CMP Issues Proposed Rule Changes for 2016
The CMP has just released proposed 2016 Competition Rules. There are a number of important proposed changes, some quite controversial. Topping the list are rule changes that would allow optics for service rifles and “modern military rifles” (MMR). If these changes are adopted, Service Rifle shooters and modern military rifle shooters will be able to use scopes up to 4.5X power. Rifle weight limits will be increased slightly to allow for the optics and the definition of “Service Rifle” will be liberalized to allow more AR variants. In addition, collapsible or adjustable-length stocks will be allowed.
CLICK HERE to Read All Proposed New Rules
We want to stress that these new rules have NOT been set in stone — not yet at least. The CMP issued its notice of Proposed 2016 Rule Changes to inform competitors and invite feedback. The CMP asks that comments/questions be sent to competitions @ thecmp.org, not later than November 13, 2015.
Major Proposed Rule Changes
1. Optical Sights For Service Rifles
The CMP states: “For several years, the CMP has recognized that optical sights are the wave of the future for Service Rifle shooting. Military recruits today do all of their training with optical sighted rifles. Service Rifle rules have traditionally tried to keep abreast of military rifle and training developments so opening Service Rifle shooting to optical sights became an inevitable change.” The 2016 rules will, for the first time, permit M16/AR15-type rifles to have optical sights (fixed power or zoom) with a maximum magnification of 4.5X and an objective lens no larger than 34 mm. There will not be a separate class for scope-sighted rifles. Instead, competitors will have a choice of using either a scope-sighted rifle that weighs no more than 11.5 pounds or a metallic-sighted rifle that will continue to have no weight limit.
2. More Options For M16/AR15-Type Rifles
Since accurized Service Rifles first came into popular use in the 1950s and 1960s, those rifles, whether M1s, M14s, or M16s and their commercial equivalents, have been rigidly defined. Legal M16-type service rifles had to retain the external profile of an M16A2 or M16A4 rifle and could only have modifications that were explicitly permitted in the rules. All this will change in 2016. The CMP plans to liberalize the Service Rifle rules to encourage greater participation. A wider variety of commercial AR-platform rifles will be allowed so long as they meet basic requirements, such as 20″ max barrel length, 5.56x45mm (.223 Rem) chambering, and a trigger pull of at least 4.5 pounds. Notably, the rifles can have either a gas-impingement system or a piston-operated gas system. Collapsible stocks will be allowed. However butt-plates and cheek-pieces may not be adjustable. (See all Requirements HERE).
3. Optical Sights for Modern Military Rifles (CMP Games)
One of the fastest growing rifle competition categories is for Modern Military Rifles. There are two classes, one for M16/AR15 platform rifles and one for a broad range of other military rifles. Competitors who compete in Modern Military Rifle Matches will now have the option of using optical sights with a maximum magnification of 4.5X. To make allowance for the increased weight of telescopes, the weight limit for AR-type rifles was increased to 8.5 pounds and for M-14/M1A rifles to 10.0 pounds. (This is a CMP Games limit — a different Rule than the Service Rifle Rule).
4. Stocks for Modern Military Rifles
Butt-stocks on these rifles may vary in length and collapsible or adjustable-length stocks will be allowed. Butt-stocks, however, may not have butt-plates or cheek-pieces that adjust up or down.
No Changes for Pistol, Vintage Sniper, or Rimfire Sporter Competitions
While big changes are slated for the Service Rifle and MMR disciplines, the CMP is not making significant rule changes for other popular CMP shooting sports.Pistol Rules Are Unchanged
Except for permitting service pistols to have a Picatinny rail below the barrel, the Service Pistol and 22 Rimfire Pistol rules adopted in 2015 are unchanged.Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match Rules Are Unchanged
According to the CMP, Vintage Sniper Rifle Match rules “have stabilized nicely in the last two years” so there will be no 2016 rule changes for the Vintage Sniper two-man team event.Rimfire Sporter Rifle Rules Are Unchanged
The most popular rimfire rifle match in the country continues to attract impressive numbers to its matches. Like the Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match, these rules have now stabilized so that there are also no 2016 rule changes in Rimfire Sporter.
Top photo from www.Marines.mil.
