CMP Announces the Early Release of Four 2026 Competition Rulebooks
Four rulebooks that govern CMP Highpower Rifle, CMP Games, Bullseye Pistol and Action Pistol competitions in 2026 have been updated and approved by the CMP Rules Sub-Committee. These four rulebooks were published on 12/1/2025, one month before they will take effect on January 1, 2026. This early release will give competitors and match sponsors a head start on preparing for their next competition year. Download these Four New Rulebooks at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-competitions-rulebooks/.
The following 2026 rulebooks are now posted on the CMP website:
Copies of these new rulebooks can be downloaded from the CMP Competition Rulebooks Webpage. On that CMP webpage, the listings of downloadable documents will include the 2026 rulebooks, lists of changes in each 2026 rulebook, and the Range Officer scripts that are to be followed.
Notable CHANGES IN 2026 CMP RULEBOOKS
The four CMP rulebooks that are being released now contain some important changes that may impact your 2026 competition plans. Here are some of the most significant 2026 rule changes.
New F-Practical F-Class Category (HIGHPOWER RIFLE). The 2026 CMP Highpower Rifle rulebook introduces a new F-Practical F-Class Category that is limited to factory production rifles and equipment. Cartridges cannot exceed .308 in bullet diameter; “magnums” will not be allowed. Rifles may not weigh more than 14.0 pounds and must have a minimum trigger pull of 2.0 pounds. Optics are limited to 16X. Total retail cost of a competitor’s rifle and equipment is limited to $3,000. This new category will be offered in all CMP Mid- and Long-Range Matches. Clubs are encouraged to include it in their sanctioned matches.
Suppressors and Silencers (HIGHPOWER RIFLE). The use of silencers or suppressors is already widespread in some shooting sports disciplines. Their use is promoted as a means of reducing range noise levels and mitigating the possibility of hearing loss. The CMP has taken its initial steps in approving suppressors for use in CMP Matches. In 2026, competitors in most F-Class categories (F-TR, F-O, AR Tactical) will be allowed to shoot with suppressors.
Highpower Rifle Scoring (HIGHPOWER RIFLE). Several years ago, the CMP adopted the highpower rifle scoring protocol used by the NRA. This calls for scoring highpower rifle targets according to the size of the competitor’s bullet. This meant that competitors with AR-Type rifles had their shots scored with a .223″ gauge while competitors firing M14-Type rifles had their shots scores with a larger .308″ gauge. Starting in 2026, electronic targets used in CMP Highpower Rifle events will have the same sized scoring rings. Electronic targets, of course, score to the center of the shot hole, not the outside edge, so those targets will now assume that all shots were fired with a 7.62mm/.308 bullet to determine precise scoring ring sizes. All shots fired on paper targets will be scored with a uniform .308 inch scoring gauge.
Nat’l Trophy Match New Shooter Rule (HIGHPOWER RIFLE & BULLSEYE PISTOL). National Trophy teams will get a break if they have two or more new shooters on their National Trophy Teams. They must designate one of them as their new shooters. Any other new shooters retain their new shooter eligibility.
At-Large Teams (HIGHPOWER RIFLE, BULLSEYE PISTOL). The new rules for both Highpower Rifle and Bullseye Pistol changed “Out-of-Competition” teams to “At-Large” teams. This rule is used extensively in the National Trophy Rifle and Pistol Team Matches to allow teams that could not comply with eligibility requirements to still shoot in the match even when they could not win awards. To give status to these teams, the name was changed to “At-Large” and the possibility of giving awards has been added.
Smallbore Rifle and Air Gun Rulebooks Delayed. The completion of two 2026 CMP rulebooks is being delayed while the shooting world awaits final decisions from the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) regarding major proposals to change rifle clothing and rifle 3-position finals.
Shown above is David Tubb, the legendary 11-time National High Power Champion, posing with a very serious rifle used in the Extreme Long Range (ELR) game. David has jumped into the Extreme Long Range discipline in a very big way, producing a .375-caliber, long-barreled ELR version of his famous Tubb rifle, called the Adaptive Target Rifle (ATR). A version of this rifle, piloted by David’s son-in-law Nate Stallter, set an ELR World Record in January 2018. See video below for a full report.
