Competing in airgun tournaments isn’t just about pulling the trigger and hitting a target. It’s about precision, strategy, and preparation—skills that both Thayne Simmons and I have honed over years of competition. As a fellow competitive shooter, I’ve had the privilege of not only observing Thayne’s methods but also applying his ideas to my own techniques to improve my performance. In this article, I attempt to break down the key elements that make a great competitor and what it takes to excel at the highest levels.
The Driving Force Behind Competition
Thayne, like myself, has a deep-rooted passion for shooting. Whether in the field or on the range, accuracy is everything. "Hunting has always been my first love, but competition fuels my drive," he explains. "In hunting, you're looking for that one perfect shot to make a clean kill. Competition is similar—you need to dial in your range, calculate your dope, and execute a flawless shot. It’s a constant challenge against yourself and your competitors."
I couldn’t agree more. For me, the thrill of airgun competition lies in its mix of technical mastery and mental discipline. Thayne and I have both experienced those moments where a single adjustment makes all the difference between winning and falling short.
Thayne competes in multiple disciplines, including bench rest, speed shooting, and precision rifle series (PRS). "PRS is my favorite because it mirrors hunting the most—you’re reading wind, calculating distance, and making every shot count," he says. "Speed shooting is exhilarating because it’s high-energy and head-to-head, while bench rest is about ultimate precision."
From my perspective, PRS is one of the most demanding formats. The ability to stabilize a shot under time pressure while accounting for environmental variables is an art form. Speed shooting, on the other hand, forces you to trust muscle memory and instinct—something that I continually refine through high-rep drills.
The Competitive Edge: Training and Preparation
One of the most crucial aspects of competitive shooting is preparation. "People don’t realize how much work goes into this before we even step onto the range," Thayne notes. "From pellet selection to wind reading, every detail matters."
1. Ammo Selection and Preparation
"Pellet prep is huge," Thayne stresses. "You have to sort, weigh, and inspect every pellet to eliminate fliers. Any inconsistency can throw off your shot, and in a game of millimeters, that’s the difference between winning and losing."
I’ve personally seen how minor variations in pellet weight can impact groupings. I make it a habit to batch-test my ammo under controlled conditions to ensure I’m getting the most consistent performance possible.
One of the things I’ve also implemented is keeping a logbook detailing pellet weight, lot numbers, and weather conditions. This helps establish trends that give insight into performance over time. By maintaining this level of detail, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my accuracy, particularly in unpredictable wind conditions.
2. Equipment Mastery
"Having a precise rifle is just the start. You need to know your gear inside and out," Thayne explains. "Fine-tuning your regulator, barrel cleaning, and scope calibration are all part of the process."
I’d add that understanding how temperature, humidity, and altitude affect performance is equally critical. I’ve competed in vastly different environments, from humid coastal regions to dry high-altitude ranges, and adapting to these conditions is just as important as tuning the rifle itself.
Another aspect often overlooked is the importance of rifle ergonomics. A well-balanced gun allows for more consistent shots, reducing fatigue over long matches. I spend significant time adjusting my cheek rest, butt pad, and scope positioning to ensure everything feels natural when I’m behind the trigger. These seemingly small adjustments make a massive difference when under pressure.
3. Wind Reading and Environmental Awareness
"Wind is the ultimate opponent," Thayne says. "It’s constantly changing, and reading it correctly can make or break your performance. I used to rely on other competitors' wind flags, but now I set up my own so I can gauge the slightest shifts."
I’ve learned that being able to visualize the wind’s movement in layers—near the muzzle, mid-flight, and at the target—gives me a distinct edge. Tracking small environmental cues like dust movement or grass swaying has helped me refine my ability to adjust my hold-offs effectively.
One technique I incorporate is creating a wind chart for different match locations. By tracking previous wind conditions, I can make better-informed predictions for future competitions. Walking the range before my heat is critical to my preparation. You can feel how the wind is different in different spaces and find markers that will help you predict the wind that is coming your way. This has helped me develop a more systematic approach to adjusting my shots rather than relying on intuition alone.
Moving from Sportsman to Pro
Transitioning from the Sportsman class to the Pro level is a goal for many competitive shooters. It’s not just about raw talent—it requires dedication, consistency, and strategy. "The best thing you can do is train like you compete," Thayne advises. "That means shooting in real match conditions, not just plinking at targets."
For shooters making the jump, Thayne emphasizes structured practice: "Shoot at official targets, time yourself, and track your performance. The little things—like efficiently transitioning between targets—make a huge difference."
I couldn’t agree more. When I transitioned to Pro, I focused on competition-specific drills, breaking down every part of my shot process to eliminate inefficiencies. I also learned that managing stress remembering to breathe so I could execute under pressure was just as vital as hitting bullseyes.
Another element is mental preparedness. Pro competitions are grueling, and maintaining focus over multiple rounds is crucial. I’ve worked extensively on mental conditioning techniques, such as controlled breathing and creating rituals, so I don't make "rookie" mistakes in high-pressure moments.
The Path to Becoming a True Pro
Some shooters rush into the Pro division before they’re ready, but Thayne and I both believe in a methodical approach. "I believe in earning your way up," he says. "If you dominate in Sportsman consistently, then you’re ready to move up. But if you jump too soon, you risk struggling against more seasoned competitors."
The best path? "Compete in as many events as possible. Build your skills across different disciplines so when you make the jump to Pro, you’re not just another competitor—you’re a contender."
I also advocate for training outside of standard competitions. Cross-training with different shooting disciplines, such as Olympic-style target shooting, has refined my mechanics and given me an edge in airgun competitions. Expanding my knowledge beyond airguns has provided insights that many competitors overlook.
Conclusion: The Formula for Success
Success in airgun competitions isn’t just about pulling the trigger—it’s about preparation, patience, and a relentless drive to improve.
"At the end of the day, it’s about putting in the work," Thayne says. "Practice like you compete, learn from every shot, and stay committed to mastering the fundamentals. Do that, and you’ll rise to the top."
From my own experience, I’ll add this: be adaptable, learn from every failure, and always push your limits. That’s the real key to becoming a top-tier competitive airgunner.
By implementing these principles and continuing to refine my techniques, I’ve been able to consistently perform at my best. Whether you’re an aspiring competitor or a seasoned shooter, the path to mastery is a continuous process of learning, adjusting, and improving. The competition never stops evolving—and neither should you.
