CONFIDENCE & CAMARADERIE

Oran Lewis got hooked on Precision Rifle Shooting competitions after friends talked him into signing up for one in 2018. Since then the Texas native has shot in 37 regional matches and 12 bolt gun events.

For Oran Lewis, competing in Precision Rifle Series matches not only helps improve his long-range shooting skills, but is a chance to give back to fellow marksmen.

PHOTOS BY ORAN LEWIS

From growing up on a farm in Texas to becoming a passionate hunter to later serving as an infantryman in the Army, Oran Lewis has had a lifelong affinity for long-range shooting. It’s only fitting that he would take it to the next level with Precision Rifle Shooting competitions.

In early 2018, Lewis, who now resides in Clarksville, Tennessee, was talked into trying out one of the local PRS matches by some friends.

“After that, I was hooked on the PRS,” he says. “Not only does it make you a better, more confident long-range shooter in general, but the camaraderie

A highlight for Lewis was competing in a 2020 pro-am match with his father, who taught him how to shoot on the family farm.

is unbelievable.”

Lewis has since participated in more than 50 PRS competitions, gaining sponsorships from the likes of Manners Composite Stocks and Short Action Customs. He mainly competes in the PRS Pro Series, shooting in six to eight national matches throughout the year, which, he explains, “allows me to stay consistent in the different parts of the country.”

“A good friend and Short Action Customs teammate of mine, Phillip Velayo, once told me, ‘If you don’t get on a plane and fly to a match, are you really considered a true competitor?’” says Lewis. “This has always stuck with me because it is important for people to be consistent at any match or hunt they may find themselves at, not just their ‘home range.’”

But one of his most memorable matches was a Pro Series competition held close to his home base in Tennessee, the 2020 Bushnell GAP Grind. The two-day national match takes place every October at K&M Precision Rifle Training Complex in Finger, and is designed for a pro shooter to team up with an amateur shooter.

“The memories that make the 2020 GAP Grind my all-time favorite is that I had my father by my side as my amateur,” explains Lewis. “He had never shot a PRS match or any type of competitive shooting at all. He was the one who taught me how to shoot when I was young on our farm and it was an amazing experience to have the roles reversed. This match will always be at the top of my list due to the laughs and memories we shared while doing something we both enjoy.”

Lewis relishes giving back to the sport and introducing new shooters to the world of PRS. When he competes in the Regional Series, which he does several times a year, he often volunteers as range officer and helps set up and tear down the match. He also assists newer shooters, “whether that be lending them gear or helping them while they shoot,” he says.

“If you are looking at getting into the Precision Rifle Series or longrange shooting in general, contact me through social media and I will be more than willing to help you in any way that I can,” says Lewis.

“The relationships and bonds I have created while traveling the country and competing in the PRS are some of my biggest accomplishments during this experience. I am extremely thankful for all the companies who support me along the way. These companies give a tremendous amount of support to the shooting community. If you are looking at gear for your PRS journey, please support the ones who support the sport. Until next time, see you on the range!” 

Lewis had three top-10 finishes during the 2021 season and this year has already seen him place eighth at an Indiana match.

Lewis strongly backs the companies that support the long-range shooting sports.

ORAN LEWIS’ RIFLE & GEAR

• Builder: Short Action Customs • Caliber: 6BRA • Action: Defiance Ruckus • Stock: Manners Composite Stocks-TCS • Trigger: Trigger Tech Diamond Flat Shoe • Barrel: 28-inch Hawk Hill MTU • Break: Area419 Hell Fire • Scope: Vortex Gen II Razor EBR-7C Reticle • Brass: Peterson Cartridge Company – 6BR Brass • Bullet: 105 Berger Hybrid • Reloading components: MidSouth Shooters Supply • Powder: Hodgdon 4895 • Ballistic solver: GeoBallistics • Bag: Wiebad Tater Tot – Sand fill

He’s also happy to assist newer shooters, “whether that be lending them gear or helping them while they shoot.”

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