This video shows Team TUBB setting a new ELR World Record of 2011 Yards using the Tubb Adaptive Target Rifle in .375 CheyTac. Nate Stallter nailed three shots at over one mile — 1768 yards. Then Nate broke his own record, going 3 for 3 at 2011 yards. ELR Central hosted this match, held at the Front Sight gun range, Pahrump, Nevada on January 21, 2018.
David Tubb Shoots ELR Adaptive Target Rifle at KO2M
For the Extreme Long Range (ELR) discipline, David Tubb developed a .375-caliber, long-barreled ELR version of his famous Tubb rifle, called the Adaptive Target Rifle (ATR). A version of this rifle, piloted by David’s son-in-law Nate Stallter, set an ELR World Record in January 2018.
David Tubb Talks about KO2M and Extreme Long Range Shooting
David Tubb’s long-range rifles have performed well in Extreme Long Range shooting. AT the 2019 NRA Extreme Long Range Championship, David Tubb won the Heavy Gun Division. In this video, created during the King of 2 Miles (K02M) competition at the Whittington Center in New Mexico, David talks about the challenges of ELR shooting, and cartridge selection. Big, heavy, large-caliber bullets with ultra-high BCs are favored for the ELR game, but recoil and cost must also be considered.
About the .375 CheyTac Cartridge
Some of the most successful ELR cartridges are based on the CheyTac family, including the .375 CheyTac (9.5×77) and .408 CheyTac (10.36 x 77). This .375 Cheytac cartridge has proven to be tough and accurate. And it is capable of winning — our friend Derek Rodgers won the 2017 King of 2 Miles (K02M) event shooting a .375 CheyTac (9.5×77).
Derek Rodgers was the 2017 King of 2 Miles. Derek is also the first-ever human to ever hit the maximum distance target target at 3368 yards (1.91 miles). His cartridge choice? The .375 CheyTac. Derek ran Cutting Edge Bullets in Peterson brass with Hodgdon H50BMG powder.
Q: Why did you choose the .375 CheyTac cartridge?
Derek: When I was asked to join the Applied Ballistics Team, I needed to get an ELR rifle built in a short period of time. I was under a very tight time schedule to get the project complete. In an effort to eliminate variables, I decided to keep things standard and as simple as possible. I chose the .375 CheyTac for the ease of getting components. The larger rifles are more difficult to get components quickly and I felt like the .375 CheyTac had enough attributes to be competitive at ELR distances.
The National Rifle League (NRL) started off sponsoring major centerfire tactical matches, similar to PRS competitions. That proved successful so the NRL added a .22 LR Rimfire series, called NRL22. The NRL22 rimfire discipline has been a major success, as rimfire guns are fun to shoot and ammo is very affordable. The most popular NRL22 matches have drawn up to 200 rimfire competitors. And now there is a companion rimfire long-range series, NRL22X. Learn more about NRL22 and NRL22X at NRL22.com.
NRL22 offers competition shooting at relatively low expense. There are six (6) classes: Open, Base, Ladies, Young Guns (8-16), Old Guns (OG 60+), and Air Rifle. Base Class is for the budget-minded shooter — the combined MSRP of Rifle and Optic in 2026 may not exceed $1650.00 (so you could spend $950 on a rifle and $700 on a scope for example). That keeps the sport affordable.
Open, Youth, OG, and Ladies Classes have no price limits on rifle and optic. Visit NRL22.com to find an NRL22 match near you. CLICK HERE for the latest set of NRL22 rules (PDF). The NRL also sponsors NRL22X matches. These involve significantly longer distances for greater challenge. Currently, an NRL22 membership costs $60/year for adult classes or $25/year for Young Guns Class.
March 2023 NRL22 Course of Fire
For actual NRL22 competitors, this is a very useful video. It shows how shooting from a variety of positions, and it includes very cool through-the-lens views. This covers the NRL22 March 2023 course of fire.
NRL22 Competition with Base Class ($1200 Max) Rifle
One good thing about NRL22 competition is you don’t need to spend a fortune to compete. Base class is limited to $1200.00 for rifle and optic. You can do very well even at this budget level. This video, complete with through-the-lens imagery, shows an NRL22 match shot with a Base Class Ruger Precision Rimfire rifle.
