The AR-15 has become America’s most popular rifle, and the NRA America’s Rifle Challenge (ARC) program offers a new, accessible way for owners to put their rifles to use—safely, competitively and enjoyably. The ARC program blends marksmanship training with competition, aiming to appeal to both beginners and experienced shooters.
Fun and Accessible
NRA ARC gives shooters a welcoming, structured environment to develop skills with their AR-15s. Whether someone is new to shooting or a seasoned competitor, ARC offers stages that range from simple to complex: “It’s really a game for everybody,” NRA Executive Director of General Operations Josh Savani said. “Whether you’ve just bought your first AR-15 or you’ve been shooting 3-gun for years, there’s a place for you in the NRA ARC program.”
Gear requirements are minimal—just a safe, functional AR-15, a sling, two magazines and eye and ear protection. The idea is to break down the barriers that typically deter newcomers from competitive shooting.
ARC Levels
Level One is designed for basic square ranges and emphasizes safety, positional shooting and marksmanship fundamentals. Participants shoot from standing, kneeling, sitting and prone at distances out to 100 yards, using both steel targets and NRA’s new ARC-L1R card- board targets.
Level Two ups the ante with movement, barricades and targets out to 500 yards. Matches are held on more dynamic ranges, and require more complex stage planning and increased round counts.
Two-gun is aimed at more advanced shooters and adds handguns to the mix. Transitions between firearms are carefully managed under Range Officer supervision. Two-gun stages are similar to those found in Level Two. Steel targets are used at closer ranges to keep things fast-paced and fun, while maintaining safety protocols.
To prepare newcomers, the NRA is developing ARC-specific training courses. This ensures shooters can walk into their first match feeling confident.
Suppressor-Friendly: ARC is suppressor-friendly in states where legal. Suppressors not only make shooting more plea- sant, but also reduce noise complaints in urban areas—a benefit for both ranges and local communities. The NRA continues to advocate for their deregulation due to both safety and environ- mental benefits.
Camp Atterbury Match: In April of this year, ARC made its public debut at Camp Atterbury, IN, with Level One, Level Two and Two-gun stages. The weather was challenging, but spirits were high.
Outdoor personality Michael Bane, who was in attendance, praised the format: “It is a great and fascinating match. You’re really going to like it,” Bane said. “When I first talked to NRA EVP and CEO Doug Hamlin, I told him the National Rifle Association would be judged not by what it said, but what it does. America’s Rifle Challenge is an important part of that new commitment. ARC tests all the basic skills of shooting a rifle—standing, kneeling, sitting, prone, barricades—and sometimes up close. More than that, it’s fun.”
Why Shoot ARC?
If you’re on the fence, ARC offers a fun and safe way to enjoy your rifle, meet fellow shooters and improve your skills. The format encourages growth through friendly competition, socializing and com- munity support.
Threats of gun bans and concern over growing civil unrest caused many citizens to purchase AR not understanding what recreational fun could be had with them.
NRA America’s Rifle Challenge isn’t just a match—it’s a movement. It gives millions of AR-15 owners a structured way to engage in the shooting sports and while exercising their long-cherished
Second Amendment rights.
The NRA plans to release the full ARC rule book and hosting requirements for clubs later this year. Learn more at arc.nra.org.
