Today, January 18, 2023, is DAY TWO at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. There are huge crowds visiting the thousands of display booths in the “miles of aisles”. Over 52,000 people have registered for the event. As in 2022, this year’s SHOT Show encompasses two facilities — the Venetian Expo AND the new Caesars Forum. Combined, these facilities provide over 800,000 square feet of exhibit space. The two trade show halls are connected by an elevated walking bridge.
CLICK HERE for the searchable database of all SHOT Show 2023 exhibitors.
Interesting Products at SHOT Show 2023
Savage Arms 1911 Pistol
Surprise from Savage — it is now offering a Government-style 1911 pistol with a stainless steel frame and slide. New for 2023, the Savage 1911 features a 5″ stainless barrel with 11° target crown, dual recoil spring, flared and lowered ejection port, titanium firing pin, and ambidextrous slide lock safety.
New Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical Rifle
Mossberg showcased a new rifle that should be popular — the Patriot LR (Long Range) Tactical. This $1085.00 rifle has many excellent features: MDT chassis with V-Block, 20 MOA Picatinny rail, 22″ or 24″ barrel pre-threaded for suppressor, and adjustable cheekpiece and LOP. And like all Patriot rifles, the Patriot LR Tactical has Mossberg’s patented LBA™ (Lightning Bolt Action) user-adjustable trigger with 2 to 7-pound adjustment range. Priced at $1085.00 MSRP, the rifle is currently offered in 6.5mm Creedmoor and .308 Win with 22″ barrel, and 6.5 PRC with 24″ barrel. FULL Specs HERE.
Defenceport AR-Type Mag-Fed 12 gauge Shotguns
If you mainly shoot AR-type rifles, it may make sense to have a shotgun that has very similar ergonomics, balance, and sights. Defenceport offers a variety of Semi-auto, mag-fed shotguns that have the look, feel, and balance of an AR-15. These CORE Series shotguns feature Aluminum upper and lower receivers, with AR-type grip and stock. Most of the controls are ambidextrous. In the photo above, the red shotgun is a Defenceport CORE 12L. The Blue version is the Defenseport CORE 12 PRO. Defenceport is a company based in Konya, Turkey. It specializes in shotguns, and has a variety of semi-auto shotguns with AR-type ergonomics. It also has a line-up of compact, semi-auto bullpup shotguns, the TANK 12 series.
MDT TIMBR Frontier — Wood Stock with Internal Metal Chassis
The MDT Timbr Frontier has the look and feel of traditional stock with the benefits of a modern chassis with V-block. The buttstock and fore-end are made of clear-coated Birch hardwood laminate attached to an aluminum micro-chassis and bottom metal. The Timbr Frontier stock offers adjustable Length of pull, adjustable cheek riser, and interchangeable rubber over-molded grips. You can easily add accessories to the M-LOK fore-end and buttstock. With a weight of just 4 pounds, the Timbr Frontier stock works for hunting as well as target shooting. The stock can take standard AICS pattern magazines.
ZENK RZMK-357 Modern Revolver
The new ZENK RZMK-357 is a radical new revolver with a patented design. The frame is similar to a semi-auto, but with a rotary cylinder. Zenk states that the patented design allows for a more balanced recoil, and states that the unique design gives the shooter “more accuracy and comfort”. The RZMK fires .357 Magnum ammunition, loaded into a 6-round cylinder like a conventional wheelgun. The top section of the pistol tilts upwards to allow loading into the rear of the cylinder.
Longshot — Bulletseeker Mach 4 Onboard Radar
The Bulletseeker Radar unit is a new radar chronograph that mounts directly to your rifle. The advanced Bulletseeker features 120 Ghz radar with a beam-forming lens. Developed in Europe, with made-in-Germany core components, this unit is sold in the USA by Longshot, trusted maker of long-range target cameras. We think this is a game-changer. You get advanced radar ON YOUR GUN, with no need to haul around a bulky LabRadar.
