In competitive shooting, the margin for error is extremely small, which is what makes the sport so much fun. The ability to perform under pressure involves more than just showing up and going through the motions. If you’re a competitive shooter, then you already know what it’s like to feel the pressure and perform anyway. Most of what you do on the course is second nature, making slight adjustments as you go.

Nonetheless, if you can find a competitive advantage, even if it makes you one percent more likely to claim victory, it’s best to take it. One shot, one step, or one breath could mean the difference between first and second place. Below, we share the top five ways you can gain that competitive advantage to shoot better and smoother during competition.

Five Techniques To Improve Shooting Performance

The purpose of these techniques is to give you quick tips on how to increase your shooting performance. These tips do not necessarily mean quick results; as with any elite competition, it takes time, training, and effort to master them. While some can be added to your first training session, they are not hard and fast rules that guarantee a boost—you must implement them as you see fit to increase your personal performance.

1. Visualize the Course and Your Performance

One of the most powerful practices you can implement is taking the time to mentally visualize the course and yourself completing it. This allows you to create positive context in your mind before your next performance.

• Master the struggle: Take 15 to 30 minutes every training session to visualize mastering the specific areas you struggle with, such as a difficult maneuver or reloading your shotgun.

• Visualize success: See yourself successfully beating your current best time before you attempt the course again.

2. Smooth Movements are Fast

Compare any time-sensitive sport to competitive shooting and you will notice a common focus: smooth movements. A Formula One driver doesn’t jerk the car around corners, and an MLB batter uses a swing that is smooth and almost effortless. Remember the golden rule: slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

3. Take a Calculated Rest

As you strategically complete the course, take a rest where you can afford one. Using your knee, barriers, or objects to rest your firearm can increase accuracy, which is a metric in every shooting competition.

• Leverage the environment: When available and allowed by competition rules, take a knee at a waist-high barrier or rest your rifle on an object.

4. Master Your Load

An event is usually decided by one or two skills, and for many, that skill is loading your scattergun. You must pair your mental visualization with actual physical practice.

• Research and refine: Watch videos, read articles, and visit competition shooting forums to find a method that works for you.

• Learn from the best: You could even go as far as asking the competitor who beat you in the last event for some tips.

5. Define the Focus

Your eyes can only focus on one target at a time. You must learn what to focus on while moving and shooting:

• Scattergun: It is typically best to focus on the target while shooting.

• Handgun: You will most likely want to focus on the front sight, allowing the rear sight and target to remain slightly blurry.

NIR-Compatible AR Accessories for Night Vision Setups

For those competing or training in low-light environments, signature management is critical. Operating under night vision requires a rifle configuration that remains "dark" under infrared observation. Understanding what Near-Infrared (NIR) means for AR accessories is the first step in maintaining a low signature.

• Material Choice: Standard polymers can reflect NIR light, causing your rifle to glow under night vision.

• HTP® (High Temp Polymer) Scales: All RailScales HTP® products are engineered to be fully NIR-compatible. These scales ensure your rail covers and grip surfaces maintain a low signature while protecting against heat.

• Signature Management: NIR-safe components help manage heat, texture, and signature to prevent "blooming" under NODs.

AR Accessories for Speed and Control

Speed in shooting is a byproduct of efficient follow-up shots and seamless target transitions. By selecting the right performance modifications, you can reduce cycle time while staying firmly in control.

• Optimized Triggers and Guards: A clean trigger pull and optimized guards provide better access for faster engagement.

• Magazine and Reload Accessories: Performance upgrades like the CSMR® reduce reload cycle time by providing a more natural engagement point.

• Grip Textures: Specialized grip textures, such as those found on G10 RailScales®, provide the necessary friction for better control during rapid strings of fire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shooting Performance (FAQ)

Q: Why does NIR compatibility matter for my rail covers? A: Standard polymers can reflect infrared light, making you easily detectable under night vision. NIR-compatible accessories like HTP® Scales absorb or diffuse that light to maintain stealth.

Q: Can a "reversible" handstop actually help me shoot faster? A: Yes. Reversible options like the Karve® or Anchor® allow you to choose a "push" or "pull" style grip to optimize leverage for better muzzle control during follow-up shots.

Q: Do accessories help if I haven't mastered the fundamentals? A: No. Proper training and consistent practice of the basics—like grip, stance, and sight alignment—are the only ways to see a true return on your investment in hardware.

RailScales: Increase Control and Improve Accuracy

We developed a secure, direct attachment for the AR-15 to combat the market’s loose-fitting, clip-on styles for AR 15 accessories. Since 2014, RailScales has added more than just our flagship textured G10 scales for Keymod and MLOK systems. We offer hand stops, forends, and vertical grips to increase control and improve accuracy while firing, whether you are stationary or mobile.

 

Disclaimer:

This blog content was generated by a human and with the aid of artificial intelligence. It may contain errors or inaccuracies and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. This content is for SEO/entertainment purposes only and the views expressed in this content does not necessarily reflect the views of RailScales LLC. For more information, please refer to bullet point #13 on our FAQ.