NRL22 and NRL22X are not just for guys. The ladies enjoy the competition too and do very well. There is a separate Ladies class, but women can also compete in other classes. Photo by Jonathan Ocab.
Interview with NRL22 Founder Travis Ishida
This Vortex Nation video features an 80-minute interview with Travis Ishida, one of the original founders of the NRL22 and NRL22X disciplines. Travis told us that the NRL now runs 7-8 times as many rimfire matches as centerfire matches.
NRL22 Competition Guide — Match Procedures and Equipment
If you want a basic overview about NRL 22 Competition, there is a good NRL22 Competition Guide on the Widener’s website. This covers the classes, the rules, target dimensions, the types of supports used, and match strategies. Here are some samples:
Any rifle system that comes in under a combined MSRP of $1200 shall be eligible to compete in the Base class. This combined MSRP price is for the rifle and scope only. It excludes scope rings and bases, bipods, suppressors, data cardholders, magazines, spare magazine holders, auto bolt releases, aftermarket triggers, and extended magazine releases. Adjustments are also allowed in this division as well as adding rails of any type. If any shooter goes over the MSRP amount of $1200, they get bumped into Open class.
One of the most obvious rules is that all rifles must be chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Magnum and like rimfire cartridges are not allowed. It is recommended that whatever rifle you choose has a removable magazine rather than a fixed, tubular magazine since it’s harder to make safe, but they are allowed.
You can use any equipment in NRL22 unless a specific course of fire rules out using an item specifically. The only exception is tripods are never allowed. The sharing of equipment is allowed as well as slings to assist in unsupported positional shooting.
The steel target dimensions range from .25 inches wide to 6 inches wide. Some stages will require 10 rounds to be shot, while others may have you shoot 12 rounds. Most often, you’ll have 120 seconds to shoot a course of fire.
Ammunition Selection for NRL22 and NRL22X
Our friend F-Class John, a top F-Open competitor, has recently started tactical rimfire matches. He enjoys the challenge. And he admits a big part of the appeal is the MUCH cheaper ammunition. He has seen good results with relatively inexpensive Norma Tac-22 ammo, but he now favors SK ammo which he says offers great performance for the price. In this video, F-Class John tests SK Rifle Match Ammo vs. the premium Lapua Center-X ammo. He tested using a benchrest set-up with his MPA chassis rimfire rifle.
How to Register for NRL22 Competitions
Looking to get started in NRL22 or NRL22X (long range) competition? CLICK HERE to visit the NRL22 home page. The NRL22/NRL22X website has a registration page along with information on equipment rules, match locations, match rules, and the 2023 Match Schedule. CLICK HERE for NRL22 rules and CLICK HERE for NRL22X-specific Rules.
BONUS — Rimfire Practice Targets
SPECIAL BONUS–Rimfire Tactical Precision Targets
These FREE targets by DesertFrog are offered in Adobe Acrobat format for easy printing. CLICK HERE to download all six targets as a .ZIP archive.
This article Copyright 2025 AccurateShooter.com. Any reproduction without authorization gives rise to penalties under 17 U.S. Code § 501.
Want to see some handgun shooting fun on TV tonight? Today Shooting USA television will feature the 2024 IDPA National Championship on the Outdoor Channel.
The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) sponsors practical competitions that focus on skills used with concealed handguns. More than 370 competitors gathered at the 2024 IDPA Nationals in Alabama. The event ran August 15-17, 2024 at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Talladega, Alabama.
The IDPA event airs Wednesday 11/19/25 at 9:00 PM Eastern/Pacific, 8:00 PM Central on the Outdoor Channel. If you miss the broadcast you can view the episode at any time for $0.99 on Vimeo. Or, subscribe to see all Shooting USA shows on Vimeo as often as you wish for $2.99 per month.
NOTE: The 2025 Championship was held in September at the Mission 160 Range in Whitewright, Texas. Here is a video showing highlights from the 2025 IDPA Nationals event:
What More? CLICK HERE for another 2025 IDPA Championship Video with Music.