Similar Posts:
- New CMP Competition Rules for Service Rifle and Service Pistol
- New 2011 CMP Rulebook Issued — Download for Free
- CMP Releases 2019 Competition Rules (Many Changes)
- NRA Rule Now Permits Scoped Service Rifles at High Power Championships
- CMP Releases New 2016 Rulebooks
Tags: AR15, CMP, Proposed Rules, Rimfire Sporter, Service Rifle
I transitioned from service rifle to match rifle as the post/target just were not there for me anymore. Now im definitely putting a SR together and back in the CMP game. Its no longer a seeing game. Wish it was sooner, would have saved thousands on the match rifle LOL. Surprised in the pic that the he didn’t cut down the front sight or use a match rifle type gas block. I believe that would be legal with the new rule.
Editor: Guy, the photo is of actual USMC training. It is a true, 2015 “service rifle”.
. To make allowance for the increased weight of telescopes, the weight limit for AR-type rifles was increased to 8.5 pounds…
Actually the AR has no weight restriction. When used with the optic sight it will have a total weight limit of 11.5 lb.
Editor: That is straight from the CMP Notice. But it applies to “Modern Military rifles” for CMP Games purposes. This is different than the Service Rifle Rules.
Seems like the biggest advantage of an optic would be that you could align your target with a circular reticle instead of a post.
I wonder what produced the new 11.5# limit for optic equipped rifles? Most “Service Rifles” with a standard heavy profile, free float tube, and counter-balancing buttstock weight are already over that before a scope is added.
It would require a lighter weight barrel (allowing a lighter counter balance) to allow the use of a scope. Perhaps it is just to reduce the inherent accuracy of the rifle to make up for the optic advantage?
I’m actually OK with the idea since it will apply to all competitors. When I started shooting Highpower I intentionally used a lighter profile barrel because it seemed more in line with a real Service Rifle. After a couple of seasons I went through that barrel and I was looking for any advantage I could find so I opted for the typical heavy profile. Recoils less, heats up less, more accurate – the fact that it wasn’t much like an issue rifle seemed less important than winning by then.
The weight limit of 11.5 lb. only applies to those using a optic sight, not the current peep post set up. A Bushmaster CMP ready AR weights 9.6 lb. heavy barrel and all. Add scope and maybe you can put a 1 lb. weight in the butt stock rather then the usual 3 lb. leed wedge. Nothing weight wise up front.
CMP is trying to get more realistic with a actual service rifle weight, down from the 15, 18, 20 lb. weight ARs many use.
I think this might be messy if there is not a lot more clarity. So, a flat-top with or without a front post sight is now legal or only with a front post sight……or does the scope need to be attached to the handguard….
This will keep older eyes in SR longer, which is probably a good thing.
So I take it any handguard will be allowed. It also did not specify a fixed sling position so now service rifles can have a slotted rail. We will see extended gas systems as well I would imagine…
I understand the desire to add scoped rifles for use in service rifle competition. But, there is no way they should be in the same class as iron sight rifles. I cannot think of another competition where this is allowed, including CMP Sporter matches. I firmly believe a separate class needs formed for scoped rifles. This is my own opinion, I may be on my own here. Jonathan
It’s about time. It needs to carry thru with all rifle competition in my opinion A good set of long range irons will set you back the same money as a good scope.The sport seems to be dying so to speak. Very few sling shooters at matches mostly f class.
The scope is no gimmie. Virtually all 4X power type scopes have fixed parallax at either 75 or 100 yards. That’s a issue. Theres the repeatability thing and basic adjustments to deal with on the little scope at longer ranges. Your also limited to 11.5 lb. total rifle weight. So its much different then just saying scope or irons. Those with good eyes will likely give nothing up to the scope shooters. Those that gave up service rifle because of the eyes can now get back in.
@Shane @Mike Agreed that there is a lack of guidelines about the external features of the new SR spec. As proposed, it sounds like you’d basically be able to shoot a spacegun in SR as long as the barrel is shortened to 20″. Why not make a new division within Match Rifle that allows optics? Or even just roll the optics into Match Rifle as is.
Charlie, The new rules still [keep] the service rifle AR far from a match rifle.
I’m kind of an old washed up service rifle shooter, but I still play with CMP shoots and try to keep limber enough to shoot position. I had a lot of trouble seeing the front sight from my late 30’s til about age 60 and weirdly enough can see the post pretty well, uncorrected. If you are nearsighted it might happen for you. But I akso shoot some three gun, and good old scopes are pretty necessary on field targets. I think this reflects modern military reality and is a good idea.
A scope will not make a rifle a laser. A 4X scope will not give that great advantage to a shooter. For me the biggest advantage will be to see the target number! Old eyes. I swear those target numbers at Perry didn’t used to be so close together. Marksmanship skills will still be needed and scope shadow will cost some scopey’s points if they don’t perceive it.