What would you do if you had a LIVE Round stuck in a chamber? Well, don’t hammer a wood dowel in the barrel, that’s for sure. Here is a tale of stupidity that could have injured the rifle owner. This account appeared on the Facebook Page of Brock & Norris Custom Rifles, a gunsmith shop in the United Kingdom.
Live, Loaded Round Stuck in Chamber — What NOT to Do!
Commentary by gunsmith Mike Norris
Here is a cautionary tale. A client came into the workshop with a problem which could have had very serious [even deadly] consequences. And it is not the first time we have seen this. Firing neck-sized-only ammunition, the client attempted to load a round which then jammed solid in the chamber. The bolt would not close and the round was unable to be extracted.
The problem was compounded by various attempts to push the loaded round from the chamber with cleaning rods and the assistance of a hammer (I kid you not!). All of which damaged the bore and the crown, culminating in a wooden dowel being hammered into the barrel which subsequently broke off in the bore. The end result was a barrel that was totally wrecked.
One Facebook friend posted: “Fortunate avoidance of a ‘Darwin Award’. I can hear it: ‘Go on hammer the bolt, she’ll go!’. We’re missing a ‘face palm’ emoji here.”
The Problem Started with a Neck-Sized Case
The moral of this story is DO NOT NECK SIZE cases. Mike advises: “Full-length size cases correctly. You only move the shoulder back 1 to 1.5 thousandths and the case will feed and extract EVERY TIME. Yes you will have to trim cases occasionally but it is one hell of a site cheaper and safer than jamming a live round in the barrel and wrecking the barrel trying to remove it. Not to mention the risk to life and limb!”
What Should Have Been Done in this Situation?
Mike was asked the best method for removing a stuck round. He stated: “The Grease Gun Method on a threaded barrel works*. However, in this case, this was not remotely possible due to 20 inches of wooden dowel being broken off in the bore as well. The live round (yes it was live!) was attempted to be removed by hammering on a brass cleaning rod (an actual hammer was used) to try to dislodge it. That brass rod broke, so then a wooden dowel was employed, and THAT broke as well.”
Mike cautions that, when a live, loaded round is involved you must be very careful: “Do not be taking chances with your own safety or others around you. When it is safe to do so, get the rifle to a professional. By the way he WILL [chide you] for being daft in the first place and then bringing the problem into his premises. Expect to be charged for the expertise to remove said obstruction, In the past I even had a client send me a loading die with a live .338 Lapua round in it through the Post no less!”
* This YouTube Video shows the successful removal of a jammed FIRED (not live) case from an AR15 barrel. You can see the fired case eject at 15:35 time-mark, after the primer pops out first. But note, this was NOT a live, loaded round. Extreme caution must be excercised with live rounds.
The Legal Brief is a feature of TheGuncollective.com that focuses on firearms rules and regulations. In this Legal Brief video, Attorney Adam Kraut explains key State and Federal regulations governing firearms, and explains how to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
This five-minute video explains barrel length rules for rifles and shotguns, and also explains the best (and most fool-proof) methods to measure your barrel. In addition, the video explains how to measure firearm overall length. A rifle or shotgun which is less than 26 inches overall can also be classified as a “Short-barreled” rifle/shotgun subject to the NFA. NOTE: Under federal law “If the rifle or shotgun has a collapsible stock, the overall length is measured with the stock EXTENDED”.
Highlights of LEGAL BRIEF Discussion of Barrel Length and Firearm Overall Length
The ATF procedure to measure the length of a barrel is to measure from the closed bolt or breech face to the furthest end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device. ATF considers a muzzle device that has been permanently attached to be part of the barrel and therefore counts towards the length.
How to Measure Barrel Length: Drop [a] dowel or rod into the barrel until it touches the bolt or breech face, which has to be closed. Mark the outside of the rod at the end of the muzzle crown (if you don’t have a permanently attached muzzle device) or at the end of the muzzle device if it is permanently attached. Remove the rod and measure from the mark to the end of the rod. That is your barrel length[.]