Basics of IDPA Competition — Equipment and Scoring
Most of our readers are rifle guys, but it’s fun to shoot a pistol match now and then. You don’t need a lot of equipment, and if you shoot IDPA (Int’l Defensive Pistol Assn.) matches, you can really win with a $400 pistol and $25.00 worth of bulk 9mm ammo. That’s a bargain compared to what you’ll spend on a competitive PRS or F-Class rig and custom hand-loads.
If you want to get into the IDPA game, Shooting Sports USA has a good article that explains the basic rules and classifications. IDPA is not your grandad’s bullseye pistol match. There is movement and action. Stages are timed, and competitors engage targets from cover if available. Singled-handed shooting is sometimes required, as is shooting while moving. You can compete with pretty much any handgun suitable for self-defense — but no $4000 Raceguns with fancy optics. The fact that you can be 100% competitive without spending a ton of money is what makes IDPA so popular.
Along with SSP and ESP, there are three other main IDPA classes: Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP) for .45 ACPs (mostly 1911 types), Concealed Carry Pistol (CCP), and Revolver (REV). All classes have a minimum power factor. Scores are based on time and shot placement on the IDPA target.
IDPA Scoring System
The official IDPA Target (right) has multiple scoring zones. If you don’t hit the target’s center mass zone or head zone (both appear green in illustration), you drop one or three points. Here’s the formula: Score (in seconds) = Time + Points Down + Penalties. In IDPA, “points down” (and penalties) are added to your time. If you hit the outer edge of the target, you get 3 points down. Nearer center can be 1 point down. Center hit or head shot is 0 points down. See IDPA Scoring for Dummies.
While some shooting disciplines have moved to electronic targets, most shooting matches still use paper targets, which must have precise dimensions for the particular distance and discipline. If you need correctly-sized targets for specific shooting disciplines (such as NRA Smallbore, F-Class, and 1K Benchrest) check out the links in this article. Precise, dimensionally-correct competition targets are produced by a half-dozen specialty printers. In this article we provide links to the leading target sellers, with a chart showing “who’s got what”. Look for your particular discipline and the vendors will be specified.
Sources for Official Shooting Competition Targets:
AccurateShooter.com offers dozens of FREE, printable targets for target practice, load development, and fun shooting. We also offer a few of the most popular NRA Bullseye targets. One or more of these printable targets should work for most training purposes. However, some readers have asked: “Where can we get the real targets… exactly like the ones used in NRA, IBS, and NBRSA shooting matches?”
All these vendors carry nearly all the NRA High Power and Smallbore targets, including the smaller F-Class targets. National Target has the F-Class and High Power targets, including 100-yard reductions of the 200, 300, and 600-yard military targets.
Here are some of the air rifle, smallbore, and High Power targets at Creedmoor Sports:
Orrville Printing currently sells IBS targets for rimfire (50 yard) benchrest, short-range centerfire Benchrest (100, 200, 300 yards), Hunter BR Rifle (100, 200, 300 yards), plus the official 600-yard and 1000-yard IBS targets. National Target Company also has most of the IBS targets. NBRSA short-range, 600-yard, and 1000-yard benchrest targets are available directly from the NBRSA Business Office. Send an email to nbrsa@icloud.com or call (434) 993-9201.
Good Source for Specialty Targets and Target Stands
Need Steel, Cardboard Silhouettes or specialty targets? ALCO Target Company in Duarte, California is the USA’s leading producer of the full spectrum of shooting targets including paper targets, cardboard targets, steel targets, and target stands.
The First Shot, the CMP’s online magazine, features a well-written article on Prone Shooting Technique by SPC Matthew Sigrist of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU). The article covers all the major points of gun hold and body position: hand position, elbow position, stock weld, buttstock placement, and sling position/tension.
Keep it Steady — The Elements of a Good Prone Position
Part 1 — Building the Position By SPC Matthew Sigrist
Imagine the following scenario: You are at the last stage of fire in the National Trophy Individual Match, firing at the 600 yard line in the prone position and every point matters. What should you reflect on as you prepare to shoot this final string? As your eyes cloud from sweat, you realize that all you have to rely on is your experience and knowledge of the fundamentals.
During the National Trophy Individual Match, you will fire 60 percent of your shots from the prone position. This article will address the fundamentals of a good prone position and help you learn the techniques required to be successful in both the slow and rapid-fire stages of National Match competition.
