NRA Rule Now Permits Scoped Service Rifles at High Power Championships
A new NRA rule now permits shooters with scope-equipped M1, M1A, and AR-platform rifles to compete in Service Rifle matches at the National Championships. As of January 1, 2011, under NRA Rule 3.1(f), as amended, scoped service rifles are allowed: “Same as Service Rifle Rule 3.1 (a) through (d) except there is no restriction as to sights”. This gives you a chance to compete with your AR or M1A in the largest rifle match in America, even if you don’t shoot iron sights. Scoped service rifles, presumably, will be scored in a separate classification. We have learned that the scoped ARs will be placed in a subcategory for Tactical Match Rifles with Optics.
Starting this year at the High Power Rifle Championships in Camp Perry, Ohio, Service Rifle competitors who wish to use optical sights can now compete in a Special Award Category within Match 401. For those using an AR platform rifle, you’ll be part of the Tactical Match Rifle with Optical Sights Special Awards Category within Match 402.
“Our hope is to get more people out to local ranges and the National Championships with their scope-equipped ARs”, said Competitive Shooting Division Director Mike Krei. “More than two million AR platforms have been sold and we would like to see these gun owners come out and compete.” It is unclear how this rule change will affect local or regional High Power matches. Some folks have suggested that most local High Power Service Rifle matches will still be limited to iron-sights rifles unless the course of fire expressly allows for optical sights.
Story based on report by Lars Dalseide, Courtesy the NRA Blog.Similar Posts:
- NRA Changes Some High Power Rules for 2012
- 2010 NRA High Power Competition Rule Changes
- CMP Releases New 2016 Rulebooks
- CMP Issues Proposed Rule Changes for 2016
- NEW Mid-Range Rifle Championships at Camp Perry This Year
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Tags: AR15, high power, NRA, Optical Sights, Scope, Service Rifle
Can the AR be a Flat Top or does the scope have to mount to the carry handle?
My guess is that since scopes will be in Tactical Match Rifle with Optics, flat tops will be allowed
Flatops are permitted in Service Rifle matches and NRA Hi Power, with iron sights, no reason for them to be prohibited with scopes.
This is a good step to go along with the match/tactical class introduced previously. It will have next to no impact in the grand scheme of things though if the local clubs don’t offer the class at that level. We won’t get people into the game expecting them to fire their first match at Camp Perry. It just won’t happen.
I’ve spoken with Mike in the past about ideas to grow participation in highpower. It’s sad that these efforts come up against so much apathy if not outright hostility (not from him mind you). It just seems that the current group of high power competitors will grouse about dwindling attendance, but are so stuck to the metallic sight mindset that they resist any and all change.
It is downright mind numbing to see AR’s go out of gunshops by the pickup load, yet these guns don’t end up being used at NRA matches. Most of their owners scope them immediately and thus most local matches have no place for them.
NRA highpower and rifle sports in general will NOT thrive until they take a clue from the shotgun people. A newbie can show up at the trap, skeet, or sporting range with the gun HE ALREADY HAS, and compete. He almost certainly won’t win, but he doesn’t expect to. At least he can compete and get the flavor of the experience. He may never come back, he may never move beyond the club level, that is up to individual and all sorts of factors. One or two out of a group though will get the taste for it and take it further. They’ll tour the state and ultimately end up at the Grand. Now has begun a lifelong commitment to the sport. But it all began at the club level shooting a gun THEY ALREADY HAD.
To grow participation in NRA highpower these things must happen: NRA must gently urge the clubs to offer the optical sighted classes at the normal across the course matches. Secondly, the NRA must make a concerted commitment to the HPSR course of fire. This discipline has languished for almost three decades. This is sad as this course would open up opportunities for even more people to compete with their traditional hunting rifles. This sport can serve as a gateway to other NRA matches or can stand on it’s own. As it stands, it’s dry on the vine.
Sorry for the novel, but this matters to me.
Gabe
Nicely stated Gabe. Sometimes I wonder if those who don’t want change are afraid of new blood who bring new competition. Before you walk you have to learn to crawl, so competing with a scope is the first step for many. It certainly was for me, now I am taking the next step to irons. Honestly I would have never considered irons before trying F-class first, but you want to find new ways to challenge yourself. Now I have a palma rifle and a AR-Match rifle.
Other reasons that HP is on the decline?
600+ yards range needed
spotting scope and other equipment adds cost. and is a pain
If you can’t make a good video game out of your sport your always going to have attendance problems.
Not a good way to meet women.
Ammo is not cheap.
It’s not legal to hunt with a rifle in most states.
@ Tanner I think F class has done world of good for the sport. It’s both a gateway and a destination. I started there as well.
@ dpaqu I think the ammo cost is doable especially for those who roll their own. Lots of hobbies cost much more. Also, while a 600 yard range is needed for the full experience, reduced matches are very common around here. That MR31 has some very tiny rings and is far from a cupcake. Finally, I agree you won’t meet many women, but the ones you do find are keepers ; )
Gabe
I think that anything that will get more shooters on the line is worth trying. As far as service rifles with optics on them, The grunts shoot insurgence with optics. Why can we compete with them? After all, it is called SERVICE RIFLE. the clay target folks have had this worked out for a long time. My first experience with competitive shooting was with an 870 express I got from the local walmart.