Bilson Arms Pivotal Buttstock
The Patent Pending Bilson Arms Pivotal Buttstock is a unique design that allows the rear buttpad section to revolve around its axis. This allows a more comfortable hold in a variety of shooting positions. It also permits a rapid change from primary to secondary sights. For example you can rotate the rifle to move from a top-mount telescopic sight to a side mount red dot. Bilson Arms says: “During tactical shooting, it allows the butt end to stay stationary and not be affected by your protective vest. In competition shooting, it allows the shooter to move through the targets, twisting the gun as you move, but allowing the butt end to stay firm against your shoulder.” The Bilson Arms Pivotal Buttstock is manufactured from 6061-T6 billet aluminum. Price: $239.00
NANUK 988 4-Up Rifle Case
Need to move a quartet of rifles or shotguns? Consider the new NANUK 988 4-Up Rifle Case. This high capacity multi-rifle cases is fitted with high-grade custom-cut closed-cell foam engineered to fit four (4) rifles up to 39.75″ in length with different optics installed including scopes, red dots, and everything in between. The center cavities allow storage of up to twelve (12) magazines and two (2) NANUK reusable desiccant containers. The NANUK 988 and other indestructible cases are IP67 rated and built to protect mission-critical gear from repeated blows, drops, and shocks. Price: $699.95
OTTO NoizeBarrier Micro Rechargeable Electronic Plugs
OTTO’s NoizeBarrier Micro Earplugs offer up to 40 dB of impulse noise protection and up to 15 dB adaptive noise attenuation, while allowing shooters to hear range commands clearly. The dual-mode NoizeBarrier earplugs offer active hearing protection as well as 40Hz-16kHz hearing enhancement for extremely effective communication. These rechargeable electronic earplugs offer excellent situational awareness with Accu-Technology® high-definition sound quality. Being rechargeable, NoizeBarrier Micro plugs provide up to 16 hours of continuous use. NRR is 28 dB with Foam Tips and 23 dB with 3-Flange Tips. Price: $452.35
BoreCORR™ Bore Saver and Safety Flag
The BoreCORR™ Bore Saver keeps rust/corrosion from forming in firearms barrels, while also serving as an Empty Chamber Indicator showing that the firearm is unloaded and the bore blocked. The Bore Saver is a flexible vapor corrosion inhibitor attached to an orange safety flag. The BoreCORR can provides protection for 24 months, keeping rust and corrosion from forming in bores. There are short sizes for pistols and long sizes for rifles and shotguns. Price: $6.99 (pistol)
New Product Center
The New Product Center is a “must-see” offering at the Venetian EXPO. There are dozens of interesting and innovative new products all in one convenient location.
There’s a new advanced powder dispensing system on the market — the SuperTrickler. This is an extremely advanced, push-button control powder dispenser that aims to offer the speed and precision of the AutoTrickler V4 in a unitized product with all the components — powder container, fast dispenser, and precision trickler — in one device. Below are four videos that show the SuperTrickler in action.
The SuperTrickler was designed by Rex Petersen of Denmark in collaboration with Australian Peter Kowald, a retired automation/process control engineer. Peter concentrated on the software, while Rex designed and crafted the mechanical functions. The SuperTrickler prototype attracted worldwide attention. It is now manufactured and sold from Denmark to customers worldwide.
The design team states: “Rather than just dropping powder, the SuperTrickler has been designed from the get-go to be part of a compact system approach to reloading, which is affordable to the home user. Apart from the precision balance, it does not rely on third-party products and has a responsive touch-screen interface to a stand-alone microprocessor that enables powerful … features such as laddering, data logging, automatic power-up, robotics interface and much more. When true precision matters for reloaders that want more, the SuperTrickler is a very fast, feature rich, expandable and future-proof investment in the art of reloading.”
