Payton Grimes has made a name for herself in precision rifle competition after big wins at home in the Precision Rifle Series, along with Top Lady titles at International Precision Rifle Federation matches in France and Italy. Find out what she keeps in her range bag.
What are your first memories of handling a firearm?
I first picked up a firearm in 2017 when my parents took me to shoot a shotgun at the clay range. I have wanted to hunt since I was young, so my parents took me to learn how to fire a rifle at Gunwerks Long-Range University, where I fell in love with shooting rifle.
Tell us how you began in competitive shooting?
After a few years of shooting the Gunwerks class with Phillip Velayo, he brought me to my first match in 2019. I enjoyed prone shooting and wanted to try something new, which meant learning everything about competition.
Please share with us some of your major shooting accomplishments.
I finished 16th overall and received Top Lady at the International Precision Rifle Federation Centerfire World Championship in France in 2022. At the 2023 IPRF Rimfire World Championship in Italy, I placed third overall and received Top Lady. That same year, I was third overall, Top Lady and Top Junior for the Precision Rifle Series Central Region Rimfire season and match. At the 2022 PRS Rimfire Series finale, I finished sixth overall and received Top Lady and Top Junior for the match and series.
What firearms and other gear do you use for competition?
My centerfire rifle is chambered in 6 mm Dasher. It’s equipped with an Impact Precision Shooting 737 action, Kinetic Research Group C-4 chassis, Bix’n Andy TacSport Pro trigger and Kahles K525i 5-25X 56 mm DLR optic (SKMR 4 reticle). My loads include Hornady 110-grain A-Tip bullets and Alpha Munitions brass.
As for my rimfire setup, it’s a Vudoo Gun Works rifle with a Kinetic Research Group X-Ray chassis, Muller barrel, Bix’n Andy TacSport Pro trigger and the same Kahles K525i DLR optic on my centerfire. In addition, I shoot RWS R50 .22 Long Rifle ammunition.
Tell us about your range bag and what you carry in it besides your firearms?
I use the black Eberlestock UpRanger. I love the versatility this pack brings during matches. The hard bottom allows me to put it down anywhere without having the contents affected by the elements. The horizontal opening makes it easy to locate what I need. The abundance of pockets and adjustable waistband also add a lot to the pack. Besides my rifle, in my range bag I keep Wiebad support bags, Revic rangefinder, Prajekt 13 ammo box, rifle and backpack rain covers, my backup bipod (depending on the range) and dope cards.
My favorite accessory on my firearm is the OBi Link System, which aids in carrying my rifle while navigating ranges. This pairs a slide lock attached to my backpack and a round post mounted on my rifle. It does an amazing job of keeping my arms from getting tired while reducing the weight of what I’m carrying free-handed.
What would you tell someone interested in finding out more about your sport?
Don’t be afraid to jump into shooting or spectating a competition. Also, ask questions along the way. Almost everyone in this sport is happy to help new shooters feel comfortable.
Any tips for new shooters?
Have an open mind and learn the fundamentals to build a solid foundation. The more you shoot and practice, the improvement will manifest itself through the work you put in. Most importantly, have fun and make the most of everything you encounter. Staying positive and not getting discouraged goes a long way.
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