The Top PRS Competitors and the Rifles & Optics That Drive Their Success

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The Precision Rifle Series (PRS) is one of the most demanding and competitive disciplines in the world of shooting sports. Top-level competitors face challenging long-range targets, varying weather conditions, and tight time constraints. To excel in this environment, shooters rely on the best equipment—especially rifles and optics. The choice of rifle and optic can make the difference between hitting or missing a target, and ultimately between victory and defeat. In this blog, we’ll explore the top five PRS competitors and the rifles and optics that help them dominate the sport. From Defiance to Tikka, GA Precision to Bergara, and Zermatt Arms, these rifle brands are trusted by elite shooters for their precision and performance. Paired with some of the best optics, including Nightforce ATACR, Vortex Razor HD, Schmidt & Bender PM II, Leupold Mark 5HD, and March Optics, these competitors are equipped with the finest tools to tackle the challenges of the PRS. For those looking to elevate their game and gain access to the best rifles and optics available, Black Mesa Tactical is your premiere source for high-performance PRS rifles and optics.

The Top PRS Competitors and the Rifles & Optics That Drive Their Success

Austin Orgain

@austin.orgain

• Rifle Brand: Defiance

• Caliber: 6mm Creedmoor

• Optic: Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56

  
  

Austin Orgain is the number one-ranked shooter in the PRS, renowned for his exceptional precision and tactical approach. Orgain competes with a Defiance Deviant action chambered in 6mm Creedmoor. The Defiance Deviant is engineered to offer precise shot placement, with a smooth, reliable bolt action and rugged construction that can handle the demands of high-level competitions.

Why Defiance?

• Precision Engineering: The Defiance Deviant action offers ultra-tight tolerances for flawless function and extreme accuracy. This rifle ensures Orgain can maintain consistency even in high-pressure situations.

• Customization: Defiance rifles are modular, providing shooters the flexibility to configure the rifle to their specific preferences, such as barrel lengths, stocks, and finishes. This adaptability is crucial for the dynamic nature of PRS events.

• Durability: Built to endure tough conditions, the Deviant action guarantees reliable performance in extreme weather or rough environments often encountered during PRS matches.

• Smooth Bolt Action: The Deviant action delivers a smooth cycling experience, allowing rapid follow-up shots, which is essential in PRS competitions that require fast transitions between targets.

Why Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56?

• Clarity and Precision: The Nightforce ATACR 5-25x56 is known for its superior clarity and light transmission, thanks to its 56mm objective lens. This allows Orgain to clearly identify and engage long-range targets even under low-light conditions, such as during early morning or late evening stages.

• Magnification and Reticle: The 5-25x magnification range offers versatility, allowing Orgain to adjust from short-range to long-range shots with ease. The MOAR or Mil-C reticles allow for quick windage and elevation adjustments, while zero-stop turrets ensure accurate repeatability.

• Fast Focus Eyepiece: The ATACR features a fast-focus eyepiece and side parallax adjustment, making it easier for Orgain to quickly adjust to changing conditions during a competition.

The combination of the Defiance Deviant and Nightforce ATACR gives Austin Orgain the precision, clarity, and rugged reliability required for success in high-stakes PRS competitions.

Francis Colon

@franciscolonprs

• Rifle Brand: Tikka

• Caliber: 6mm Creedmoor

• Optic: Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56

  
  

Francis Colon is a seasoned competitor in PRS, known for his tactical shooting skills and outstanding results. Colon uses the Tikka T3x UPR, a rifle known for its factory out-of-the-box accuracy and smooth action. The Tikka T3x UPR is chambered in 6mm Creedmoor, providing a perfect balance of accuracy, range, and manageable recoil for precision shooting.

Why Tikka T3x UPR?

• Out-of-the-Box Accuracy: The Tikka T3x UPR is revered for its immediate accuracy. Shooters like Francis Colon appreciate that they don’t need to spend time extensively tuning the rifle before competition—it’s ready to perform straight from the box.

• Smooth and Fast Bolt Action: The straight-pull bolt action of the Tikka T3x UPR ensures fast cycling and smooth operation, which is essential for rapid follow-up shots during dynamic PRS stages.

• Free-Floating Barrel: The free-floating barrel ensures that external forces, like pressure from the stock, don’t affect the barrel, maintaining consistency in shot placement.

