The Coalinga Rifle Range is a proving ground for precision shooters, where skill, endurance, and strategy take center stage. The Western States Fullbore Championship, held at this renowned facility, brings together high-caliber competitors to face uniquely demanding conditions that push even the best marksmen to their limits. With a course of fire spanning multiple distances and unpredictable wind conditions, this championship is a true test of shooting mastery.
What is Fullbore?
Fullbore shooting is a precision rifle discipline that emphasizes marksmanship fundamentals over advanced optics and technology. Unlike other long-range disciplines, Fullbore competitors rely solely on iron sights and a sling-supported prone position to engage targets at varying distances.
The discipline is rooted in tradition and is often associated with national and international team competitions, including Palma shooting, which has been a staple in long-range precision shooting for over a century. Fullbore matches typically feature .308 Winchester and .223 Remington calibers, with strict bullet weight restrictions (156 grains max for .308, 90 grains max for .223). Shooters fire in a pair-firing format, alternating shots while assisting their partner in scoring— a format that enhances both teamwork and individual skill.
This form of competition requires an elite level of wind reading, shot execution, and consistency—attributes that separate great shooters from the rest. With distances extending from 300 to 1000 yards, Fullbore is a pure test of marksmanship ability.
The Championship Format
The Western States Fullbore Championship is a true test of precision, with shooters engaging targets at a variety of distances:
300 yards – 10 shots
600 yards – 10 shots
900 yards – 15 shots
1000 yards – 15 shots
Coalinga Rifle Club
Coalinga Rifle Club is one of the most revered shooting ranges in California, known for its unique environment and rich history of hosting elite competitions. Located in the state's central region, it serves as a hub for high-level long-range matches, including state championships and national-level events.
With 25 firing points extending out to 1000 yards, the range presents a formidable challenge even for the most experienced marksmen. The real test at Coalinga, however, is the ever-changing wind conditions and mirage distortions that force competitors to constantly adapt their strategy. Success here isn’t just about accuracy—it’s about reading the range, anticipating shifts, and making every shot count.
An Unexpected Journey to Coalinga
Coming off the high of Southwest Nationals, I had no plans to jump into another event so soon. But then, I met Mike Carlo, the Adjutant of the United States National Rifle Team . When he casually mentioned the Western States Fullbore Championship, I knew I had to check it out. If nothing else, it would be a great opportunity to see a range I had never shot on—one I’d need to master if I planned on competing for a California State Championship in F-Open.
That decision set everything in motion. I packed my gear, charged up my electronics, and hit the road before dawn. 3:00 AM wake-up calls aren’t fun, but for a competition like this, you make it work. The first hour of driving was rough—I was still shaking off the exhaustion. But with the help of my favorite podcasts and the sun slowly rising, I found my rhythm and locked in for the journey.
Coalinga isn’t the easiest place to find. Driving past endless oil fields, I started to question whether I was even in the right place. The rang is a hidden gem, literally. The range wasn’t well-marked, and I relied on a few messages from event coordinators to guide me. When I finally arrived, I expected a buzzing range filled with competitors prepping their gear. Instead, it was eerily quiet—just a couple of guys chatting near the 1000-yard line. Had I gotten the start time wrong? Nope. Turns out, the Fullbore crowd is just exceptionally prepared—everyone was already set and ready to shoot before I even got out of my car.
Meeting Legends and Facing Competition
Stepping into the check-in area, I recognized a familiar face—Bob Gill. I had left him a voicemail prior to the event, not even realizing that I had already seen him at Southwest Nationals. When I asked how he had done, I immediately regretted it. He won first place in sling. Talk about a humbling moment! It all clicked when I later saw him in his United States National Rifle Team baby blue shirt—a wave of recognition hit me.
Then, there was Mike Carlo. He greeted me with a grin and a lighthearted handshake—he hadn’t actually thought I’d show up. But when I commit to something, I follow through. My word is my bond.
Although it was a smaller turnout, the talent was undeniable. This wasn’t just any local match—World Champions, National Champions, and State Champions were all present. The day itself was nothing short of incredible: stunning landscapes, top-tier competition, and a chance to get up close with some of the most impressive shooting equipment I’d ever seen. And to top it all off, the weather was unusually perfect for February—clear skies, mild temperatures, and just enough breeze to keep things interesting.
The first shots at 300 yards set the tone. To the untrained eye, it might look like a rinse and repeat at each distance, but as the day went on, conditions changed—the wind picked up, fatigue set in, and the competition became fierce. With national and world champions in the lineup, every shot mattered. Even the smallest mistakes were costly.
Coalinga lived up to its reputation. Those who mastered the wind walked away victorious; those who miscalculated, even slightly, paid the price on the scoreboard.
The event was outstanding, and I am very appreciative of Bob Gill and Curtis Gordon for allowing me to attend.
If you want to see the results or find out when you can come shoot, check out the website here:
Final Thoughts
The Western States Fullbore Championship is an event that every serious marksman should experience. It’s not just about winning—it’s about learning, adapting, and pushing yourself to new limits. If you’re serious about long-range shooting, this is the kind of competition that will elevate your game. And if you’re looking for a true test of skill, there’s no better place to prove yourself than Coalinga Rifle Club.
To stay in the loop for future Fullbore competitions, check out the Coalinga Rifle Club website and the United States National Rifle Team website. The path to mastery starts with competition—and there’s no better place to start than here.
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