Remember, if the barrel length is less than 16 inches, it is possible that the firearm could be a short barrel rifle (if you are building a rifle or it is already on a rifle) and if the barrel length is less than 18 inches, it is possible the firearm could be a short barrel shotgun (again if you are building a shotgun or it is already a shotgun). Both of these firearms would be subject to the purview of the National Firearms Act and would require the firearm to be registered accordingly.
How to Measure Overall Length:The overall length of your rifle or shotgun may also classify it as a Short Barrel Rifle or Short Barrel Shotgun. The overall length of a firearm is the distance between the muzzle of the barrel and the rearmost portion of the weapon measured on a line parallel to the axis of the bore. … If the rifle has a permanently attached muzzle device, that is part of the overall length. … If the rifle or shotgun has a collapsible stock, the overall length is measured with the stock extended.
Do you need to find an FFL for a firearms transfer in your local area? Or perhaps you are selling a gun and need it shipped to an FFL in another city or state. Thankfully, there are two good online resource that can, in a matter of seconds, provide a list of Federal Firearms License holders in the area you need. These web resources will even locate those FFLs on a map AND list the fees they typically charge for transfers.
Sportsman’s Guide FFL Finder
The first resource is the Sportsman’s Guide FFL LOOKUP Page. This online search tool is fast and easy to use. Simply enter a Zip Code and then select a radius (in miles) within which to find FFLs. Here is an example for Billings, Montana with Zip Code 59103. Note that the transfer fees are listed for the first three “In-Network” FFLs. Click on each FFL business name to get more details.
Gunbroker FFL Finder
A good second resource is offered by GunBroker, the online gun trading/auction site. Gunbroker offers a handy online FFL Finder. This resource allows you to quickly find an FFL by zip code or state. Along with the FFL business name, this also lists fees. Click the “Map It” button to see a local map.
Gunbroker states: “Use our FFL Finder to locate FFL dealers in your area. You can search for FFL dealers by your zip code or by state. Use our FFL finder to get in touch with a local FFL dealer in order to complete your firearms purchase, or sign up to be part of our FFL Dealer Network.”
Shown below are the FFL Finder results for Billings, Montana and Zip Code 59103:
The October 2024 Edition of Shooting Industry magazine (SI) has a good article explaining the importance of the upcoming election for gun owners. In that article NSSF VP/Gen. Counsel Larry Keane notes that “People need to wake up, get registered and vote”. Keane discusses the potential ramifications of a Harris-Walz administration with SI Editor Jade Moldae, who notes: “If Vice President Kamala Harris is elected president, along with a Democrat sweep of Congress, it’s not a hyperbole to say this would be worst-case scenario for the longevity of our industry.” CLICK HERE for October 2024 Shooting Industry digital edition.
Keane predicts what could happen with a Harris presidency and Democrat-controlled Congress: “If Harris is elected president, what we see from ATF now will only get worse. Zero tolerance for gun dealers will become ‘subzero’ tolerance. [Harris] will appoint anti-gun justices to the Supreme Court — opening up the opportunity to revisit Heller, Bruen, and McDonald decisions. She’ll blow up the filibuster in the Senate … Congress will pass firearm bans, magazine bans and universal background checks. It’ll be ‘Katy bar the door’ — and too late for us to do anything about it.”
Keane pointed out that even if Democrats are unsuccessful in controlling Congress, Harris could act unilaterally — as shutting down firearms imports or exports doesn’t require an act of Congress.
Though Kamala Harris has stated she is a gun owner (claiming to have a Glock pistol), she has frequently supported gun confiscation through mandatory buy-backs. And she says she would like to ban AR15s and other popular, semi-auto rifles. Accordingly, we face a very important 2024 election. Keane states: “This truly is the most important election for the Second Amendment in our lifetime. In the past, Harris called for mandatory confiscation. She now says she isn’t. So, was she lying then? Is she lying now? Or does she just lie now and then? People need to wake up, get registered and vote.”