• Ergonomics: The adjustable stock on the Tikka T3x UPR provides shooters with comfort and control, enhancing shooting accuracy during long hours of competition.

Why Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56?

• Magnification Range: The 6-36x magnification range of the Vortex Razor HD Gen III is ideal for PRS shooters who need the flexibility to quickly switch between close-range targets and those at over 1,000 yards. Colon can maintain precision even when the shooting conditions change quickly.

• High-Definition Optics: The HD optics in the Razor HD Gen III provide outstanding clarity, even in low-light situations. This is vital when competing during early morning or late afternoon, where visibility can be a challenge.

• Precision Turrets: The scope’s 0.1 MIL turrets and zero-stop functionality allow Colon to adjust for windage and elevation quickly and accurately, ensuring that he can engage targets with minimal delay between shots.

The combination of the Tikka T3x UPR and Vortex Razor HD Gen III provides Francis Colon with the accuracy, clarity, and flexibility required for top-level PRS competition.

Chris Kutalek

• Rifle Brand: GA Precision

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor

• Optic: Schmidt & Bender PM II 5-25x56

  
  

Chris Kutalek is widely recognized for his precision shooting and tactical mindset. He uses a custom-built GA Precision rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. GA Precision is known for creating tailor-made rifles that deliver top-tier performance, providing shooters like Kutalek with the accuracy and reliability needed for long-range shooting.

Why GA Precision?

• Custom-Built Excellence: Every GA Precision rifle is built to the specific requirements of the shooter. Kutalek’s GA Precision rifle is carefully tuned to ensure optimal performance, making it the perfect tool for competitive shooting.

• Long-Range Accuracy: The 6.5 Creedmoor caliber is a popular choice for long-range precision shooters due to its flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient, making it ideal for hitting targets at extended ranges.

• Top-Tier Components: GA Precision rifles are crafted using match-grade barrels, actions, and trigger systems. This attention to detail ensures the rifle performs reliably and delivers unmatched accuracy.

• Enhanced Accuracy: GA Precision’s high-quality components and custom craftsmanship make these rifles stand out for their sub-MOA accuracy, a necessity in PRS competitions where every shot counts.

Why Schmidt & Bender PM II 5-25x56?

• Rugged Durability: The Schmidt & Bender PM II 5-25x56 is built to withstand the toughest conditions. It offers excellent performance, even in harsh environments, ensuring that Chris Kutalek can rely on his optic for clarity and accuracy in any situation.

• Superior Optics: The 56mm objective lens provides superior light transmission, ensuring Kutalek can see targets clearly at long ranges, especially in varying light conditions. The 5-25x magnification range allows for a wide variety of shooting distances, from close-range targets to distant ones beyond 1,000 yards.

• Precision Adjustments: The PM II’s 0.1 MIL adjustments and zero-stop turrets allow Kutalek to dial in his shots with precision, making fast and accurate adjustments between shots.

The combination of GA Precision’s custom builds and the Schmidt & Bender PM II gives Chris Kutalek the accuracy, durability, and clarity required to excel in PRS competitions.

Clay Blackketter

• Rifle Brand: Bergara

• Caliber: 6mm Creedmoor

• Optic: Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44

  
  

Clay Blackketter has earned a reputation for his technical shooting skills and ability to remain composed in the face of competition pressure. He uses a Bergara B-14R chambered in 6mm Creedmoor. Bergara is known for producing precision rifles with high-quality barrels that deliver exceptional performance.

Why  Bergara B-14R?

• Match-Grade Barrels: The Bergara B-14R is equipped with a match-grade barrel that ensures the rifle delivers tight groupings and superior accuracy, even at long distances.

• Affordability: While Bergara rifles offer premium performance, they are often more affordable than custom rifles, making them a great option for shooters who need high performance at a more accessible price point.

• Lightweight Design: The Bergara B-14R is lightweight and easy to handle, which makes it a great choice for Clay Blackketter, who needs a rifle that’s both accurate and maneuverable during competitions.

• Out-of-the-Box Performance: The B-14R delivers out-of-the-box accuracy, allowing competitors like Clay Blackketter to get straight into competitive shooting without having to spend time on tuning and modifications.

  
  

Why Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44?