The SuperTrickler is available by itself, or as a bundle with an A&D FX-120i force restoration scale. Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars NOT including shipping. If you have questions about the SuperTrickler, you can get answers via the SuperTrickler Facebook Group. There is also a SuperTrickler thread in our Shooters’ Forum. Units have started shipping but there can be significant wait times from order to arrival.
Industry Day at the Range is a unique event. Gun industry representatives are able to view, inspect, and shoot scores of new rifles, shotguns, and pistols provided by 200+ manufacturers from around the globe. In addition, new optics and shooting accessories are on display. Hundreds of media members and other gun industry personnel visited the Boulder City, Nevada gun range on 1/16/23 to test a wide variety of new firearms. There were many notable new products, with new rifles, pistols, and optics on display.
Conditions this year at the range were pretty brutal. It was cold, and there were wicked, 20+ mph winds. Still most of the shooting was at targets inside 50 yards so those breezes didn’t stop the show. It did make it more challenging to hit the longer range targets set up on the upper rifle bay.
Wicked Winds at the Range
New Henry Semi-Auto 9mm Rifle
Featured Products for SHOT Show 2023
SIG Sauer MCX-Spear Tactical Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor
SIG Sauer’s MCX-Spear will soon be available to purchase. GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce was impressed with this advanced tactical rifle, which is a semi-auto version of the full-auto platform that won the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) contract with the U.S. military. MSRP for the MXC-Spear is $4199.00. It will initially be offered in .308 Winchester, and then 6.5 Creedmoor soon after. A few months later, the new .277 SIG chambering should be available. This looks like an AR, but because it has a gas piston (rather than direct impingement), it needs no AR-type buffer tube. This allows a handy folding stock. The MCX-Spear also has a convenient side charging handle. Watch Pearce shooting a 6.5 Creedmoor MCX-Spear starting at 3:20 time-mark. NOTE: Video and photo from previous SIG Sauer product demo day.
New 2311 Pistol from Oracle Arms — A Thoroughly Modern 1911
The all-new Oracle Arms 2311 has features derived from the classic 1911 platform, but modernized in many ways. Will this be a game changer? Only time will tell. The Hunt Fish Shoot Channel testers state “a completely ambidextrous 2011-style pistol with P320 magazines is something to get excited about!”
Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol Shotgun
The new Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol is an American-made semi-automatic tactical shotgun for under $1000. The A300 series carries forward many features of the popular Beretta 1301, but with a redesigned operating system and lower price tag. This was filmed at the Special Beretta 2023 Range Day.
Henry Homesteader 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol Caliber Carbine
Henry Repeating Arms is known for classically-styled, lever-action rifles, but the new Homesteader is very different. This is a semi-automatic, 9mm Luger-chambered pistol-caliber carbine complete with a two-piece wood stock, open sights, and a 16″ threaded barrel. The design employs a proprietary magazine, though adapters for Glock, SIG Sauer P320, and Smith & Wesson M&P magazines will also be available.
SIG Sauer P320 AXG Comp Legion Pistol
In this TFBTV video, James Reeves tests the new SIG P320 AXG Comp Legion, an aluminum framed, compensated version of the SIG P320, optics ready and in the Legion format. NOTE: This test was done at the SIG Sauer range day which proceeded the full Industry Range Day.
One of the best things about Industry Day at the Range is the FREE Ammo provided by Federal and other manufacturers. Rifle, pistol, shotgun — the ammo is ALL FREE.
REPEAT Performance — Savage Impulse Elite Precision Rifle
As we recently featured Savage’s straight-pull Impulse Elite Precision rifle in our Daily Bulletin, we are reprising a video from Range Day 2022. GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce tested the Impulse Elite Precision at the Savage range booth. Pearce confirmed that the straight-pull action can, with a little practice, definitely increase rifle cycling speed: “It’s much faster to chamber follow-up shots, and stay on target. Even novice shooters can chamber a second shot much faster than with a standard rotating bolt.” Here is his video report:
Watch video at 3:00 time-mark to see bolt cycling. CLICK HERE for more GunsAmerica Range Day videos.
