The PRS Skills Stage received a significant update in early 2024, introducing a new set of challenges and resetting the landscape for benchmark times across the Precision Rifle Series. Previously, a singular version of the barricade stage dominated, with Francis Colon’s 25.92-second clean run on the 8-shot, 4-position format standing as a formidable record, according to precisionrifleblog.com. The recent overhaul, however, introduced three distinct stage options, each requiring 10 shots from 5 positions, fundamentally changing how competitors approach this critical event.
Match directors now have the flexibility to select from these new standardized options for any PRS Two Day Major Competition, ensuring at least one Skills Stage is present. Option #1, featuring a “big/small target setup,” has emerged as the most frequently adopted choice. With these new formats in rotation, competitors have lacked clear benchmarks for what constitutes a truly competitive time—until now.
In a comprehensive analysis first reported by precisionrifleblog.com, data was compiled from four major PRS pro matches, each hosting over 175 shooters. The study meticulously examined clean runs, one-miss runs, and overall time distributions across the various Skills Stage options. These findings provide crucial context for competitors aiming to optimize their performance. For example, a clean run on Option #1 under 60 seconds positions a shooter squarely within the top 25%, while breaking the 45-second mark signifies an elite performance. Notable demonstrations of speed include Ben Gossett’s 37-second run at K&M, a performance captured on video, highlighting exceptional movement economy and target transitions.
The PRS Skills Stage is more than just another sequence of shots; it often becomes a pivotal “drag race” due to its unique role within PRS matches. It is typically the only stage where time is officially tracked and utilized as a tiebreaker. The stakes are high: last season alone, seven PRS pro matches, decided after more than 200 rounds, were ultimately determined by Skills Stage times. Adding to the pressure, Nightforce awards an ATACR 7-35x56 scope—an optic retailing for approximately $3,600—to the shooter achieving the fastest clean run at every PRS pro match, independent of their overall match finish. This substantial incentive drives competitors to push the limits of speed, though a clean run remains paramount.
While the new Skills Stage format differs in shot count and positions from its predecessor, fundamental techniques remain relevant. Francis Colon, a past record holder, shares insights on movement and rifle handling that are still applicable for maximizing efficiency, according to precisionrifleblog.com. As competitors continue to hone their strategies and refine their execution, these benchmark times will undoubtedly continue to evolve throughout the season.
