Talented individual shooters from across the United States meet rigorous tryout qualification standards to join a larger body known as the United States National Rifle Team (USNRT).  The primary goals of the USNRT are the refinement of individual skills of both shooters and coaches and the development of seamless, precise teams.  The athletes of the U.S. National Rifle Team represent America in national and International Fullbore and Long Range competitions. These disciplines are shot from 300 to 1,000 yards in the prone position using iron-sighted rifles supported only be a sling.

The prestigious international competition is the World Long Range Championships (WLRC).  It was inaugurated by the National Rifle Association (NRA) as part of America’s centennial in 1876. The WLRC are considered the Olympics of long range shooting, and originated prior to the modern Olympic Games.  These World Championships are held ~ every four years in rotating countries and draw around 350 athletes from 12 nations.  The United States is the only nation to have competed in every WLRC since its inception, 32 to date.

America is represented by four teams at the World Long Range Championships.  The USNRT members train and function as a competitor base from which the U.S. Fullbore Team is selected. The primary team is the Palma team, named for the longstanding Palma Match and is comprised of 16 firing members and 5 coaches.  The Young Eagles are a junior team with team competitions for under 25, under 21, and under 19.  The Veterans team is comprised of athletes ages 60 and older.  Finally, the Goodwill team members demonstrate long-term commitment to the sport. These four component teams are collectively known as the U.S. Fullbore Team.