The article stresses the importance of voting this November: “If we don’t do our part and vote we leave the future of our industry, sport and tradition — and constitutionally protected right — to chance. [T]here’s too much at stake to stand by and do nothing [so] don’t risk your rights, vote!”
State Elections Are Also Key to Protecting Gun Owners’ Rights
In a related Shooting Industry article, Colorado shooting instructor Ava Flanell notes that STATE elections are very important, as most anti-gun statutes come from state legislation. Yes, the 2024 Presidential election is very important, but state elections are also key to protecting gun rights.
Ava notes: “When egregious gun laws are passed, many people blame their governor, but these laws wouldn’t even be put on the governor’s desk if we stopped them in the state legislature.” Ava explains that it is vital that “We elect pro-gun individuals at the state house and state senate level. It means we must vote and encourage others to vote. Apathetic voters, especially the millions of gun owners and hunters who aren’t even voting, must be encouraged to step up and vote for our rights.”
Ava observes that “Bloomberg, Soros and other radical left-wing billionaires have spent a fortune in nearly every state to get politicians elected to local and state governments that support their radical agendas. These states have passed the bulk of anti-gun legislation in the last few years.” Ava stresses the importance of voting for pro-Second Amendment state and local leaders: “These local elections are where we, the voter, can have just as big of an impact. We must be willing to do our part and get involved.”
Ava Flanell is firearms instructor who operates elitefirearmsandtraining.com in Colorado. In the video above, Ava explains key issues on the ballot in Colorado this November.
Sierra Bullets has published load data for the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, a necked-down version of the popular 6.5 Creedmoor. Sierra has released very comprehensive 6mm Creedmoor load data, covering fifteen (15) different bullets from 55 to 110 grains. NOTE: Hornady-brand brass was used for Sierra’s 6mm Creedmoor load tests, not the newer, stronger Lapua 6.5 CM brass with small primer pockets. Hand-loaders using Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor brass necked to 6mm may have to adjust their loads.
Sierra writes: “As soon as the 6.5 Creedmoor was released in 2007, a 6mm version was being envisioned. After the 6mm Creedmoor demonstrated its worth at 1000 yards it began to catch the attention of Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competitors. The 6mm Creedmoor is a great fit for those looking for an AR platform-friendly cartridge. It delivers velocities very similar to the .243 Win and yet fits the AR10 magazine length[.] The 30-degree shoulder makes this a very efficient case and helps prolong case life as well. The 6mm Creedmoor works well with powders such as H4350, [RE-16], RE-17, and Ramshot Hunter for heavier long-range bullet weights. Slightly faster powders such as RE-15, Win 760, and Vihtavuori N540 work well with lighter weight bullets.”
Sierra Bullets Tested for 6mm Creedmoor Load Data
55gr BlitzKing (#1502)
60gr HP (#1500)
70gr HPBT (#1505)
70gr BlitzKing (#1507)
75gr HP (#1510)
In developing its 6mm Creedmoor load data, Sierra tested a very wide selection of propellants, two dozen overall. For the smaller bullets, fast-burning powders such as Benchmark, H4895, and CFE223 were tested. For the heavier 100+ grain bullets, Sierra tested a selection of medium-burn-rate powders including H4350, Reloder 16, Reloder 17, Varget, and Superformance. Sierra did a very thorough job. We know this information will be welcomed by 6mm Creedmoor shooters.
Don’t know what powder to try first? For the 107-110 grain bullets, if you want best accuracy and low ES/SD, our Forum members recommend Alliant Reloder 16 and Hodgdon H4350. If you are seeking max velocity with the 110-grainer, look at Hodgdon Superformance and Reloder 19.
Here are Sierra’s 6mm Creedmoor Load Data Charts for 90-95 grain bullets plus the 107gr MK and 110gr MK. There are five other tables for other bullet types.