Impressive Zeiss optics were on display in 2023, as shown here in 2020.
SHOT Show 2023 ran January 17-20, 2023. Here are FREE digital magazines covering many new products displayed at the show. We’ve embedded three digital versions of the SHOT Daily print magazine provided to SHOT Show attendees. You can navigate page by page with the left/right white arrows in the gray box below. To quickly scan through an entire 60+ page digital magazine, use the slide bar. When you find content you want to read, use the zoom control or click the FULL SCREEN brackets icon at lower right.
We highly recommend two big feature stories. In the Day 1 Edition, check out the Guns 2023 article starting on page 28. You can also read the New Rifles section of this story on the SHOT Show Website. In the Day 2 Edition, look for the Optics 2023 article starting on page 30.
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon at lower right of dark gray box to read.
Recommended Stories: Guns 2023, pages 28-40; New Products, pages 64-66
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon at lower right of dark gray box to read.
Recommended Stories: Ammo 2023, pages 22-29; Optics 2023, pages 30-40; New Products, pp. 54-58
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon at lower right of gray box to read.
Recommended Stories: Knives 2023, pages 22-26; Electronics 2023, pp. 28-32; New Products, pp. 48-50
SHOT Show 2023 kicks off today in Las Vegas, Nevada with Industry Day at the Range and the Supplier Showcase. This evening, we’ll have a report on new guns and optics seen at Industry Range Day. Later today you’ll find posts and videos from Range Day on the SHOT Show Facebook Page.
Supplier Showcase Monday and Tuesday
Even before the SHOT Show exhibit halls open, attendees can meet with industry representatives at the SHOT Show Supplier Showcase. This two-day event starts early on Monday, January 16th. It is hosted at the Palazzo Ballroom on the 5th Floor of the Venetian hotel. Over 500 suppliers will participate. For persons who use or produce tools, machinery, plastics, fabrics, OE materials, logistics, software or other products and services for the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement industries, the Supplier Showcase provides the opportunity to connect with a wide range of manufacturers and other industry professionals.
New Handguns for 2023 Will Be on Display at SHOT Show
As a preview of the new handgun offerings that will be showcased at SHOT Show, here is a video featuring five impressive new pistols set for 2023 release:
Download SHOT Show 2023 Mobile App
The FREE SHOT Show Mobile App has lists of all exhibitors for SHOT Show 2023, with floor plan maps showing all the booth locations. You can search exhibitors by company name or booth number and conveniently manage your time by arranging the booth visits in logical order.
SHOT After Dark — New Evening Event
SHOT After Dark is a series of networking events each evening Tuesday through Thursday after the main exhibit halls close. On Tuesday there is a Industry Welcome Reception at the Great Outdoors Plaza followed by a Rock and Roll themed event at Rockhouse Las Vegas. On Wednesday there will be an All Star Jam Concert outside Caesars Forum, next to Great Outdoors Plaza.
Registration Center Open Now
The SHOT Show center at the Venetian EXPO Complex is open now to take registrations. In addition the Supplier Showcase takes place today and tommorow.
