NRA Hands Across The Sea 3-Position Postal Match Review
What is the Hands Across The Sea Match & Who is it For?
The introduction of the Hands Across The Sea Three-Position Postal Match marks a major milestone for competitive marksmen. Designed specifically for elite smallbore shooters, this new international postal match debuts at the 2026 NRA National Smallbore Championship in Marengo, Ohio. Historically, prone shooters have enjoyed legacy postal matches like the Dewar, Drew, Randle, and Wakefield, but three-position (3P) enthusiasts lacked a dedicated international postal platform to showcase their positional mastery. This event solves that exact problem by creating a friendly yet highly competitive avenue for American and Australian 3P athletes to test their skills against one another without the logistical and financial burdens of transoceanic travel. By offering this new competitive format, the NRA and its event partners, including Red Feather Outfitters, are elevating the prestige of 3P metallic sight shooting. It gives athletes a concrete goal to strive for during their annual training cycle, fostering international camaraderie while keeping the competitive fire burning across both hemispheres.
Key Rules, Technical Structure, and Team Selection
The qualification and execution format of this postal match are highly structured, ensuring that only peak performances are recorded. On July 20, the top eight competitors from the Three-Position Metallic Sight Aggregate are selected to form two distinct four-person teams. Rather than forcing these elite athletes to fire an exhausting extra set of targets, their official postal scores are pulled directly from their performances during the scheduled Team Matches on July 21. To maintain organizational integrity and support the shooters, the ninth and tenth-ranked competitors serve as Team Captain and Coach in purely administrative roles. Competitors training for this elite tier typically spend years refining their hold. Many begin their journey using a classic training rifle to master the stabilization required for prone, standing, and kneeling positions. This disciplined progression ensures their metallic sight alignment is flawless under the intense pressure of the national-level stage, where fractions of an inch determine who represents the country.
Drawbacks, Alternatives, and Recommendations
While this match is a massive win for the shooting community, the primary drawback is its incredibly steep barrier to entry, as only the top eight national competitors qualify for the active roster. For amateur shooters who cannot travel to Marengo, Ohio, or those still developing their foundational positional skills, alternative training methods are required. Utilizing a high-quality pump air rifle for indoor home practice is an excellent, cost-effective alternative to simulate three-position matches without the need for a full-scale live-fire range. It allows shooters to practice trigger control and post-shot recovery daily. For serious competitors aiming for the top tier, our practical recommendation is to visit redfeatheroutfitters.com to register for the Smallbore Nationals. Even if you do not secure a spot on the inaugural team, the experience of competing on this national stage alongside international Australian competitors is invaluable for your long-term athletic development.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We also participate in other affiliate programs.