BONUS: PRB 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor Load Survey
The Precision Rifle Blog compiled Load Data from PRS Competitors, for both 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor. This is a good place to start. PRB surveyed the match loads for “173 of the top-ranked precision rifle shooters in the country”. One cautionary note: These PRS guys may be loading fairly hot, so work up gradually, 0.3 grains at a time. CLICK HERE.
This stunning Westley Richards & Co. shotgun was made for the 1981 nuptials of Lady Diana Spencer and HRH Prince Charles. It is rare, has a unique history of ownership, and is also elaborately decorated.
Jim Supica, Director of the NRA Firearms Museum, has written a trio of articles about gun collecting. If you are thinking of starting your own collection of firearms, you should read Supica’s informative articles. The first talks about the basics of gun collecting, the second explains the five key factors that govern gun values, and the third article explains where to find rare and valuable arms. Today we want to highlight the five factors that contribute most to a gun’s value, according to Supica:
Make and Model, Condition, Rarity, History, Art — These are the five factors that … appeal to collectors and help determine the value of collectible guns.
Make and model tends to be the starting point for evaluating collectible guns for most collectors and will be a basic threshold requirement for those with specialized collections.
Factors here include the quality of a particular manufacturer’s products, the historical usage of the guns in question, and the brand’s aura of romance. As an example of that last (and most intangible) factor, consider that Colt Single Action Army revolvers were for several decades the most prevalent focus for collectors interested in full-size revolvers from the post-Civil War to turn of the 20th Century-era, and there is no question that Colts were widely used during that time. In recent years, there has been a refreshing trend in gun collecting to look at a broader range of guns than the traditional blue chip Colts, Winchesters, and Lugers.
Colt Single Action Army Revolvers remain among the most prized (and collectible) firearm.
2. Condition (and Originality)
Obviously, condition plays a major role in the value of a collectible firearm. The classic advice to new collectors in this regard has always been to hold out for guns in the best condition and pay the extra premium they demand. This condition-emphasis seems to have developed in the 1970s and 1980s. In the early post-WWII years of gun collecting there was more interest in rare variations and history, and fewer collectors to whom a few percentage point difference in remaining original finish was of much concern.
Although the highest-condition guns continue to bring record prices, it seems that the pendulum is beginning to swing back the other way, a trend met with my hearty approval. The appeal of “mint” guns has been largely lost on me, and seems to be more appropriate to coin or stamp collecting than a field in which the possible historic usage of the artifact holds so much interest and significance. There is a definite segment of the collector market that is not overly concerned with perfect condition, so long as the gun is original and has not been messed with in a more recent (and, in my opinion, usually misguided) attempt to enhance its desirability.
3. Rarity
In terms of rarity, the well-worn saying that “just because a gun is rare doesn’t mean it’s valuable” remains true to a certain extent. There may only be five known examples of a particular gun, but if only three people care about it, the market is saturated. However, there does seem to be more interest in cornering the rare variations within established collecting fields. There is a bit of a resurgence of the collecting philosophy of completing a punchlist of models and variations within a specialization, and this lead to vigorous competition for the rarest examples in these fields. In emerging collecting fields, when new research is published revealing the rarity of certain variations there can develop a brisk interest in those guns.
4. History
Individual guns with a known history of ownership by a specific individual or usage in a specific historical event have always captured the fascination of collectors, as well as historians and the general public. This seems to reflect a basic human interest and shows no sign of abatement. A positive trend here seems to be an increase in general understanding of the type of documentation which must accompany a historically attributed firearm to give it the credibility to justify a premium price, and the importance of creating and preserving such documentation.
This Beretta has extra value because it was owned by pilot Chuck Yeager. Photo NRA Museum.
5. Art (Decorative Embellishment)
Fine engraved guns are collected more for their artistic value than for their worth as firearms. Here the market for classic works by the great engravers of the 19th and early 20th Centuries remains strong, as well as for factory-engraved pieces from more recent years. Interest in recent non-factory engraving seems to have diminished, as has… the trend of adding modern engraving to older firearms.