This article will be divided into two parts. In part one, we will discuss the elements of a good prone position. In part two, we will cover the techniques you will in the rapid-fire and slow-fire stages.
The Fundamentals
The fundamentals are the building blocks of a position. Much like the framework of a house, a correct application of the fundamentals ensures a solid and stable structure. Since each person’s position will depend on their particular body build and shape, there is no “perfect position” that applies to everyone. Experience, practice and knowledge of the correct fundamentals will dictate the best position for you.
There are six key elements of any position. The purpose for these six points is to achieve a solid platform that allows for consistent sight alignment using the least amount of muscle tension.
1. Placement of the Firing Hand (the hand that pulls the trigger)
The firing hand needs to be placed high on the pistol grip. This high hand position will give you better control of the rifle. Combined with a firm grip there will be a reduced amount of hand movement when pulling the trigger. Wrap your thumb over the three fingers on the pistol grip (excluding the trigger finger). This will help isolate the movement of the trigger finger.
2. Placement of the Non-firing Hand (the hand supporting the rifle).
The non-firing hand should grip the handguard or stock in the flat portion of the hand between the thumb and forefinger. The fingers should curl naturally around the stock, but they should not grip it tightly. The position of the hand on the stock will depend on the physical size of the shooter. Generally speaking, taller shooters with longer arms will grip the rifle further out, near the sling swivel, while shorter shooters will need to pull their hand rearward. This is sometimes referred to as “short-stocking” the rifle.
3. Stock Weld
Stock weld is the contact that the face makes with the stock. It is important because it directly effects your sight alignment. Consistent head placement will help you achieve consistent sight alignment. The human head weighs an average of 8 to 10 pounds. The full weight of the head must rest on the stock. In doing this you achieve two things, a relaxed neck and reduced recoil because of the pressure of the head.
4. Placement of the Rifle (the contact that is made in the firing shoulder)
The rifle butt placement needs to be consistent. If this changes between shots, it effects your sight alignment and the effect of recoil. In the prone position the rifle will sit lower in the shoulder compared to other shooting positions. This allows for a more forward head and a lower position as a whole.
5. Position of the Sling
The sling should be high on the arm, above the bicep. This way the sling will have less leverage on the arm so it doesn’t cut off the circulation.
Demonstration of the placement of the firing elbow (left) and non-firing elbows (right).
6. Placement of both the firing, and non-firing elbows
A guideline for non-firing elbow placement is that there should be 1 ½’’ to 2’’ gap between your non-firing arm and the rifle’s magazine. (NOTE: this references the AR-15 service rifle) Your arm should be almost straight up and down; this will transfer the weight directly down the arm and not to the side (see picture above). Think of the firing arm as only a kind of kickstand, it doesn’t support weight it only holds the firing hand in position.
Variations of the Prone Position
There are two main variations of the prone position; open/spread legged, and bent-legged. The two types will be discussed below.
Open/Spread Leg Position
Demonstration of the Open/Spread Leg Position.
The first position is the open/spread legged position. This is when the shooter spreads their legs shoulder width or more apart. This allows for a more forward pressure on the sling and elbows. This position requires a tighter sling and solid elbow placement. The rifle should sit tight in the shoulder. With this position, your body will be farther behind the rifle compared to the bent leg position, allowing for minimum disturbance from recoil.
Bent Leg Position
Demonstration of the Bent Leg Position.
The bent leg position is when the shooter bends the firing side leg up towards the firing hand making the knee at a rough 90 degree angle to the body. The non-firing leg will remain straight and inline with the body. This will take pressure off the lungs and heart minimizing the pulse from the chest as well as easing the pressure on the lungs which will allow for easy breathing and control.
Summary
You now know the fundamentals of a good prone position, as well as the two types most commonly used. Extensive dry-firing will reveal which is the best position for you. If possible, have a friend take pictures of you in position. This will enable you to better diagnose and correct your errors. Remember, a position must be both fundamentally sound and comfortable. Practice frequently to learn your new position and to develop the conditioning required to endure long days on the range.
Here’s a simple solution for lumpy front sandbags. Cut a small block the width of your fore-end and place that in the front bag between matches. You can tap it down firmly with a rubber mallet.
