Looking Back at the 2023 PRS Beginners Match: An Interview with PRS Newbie, Jeremy Flinn

August 15, 2023 Stone Road Media Comments

Mason-Dixon PRS Beginners Match | Lewistown, Pennsylvania

If you’ve been following along with our series, “Road to the PRS,” you will remember Jeremy Flinn of Stone Road Media. Jeremy, with the help set out to compete in a PRS Beginners Match hosted by Mason-Dixon PRS.

“Road to the PRS” A New Video Series from Kestrel Ballistics

Competing in a “Road to the PRS,” you will remember Jeremy Flinn of Stone Road Media. Jeremy, with the help Katie Godrey and Jordan Glassman, set out to compete in a PRS Beginners Match hosted by the Mason-Dixon PRS.

If you watched episode one, you might remember that Jeremy has an extensive hunting background but zero experience shooting competitively. In fact, his training sessions at the New Holland Range in eastern Pennsylvania captured his first time shooting his new rifle build.

The Beginners PRS match, organized by Mason Dixon PRS, was held at the Mifflin County Sportsmen's Association in Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

“Road to the PRS” A New Video Series from Kestrel Ballistics

Upon arrival, Jeremy Flinn was greeted with a scene that both excited and intimidated him – a multitude of shooters, all preparing to test their skills against each other. The camaraderie amongst first-time participants was evident, but a looming monsoon threatened to dampen both spirits and performance.

For episode three, we conclude Jeremy’s PRS journey and manage to catch-up with him at the PRS Beginners Match in Lewistown, PA. After the match, asked Jeremy a few questions regarding his experience. Check it out below!

Q: What were your initial thoughts when arriving at the PRS Match?

A: Well, it was a bit intimidating with how many shooters were there. Obviously, I am a novice at this, and it was wild to see how many other shooters were there for their first competition. It also didn’t help with a monsoon on the way, I already was unsure of my skills and that was a worry out of the gate to making it more difficult.

Q: Going into the match, did you feel properly prepared?

A: As prepared as I could be. I knew the gun was on, and I knew how to use my Kestrel. I had no idea what to expect from a competition standpoint, and what the other shooters’ skills would be.

Q: Based on episode 3 of “Road to the PRS,” the weather looks like it took a turn... how did that affect the shooting conditions?

A: It had me nervous at first, but at some point, the rain actually eased my concerns as I figured everyone would struggle in those conditions. It was brutal. But a lot of stuff was under roof cover which was nice. The conic box was so tough. I was excited to shoot out to 1,000 yards, but the rain came down so heavy in my segment I couldn’t even see the 700-yard targets.

Q: How difficult were the shooting configurations and distances? Did you struggle? Was it easier than you thought?

A: There were some that ended up being either easier than I thought, or I was better than I thought. Particularly the non-dominant side shooting. It was super awkward, but I cleared the stage (just ran out of time on the last shot). The struggle was moving and re-acquiring the target, those were very difficult.

Q: Was there anything you wish you had known going into the match?

A: I think just understanding that process on walking up to the line and getting locked in on a target. I didn’t practice that much, and it wasted a lot of time out of the gate.

Q: The episode reveals how you shot compared to other shooters... did you do better than you thought or worse? Did you have any goals going into the match?

A: Way better. I am not an avid rifle shooter by any means. Mainly just shoot to site in for hunting. It was surprising that with people who are likely way more serious than I am I would outperform half of them. It was kind of encouraging to what I might be able to do if I practice more.

Q: Are you currently planning to shoot another match?

A: It is on my mind for sure. I know the next level is a 2-day match and these guys are serious. We got away with a lot in the Beginner’s Match that we wouldn’t in a regular match. I may need to take some more time to practice before jumping back into it. I think I will absolutely shoot more matches in the future.

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