Movement
Set your pace
Run, jog, or walk. Conserve enough focus and energy to shoot safely at every stage.
Home / Prepare
Your first OED event
You do not need to be the fastest runner or best shooter. You do need safe firearm-handling skills and the willingness to prepare.
Choose your challenge
Rivals or Series?
Choose the format that matches your current conditioning, confidence, and goals.
| Rivals | Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Approximately 3-5 miles | Approximately 6-10 miles |
| Stages | Approximately 5 | Approximately 7 |
| Potential rifle range | Up to 500 yards | Up to 750 yards |
| Good first choice? | Often, if offered | Yes, with appropriate preparation |
Walking is normal. Good judgment matters more than pace.
On the course
What Run N Gun demands
Each competitor receives a start time, carries required equipment and supplies, follows a marked course, and encounters pistol, rifle, or combined shooting stages. Stages commonly have a three-minute limit. Resupply is not permitted after entering the course.
Marksmanship
Expect variety
Targets, distances, positions, and transitions change. Range Officers explain the stage-not how to solve it.
Scoring
Balance matters
Unless an event says otherwise, shooting performance and run time each count for 50%.
Preparation
First-event checklist
Before arrival
- Read the current event details and rules.
- Zero your rifle and pistol beforehand.
- Confirm lodging, camping, and travel.
- Watch for your assigned start time.
Gear
- Reliable rifle and pistol.
- Hard-retention holster and rifle sling.
- Secure magazines and extra ammunition.
- Hydration, eye/ear protection, and suitable footwear.
Mindset
- Stay within your physical limits.
- Carry more than the minimum hit count.
- Accept that unfinished stages identify what to train.
- Ask competitors and Range Officers questions.
Required readiness
Safety comes first
An OED event is not the place to learn basic firearm handling. Competitors must already be comfortable manipulating a rifle and pistol safely.
- Keep rifles clear and without an inserted magazine except when instructed at a stage.
- Use an approved hard-retention pistol holster.
- Follow muzzle, trigger-finger, movement, and loading instructions from Range Officers.
- Attend the event safety briefing and follow event-specific rules.
- Use only event-compliant firearms and ammunition.
Quick answers
Common questions
Do I have to run?
No. Many competitors jog or walk parts of the course. Choose a sustainable pace.
Can I go with friends?
OED commonly permits groups of up to three when arranged during registration.
Do I need expensive gear?
No. Start with dependable, safe equipment and learn what works before upgrading.
How much ammunition?
Published hit counts are minimums. Plan for misses, makeups, and contingencies.
What happens after purchase?
Watch your email for the runner list, start time, schedule, and final logistics.
What if I have questions?
Ask OED before the race, event staff at check-in, and Range Officers on the course.
Ready for the next step?
Compare the upcoming events, choose your format, and complete official registration.
View upcoming events