Getting into competition shooting doesn’t have to mean taking out a second mortgage. This sport offers a path for everyone, whether you’re starting with a modest budget or going all-in on professional setups. The journey from budget builds to elite-level gear is as much about improving your skills as it is about upgrading your equipment.
I’ve traveled this road myself. While I eventually chose to invest heavily in top-tier gear, I spent years wishing I’d started sooner—even with a simpler setup. Let’s explore how you can begin shooting today, no matter your budget or discipline, and build toward your ultimate goals.
Choosing Your Path
The path you take depends on your goals, budget, and discipline. Some shooters prefer to start small and upgrade as they go, while others save up to buy the best gear from the start. Both approaches have their merits, and I’ve personally experienced the pros and cons of going big right away.
Start Small: Progressively upgrading allows you to learn what you like and need as a shooter. It’s a great way to enter the sport without feeling overwhelmed, and it helps you appreciate every improvement as your skills grow.
Go Big: Buy Once, Cry Once. I went this route and invested heavily upfront—but not until after a decade of waiting. My philosophy has always been that if I’m not winning, I want to know it’s me—not my gear. For me, having the best lets me focus entirely on improving my skills without second-guessing my setup.
That said, starting big comes with its challenges. It’s expensive, and until your skills catch up with your gear, it’s hard not to feel a little out of your league. But if you’re someone who thrives on eliminating variables, it’s a strategy worth considering.
No matter your approach, the most important thing is to start. The sooner you begin shooting, the sooner you’ll find your rhythm—and your path.
Discipline Dictates Cost
The investment required for competition shooting varies significantly depending on your chosen discipline. Here's a quick breakdown:
Airgun (Pellet Shooting): The most budget-friendly option with minimal costs for equipment and ammo. Great for fundamentals and local competitions.
.22 Rimfire Leagues: A step up in cost but still affordable. Ammo is inexpensive, and many leagues cater to this discipline.
Traditional Long-Range (300 mags, .308 Family, 6mm, and 7mm): More expensive due to higher-quality rifles, optics, and ammunition. Expect to shoot distances out to 1,000 yards.
This is the most common and can consist of PRS, Benchrest, F-Class, Sniper Challenges, and More.
Extreme Long-Range (ELR):The most expensive discipline, requiring specialized rifles, optics, and often custom reloading equipment to shoot at ranges measured in miles.
Understanding where you want to start—and where you want to go—can help you plan your budget accordingly.
1. Friends and Family Level: Under $2,500
This category is perfect for beginners or those who want to keep it simple. The goal here is to get out, have fun, and build a foundation.
Budget Breakdown:
A reliable, entry-level rifle (used or new).
Optics: Decent scope for basic shooting needs.
Accessories: Bipod, rear bag, or sling.
Pro Tip: The used market is your friend. Quality rifles and optics hold value well, and you can often find excellent deals on gear that’s been lightly used.
This level is ideal for casual shooting, whether on private land or informal competitions with friends. Plus, your setup can often double for hunting or other practical uses.
2. Budget Shooter: $2,500–$10,000
Here, you’re starting to invest in better-quality gear while keeping an eye on your wallet. This stage is where you start transitioning from casual shooting to a more disciplined approach.
What to Upgrade:
Chassis or stock: Improves stability and ergonomics.
Trigger: A cleaner, lighter break improves accuracy.
Optics: Mid-range scopes with better clarity and tracking.
Accessories: Chronographs, levelers, and data cards for precision shooting.
This level allows you to start entering competitions or taking practice days more seriously. The upgrades you make here begin to pay off in tighter groups and better results on the range.
3. Semi-Pro Status: $10,000–$20,000
At this point, your gear and skill level are reaching new heights. The semi-pro stage is where you’re serious about competing and building a rifle setup tailored to your specific needs. As a reminder this is your gear not your skills. Ideally you skills and gear would match but sometimes you buy the gear to help you build the skills.
What You’ll Invest In:
Competition actions and precision barrels for ultimate accuracy.
Premium chassis with full adjustability.
High-end optics capable of handling extreme conditions and distances.
100%... Reloading equipment to fine-tune your ammunition.
You’ll also likely start looking at multiple builds tailored to different disciplines. For instance, you may have one rifle for mid-range matches and another for extreme long-range competitions. Reloading equipment may overlap, but you’ll often need specialized components for different calibers.
4. Pro Gear, Pro Mindset: About $20,000
This is where you start building gear that mirrors the setups of the top competitors. At this stage, the investment isn’t just about winning—it’s about eliminating variables so every shot is as precise as possible.
Top-Tier Gear Includes:
Elite custom actions, barrels, and triggers.
Optics designed for extreme precision, often exceeding $3,000 and above.
Reloading setups optimized for both speed and accuracy (What 99%) of pros have.
At this level, you’re likely maintaining multiple builds for various competitions, disciplines, and ranges. The focus isn’t just on equipment—it’s on fine-tuning every aspect of your shooting.
5. Legendary Status: $20,000 and Beyond
This is the top tier, where your sights are set on dominating state-level competitions, placing at nationals, or competing on the world stage.
What Sets This Level Apart:
Things that only the top 1% buy
The best of the best: every component is hand-selected and custom-tuned for maximum performance.
Multiple builds designed to master specific disciplines.
No expense spared: powder measuring systems, custom reloading presses, and cutting-edge optics.
At this level, shooting is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle. The mindset isn’t about trying to win; it’s about training not to lose.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re shooting soda cans with a borrowed rifle, climbing the local competition ladder, or chasing national titles with a $20,000 setup, the key is to start where you are and keep moving forward. The gear can come later, but time spent behind the trigger is priceless.
I’ll admit—I didn’t take the most common path. I waited over a decade to dive in and bought high-end gear right from the start. For me, this was the right choice, but looking back, I think starting earlier—even with a basic setup—would have given me those extra years of experience.
The truth is, while top-tier equipment is nice to have, it’s not what makes shooting great. What makes this sport incredible is the people, the challenges, and the sheer joy of sending rounds downrange. Whether you’re plinking with friends or competing in a high-stakes match, it’s about having fun, growing your skills, and connecting with a community that shares your passion.
I believe we need more people shooting. It’s a sport that’s rewarding, humbling, and endlessly fun. So, start where you can, build as you go, and enjoy every moment of the journey.
So, what’s your discipline—and where will your journey take you?
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Notes: The companies that were provided on here are not affiliated with Black Plague Precision. I used them to show examples but there are many more companies that provide great products. If you want to know what they are send me a email and I will write a article for you and everyone else!
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