Lapua just introduced two new Long Range Rimfire ammo offerings. New for 2023, Lapua’s Super Long Range and Long Range rimfire ammunition are optimized for long range accuracy and consistency. The goal was to have extremely low extreme spread (ES) and standard deviation (SD), to yield the highest precision down range. Shooters competing in disciplines such as NRL22X and Rimfire ELR where targets are routinely placed beyond 250 yards, will benefit from Lapua’s new ultra-consistent Long Range rimfire ammo. Both the new Long Range and the Super Long Range have a 1106 FPS muzzle velocity (from 26″ barrel) and a 0.172 G1 Ballistic Coefficient.*
Introducing Lapua Super Long Range and Long Range .22 LR Ammo
Lapua’s two new .22 LR cartridges are designed for use at distances of 100 yards and beyond. The result of extensive product development and extremely advanced production processes, Lapua Super Long Range and Long Range rimfire ammunition offer ultra-consistent velocities and BC values for every shot. These new ammo types are designed for those competing in .22 LR rimfire disciplines at longer ranges. Those disciplines include: NRL22X, PRS 22, Rimfire Long Range, rimfire benchrest, and Field Target shooting. These new ammo types provide excellent performance on targets at 100 yards and beyond. With a 1106 FPS muzzle velocity, Lapua Long Range and Super Long Range provide a flat trajectory and improved wind performance. Both rimfire ammo types bring a competitive advantage with the Super Long Range offering the very best group accuracy.
Lapua states: “With a flat trajectory and improved wind performance, Lapua Super Long Range provides the very best accuracy for any top .22 LR shooter looking to beat the competition at longer distances.” The new Lapua Long Range ammo offers similar performance with the same 1106 FPS MV.
“Lapua’s new Long Range offerings are a game-changer for shooters seeking a competitive advantage in today’s most popular rimfire disciplines”, stated Jeff Knowles, Lapua U.S. Sales Director. “Lapua’s product innovation and manufacturing capabilities are unprecedented”.
Ammo Availability: Lapua’s new Long Range rimfire offerings will soon be available at authorized Lapua retailers for delivery by the end of the first quarter of 2023. Learn more about new Lapua Long Range rimfire ammunition at Lapua.com.
About Lapua: For 100 years, Lapua has been producing the highest-quality small caliber cartridges and components for civilian and professional use. Lapua is a part of the Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products.
*Ballistic coefficients are calculated by Quick Target Unlimited Lapua Edition from V0 to V75 BC. G1 BC for all rimfire .22 LR bullets = 0.172.
SHOT Show 2023 is three days away. The 2023 event kicks off with Industry Day at the Range on Monday, January 16, 2023. Then the indoor event runs Tuesday the 17th through Friday the 20th. There will be over 2600 exhibitors from all 50 states and dozens of nations. This year continues with SHOT Show running in TWO large exhibit halls — the Venetian Expo and the relatively new Caesars Forum. Total exhibit space for the 2023 show in these two venues is more than 800,000 net square feet — equivalent to more than 18 acres (about 14 football fields). And with these twin halls, SHOT Show boasts 13.9 miles of aisles!
SHOT Show FACTS AND FIGURES
– The “SHOT” in SHOT® Show stands for Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade.
— SHOT Show 2023 will have 800,000 square feet of Exhibit Space with 13.9 MILES of Aisles. The floor space is equivalent to 14 football fields.
— 2023 SHOT Show will have more than 2,600 exhibitors, including the Suppliers Showcase.
— More than 55,000 professionals in the shooting, hunting, outdoors and law enforcement industry are expected to attend, along with 2000+ media members.
— Firearms and ammunition are a $7.1 billion industry. The total economic impact of the gun/ammo/hunting industry is more than $63 billion, which supports more than 342,000 jobs.
— SHOT Show generates millions of dollars in revenue to fund NSSF programs including Firearms Training programs, Project ChildSafe, National Shooting Sports Month, and the +ONE mentoring initiative.
— This is the 45th Annual SHOT Show and the 24th in Las Vegas. The first SHOT Show was in 1979 in St. Louis, Missouri. Las Vegas has been home to the show continuously since 2010. However, the 2021 SHOT Show was virtual due to the pandemic.
SHOT Show is a Massive Event — 800,000 Square Feet of Products
Based on current bookings, SHOT Show 2023 will encompass over 800,000 net square feet. That’s the equivalent of 14 football fields. There should be over 2600 exhibitors this year. CLICK HERE to search for exhibitor booths by company name. View the 2023 SHOT Show layout here:
CLICK HEREfor full floor-plan with Venetian Level 1, Venetian Level 2, Caesars Forum, and Supplier Showcase. From that page, click tabs for each location. When on a page, zoom to see individual booth numbers. Mouse over any booth to see the exhibitor (example below for Vista Outdoor in booth 11838).
