Saturday, July 11, 2026  |  Oregon's Outdoor Journal
Category

Shooting

42 articles

Hunting Rifle Cleaning and Maintenance: A Season-Ready Bore-to-Stock Guide

Hunting Rifle Cleaning and Maintenance: A Season-Ready Bore-to-Stock Guide

A dirty or neglected rifle will fail you at the worst possible moment. Here's how to properly clean, inspect, and maintain your hunting rifle from bore to stock — before the season starts and after the last shot.

By HFR Staff  · May 31, 2026
Dry Fire Training at Home: Building Trigger Control and Marksmanship Without Burning Ammo

Dry Fire Training at Home: Building Trigger Control and Marksmanship Without Burning Ammo

Dry fire is the single highest-ROI practice tool available to any shooter. Here's how to build a structured at-home dry fire program that will sharpen your marksmanship before the next hunt or match.

By HFR Staff  · May 29, 2026
Thermal and Night Vision Optics for Oregon Predator Hunters: A Practical Buyer's Guide

Thermal and Night Vision Optics for Oregon Predator Hunters: A Practical Buyer's Guide

Thermal and digital night vision have transformed predator hunting. Here's what Oregon hunters need to know about legality, technology, and choosing the right setup without wasting money.

By HFR Staff  · May 26, 2026
Field Shooting Positions Every Western Hunter Needs to Master

Field Shooting Positions Every Western Hunter Needs to Master

The bench rest doesn't follow you into the field. Mastering prone, sitting, kneeling, and supported positions before the season opens could be the difference between a clean kill and a miss when the moment counts.

By HFR Staff  · May 25, 2026
First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes: What Western Hunters Actually Need to Know

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes: What Western Hunters Actually Need to Know

The FFP vs. SFP debate has taken over the rifle scope market. Here's a clear-eyed breakdown of which reticle plane actually matters for hunting in Oregon and the West — and when it doesn't.

By HFR Staff  · May 20, 2026
Running a Suppressor: What Oregon Hunters Need to Know About Cans in the Field

Running a Suppressor: What Oregon Hunters Need to Know About Cans in the Field

Suppressors are legal for hunting in Oregon and increasingly common in the field. Here's a practical breakdown of NFA paperwork, real-world sound reduction, host rifle selection, and why a can might be the best upgrade you make this season.

By HFR Staff  · May 19, 2026
Hunting Rifle Trigger Upgrades: Pull Weight, Creep, and the Best Aftermarket Options

Hunting Rifle Trigger Upgrades: Pull Weight, Creep, and the Best Aftermarket Options

A great trigger is the most underrated accuracy upgrade on any hunting rifle. Here's what pull weight and creep actually mean, what factory triggers are worth keeping, and which aftermarket units are worth your money.

By HFR Staff  · May 18, 2026
MOA vs. MRAD: Understanding Your Scope's Adjustment System for Long-Range Hunting Success

MOA vs. MRAD: Understanding Your Scope's Adjustment System for Long-Range Hunting Success

MOA or MRAD — every long-range hunter faces this choice when buying a scope. This practical guide breaks down both systems, explains the math in plain terms, and helps you pick the one that fits how you actually hunt.

By HFR Staff  · May 17, 2026
Reading Wind for Long-Range Hunting: Field Techniques That Close the Gap Between Miss and Meat

Reading Wind for Long-Range Hunting: Field Techniques That Close the Gap Between Miss and Meat

Wind is the great equalizer at long range — it doesn't care about your ballistic app or your expensive rifle. This guide breaks down practical wind-reading techniques that hunters can apply in the field, from mirage reading to vegetation cues.

By HFR Staff  · May 15, 2026
Getting Started in PRS: A Practical Guide to Precision Rifle Competition

Getting Started in PRS: A Practical Guide to Precision Rifle Competition

Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competition has exploded in popularity, and for good reason — it's the most challenging and skill-building shooting sport available to the everyday rifleman. Here's how to get started without spending a fortune.

By HFR Staff  · May 14, 2026
How to Choose a Rifle Scope for Western Big Game Hunting

How to Choose a Rifle Scope for Western Big Game Hunting

Choosing the wrong scope is one of the most expensive mistakes a western hunter can make. Here's a practical framework for picking glass that matches your cartridge, terrain, and budget.

By HFR Staff  · May 13, 2026
Pistol Grip and Trigger Technique for Better Defensive Shooting

Pistol Grip and Trigger Technique for Better Defensive Shooting

Pistol accuracy problems almost always come down to grip and trigger technique. This guide breaks down the fundamentals of a proper two-handed grip, explains how to diagnose trigger pull issues, and provides practical drills that will improve your defensive shooting accuracy and speed.

By HFR Staff  · April 18, 2026