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

Silent Bull: The Taurus TTX Suppressor Series

With its TTX series, Taurus USA is launching a full set of suppressors designed to complement the company's line of firearms.

U.S. Troops Using Captured Small Arms in World War II

American troops took a healthy interest in Axis small arms during World War II. Sometimes they were simply looking to collect a war trophy. On other occasions, GIs and Marines looked to use those firearms against their former owners.

Standing Guard | The Midterms and Freedom

Politics is something most of us only step into because we must. We’d rather smile in the warm autumn sun as we help a son or daughter, or grandson or granddaughter, break their first clay or plink steel with their first .22 rifle.

America’s Retaliation for the Lives Taken by Iraqi Sniper “Juba”

The killing of the Iraqi insurgent sniper known as "Juba" was a collective effort by thousands of Marines, culminating in one single shot.

Why This DOJ Opinion on Handgun Ownership Matters

The DOJ Office of Legal Counsel recently released an opinion concluding that the federal ban on licensed firearms dealers selling handguns to 18-20-year-old U.S. citizens is unconstitutional.

I Have This Old Gun: Czech vz.27

Following World War I, Czechoslovakia needed to equip its new army, and one of its priorities was to select a service sidearm, which ultimately became the vz.27.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.