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released its 2023 Travel Games schedule. The Travel Games are regional competitions that give competitors the chance to participate in notable CMP events found at the National Matches, but on a smaller scale. The CMP Games feature rifle and pistol matches designed for experienced competitors as well those who are new to the shooting sports. Along with shooting matches, each of the five scheduled 2023 Travel Games events will include Basic Rifle and Pistol Training Courses.
November 6-12, 2023 – Talladega 600, Talladega, Alabama.
For rifle shooters, the CMP Travel Games include a wide variety of modern and vintage rifle events including John C. Garand, Springfield, Rimfire Sporter, M1 Carbine, and Vintage Sniper Matches. The CMP High Power Matches offer more competitive possibilities such as the 4-Man Team Match, EIC Rifle Match, and three days of 80-Shot events. Pistol events include the CMP Match Pistol 2700, EIC Service Pistol, .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC, Military & Police Service Pistol, and 1911 As-Issued Pistol matches.
M1 Carbine Match at Western CMP Games
Electronic Targets for Rifle Events at CMP Travel Games
All CMP Travel Games rifle competitions will be fired on CMP Targets, a user-friendly electronic target system that instantly displays shot placement. The electronic targets also eliminate the need for pit duty. This helps matches run more quickly and efficiently with less physical strain for older shooters.
Training Programs at CMP Travel Games
In addition to competitions, educational opportunities such as the GSMM New Shooter Clinic, Basic Rifle and Pistol Courses and M1 Maintenance Clinics provide valuable experiences off the firing line. CMP-sanctioned GSMM (Garand-Springfield-Modern Military) rifle clinics teach basic and intermediate rifle marksmanship skills to new and beginning shooters. For newer shooters, the Basic Rifle and Basic Pistol Courses provide a solid introduction to firearm safety along with basic marksmanship skills and fundamentals. The courses also cover preparation for competitions and much more.
Garand Collectors Association Master Marksman Medal
For the first time, in 2023, those competing in the John C. Garand Match with As-Issued M1 Rifles at CMP Travel Games will have the chance to earn a Garand Collectors Association (GCA) Master Marksman Medal. The GCA Master Marksman program is set to begin in January 2023. Like the CMP’s established Distinguished Badge Program, the GCA program will work on an Achievement Award point system, based on performance at designated CMP events.
CMP Competition 2023 rulebooks are now available on the CMP Website. For each discipline, you will find links for the full rulebook as well as separate links for 2023 Rule Changes. For this Sunday Gunday article, we focus on 2023 Rule Changes for rimfire (Smallbore) rifle and centerfire (Highpower) rifle. There are rule changes for pistol disciplines also, but this article does NOT cover pistol rules. Below are links for PDF files listing the CMP’s new 2023 rules for the Highpower and Smallbore rifle categories:
CMP rulebooks are updated annually to accommodate new program developments, clarify rules issues, and incorporate recommendations from competitors, match sponsors and CMP staff. The 2023 editions of these rulebooks are now posted on the CMP website where competitors, match officials, and match sponsors can download them to read or copy. Printed versions of the rulebooks will be produced in the next two or three months and will be available for purchase after that.
The CMP advises that “The 2023 rulebooks do not have any major rules revisions, but they do have a complex variety of changes, clarification and updates”. The summaries that follow identify and discuss the changes for the rifle rulebooks. If you have questions about the 2023 CMP Competition Rulebooks, contact the CMP Competitions Department at competitions@thecmp.org or (419) 635-2141, ext. 714 or 729. For Smallbore Rule questions, contact (419) 635-2141, ext. 730 or bdonoho@thecmp.org.
