New Video Series: Competitive Shooting Primer Now Available for Guardian Nation Members
Guardian Nation members, we're excited to announce the release of an exclusive 9-part video series featuring Riley Bowman's “Competitive Shooting Primer” class filmed a few years ago at the Active Self Protection Bullets and Bibles Conference. This comprehensive training series is now available in your members area, offering you the opportunity to learn USPSA-style competitive shooting fundamentals from one of the industry's most respected instructors.

What You'll Learn
This isn't just another shooting video series – it's a complete introduction to the world of competitive shooting that will transform how you approach both competition and defensive shooting. Riley breaks down the complexities of USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) shooting into digestible, actionable lessons that both newcomers and experienced shooters will find valuable.
Throughout the nine videos, you'll discover:
- The Freedom of Freestyle Shooting: Learn how USPSA's freestyle approach differs from IDPA's tactical priority rules, giving you the flexibility to solve shooting problems your own way
- Essential Safety Protocols: Master the critical 180-degree rule and understand how to maintain safe gun handling while moving dynamically through stages
- Stage Planning and Strategy: Develop the mental game of competitive shooting by learning how to read stages, identify efficient shooting positions, and plan your approach before the buzzer sounds
- Scoring Fundamentals: Understand the A, C, and D zone scoring system, how penalties work, and why hitting “no-shoot” targets can devastate your score
- Range Commands and Match Procedures: Get comfortable with the “Make Ready,” “Are You Ready?,” “Standby,” and other essential commands you'll encounter at matches
Hands-On Learning Experience

What sets this video series apart is its practical, hands-on approach. You'll watch actual students – many shooting their first competitive stage – work through a mock USPSA stage. Riley provides real-time coaching on critical skills including:
- Target Transitions: Learn the shortest, most efficient paths between targets and how to maintain your shooting rhythm
- Movement Techniques: Discover how to move efficiently through a stage while maintaining safe muzzle direction
- Reload Positioning: Understand when and where to perform reloads to maximize efficiency while staying within safety boundaries
- Shooting Cadence: Master the difference between controlled pairs on individual targets versus maintaining consistent splits across multiple target arrays
From Dry Fire to Live Fire
One of the most valuable aspects of this series is watching students progress from their initial runs through the stage to their improved second attempts. Riley introduces dry fire drills using “air gunning” techniques that allow students to practice movement and transitions without ammunition – exercises you can replicate at home.
You'll witness the transformation as students apply Riley's coaching tips, seeing immediate improvements in their target transitions, movement efficiency, and overall stage performance. The before-and-after comparisons provide powerful learning moments that will stick with you long after watching.
Why Competitive Shooting Matters for Defensive Shooters
While this series focuses on USPSA competition, these skills translate directly to defensive shooting proficiency. The pressure of the timer, the need for accuracy under stress, and the requirement to think and move dynamically all contribute to building a more complete shooter.
As Riley notes in the videos, USPSA's freestyle approach pushes you to solve problems creatively while maintaining safety and accuracy – skills that enhance your overall shooting ability whether you're competing, training for self-defense, or simply wanting to become a more proficient marksman.
Perfect for All Skill Levels
Whether you've been curious about competitive shooting but didn't know where to start, or you're an experienced shooter looking to refine your match skills, this video series meets you where you are. Riley's patient, detailed instruction breaks down complex concepts into understandable chunks while maintaining the high training standard Guardian Nation members expect.
Several students in the class had never shot a match before, making this the perfect introduction if you're considering taking the plunge into competitive shooting. You'll see common mistakes, learn how to avoid them, and gain the confidence to participate in your first local match.
Access Your Training Today
This exclusive video series is available now in here in the video library. Guardian Nation members make sure you are logged in or you won't be able to watch the videos.
Each video builds on the previous lessons, creating a comprehensive training progression that you can follow at your own pace. We recommend watching the series in order to get the full benefit of Riley's systematic approach to teaching competitive shooting fundamentals.
Log in to your Guardian Nation account today and start your journey into the exciting world of competitive shooting. Whether your goal is to compete, improve your defensive shooting skills, or simply become a more well-rounded shooter, this series will provide the foundation you need to succeed.
The complete 9-part Competitive Shooting Primer video series is available exclusively for Guardian Nation members. Not a member yet? Join today to access this training along with our entire library of premium defensive shooting content.
This is timely and valuable!
Will absolutely be taking this course.