Comments on: Armalite Black Rifle Bonanza — Buy One, Get One Free

By: ELR Researcher

ELR Researcher — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 20:11:40 +0000

My “vote” is with Jeff, marketing hype. AR: please drop the “National” from “National Match”.

By: John Teachey

John Teachey — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 13:25:26 +0000

Jeff is correct in that the National Match label is typically applied to Rifles and/or Pistols designed for utilization at the National Matches at Camp Perry. The NM “brand” has been applied by military teams/armorers for decades as a way to designate whether a rifle was as-issued or a purposely built rifle for match shooting. Manufacturers today typically use it to indicate rifles that have been accurized in some fashion, usually a heavy barrel and a lighter trigger. In this case, you get a longer barre, skid “resistor” and a match chamber. But some still use it in the traditional meaning of rifles designed for Service Rifle and Pistol Competition.

Olin, with all due respect, you are way off base on Jeff’s knowledge of the shooting sports. He is knowledgeable to say the least, and one of the best shooters I have ever known. He was simply trying to point out that the term National Match should not necessarily be applied to this particular rifle.

My apologies for going on a rant. This is a great deal from Armalite and will allow consumers in the market for a large rifle to get a nice little carbine to accompany it. Great marketing on their part.

By: Jeff Lindblom

Jeff Lindblom — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 20:12:49 +0000

As a matter of fact, I have heard of FCSA! In my understanding, “National Match” is a specific designation used to refer to products appropriate for the National Match (upper case) events run every year at Camp Perry by the CMP (not just any national event or even national championship). This would mean service-rifle legal under the CMP rulebook. Last I checked, no 50 cals are legal for National Match events. This could as accurately be referred to as a Bianchi Cup rifle.

By: Olin Coles

Olin Coles — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 01:00:33 +0000

Ever hear of FCSA, as in Fifty Caliber Shooters Association? They hold national .50 Cal events all over the country every year.

You were right about the uneducated part. Glad you pointed it out.

By: Jeff Lindblom

Jeff Lindblom — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 18:49:01 +0000

How is a 50 BMG “National Match”? I’m unaware of a National Match event for which this would be legal. Meaningless marketing hype for the uneducated, or has the CMP introduced a new event?