Here is a matching set of three three beautifully engraved pistols by the late Indiana engraving wizard Ben Shostle — a Luger, a Mauser, and a Colt. Photo courtesy Amoskeag Auction Company.
Factory-custom engraving should not be confused with mass-produced, factory-made commemorative firearms, which flooded the market in the 1960s and 1970s. A couple of major manufacturers worked this genre to death, and prices on commemoratives have been stagnant for many years now, although the market for these shows some signs of renewal.
CAUTIONARY WORDS about RESTORATION
With prices for high-condition original finish guns running away from the budgets of many collectors, period-of-use refinished guns and older factory-refinished guns are finding more enthusiastic buyers than they did a few years ago.
The availability of excellent-quality restoration services is another factor that I anticipate may impact collector preferences in the future. The top restoration artists are reworking guns to “as new” condition with such skill that it has become increasingly difficult for even knowledgeable collectors to distinguish mint original finish guns from the best restorations.
When such restoration is disclosed to a prospective buyer (as it ethically should be), the prices the gun will bring are significantly below a similar gun with original finish, and may be less than the original cost of the pre-restoration gun plus the cost of the rework. This creates a mighty incentive for deception by a motivated seller, either by active misrepresentation (a.k.a. “fraud”) or passively by simple failure to mention the modification.
We first ran this story a few years back. But it’s still a very interesting subject for benchrest shooters. Shown above, the 30 BR (a 6mmBR necked up to .30 caliber) currently rules the benchrest-for-score game. However, a 30 BR Improved offers some potential advantages, particularly when the winds are strong or tricky. In this article Al Nyhus explains his 30 BRX wildcat. Running Hodgdon H4198, Al says he gets an easy 150 – 200 FPS more than the conventional 30 BR. That can translate to less drift in the wind. It also lets you pursue a higher speed node, which can lead to improved accuracy with some barrels.
Forum member Al Nyhus is a top-level score shooter who has competed successfully with the 30 BR cartridge in VFS (Varmint for Score) matches. Al has been working on an “improved” 30 BR cartridge that delivers extra velocity. Al’s 30 BRX cartridge is inspired by the 6mm BRX cartridge, popular in 600-yard benchrest and across-the-course competition. The 6mm BRX cartridge maintains the same sidewall profile and shoulder angle as the parent 6mmBR case. Likewise, the 30 BRX retains the 30° shoulder used on the popular 30 BR cartridge.
Al reports: “Thought you might like to see what I’ll be working with in my VFS gun this season. It’s a true 30 BRX — a 30 BR with the shoulder moved forward 0.100″ with the standard BR shoulder angle. Stan Ware of SGR Custom Rifles built one last season for Steve Grosvenor and I was really impressed by the performance of Steve’s gun. The 30 BR barrel on my VFS gun needed replacing, so the new 30 BRX got the nod.”
30 BRX Delivers 150-200 FPS More Velocity than 30 BR
Al says his 30 BRX gives a solid 150-200 fps speed gain over the 30 BR at the top, while needing just 2.5-3.0 more grains of Hodgdon H4198 to do so. A 30 BR case holds on average 40.8 grains of water, while the 30 BRX holds 42.3 grains (roughly 4% more). So the 30 BRX delivers a 7% increase in velocity with a mere 4% increase in H20 capacity. That’s pretty good efficiency. [Editor’s Note: Assuming 34 grains of H4198 is a typical 30 BR match load, Al’s increase of 2.5-3.0 grains for the 30 BRX represents roughly a 7.5-8.5% increase in actual powder burned. That explains the higher velocities.]
Why did Nyhus decide to try an “improved” 30 BR?
Al explains: “The 30 BRX was created to operate at a [higher] velocity level than can be achieved with the standard 30 BR case, while at the same time keeping the easy-tuning characteristics of the standard 30 BR case. We also wanted to use the same powders currently used with the 30 BR and maintain similar operating pressures.” Is the 30BRX harder to shoot because of the increased velocity? Al doesn’t think so: “In a 13.5-lb HV gun, the 30 BRX case is a pleasure to shoot with just a flea bite of recoil.”
