The Rifle Ruck

Rifle Ruck, a community hike and rifle shoot designed to build camaraderie, sharpen field skills, and connect like-minded people. We’ll load up with our packs, move as a group on a short hike to a predetermined location, and run a rifle-focused shoot with emphasis on fundamentals, communication, and learning from one another. This is not a competition and not a money-making event, it’s about experience, community, and putting in time under real conditions.

Why Join?

• Train with your gear under realistic conditions

• Build confidence in rifle handling and fieldcraft

• Meet others in the community and grow your network

• Perfect event for pairs, bring a friend, teammate, or family member

• Great chance for newcomers to get exposure in a safe, structured environment

Bring your rifle, your pack, and your willingness to learn. Spots are limited to 20. Lock in your spot now and invite a buddy to come along. Share this with friends, family, or anyone who’s been looking for a reason to train, hike, and connect.

Event Flow

1. Link-Up

   • Meet at a central parking lot or trailhead.

   • Safety brief: firearm handling, medical plan, comms, and route.

   • Gear check: packs, rifles, water, ammo, IFAKs.

2. Hike Phase

   • Moderate trail, 2–4 miles.

   • This isn't a race. Just a walk to our positions. If you are concerned about physical fitness, there is no rush in any portion. It is always better to just get out and do it and that's what this is all about. 

3. Shoot Phase

   Shooting Portion Summary

   At the Rifle Ruck, the hike ends with a four-stage live-fire course designed to blend competition with real-world rifle application. Each stage will challenge different skills under field conditions, ranging from stress shooting after exertion to positional work, target identification, and problem-solving under time pressure. Scores are tracked across all stages, and the shooter with the highest overall performance will win a sponsored prize.

4. Wrap-Up

   • Police brass and trash.

   • AAR (after-action review): what worked, what to improve.
     

   • Optional hangout (cookout, local spot for food, determined on day by the group).

Recommended Gear List

Required

• Rifle with sling (must be zeroed prior to event)

  • 5.56mm and above, no armor piercing or tracer rounds.
  • 1-6x optic and up recommended.

• 60 rounds rifle ammunition
  

• Eye protection/Ear protection

• Backpack/ruck (45lbs at most recommended)

• Water (minimum 2 liters)

• Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK)

• Weather-appropriate clothing and boots

Suggested

(IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THE SUGGESTED EQUIPTMENT, THERE WILL BE EQUIPTMENT AVAILABLE FOR USE ON THE STAGES)

• Tripod

• Spare batteries for optics/electronics
  

• Rangefinder or binoculars

• Notebook/pen

• Snacks or packed lunch
  

• Sunscreen, hat, rain gear