On November 30, 2024, West Coast Long Range (WCLR) hosted the "Back to Basics" Southwest Regional Centerfire Points Match in Esparto, California. This event marked the beginning of the 2025 Precision Rifle Series (PRS) season, bringing shooters from across the region to compete in a straightforward yet challenging match. Designed to appeal to shooters of all experience levels, the event emphasized fundamentals and accessible shooting scenarios.
A Glimpse Into WCLR
West Coast Long Range (WCLR), headquartered in Northern California, has firmly established itself as a premier training and competition center for precision rifle shooting. Led by Mark Zorich—a U.S. Air Force veteran and former SWAT sniper—WCLR is dedicated to innovating and growing the precision shooting community.
Although based around Woodland, CA, WCLR's impact extends far beyond. The organization travels across the country offering lessons and teaching courses, sharing their expertise with shooters nationwide. This commitment to education and skill-building has earned them a reputation as one of the top precision rifle training organizations in the United States.
Competitions, however, remain largely rooted on the West Coast, where WCLR frequently hosts Precision Rifle Series (PRS) matches and other events. These matches, held at their home ranges and top-notch venues like Quail Point, have become staples in the shooting community. They draw competitors of all levels, from first-time shooters to seasoned pros, creating a welcoming and challenging environment for everyone.
Whether you're looking to refine your long-range skills, compete at the highest level, or simply experience the camaraderie of the precision rifle community, WCLR is a hub for enthusiasts and a driving force in the sport.
Note by Mark: "Sorry this range is not open to the general public at anytime. Please do not contact us to see if you can use the range on your own. This range is exclusively for WCLR and our events. We would love to have you out so please book a spot in one of our classes, a lesson, or come to one of our matches that will be held at the range."
My Experience at the WCLR Back to Basics Match
What an experience! As someone who loves being around the long-range shooting scene, attending this match was a highlight of my year. Capturing video as the match began, the atmosphere was electrifying. The smell of gunpowder filled the air, and the synchronized sounds of spotters yelling "HIT!" followed closely by the unmistakable clang of bullets hitting steel targets created a symphony of precision shooting. Even as a spectator, I was completely immersed.
I wasn’t the only one soaking in the excitement. Among the spectators, I had the chance to meet a family—mom, dad, and brother—all there to watch their daughter compete. It was heartwarming to see their support, and it made me think: why isn’t this more common? I even brought this up with Mark, who mentioned that the family had asked how much it cost to watch. We laughed because, unlike most sports, this is probably one of the few where you can watch some of the best in the world compete—for free. That’s right, folks, no ticket required.
Though I didn’t get to talk to as many people as I had hoped, those I did speak to couldn’t stop praising the course design, the match setup, and the stunning venue. And let me tell you, the venue was something else—a place you have to experience in person to truly appreciate. The wide-open landscape, with rolling hills, well-laid-out firing lines, and seamless event organization made it the perfect setting for a day of shooting.
As both a fan and a competitor (F-Class), I couldn’t help but observe the shooters' techniques, strategies, and how they reacted after their stages. This, to me, is the beauty of shooting—the preparation, execution, and mental game that goes into every shot. Watching shooters of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros, was a masterclass in the art of competition. I saw moments of struggle and moments of triumph, all met with camaraderie and support. In fact, the "Back to Basics" theme fostered a welcoming environment where newer shooters were guided, youth competitors received mentorship, and everyone shared tips and encouragement. Of course, the seasoned shooters got a bit of friendly razzing as well!
The diversity in rifles, scopes, barrels, actions, and ammo was a sight to behold. For someone like me who loves the gear side of shooting, it felt like rifle heaven. But more than the equipment, what stood out was the spirit of the event. It was clear that everyone was having a great time—whether they were competing, spotting, or just spectating like me.
As for the match itself, it was run flawlessly. The organization and attention to detail were exceptional, and the stages were designed to challenge competitors while still being accessible. Watching it all unfold almost made me want to pick up a rifle and join in—though my knees might not have appreciated it! Mark even invited me (twice!) to come out and shoot centerfire or rimfire. While I might not be ready to jump into competition mode, their training programs look like an incredible opportunity, and I’m seriously considering giving it a try.
If there’s one takeaway from this experience, it’s this: if you’ve ever been curious about precision shooting, come out and watch a match. Support your loved ones, cheer on your friends, or just soak in the experience. And if you’re thinking about trying it yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out. It can feel intimidating, but events like this are welcoming to everyone. When I started in shooting, I wish I had known there were open invitations like this—it makes all the difference.
I look forward to many more days filming with WCLR and soaking in the incredible atmosphere they’ve created. Whether you’re a fan, a competitor, or just curious, this is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Back to Basics Match
The "Back to Basics" Southwest Regional Points Match was a shining example of what makes precision rifle shooting such a thrilling and rewarding sport. The event showcased incredible talent, with the top competitors securing their spots on the leaderboard:
Top 3 Placers
1st Place: Chris Garcia
2nd Place: Brian Lopina
3rd Place: Adam Tobias
These shooters demonstrated exceptional precision and consistency across all eight stages, standing out in a highly competitive field. For the full match results, visit Impact Scoring.
Community engagement was a cornerstone of the event. Youth shooters received real-time guidance, newcomers felt welcomed, and seasoned competitors shared their expertise while enjoying a bit of friendly competition. The venue, Quail Point, provided an exceptional backdrop with its professional setup and stunning scenery. Participants praised the course design, seamless event organization, and the positive atmosphere that defined the day.
This match wasn’t just about competition; it was about connection, learning, and celebrating the sport. As the 2025 Precision Rifle Series season kicks off, events like this reinforce WCLR's reputation as a leader in precision shooting. Whether you’re a competitor, spectator, or fan, WCLR continues to deliver exceptional experiences that inspire and elevate the sport. For those looking to get involved, there’s no better way to start than by attending a match or signing up for training. The future of precision rifle shooting is bright, and WCLR is lighting the way.
Photos and Videos From The Event: HERE
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Great read. This article truly highlights everything we love about this sport.