Will the 30 BRX Become Popular in Score Competition?
The 30 BR is already an exceptionally accurate cartridge that dominates short-range Benchrest for Score competition. Will the 30 BRX make the standard 30 BR obsolete? Nyhus doesn’t think so. However, Al believes the 30 BRX offers a small but important edge in some situations: “On any given day, it’s the shooter that hits the flags best and makes the fewest mistakes that ends up on top. No amount of velocity will save you when you press the trigger at the wrong time. Missing a switch or angle change at 200 yards that results in 3/4″ of bullet displacement on the target can’t be compensated for with another 200 fps. That’s the hard fact of benchrest shooting. But on those days when, as Randy Robinett says, ‘our brains are working’, the BRX may offer enough of an advantage to turn a close-but-no-cigar 10 into an ‘X’ at 200 yards. Or turn a just-over-the-line 9 into a beggar 10.” Given the fierce competition in Score matches, an extra 10 or another X can make the difference between a podium finish and also-ran status.
Need a simple, easy-to-use drop chart for your rifle? Something you can tape right to the buttstock? Then check out Hornady’s handy Online Ballistics Calculator. This user-friendly calculator will compute your drops accurately, and output a handy “Cheat Sheet” you can print and attach to your rifle.
Here’s how it works. From the Ballistics Calculator Page, first select 4DOF or Standard. Next input G1 or G7 BC values, muzzle velocity, bullet weight, zero range, and a few other variables.
Click “Calculate” to view the full chart (shown below). Then click “View Cheatsheet” and the simpler, 4-line Drop Chart (shown above) appears. Click “Print” and you’re done!
Choose Basic Table or Advanced Version with More Variables
The online ballistics caculator is easy to use. You can select the basic version, or an advanced version with more data fields for environmental variables (altitude, temperature, air pressure, and humidity). You can also get wind drift numbers by inputing wind speed and wind angle.
Conveniently, on the trajectory output, come-ups are listed in both MOA and Mils — so this will work with either MOA clicks or Mil-based clicks. There are more sophisticated ballistics solvers available on the web, such as the outstanding Applied Ballistics Online Calculator, but the Hornady Calculator is very simple and easy to use. If you just want a basic drop chart, you may want to check this out.
Effective today, attendee registration for SHOT Show 2025 is officially open! The SHOT Show event welcomes industry personnel, retail/vendor representatives, and media staffers. NSSF members can save money on SHOT Show registration fees and take advantage of member benefits during SHOT Show week. The NSSF encourages attendees to book their hotel reservations and airline flights soon — book early to save money. CLICK HERE to REGISTER.
The latest SHOT Show Insider INFO page is ready. Exhibitors can get the latest need-to-know information to stay ahead of the game for SHOT Show 2025. Get information on hotel bookings, print publication opportunities, booth information and more.
TIPS for Getting Ready for SHOT Show 2025 in January:
➢ Plan ahead: Lock in better hotel and airline rates early. There are multiple shows happening in Vegas during SHOT Week, so don’t delay.
➢ SHOT Show eXtra is coming back to SHOT Show in 2025 and will provide wait list exhibitors the opportunity to showcase products and services during a 2-day event. SHOT Show eXtra will take place in the Palazzo Ballroom on the fifth floor of the Venetian.
➢ Supplier Showcase hours will be 8:30 am – 4:30 pm on Monday and 8:30am – 4:00 pm on Tuesday.
➢ SHOT University will provide 18 educational sessions aimed to help retailers and shooting ranges enhance management and improve business in competitive and regulated marketplaces.
3PAR’s most popular category is the Sporter Class where air rifles may not cost more than $700 now and where the use of special clothing/accessories is generally prohibited. The rifle is a Crosman CH2021.
Based on article By Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus
Three-Position Air Rifle (3PAR) is the most popular junior rifle program in the USA with more than 2,000 high school JROTC programs, hundreds of 4-H Shooting Sports clubs, and several hundred junior rifle clubs. An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 American youths participate annually in 3PAR programs. The primary national governing body for this youth sports program is the National Three-Position Air Rifle Council [which] governs this discipline through its rulebook, the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules.
