**2026 NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championship Returns to Cardinal Shooting Center**
The nation’s top smallbore rifle shooters will gather in central Ohio this summer as the **2026 NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championship** returns to the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio, for the second year in a row. Competition runs **July 19–28**, crowning three national champions in Conventional Three-Position, Conventional Prone, and F-Class Smallbore.
This premier event rewards razor-sharp precision, where a single X-ring can decide the national title after ten demanding days of competition at 50 yards, 50 meters, and 100 yards.
**2025 Standout Performers**
Mike O’Connor dominated last year, winning the Three-Position Championship and the prestigious NRA Lones Wigger Iron Man Trophy. Deena Wigger McDorman captured the Conventional Prone title while setting four new NRA national records. Sam Pagliari took the F-Class crown.
### Event Schedule
**Three-Position Championship (July 19–22)**
– July 19: Packet pickup and non-squadded practice
– July 20: Metallic Sights Championship
– July 21: Team Day (Conventional Three-Position Team Match + Whistler Boy) with competitors’ meeting and BBQ
– July 22: Any Sights Championship, followed by dinner and awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m.
**Conventional Prone & F-Class Championships (July 23–28)**
– July 23: Registration, practice, and Drew Cup
– July 24: Metallic Sights Day 1 (both disciplines) + competitors’ meeting and BBQ
– July 25: Metallic Sights Day 2
– July 26: Team Day (Dewar, Randle, Conventional Prone Team, F-Class Team, and Sporting Clays Fun Match)
– July 27: Any Sights Day 1
– July 28: Final day of competition with dinner and awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m.
Awards ceremonies for non-monetary prizes will be held on July 22 (Three-Position) and July 28 (Prone & F-Class). Business casual attire is requested.
### Strong Support for Junior Shooters
The NRA is investing heavily in developing the next generation of talent.
– A **free junior marksmanship clinic** will be held July 19–20, covering three-position fundamentals, the history of NRA smallbore, and a hands-on wind-reading session with practical exercises and coach Q&A.
– The **William B. Thomas National Smallbore Championship Junior Scholarship** awards $500 to any junior who completes the Three-Position Grand Aggregate (Match 200) and another $500 for completing the Prone Grand Aggregate (Match 100).
– The **Whistler Boy Trophy** returns on July 21 as a two-person junior team match with Light Rifle and Precision Rifle divisions. Pick-up teams are welcome but ineligible for national records.
### Sponsorship & Support
Walther Arms returns as a major supporter, donating engraved pistols for the three national champions. Ruger has provided four rifles for the Whistler Boy winners, and Eley is supplying ammunition. Additional generous support comes from Daisy Outdoor Products, the Black Hawk Rifle Club, and many dedicated individuals.
### Special Awards
**Lones Wigger Iron Man Trophy**
This ultimate test of versatility requires competitors to shoot both the Prone Grand Aggregate (Match 100) and Three-Position Grand Aggregate (Match 200). The highest combined score wins a Lones Wigger Rifle Trophy plaque, gold-tone NRA National Championship medallion, and $500 cash prize.
A fun “Last Place” award will also be presented in iron sights, any sights, and the Three-Position aggregate.
The Cardinal Shooting Center will provide two comfort tents in the grassy area behind the range.
### Entry Information
Online entries open **April 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.** via Red Feather Outfitters. Walk-up entries will be accepted as space allows. The Cardinal Center has a capacity of 90 shooters for Three-Position and 90 for Prone/F-Class.
**Entry Fees** (include awards banquet dinner):
– Full Conventional Prone Championship: $225 Adult / $150 Junior
– Three-Position Championship: $150 Adult / $100 Junior
– F-Class Smallbore: $225 Adult / $150 Junior
– Lones Wigger Iron Man Trophy: $350 Adult / $225 Junior
Extra banquet tickets for guests are $25. Detailed fees for individual events and teams are available in the match program.
Junior priority: The first 50 Three-Position juniors and first 30 Prone juniors to enter are guaranteed slots.
This is the premier smallbore event of the year — mark your calendars and prepare for ten days of outstanding precision shooting at the Cardinal Shooting Center.
Leave a Reply