IBS Approves Trial AR-Platform Benchrest Class
Defying its reputation as a stodgy, conservative organization, the IBS will allow AR-style rifles to compete in their own class at IBS benchrest matches next year. Both AR15-platform and AR10-platform rifles can compete in this new, provisional class.
This will NOT displace any of the current classes (e.g. Sporter, LV, HV, Unlimited), nor change any rules for current classes. The “AR Experiment” will last for one year and then the IBS will determine whether to make the class permanent. IBS President Jeff Stover stressed three points:
1. This is an experiment for a one-year trial.
2. Clubs MAY have an AR class, but they are not required to do so.
3. The IBS Nationals are NOT affected — there will be no ARs at any Nationals
The IBS has distributed proposed draft rules, and the IBS plans to adopt final rules on March 1, 2010. Here are some of the key proposed rules:
When they say Clip do they mean magazine? Or do you have to leave the mag in place and try to load with a stripper clip.
Maybe they should realize an AR is different than a M1.
This is interesting.
The AR is not difficult to use in any BR competition. Insert a SS platform (or magazine) in the mag well, remove the ejector, and go for it.
I was allowed to compete with an AR at the old St. Louis BR Club years ago and had a great time. One warning………..You might get hooked!
The AR’s in this class can be fired as semi-autos with a brass catcher.
This is an opportunity for AR owners that have wanted a place in formal BR competition to step up, show up..and have fun. No modifications needed and nothing to buy except maybe a brass catcher. What more could you ask for?
Hope to see you this season! -Al
It will be interesting to see what new ar15 modifications and ammo come from this.
See our Benchrest AR web page at:
http://www.6mmar.com/Benchrest_AR.html
Robert Whitley