• Compact and Lightweight: The Leupold Mark 5HD is compact and lightweight, which complements Bergara’s B-14R rifle. The lightweight design allows Blackketter to move quickly and make adjustments while maintaining control over his shots.

• Superior Optical Quality: The Mark 5HD provides bright, clear visuals even in low-light conditions, ensuring Clay Blackketter can engage targets quickly and precisely.

• Quick Adjustments: The 3.6-18x magnification offers a versatile range for close and long-range shooting, and the side-focus parallax allows Blackketter to make quick adjustments for a sharp, clear image at any distance.

The Bergara B-14R paired with the Leupold Mark 5HD provides Clay Blackketter with the flexibility, precision, and clarity necessary to stay ahead in PRS competitions.

5. Kahl Harmon

kahl.harmon

• Rifle Brand: Zermatt Arms

• Caliber: 6mm Creedmoor

• Optic: March Optics 3-24x42

  
  

Kahl Harmon has built a solid reputation for his strategic approach and consistent performance. He uses the Zermatt Arms RimX, chambered in 6mm Creedmoor, a rifle known for its modularity and precision. The Zermatt Arms RimX is ideal for competitive shooters who need the flexibility to swap out parts for different shooting conditions.

Why Zermatt Arms?

• Modularity: The RimX allows shooters like Kahl Harmon to easily swap barrels, stocks, and calibers to match the requirements of different stages in a PRS competition. This modularity ensures Harmon has the flexibility to perform in any situation.

• Precision: The RimX offers exceptional accuracy, thanks to its smooth bolt action and high-quality components. It delivers reliable performance under pressure, making it a top choice for competitors who need precision at all distances.

• Adjustable Features: The RimX offers adjustable triggers and an ergonomic design, allowing Harmon to fine-tune his rifle for maximum comfort and performance.

Why March Optics 3-24x42?

• Versatile Magnification Range: The 3-24x magnification provides Harmon with the versatility to engage both short-range and long-range targets. The March Optics scope allows for quick transitions between various target distances, which is crucial in PRS events.

• Superior Clarity and Light Transmission: The March Optics 3-24x42 delivers crystal-clear visuals and superb light transmission, ensuring that Harmon can spot targets in even the most challenging lighting conditions.

• Lightweight and Durable: The March Optics 3-24x42 is lightweight and durable, allowing Harmon to stay mobile during competitions without compromising on optical performance.

The Zermatt Arms RimX paired with the March Optics 3-24x42 provides Kahl Harmon the precision, modularity, and clarity needed to stay competitive in PRS events.

In the world of PRS, success depends on a combination of skill, experience, and the right equipment. The top five competitors—Austin Orgain, Francis Colon, Chris Kutalek, Clay Blackketter, and Kahl Harmon—show us that choosing the right rifle and optic is crucial to achieving consistent, high-level performance. Whether it’s the Defiance Deviant, Tikka T3x UPR, GA Precision, Bergara B-14R, or Zermatt Arms RimX, each rifle provides a solid foundation for accuracy, reliability, and adaptability. Combined with optics like the Nightforce ATACR, Vortex Razor HD, Schmidt & Bender PM II, Leupold Mark 5HD, and March Optics, these shooters are equipped with tools that ensure clarity, precision, and performance across all stages of the competition. Ultimately, the synergy between the rifle and optic, along with the shooter’s skill, is what allows these professionals to stay at the top of the PRS leaderboard. The right gear makes all the difference in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of competitive long-range shooting. For those looking to invest in the best rifles and optics for PRS, Black Mesa Tactical stands as your premiere source, providing access to the highest-quality equipment to help you reach the top of your game.

About Black Mesa Tactical

As a veteran, I understand the importance of reliable, high-performance gear. That’s why we founded Black Mesa Tactical, a veteran-owned company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dedicated to providing top-quality firearms, ammunition, and tactical accessories. Our mission is to equip hunters, competitive shooters, law enforcement professionals, and tactical enthusiasts across the United States with the tools they need for success.

We specialize in building competition-grade PRS rifles, precision AR rifles, and bolt-action competition rifles, each meticulously crafted to meet the demands of serious shooters. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive product range, including high-end hunting firearms, tactical accessories like scopes, suppressors, and holsters, as well as high-quality ammunition, cleaning kits, and branded apparel. Every product in our collection is carefully selected to meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

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