The block will keep the front bag nice and square, without bunching up in the center. That will help your rifle track straight and true. Rick Beginski uses wood (see photo), while our friend John Southwick uses a small block of metal. The metal block might work a little better, but the wood version is easier to make with simple tools. Shown above is a slick Delrin block with a built-in bubble level used with a quality J.J. Loh front rest. Using a good block on your front bag helps ensure that the actual top surface of your front bag is level, as distinct from the front rest assembly.
How accurate can a .45 ACP pistol be, in the hands of an expert marksman? Take a look at that target. This was shot off-hand (no rest) with ONE HAND at FIFTY (50) Yards. That’s TEN shots at 50 yards all inside the 3.36″ 10-Ring with eight shots in the 1.695″ diameter X-Ring.* We bet most folks would have trouble matching that with a scoped rifle shot standing.
Amazing Handgun Accuracy at 50 yards
This remarkable feat of precision pistol shooting — a 100-8X group at 50 yards — was accomplished a few seasons back by PFC Jason Gregoire, a talented young USAMU pistol marksman. And yes, that was done by Jason shooting one-handed!
On its Facebook Page the USAMU posted: “Check out this impressive target by PFC Jason Gregoire of the USAMU Service Pistol Team! This was shot one-handed, with a .45 pistol, and at 50 yards during the Centerfire Match in Columbus, Ohio [on 7/1/2020]. The score was 100-8X. Now that is some marksmanship!”.
How to Improve Your Pistol Skills
Want to improve your bullseye pistol shooting skills? Then watch a series of videos hosted by Brian “Gunny” Zins, a 12-time National Pistol champion, and retired U.S.M.C. Gunnery Sergeant. Here is one the Fundamentals of Bullseye Pistol Shooting videos that Zins produced with the NRA and Shooting Sports USA.
12-time National Pistol Champion Brian Zins Explains Aiming and Trigger Control.
Pistol Competitors (.45 ACP) at 2019 NTT Match at Camp Perry, Ohio.
* This 10-shot group was shot on the NRA B-6 50-yard Pistol Target. Here are the ring dimensions as stated in the NRA Precision Pistol Rules (p. 15):
Rio 2016 World Cup Photo Courtesy ISSF and Team USA
Would you like to try smallbore position shooting? Here are some tips from one of the best 3P shooters on the planet, Olympian Matt Emmons.
Matt Emmons competed in the Three-Position Event at the Rio Olympics, his fourth Olympic appearance. Matt has competed on the U.S. National Team since 1997, medaling in three Olympic games: Gold in 2004 in Men’s 50m Prone; Silver in 2008 in Men’s 50m Prone; and Bronze in 2012 in Men’s 50m 3X40. Although his specialty is Men’s 3-Position rifle, Emmons’ World Championship and Olympic Gold are in Men’s 50m Prone. He usually shoots an Anschütz or Bleiker .22LR rifle, with Eley Tenex ammo.
Winning Gold with a Borrowed Rifle
There is a fascinating story behind Matt’s 2004 Gold Medal, won with a “loaner” rifle. In April 2004, just prior to the Olympic Team Trials, Emmons discovered his rifle had been severely sabotaged in the supposedly secure locker room at the United States Olympic Training Center. The precisely tuned barrel and action were heavily damaged. “I unpacked my gun and I noticed that something wasn’t right,” Emmons said. “Sure enough, somebody had done something to it. I shot it and I couldn’t get the shell out. Emmons said it could not have been an accident: “Oh no, no,” Emmons said. “Somebody took a screwdriver and went in.” Emmons went on to the 2004 Summer Olympics using a rifle belonging to using his former University of Alaska Fairbanks teammate, Amber Darland. With that borrowed rifle he won the Gold Medal in 50m prone. Emmons never found out who the saboteur was, but said “I’d like to know so I could shake their hand and say thanks.”
In this Olympic Channel Video, Matt explains 50m 3-Position Shooting.
Here are shooting tips from Matt, courtesy Anschütz. Click image below to launch a full-screen PDF file.
CLICK Photo to Load Large PDF File
Here Matt Shows the Kneeling Position. The other two positions are Standing and Prone.
