Comments on: Sunday GunDay: 7.5-lb AR for CMP’s Modern Military Matches

By: Rick Conner

Rick Conner — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 03:45:20 +0000

It has been my experience when dealing with the CMP rules that Kevin is probably correct. I would not want to show up at the OKC match only to have my rifle put into the “unlimited” class. This has happened to me two times even after getting an e-mail confirmation that the configuration I used was legal. Any real or imaginary functional advantage doesn’t matter to them.

Editor: We raised this point with Dennis. He has checked with the CMP and he says that the determinative factor is that it is an IRON sight, and the fold-down feature is not a problem. The front sight does not need to be an exact replica of a military sight.

By: Paula Crenshaw

Paula Crenshaw — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 02:05:48 +0000

Great piece Dennis! I had been considering a vintage military rifle but balking at shelling out more money for yet another rifle. This we can make from parts we already have.

By: Ray

Ray — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:13:22 +0000

The article and the rules seems to contradict each other. Just to be clear, the standard modern military rifle may have an collapsable butt stock.

Rule 5.2.2 section C states: All Modern Military Rifles, Standard or Unlimited, must comply with the following general requirements:
c) Butt-stocks may vary in length and be either fixed or adjustable. Adjustable length stocks are permitted, but butt stocks that allow for other adjustments such as the cheek-piece height or butt-plate location may not be used.

Editor: We do see that there may be some confusion. Rule 5.2.2 also says: “a) The exterior configuration of the rifle must be the similar to that of the original military or military-type rifle;”

Does part a) take precedence over part c)? What does CMP mean by “exterior configuration”? Is “Original” determinative? The very first M16s and AR15s did not have adjustable-length stocks, but then those were created for shorter-barreled ARs.

We don’t have an answer. We added the term “modern-design” to the stocks permitted for Unlimited.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 19:07:36 +0000

I believe that folding front sight would not comply with the rules. They clearly state military style front and rear sights. My reading of that rule would require the use of an “A” style GI front sight post.

Editor: We disagree since there is no functional advantage for the fold-down. In any case, it would be simple to fix the front sight in upright position during matches. Also, Dennis has checked with the CMP and he says that the determinative factor is that it is an IRON sight, and the fold-down feature is not a problem.