdowns and competitive rivalries to plenty of laughs along the way, this episode is packed with precision rifle shooting discussion.#PRS #PrecisionRifle #308Win #CompetitiveShooting #StraightShootersPodcast

At just 16 years old, Chase Beckley has already won a PRS Pro Series match and established himself as one of Canada’s top precision rifle competitors.In this episode, Chase and his father, Tyler, share how their journey began in Cranbrook, British Columbia, and how Chase progressed from shooting his first match at age 10 to competing against—and beating—some of the shooters he once looked up to.They break down the training behind that progression, including working with Jake Vibbert, building fundamentals through dry fire, learning to manage mental fatigue, and developing the ability to enter and exit a flow state during a match.Chase also explains why being brutally honest about his performance changed his approach. Instead of blaming the wind, equipment, or conditions, he learned to identify what actually went wrong—while still focusing on the 90% he did right.The conversation also covers switching from 6XC to 6 Dasher, becoming more coachable, the challenges of competing as a father-son team, and Chase’s goals heading into the Precision Rifle World Championships.Whether you’re a new shooter or an experienced competitor trying to break through to the next level, this episode is packed with lessons on practice, mindset, accountability, and performing under pressure.

The rivalry between Kahl Harmon and Dan Bertocchini is heading back to where it started.In this episode, the guys break down the upcoming West Coast Redemption match in Bend, Oregon, where Kahl and Dan will go head-to-head once again. Dan joins the show to talk about how the rivalry began, what he’s done to prepare, and whether his new 120-grain Berger load can help him beat Kahl for a second time.They also recap the brutal heat and constantly changing wind at the Central Regional Finale, discuss preparations for the Precision Rifle World Championships, and share an unbelievable AG Cup story involving ammunition that nearly fell apart.Match director Dane Miller then previews the complete West Coast Redemption course of fire before the guys make their picks. The episode closes with a bigger discussion about whether classified Pro Series shooters should be eligible to win regional matches—and why their presence can still be valuable for newer competitors.