Q&A with Hornady-sponsored shooter Charles Roberts
Meet Charles Roberts, a California native now thriving in Gainesville, Texas, on his own 50-acre shooting range. He’s a force to be reckoned with in precision rifle shooting, with victories at local, regional, and national PRS competitions, including the 2019 PRS Tactical Championship. His shooting journey began in childhood, nurtured by his father and ignited by a Red Ryder BB gun. After a temporary hiatus, he dove back into the sport in his late 20s, guided by influential mentors like Ryan Kerr, Randall Rausch, and George Gardner from GA Precision. His specialization in PRS-style matches stems from a deep passion for hitting distant targets and the sense of community it offers. Now, as a mentor, he’s dedicated to introducing newcomers to the magic of long-range shooting. His ultimate goal? To retire and teach the next generation of marksmen. Read on to learn more about Charles…
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in a small town in California. Now, I’m in Gainesville, Texas, working on a 50-acre shooting range in my backyard, something I’ve wanted for a long time.
I shoot a lot of PRS (Precision Rifle Series) events. I’ve won local, regional and national competitions. I competed in the first PRS match and I’m still at it. One big win for me was the 2019 PRS Tactical Championship.
I’m always trying to get better at long-range shooting. I’ve been to many training classes. The first big one was Rifles Only. It taught me that shooting isn’t just about the gear — it’s about the mindset.
What age were you when you first started shooting?
I was just a kid when I first got my hands on a gun. It all began with a Red Ryder BB gun. I remember the thrill of it — plinking away in the backyard and feeling like the king of the world. From there, I moved on to a pellet gun, practicing and understanding the basics of shooting.
When it came to deer hunting, my first gun was with a Savage 99 in 300 Savage. My dad, Mike Sr., had quite a few guns, but due to an injury in my right eye, the Savage 99 was the only one I could comfortably shoot left-handed. I’ll never forget that first hunt; I got my first deer with that rifle. Even now, just thinking about it brings a big smile to my face.
Hunting was a bonding activity for me and my dad. We’d go out together, stalking birds and deer. Those days with him, out in nature, learning the ropes — they’re some of my most cherished memories.
Who introduced you to shooting?
Shooting is something that’s been in my blood since I was a kid, thanks to my dad. He was my first instructor, teaching me the basics and instilling in me a deep respect for guns. But as life goes, I stepped away from shooting when I headed into the workforce after leaving home.
In my late 20s, I was reintroduced to the sport. I attended a free long-range training class hosted by Ryan Kerr. That day marked the start of a passionate 15+ year journey in long-range shooting. Ryan and I have been more than just fellow shooters; we’ve been teammates, participating in numerous competitions together and continue to shoot together to this day.
Randall Rausch from AR15 barrels has also been pivotal in my shooting journey. His vast knowledge on reloading, load development, and the intricate mechanics of rifles provided invaluable lessons. He was the force behind the monthly matches that I attended, introducing me to various shooting disciplines like 3-Gun and pistol shooting. However, my heart always gravitated towards PRS style events, and that’s where I’ve focused my competitive energy.
In 2012, I crossed paths with George Gardner from GA Precision. Meeting him was another turning point. He’s been both a mentor in shooting and a guiding figure in life for many years. It’s an honor to mention that I’ve used GA rifles since the very first PRS match, and I remain loyal to them today.
The combined wisdom of these individuals — my dad, Ryan, Randall, and George — has shaped and molded me into the shooter I am today.
What’s been the most valuable lesson you have learned from shooting?
Out of all the lessons I’ve picked up from shooting over the years, one rings louder than the rest: “You can’t miss fast enough to win.” And believe me, I’ve tried. It’s not just about shooting — this wisdom extends deeply into life itself. Whether you’re at the shooting range or navigating life’s challenges, preparation is key. Taking the time to do things right, even if it feels slow, often gets you to your goal faster than rushing through. It’s taught me the value of patience, diligence, and thoroughness. Whether I’m aiming for a target or a life goal, this lesson keeps me grounded.
Why did you choose to specialize in your discipline?
Why PRS style matches? Honestly, I can’t put a finger on what got me started. Hitting those distant targets with such accuracy just got to me. But it’s the people, the camaraderie, that’s kept me around for over 15 years. I’ve stuck with it, and now I get to teach new shooters the ropes. That means a lot to me
What advice would you give to anyone interested in shooting competitively?
For anyone looking to get into competitive shooting, my advice is simple: Start with reliable equipment. Buy what’s already winning matches out there, so you’re certain it’s about your skills and not the gear. Once you’ve got a solid gun and ammo, focus on shooting. Shoot out a barrel. Some folks never reach that point, but those who do? They usually stick around. That’s when you know you’re committed, and it’s time to dig deep into training.
Tell us about your competition set up.
For 15 years, my competition setup has remained pretty consistent:
· Rifle: GA Precision Team Rifle
· Stock: Manners T4A or TCS stock
· Trigger: These days, I lean towards TriggerTech Triggers
· Bi-pods: Harris
· Rings: I switch between Spuhr, Seekins, and Badger
· Optics: Bushnell DMR
When it comes to caliber, I mostly shoot: 308, 6mm Creedmoor and 6mm GT.
For ammunition, I do a lot of my own reloading with Hornady A-Tip Match bullets, but I also rely on Hornady Match ammo quite a bit. My reloading happens on a modified AP press — and a shout out to Mr. Davies, I owe him a video on that!
How do you prepare for competitions in terms of training and practice?
My preparation for competitions underwent a significant shift last year. I’m in the process of constructing a 1,000-yard range right in my backyard. Admittedly, this project has pulled me away from match shooting for a bit. But like I always say, you gotta do the groundwork first.
One practice routine I swear by is the 100-yard dot drills. Here’s my reasoning: if you can’t consistently hit a half-inch dot 10 times in a row at 100-yards, how can you trust your dope and wind calls at 1,000 yards? So, before every match, you’ll catch me doing dot drills over and over until they’re spot on.
What has been your greatest achievement in your shooting career?
You know, when people ask about my greatest achievement in shooting, they often expect tales of matches and championships. And while I’m proud of those wins, my real pride comes from introducing new folks to the sport. It’s not about clinching the win at the GAP Grind Pro AM; it’s seeing someone’s eyes light up as they discover the magic of long-range shooting and the incredible community around it. These days, that’s where my heart and focus truly lie.
What goals do you have for the future?
My sights are set on a few things for the future. Once I’ve got my range up and running, I’m aiming to take a shot at the Open title once again. But after that, my real ambition is to coach. I want to mentor the up-and-coming talent, guide them to achieving their own titles. Ultimately, when it’s time to hang up the work boots, I see myself retiring and teaching private classes, passing on what I know to new shooters and hunters.
What one person dead or alive, would you love to meet and why?
If I could pick one person to meet, dead or alive, it’d be Jerry Miculek. I’ve followed his shooting career for years, and every time I watch him, I’m left in awe. Beyond his undeniable skills, he strikes me as someone brimming with wisdom and experience. Sitting down with him, sharing stories, and soaking up some of that knowledge would be a real privilege.
How long have you been a Hornady-sponsored shooter?
I officially became a Hornady-sponsored shooter in 2017, but my journey with Hornady bullets started long before that. After connecting with Jason, Neil, and the rest of the team in 2016, I was deeply inspired by their dedication to advancing long-range shooting. It fueled my desire to spread the word about Hornady’s incredible contributions to the sport.
And honestly, I’m still floored by the fact that I’m even asked about being a sponsored shooter. It humbles and honors me. There was a time when I never imagined something like this was within reach in my shooting journey.
