MORE THAN A MATCH

Bryan Sikes, a retired special operations sniper with multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan, has been involved with the Precision Rifle Series since 2012.

For Bryan Sikes, ‘lessons learned’ at Precision Rifle Series competitions have had applications for special ops sniper training program.

PHOTOS BY BRYAN SIKES

Bryan Sikes has been heavily involved in the Precision Rifle Series since 2012, when his Army unit, 7th Special Forces Group, relocated to Florida. Sikes, a special operations sniper with multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan and a Purple Heart recipient, was finishing up his team time and transitioning into a sniper school instructor position.

“At that time, we were looking to improve, advance and modernize our sniper program,” explains Sikes. “A couple of us sought out ways in which to do that and laid the groundwork for what would be a total revamp of our program, due largely in part to the Precision Rifle Series. It was the PRS that helped us push the limits of not only our weapon systems, but also our focus and mental tenacity under stress. A difficult trait to train, but anyone who has been to these PRS matches

“It was the PRS that helped us push the limits of not only our weapon systems, but also our focus and mental tenacity under stress,” says Sikes. “Few things induce more trainable stress scenarios than being on the clock for a stage and competing against some of the best precision rifle shooters in the world.”

knows the level of difficulty that is now common and how important it is to be able to maintain a high level of focus for every shot. Few things induce more trainable stress scenarios than being on the clock for a stage and competing against some of the best precision rifle shooters in the world.”

He continues, “We took a lot of our ‘lessons learned’ from shooting and competing in these matches and applied them to our sniper program. Since then, I can unquestionably say that the PRS has greatly improved the capabilities of our special operations snipers across the board. On the selfish side, it was always fun attending these matches, getting to know the community, and not having to come up with a training plan; we just showed up to these matches and drank from a fire hose.”

Now retired from special operations, Sikes is an avid PRS competitor, shooting in around 10 to 12 matches a year. He shoots in the open division, running rifles from GA Precision (where he also now works, building rifles and “training hungry shooters across the country,” he says). See sidebar for a full list of Sikes’ equipment.

“I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the shooting community. It’s the collective of people that really make competitive shooting what it is,” says Sikes. He adds, “I’m proud to say that I’ve made friends that have since become brothers while attending PRS events. Like brothers, the competitive spirit is always there. We still want to beat one another on our best days and there is no shortage of grief handed back when we don’t. Nothing like doing something at a match that your best friends can give you a hard time about for all of eternity.”

“At this level of competition, it seems like the most visceral memories are the mistakes I’ve made at this match or that. Mistakes that sear into your brain in the hopes that you learn from them and come back better the next time around. Like I said, shooting matches is the best training there is; if you want to get good at shooting matches, then shoot matches.” 

BRYAN SIKES’ RIFLE & GEAR

• GA Precision rifles, typically chambered in 6mm GT • Manners stocks • Bartlein barrels • Bushnell Elite Tactical glass • RCBS reloading equipment • Hornady components • Armageddon Gear shooting bags and products Editor’s note: For more on the Precision Rifle Series, visit precisionrifleseries.com

“At this point, I almost kind of wish I had an excuse when I missed, but it’s just not the case,” jokes Sikes of his stellar equipment lineup. “All me and mine to lose.”

Independence Day fireworks over National

Mall. (SHUTTERSTOCK / LAURA LYNN)