Here is a brief explanation of the various match types:

There are basically 2 types of dynamic long range matches today.  By dynamic I mean matches where there are typically multiple targets, multiple positions (movement), under tight time constraints.

PRS = typically shot at a flat range style facility with stages close together.
Here is an example video from a big 2-day pro-series match.
Here’s a video from a pro shooter at probably the nicest range in the country – K&M in Tennessee.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szGOpmwxKgQ

HUNTER = typically shot on a ranch type of setting, where you hike between stages, have to find and engage targets while on the clock.
Here’s a video from a friend and great guy in the sport: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0IwTRHtSlY

PRS stands for Precision Rifle Series. It is actually a national match organization, but much like “FedEx” the term PRS is now widely used to describe a type of Long Range match shot on a typically “flat range” where competitors are expected to engage multiple targets between 200 – 1200 yds from multiple positions in 2 minutes or less on any given stage. Stages involve shooting off barricades, tire piles, rock piles, roof top props, etc. The PRS organization puts on sanctioned “Pro” 2-Day matches around the country, and “Regional” 1-day matches.

PRS Club Matches = 1-day matches put on by local clubs in the PRS style, but do not count toward the national organization’s points and ranking system. They tend to be 7-9 stages, with round counts between 70-90 rounds. As club matches the rules are more varied from club to club.

PRS Regional Matches = 1-day matches put on by local clubs that count toward the Precision Rifle Series Regional Series of points and rankings. As such these matches more strictly comply the Course of Fire and Rules with the national organizations standards. And these matches may be a bit more challenging than standard club matches. BUT, they are still welcoming to new shooters. They also tend to be 7-9 stages, with round counts between 70-90 rounds. https://www.precisionrifleseries.com/profiles/clubs/SW

PRS Pro-Series 2-Day Matches = 2-day matches that have between 18-20 stages, with round counts from 160 – 200. The results count toward the Precision Rifle Series Pro Series points and rankings. These matches strictly comply the Course of Fire and Rules with the national organizations standards. These matches may be more challenging than standard club or regional matches due to shorter stage times (90 – 105 seconds), more complex target sequences, smaller targets, and more movement – and also the longer days and amount of variation among stages.. They welcome new shooters, but shooters should be well organized and prepared to execute stages. https://www.precisionrifleseries.com/bolt-gun-series

22lr “PRS” Matches = 1 day PRS style matches that use 22lr rifles instead of centerfire rifles – targets are usually 45 – 200 yds max. There are PRS, NRL, and adhoc versions of these matches. This is a rapidly growing segment of the PRS style sport. People enjoy the quieter atmosphere, and cheaper ammo, etc. These matches tend to be a bit more relaxed than centerfire matches – but the larger matches are becoming equally competitive! And 22lr rifles set-ups can range from basic entry level 22s, to full-blown competition rifles that rival centerfire rifles in expense.
https://www.precisionrifleseries.com/profiles/rimfire-combined
https://nrl22.com/

NRL Hunter Matches = This style of match mimics “hunting” scenarios. The stages are typically spread out on a ranch type location. The intent is that each stage is “blind” to the next shooters – so the competitors are not supposed to observe the prior shooter or the direction of targets before their turn. When each competitor comes up to the stage, they are given 4 minutes to find targets, get in shooting position(s), and hit targets between 150 – 1000 yards, engage targets. So this style of match tests more hunting skills than the typical PRS match. This type of match usually involves some endurance hiking with all your gear between stages.

There are 1-day versions of these matches that are easier and serve as an introduction to this style of match and the skills involved.

https://nrlhunter.org/matches-2025/

“Outlaw matches” – When a match terms itself an “Outlaw” match, it will typically take on the flavor of a PRS or Hunter style match, but not conform to the national organizations standard of Course of Fire restrictions, targets, point systems, etc. These matches can actually be a fun change up to the typical match formats.

Precision Gas Gun Matches – These matches are similar to PRS matches, but are typically run by rules appropriate to semi-auto gas guns – meaning the competitor’s are allowed more rounds, misses, and the primary scoring is the TIME it takes to hit all the targets. Given the targets are engaged for speed, the targets are usually a little larger and within 700 yards. They are a lot of fun, but not hosted in SoCal currently. Maybe we’ll try to get one started.

Here is an example of a Precision Gas Gun Match:
https://practiscore.com/dsrpc-sin-city-precision-gas-gun-dec-2024/register