Three Sets of Hardware for Three Positions
You may be surprised to find that Matt often totes three complete sets of rifle parts to important matches — three buttplates, three cheekpieces, and three Centra sights with adjustable irises. Matt told Shooting Sports USA that he travels with “three sets for three positions. Our final is so fast that I need three sets of everything to allow a fast change-over between positions.” Matt carries his gear in an an Anschütz sport bag: “It’s similar to the big Ogio duffels with wheels, but lighter. I’ve worked with AHG/Anschütz for many years and I like their bag because all of my junk fits in it.”
The CMP M14 Heritage Match was held Sunday, August 3, 2025 at the Viale Range at Camp Perry.
M1A rifles at M14 Heritage Match at Camp Perry Shooting USA TV has a good show this week featuring the M14 Heritage Match at Camp Perry, Ohio. One of most popular matches held during the CMP National Matches at Camp Perry, the Franklin Armory M14 Heritage match features M1A rifles, which are a modern, semi-auto version of the M14. The 2025 M14 Heritage Match was held Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the CMP 2025 National Rifle Matches.
Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
History of the M14 Heritage Match and Springfield M1A Match
The Franklin Armory M14 Heritage Match, previously the Springfield Armory M1A match, began with one man’s concept. Springfield Armory’s Mike Doy witnessed the waning of classic M1 Garand and M1A rifles from the competitive High Power firing lines. “I really wanted to get those M1A rifles out of safes and closets and back out onto the field. So [in 2008] I promoted the idea of running an M1A-specific match at Camp Perry. That first year we had over 600 competitors and spectators.”
Take the time to WATCH this 3-minute video. It has great match footage of Camp Perry and interviews with M1A competitors. Well worth watching!
M1A Competition at Camp Perry National Matches
For many years, the semi-auto version of the M14 was “top dog” in iron sights Service Rifle competition. Now that discipline is dominated by .223 Rem (5.56×45) AR-type rifles, but the bigger .308-caliber rifle, now sold as the M1A, remains popular and is the star of the popular “M14 Heritage Match”.
Dick Jones reports that accurized M14/M1As could post remarkable scores: “The accuracy potential of the M14/M1A is unquestionable. During their reign as service rifles, they produced multiple perfect 200 scores at 600 and 1000 yards in the hands of top shooters. This is a difficult feat with a modern, scoped, magnum-caliber rifle and remarkable with an iron-sighted battle rifle. Good competition rifles can group 10 shots under one MOA, and the meticulously-massaged rifles used by the top shooters during my career would consistently put up 10 shots under an inch at 200 yards off a test cradle.”
M1A Match Equipment Rules and Course of Fire
Renewed interest in the M1A led to the first dedicated Camp Perry M1A match in 2008. That first-ever match drew over 500 shooters. Match equipment rules allow pretty much all types/grades of M1As. The one-day course of fire consists of 50 shots at 300 yards on the NRA MR-65F target, as follows: 5 sighters; 20 shots slow-fire prone; 10 shots rapid-fire prone; 10 shots rapid-fire, kneeling or sitting; and 10 shots slow-fire standing. Here are photos from the 2014 MIA match, courtesy NRA General Operations.
Want to see some handgun shooting fun on TV tonight? Today Shooting USA television will feature the 2024 IDPA National Championship on the Outdoor Channel.
Along with SSP and ESP, there are three other main IDPA classes: Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP) for .45 ACPs (mostly 1911 types), Concealed Carry Pistol (CCP), and Revolver (REV). All classes have a minimum power factor. Scores are based on time and shot placement on the IDPA target.
Here’s a simple solution for lumpy front sandbags. Cut a small block the width of your fore-end and place that in the front bag between matches. You can tap it down firmly with a rubber mallet.
Amazing Handgun Accuracy at 50 yards
Matt Emmons competed in the Three-Position Event at the Rio Olympics, his fourth Olympic appearance. Matt has competed on the U.S. National Team since 1997, medaling in three Olympic games: Gold in 2004 in Men’s 50m Prone; Silver in 2008 in Men’s 50m Prone; and Bronze in 2012 in Men’s 50m 3X40. Although his specialty is Men’s 3-Position rifle, Emmons’ World Championship and Olympic Gold are in Men’s 50m Prone. He usually shoots an Anschütz or Bleiker .22LR rifle, with Eley Tenex ammo.