The newest version of official 3PAR rules, the 15th 2024-2026 Edition, has just been released. An electronic PDF version of the new rulebook is posted on the CMP website. And you can CLICK HERE for a “Summary of Changes in the 15th Edition 2024-2026 National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules”. Printed copies of the new rulebook will be available in a few weeks.
Notable 3PAR Rule Changes
ISSF RULE COORDINATION
With many 3PAR precision class athletes also competing in USA Shooting competitions, which follow ISSF rules … the National Council has concluded that it must keep 3PAR Rules closely aligned with ISSF Rules. The new 3PAR Rules include several paragraphs that are adapted from recently revised ISSF rules. Recent ISSF rule changes regarding sight height, fore-end depth, and butt-plate measurements are included. An athlete’s visor can now touch the rear sight if it is made of “flexible material.” An ISSF change to the standing position rule is added.
POSITION FIRING ORDER
Recent 3PAR Rules offered the option of firing the positions in the original prone-standing-kneeling order or in the newer international standard kneeling-prone-standing order. The overwhelming share of 3PAR match sponsors are already using the kneeling-prone-standing order, so it made sense to bring 3PAR Rules in line with how the rest of the world is shooting three-position rifle competitions. The prone-standing-kneeling firing order has been deleted from the new rules.
JUNIOR EIC AWARD PROGRAM
This program is one of the most popular features of the entire 3PAR Program. It awards Junior Distinguished Badges and other distinctions to athletes who earn “EIC credit points” in EIC Cup Matches and National Championships. The provision allowing Virtual Cup Matches that could be conducted at multiple sites with electronic connections has been deleted. Virtual EIC Cup Matches were authorized during the COVID era when team travel was severely restricted.
PRINTED RULES AND DOWNLOADABLE SUPPORT DOCUMENTS
Previous editions of the 3PAR Rules included support documents that were not part of the rules. The following documents are no longer in the rulebook, but they are available on the CMP website: Summary of Rule Changes in the 2024-2026 Rulebook; Team Entry and Eligibility Declaration Form; Sanctioning Matches (Instructions and Forms); Range Officer Scripts.
Sporter Air Rifles and Implementation of Electronic Targets
Sporter Class Competition. The 3PAR Council seeks to make competition practical for as many schools, junior clubs, and individuals as possible by limiting rifle costs and not allowing expensive equipment such as pricey shooting jackets. The new rules raise the maximum air rifle cost from $650 to $700. A major 3PAR program advance has been the replacement of pneumatic, pump air rifles with compressed air sporter class air rifles. The new Crosman CH2021 (CA) now dominates Sporter Class competition.
Electronic Target Scoring. Visual Image (VIS, Orion) scoring has almost completely replaced manual scoring. The Council/CMP has sanctioned over 200 Cup/EIC matches so far in 2024; all those matches were either scored with Orion or were conducted on electronic targets. Scoring targets manually has become almost completely obsolete. Electronic targets are being installed in more and more 3PAR ranges. All 3PAR National Championships are now conducted on electronic targets on ranges at Camp Perry, Anniston, the CMP Mobile Range, or the Olympic Training Center. Scopos Athena targets have now been installed in 350 10-meter ranges in all parts of the USA.
Though Kamala Harris has stated she is a gun owner (claiming to have a Glock pistol), she has frequently supported gun confiscation through mandatory buy-backs. And she says she would like to ban AR15s and other popular, semi-auto rifles. Accordingly, we face a very important 2024 election. Keane states: “This truly is the most important election for the Second Amendment in our lifetime. In the past, Harris called for mandatory confiscation. She now says she isn’t. So, was she lying then? Is she lying now? Or does she just lie now and then? People need to wake up, get registered and vote.”
Forum member Al Nyhus is a top-level score shooter who has competed successfully with the 
