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

Saltstoneintegrator 01
Saltstoneintegrator 01

Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System & Modular Hunting Vest: The Cure for The Common Sling

Among a hunter’s most basic equipment is their sling. The Saltstone Integrator Rifle Carry System and Modular Hunting Vest seeks to revolutionize this.

Steyr Goes LTT: The Langdon Tactical ATD

Langdon Tactical Technology is in the business of fine-tuning a number of popular handguns on the market, and the company's latest offering is based on the recently introduced Steyr Arms ATD.

Smith & Wesson Acquires Savage Arms

In a stock and cash transaction valued at $160 million, Smith & Wesson announced it has acquired Savage Arms.

Rifleman Review: Taurus Raging Hunter in 350 Legend

The Taurus Raging Hunter is designed for field use, and one of the latest versions incorporates a great straight-walled cartridge designed for taking game: the 350 Legend.

SAAMI Formally Introduces 5.56 Commercial Cartridge Standard

SAAMI has formally standardized the 5.56 Commercial cartridge as introduced by Hornady Mfg., a designation that provides universally agreed-upon commercial dimensions for the popular 5.56 NATO cartridge.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt’s 1849 London Pocket

Encouraged by his generally positive reception at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and always anxious to gain elusive government contracts, Colt, in 1853, opened a London factory where he would make a number of revolvers, including his popular 1849 Pocket Model.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.