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The GAP Grind is known as one of the most welcoming and competitive events in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS), especially for those new to the sport. Held at the renowned K&M Shooting Complex in Finger, Tennessee, the event pairs amateur shooters with experienced professionals, creating an environment where learning, competing, and overcoming challenges converge. This year, I had the privilege of competing as an amateur alongside the outstanding pro Billy Don Kinney from Twisted Barrel Precision, and the experience was one I will never forget.
The GAP Grind is a Pro/Am event. You select or can be paired with a pro, but you don’t get one pro. You have an entire stable of pros on your squad. I was privileged to shoot alongside top pros like Kyle Lamb of Sig Sauer, Brad Wright of Leupold, Michael Kelley, and so many more. These shooters diagnosed issues, loaned out gear and provided moral support without hesitation. So you are assigned a single pro but blessed with countless more.
If you’re fortunate, you get a pro like “BD” as everyone knows him. He’s one of the owners over at Twisted Barrel Precision outside of Little Rock, Ark. It’s one of the premier shooting facilities in the country. They offer training and hosts many matches throughout the year. I’d highly recommend going out and experiencing their operation if you have an interest in bettering yourself as a shooter or hunter.
Billy Don Kinney's guidance throughout the event was invaluable. His expertise and calm demeanor helped ease my nerves, especially during the more challenging stages. The unique format of the GAP Grind encourages seasoned pros to mentor amateurs, fostering a spirit of learning that is second to none in the PRS community. BD’s coaching went beyond shooting tips; he shared insights into stage strategy, wind reading, and the importance of staying mentally focused during each stage. His steady encouragement kept me motivated, even when things didn’t go according to plan.
For my rifle setup, I used the Aero Precision Solus Action (chambered in 6GT), Proof Competition Steel barrel, paired with a Leupold Mark 4HD scope, which provided exceptional clarity and precision, allowing me to confidently engage targets at long distances. I found that the Solus Action is solid for what it is, but I do find that the faster I ran the action and hurried the more binding would occur. I think this is a great place to start if you’re just jumping into the game, but you will quickly decide to move up to something like an Impact Precision action.
The Mark4HD scope’s clarity and reticle made target acquisition a breeze. If I had to do it over again, I may go with the Mark5HD 5-25 instead of using the 4.5-18 magnification. I rarely shot passed a magnification level of 14, but it would have been nice to have the option of zooming in a little further to read the wind on further targets.
I went with the PR2 reticle because of its familiarity. The simplicity is easy for my new PRS eyes and isn’t overly complicated to figure out on the fly. I had two stages that required hold overs and the PR2 reticle never missed a beat. I may have missed the target, but it wasn’t the optics fault. One final thing about optics then I’ll move along to support. The optic you purchase must move precisely. There wasn’t a single target engaged that I felt the optic moved improperly. Every click of the dial moved exact, nothing was left to chance.
My Armageddon Gear Schmedium bag was another essential piece of equipment. It provided a stable shooting platform across the varied terrain of K&M, whether I was shooting from barricades, rocks, or prone. The Armageddon bag's versatility and ability to conform to different shooting positions saved me valuable seconds on several stages. That being said, if you plan on competing I would suggest having a larger bag. I walked the prize table and snagged their newest Game Changer X bag.
For feeding the rifle, I relied on MDT magazines, which paired okay with the Solus Action. I say okay just because I had some feeding issues, but that was never the case with the magazines before competition days. I’m honestly not sure what was going on with the gun, but I’ve got some diagnosing to do when I get home.
The MDT Crush It Timer proved to be a game-changer, helping me manage my time effectively. Its clear readout and simple operation kept me aware of the clock, allowing me to focus on shot placement rather than worrying about running out of time. On several stages, when I found myself running low on time, the timer’s alerts helped me speed up my cadence and press in a few more shots, turning what could have been a poor stage into a respectable performance. If there's one piece of gear, I can't recommend enough for PRS shooters, it's the MDT Crush It Timer.
Additionally, the MDT Send It Level helped ensure that my shots stayed true, even on uneven terrain. Its compact design and intuitive indicators kept me aware of my rifle’s orientation, minimizing cant and ensuring that my rounds went where they were intended.
Every PRS competition comes with its own set of challenges, and the GAP Grind was no exception. I faced a series of gun malfunctions that tested my patience and resilience. It was a tough pill to swallow when, during a critical stage, my rifle experienced a feed issue, causing me to lose precious seconds as I cleared a jam and tried to get back on track. In the heat of the competition, such setbacks can be disheartening, but BD’s steady presence and quick troubleshooting advice kept me grounded. He reminded me that even the best shooters encounter malfunctions—it’s how you recover that counts.
The support I received from fellow competitors and even spectators was heartening. GAP Grind truly embodies the spirit of mentorship and community. From tips on fixing a feeding problem to offers of spare gear, the entire atmosphere at K&M Shooting Complex was one of camaraderie rather than rivalry. It’s rare to find a competition where your fellow competitors are just as eager for your success as their own, but the GAP Grind delivers that experience in spades.
Despite the setbacks, I was able to rally during the final stages. As the competition progressed, I became more comfortable under pressure, and my confidence with the Aero Precision Solus Action and Leupold Mark 4HD combination grew. By the time we reached the final stages, I was hitting targets with greater consistency, and my mental game had sharpened. BD’s advice about trusting my fundamentals and focusing on one shot at a time proved invaluable.
In the end, I closed out the competition in a solid position, well beyond my initial expectations. It wasn’t about winning for me; it was about learning, growing, and pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible. Finishing strong in the GAP Grind felt like a victory in itself, a testament to the support I received and the determination it took to overcome the obstacles.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the GAP Grind is its focus on creating a welcoming environment for new shooters. The event isn't just about competition; it’s about building a community that spans generations. Families, kids, and spectators filled the K&M Shooting Complex, sharing in the excitement of the event. Many pros, like BD, brought their families, and it was common to see children learning the basics of safe firearm handling and spotting targets for their parents.
The GAP Grind’s emphasis on mentorship makes it the perfect event for shooters who want to take their first steps into the world of PRS. The pros at the event, many of whom have years of experience and countless matches under their belts, go out of their way to help amateurs feel welcome. They break down complex concepts, help with equipment setup, and provide advice on how to improve between stages. This level of support is unmatched in other competitions, and it’s what makes the GAP Grind truly special.
Competing in the GAP Grind as an amateur is an experience I will carry with me for years. From battling gun malfunctions to nailing that final shot under the wire, it was a journey of growth, resilience, and unforgettable camaraderie. The mentorship I received from Billy Don Kinney and the support from the entire GAP Grind community made it possible to face each challenge head-on and walk away with newfound confidence in my shooting skills.
If you're considering stepping into the world of PRS, I cannot recommend the GAP Grind enough. It’s a place where shooters of all skill levels can come together, learn, and compete in a supportive and family-friendly environment. With the right gear, a willingness to learn, and the spirit of perseverance, the GAP Grind can be the start of an incredible journey in precision rifle shooting. ~ KJ
KJ
Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter and often finds himself in a different venture. His early career had him working with one of the finest PR agencies in the outdoor industry – Blue Heron Communications. Before that, KJ molded the minds of business school students at the University of Oklahoma. Quickly learning he had to grow up sometime, KJ dedicated himself to the outdoors no matter what it took.
Sporting his flat-brimmed cap, KJ traverses the country in pursuit of the greatest game and best adventures. Whether it’s making his way to British Columbia for elk or training with pistols, KJ always seems to find a gun in his hands and adventure on his mind. KJ is a skilled communicator and connector in an industry that he has loved since a child.
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