Ready to compete in precision rifle matches across the country?
Competing in precision rifle matches is becoming more popular every year. In 2024 alone, over 13,000 competitors shot in PRS-sanctioned matches. That means more shooters are traveling to matches than ever before. But here’s the problem:
Shipping your precision rifle kit safely and getting it through security without any issues is half the battle. Drop your rig on the X-ray belt and an icky TSA agent will have a field day with your optics. The good news is most shooters don’t realize you can save so much time and stress with the right equipment setup.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Travel Ready Gear Is a Must for Competition Shooters
- Precision Rifle Chassis Systems That Actually Work For Travel
- The TSA Rules You Need To Know For Firearms and Ammo
- How To Safely Pack Your Rifle Rig For Road Trips
Why Travel Ready Gear Is a Must for Competition Shooters
Precision rifle competition has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade. Matches are popping up coast-to-coast, and even internationally. If you want to stay competitive, it’s no longer an option to leave your precision rifle at home.
Competitive shooting is a destination sport now. Serious shooters want to be at the biggest matches every year. That means your rifle needs to travel as well as it shoots. Think about it. If you travel to 5-10 matches a year, your precision rifle is going to rack up miles. TSA agents, airport baggage handlers, road trips. All these elements can be hard on gear.
Your rifle and chassis need to be able to take it. But it also needs to perform immediately when you arrive at the range. This is where choosing the right equipment really makes a difference. The good news is that modern precision rifle chassis systems are making travel a lot easier for competitors.
Precision Rifle Chassis Systems That Actually Work For Travel
The chassis system you choose will make a huge difference in how easy your precision rifle is to travel with. Old-school stock systems are unwieldy and difficult to pack. This is where modern chassis platforms shine. Modular precision rifle chassis systems let you break your rifle down into smaller components. Components that fit inside much smaller travel cases. Say goodbye to the “forged in concrete” travel case.
Designs like XLR Industries have taken travel seriously. You can buy tool-free adjustable chassis that offer quick-detach components to make reassembly and disassembly simple. The best modular chassis systems can be broken down and reassembled in minutes.
The best part is modern modular chassis systems offer true return-to-zero scopes mounts. Zero stays put even after hundreds of assembly and disassembly. This is a game changer if you’re flying to a match and have to reassemble your rifle in an hour before shooters start firing.
This is crucial to being able to focus on competition results instead of rig issues.
Quick note on travel friendly chassis:
The key to choosing the right chassis for travel is to keep these features in mind:
- Tool-free adjustable chassis
- Quick detach buttstocks
- Foldable stock or collapsible chassis
- Lightweight materials to cut down case weight
- Modular forend components for versatility
Performance doesn’t have to suffer for portability when you pick the right system. Travel modular chassis systems are just as good as any stock system out there. It’s all about choosing the right one.
The TSA Rules You Need To Know For Firearms and Ammo
Here’s something you should know that could save you thousands of dollars.
The TSA has strict rules for flying with firearms, and breaking them will cost you. In 2024, TSA intercepted 6,678 firearms in airport security checkpoints. And 94% of those firearms were loaded. You do NOT want to be that statistic.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Your rifle must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case when you check it.
- Declare it at the airline ticket counter, not at security. Keep the key to your case on you.
- Ammunition must be in the original manufacturer’s box or a certified ammo container.
- Pack ammo in same case as rifle if possible but must be secured
Civil penalties for breaking these rules are up to $15,000 and loss of TSA PreCheck for five years. If you break the rules and a firearm comes through security, TSA will fine you and your airline will charge you for lost firearm.
Smart shooters arrive early to the airport and have all their paperwork ready. Know your airline’s firearm policies too, they can have restrictions beyond TSA guidelines.
How To Safely Pack Your Rifle Rig For Road Trips
Precision rifles are not cheap. Once you add up the action, barrel, chassis, scope, and accessories, you can easily be looking at over $5,000 in gear. Protecting this investment during travel should be your number one priority. Here’s where to start. Pelican cases are gold standard for a reason. Waterproof, crushproof, with built in pressure relief valves for air travel. Don’t skimp here.
Use foam inside your case custom cut for your rifle configuration. It keeps gear from moving around in transport and absorbs impacts. One thing that most people forget…
Temperature changes during travel will impact your zero. A cold-soaked rifle in the cargo hold is likely to shoot differently once you start unloading at the range. Let your rifle acclimate to ambient temperature before confirming your zero.
Pro Tip: Keep a detailed packing list and take photos of gear before you pack. If something is missing or damaged, you’ll have proof for insurance or claims.
Also look into insurance specifically for your competition gear. Homeowner’s policies often don’t cover equipment damaged during travel to competitions.
Competition Travel Gets Easier
With over 200 PRS Rimfire matches and 150 Regional Series matches across the country in 2025, traveling to competitions is basically a requirement if you want to be competitive. The good news? It gets easier every time you do it. Successful competition travelers have a system that works for them:
Modular rifles that pack small, early arrivals at airports, following TSA rules to a T, quality cases, and detailed checklists. Most of all, choosing gear that was designed with travel in mind from the start. The difference between a good travel system and a great travel system for competition shooting are often just a few smart equipment choices.
Make those choices before your next competition and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with precision rifle equipment for matches is not as stressful as you might think. With the right modular chassis, proper cases, and knowledge of TSA firearms and ammunition rules, getting your kit to a match safely and legally is doable.
Precision rifle sports are growing in popularity fast, and competition is more intense than ever. Don’t let travel logistics slow you down from competing at your best.
Recap of key points:
- Modular chassis systems designed for easy breakdown and transport
- Follow TSA rules precisely for firearms and ammunition
- Invest in quality cases that protect your equipment
- Create a travel system that works and stick with it
The best shooters in the podium positions aren’t just better shots. They’re also much smarter about how they prepare, travel, and compete. Their gear works just as hard as they do.
Upgrade your travel game and start competing at matches across the country.
