Shooting the National Defense Match

by
posted on September 21, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
keefe2015_fs.jpg (2)

While I held the camera, American Hunter Managing Editor Jeff Johnston handled a rifle—and handled it well at the NRA National Defense Match on August 14 and 15 at Camp Perry, Ohio.

Jeff, who had never been to Camp Perry, grabbed an FN SCAR and a Nightforce scope, hopped in his truck and headed to the Mecca of competitive shooting. As I was running a still or video camera, Jeff ran his rifle over the surprisingly challenging course.

The NDM target has five tombstones in blue, yellow, green, red and white, and the shooter has to look at the menu to see what order and from what position he or she has to shoot. As the video I shot of Jeff shows, it’s harder than it looks, but a whole lot of fun. The targets at this match were electronic from the Swiss firm ShotResponse, and they were great for instantaneous scoring, but as you’ll see, Jeff had a little trouble here and there.

Jeff is a good shot and has done some 3-gun shooting but is new to NRA Competitions, so I chronicled what a new match shooter might expect. I followed him throughout day one on the NDM, and my biggest regret is I didn’t hand him the camera.

Next time, you won’t catch me without a rifle at this one.

Latest

Springfield Armory SA-35 4"
Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Review: Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Springfield Armory has made its SA-35 High Power clone even more appealing to those interested in a compact, concealed-carry pistol with a new 4-inch barreled version of its SA-35.

Legacy Sports International Expands Howa Bolt-Action Rifle Lineup

Japanese-made Howa M1500 rifles continue to be some of the best value-for-the-money bolt-actions on the market, and for 2026, the company is adding two new models, along with a new chambering.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 17, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Skills Check: The Tabula Rasa Method

Too many shooters step onto the range carrying the emotional residue of every missed shot, every bad stage and every ugly drill from the last six months like a tactical backpack full of disappointment. The Tabula Rasa method is designed to change that relationship.

Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies Select Federal Ammunition

Federal Ammunition will supply the Canadian Department of National Defense and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with rifle and shotgun ammunition, respectively.

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.