VOIGT3

PRO TIPS with MICHAEL VOIGT - LESSON 3

Rifle Set Up and Technique

Today we’re going to talk about how I set-up a rifle for USPSA competition. The AR-15 is very much like a small block Chevrolet. Modifications are available from many manufacturers but, you do need to choose them wisely. In a championship match, you’ll see targets anywhere from 350 yards and as close as 5 yards. I use a Trijicon ACOG Scope; this is a 3 ½ power magnified scope.

Inside it has a unique reticle. There’s an illuminated red dot which allows me to shoot the close-up targets and then also a finer reticle underneath for the farther targets. The way that this is mounted on the rifle is very far forward. It does two things for that. Gives me full field of view and then also it gives me access to the charging handles so I can run it back and forth. The main thing you are looking for in mounting the scope is make sure to check it in both your kneeling positions and in a prone position, as this brings your eye closest to the scope.

For the Limited Division, your sight set-up is based on your targets. On the closer, larger targets I want to have a large aperture and coarse front sight. For the smaller targets I want to have a small aperture and a thin front sight post. No matter which division you’re in accuracy is always important. The 223 round is scored minor caliber in USPSA. The A zone is worth 5 points, the B & C zone is worth 3 points and the D zone is 1 point. After the sights are set up, trigger is your next most important modification.

Match triggers are available from several manufacturers. I prefer a 2 stage trigger to help me with precision shots. The next thing I have changed is the grip. This particular grip moves my hand back to the rear, away from the trigger, and also this bump keeps my finger so it’s in a more natural position on the trigger. And, finally we come to the compensator and muzzle brake. I like a two chambered design to minimize the muzzle flip and recoil as much as possible. This allows me the quickest shooting possible.

Let’s talk about the shot sequence. First thing I want to do is focus on the center of the target, drive the gun hard into the target and then, as I center the shot up, press the trigger. Most people want to try to hold the gun centered in the middle of it and then press the trigger quickly. It’s much more efficient to put the gun on the whole target and then while you’re cleaning that shot up, press the trigger. It’s a little bit more efficient, a little bit quicker. Let’s try this in real time.

So now that we’ve got the guns set up, practice these tips and I’ll see you on the range.

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