CMP HIGHPOWER RIFLE RULE CHANGES
The CMP Highpower Rifle program includes: 1) Traditional Service Rifle events conducted according to National Trophy Match rules; 2) Highpower Rifle events conducted according to CMP Cup Match rules; 3) Long-Range Rifle (prone and F-class events at 800, 900, and 1000 yards); and Mid-Range Rifle (prone and F-class events at 300, 500, and 600 yards). The CMP program for Mid- and Long-Range competitions now includes: 1) Match Rifle Prone Long-Range, 2) Service Rifle Prone Long-Range, 2) F-Class Long-Range, 3) AR Tactical Long-Range, 4) Prone Mid-Range, F-Class Mid-Range 6) AR Tactical Mid-Range, and 7) Service Rifle Mid-Range events.
There are no major changes in the 2023 Highpower Rifle rules, but there are several technical changes that competitors and match sponsors will want to note:
1.5/Table 1. CMP Highpower Rifle Events. A Mid-Range 300-500-600 course of fire is added.
2.6.9. National Trophy Teams. State National Trophy Rifle Teams (6 firing members) may have a maximum of two members who are from adjoining states that do not enter teams in the competition.
2.8.1. New Shooter Definition. Civilian National Trophy Team members will now be permitted to retain new shooter eligibility for two years (formerly one year).
3.2.11. Spectators and Media. A new rule encouraging the accommodation of spectators and media at competitions was added. It spells out limitations on their actions.
3.8.1 & 3.8.2. Pre-Preparation and Preparation Periods. Rules defining current pre-prep and preparation periods are added.
3.9.3 c). Interruptions. If interruptions lead to competitors getting out of position, the CRO may authorize additional preparation time before resuming firing.
3.12.3./Table 2. Rifle Achievement Awards. Cut scores are revised, based on 2022 National Match results.
4.1.1 g). Magazines. Altering M16/AR magazines by opening the front of the magazine to accommodate slightly longer bullets is authorized.
4.1.1 j) M16/AR15 Service Rifle External Appearance. New language provides a standard for evaluating minor alterations in the “general overall external appearance” of M16/AR rifles. Minor alterations created by the installation of after-market products for these rifles that have trigger configuration and trigger guard variations or slightly different external appearances (i.e., no walk pins, etc.) will generally be approved under this revised criteria. Such minor alterations may be approved provided that they 1) do not provide an unfair advantage, 2) fulfill rifle functionality requirements and 3) generally meet M16 external dimension specifications.
4.6.2. j) & k). Targets. The new 300-500-600 Yard Mid-Range course will be fired on MR targets. Rules defining reduced MR targets for 300 and 500 yards are added.
5.2.3 c). Rapid-Fire Loading, CMP Cup Match Events. The Rapid-fire loading procedure for CMP Cup Matches is not changed, but it is clarified.
5.4. Rifle National Match Course, Table 4. This rule is rewritten so that the Highpower Rifle National Match Course can be programmed as a National Trophy, or EIC sanctioned Service Rifle Match (with no sighters and starting rapid-fire from standing) or as a CMP Cup Match (with sighters and starting rapid fire in position). Allowing the firing of this course as a CMP Cup Match is new.
5.7.4 f). Team Matches. When Long-Range team events are fired, a time limit of 47 minutes for two team members will apply. In these events, team members may pair fire or fire in succession.
5.9. Long Range Matches, Table 7. Additional details regarding the application of Palma Rules were added for events that are restricted to Palma rifles. A provision authorizing a CRO to optionally use block time that combines the preparation and firing times was added.
5.12. Mid-Range Courses, Table 8. Details regarding the new 300/500/600 Mid-Range course of fire (event) are added to the Table defining Mid-Range Courses.
CMP GAMES RULE CHANGES
CMP Games Competition Rules for Rifle and Pistol govern Vintage Military Rifle, As-Issued Pistol, and Rimfire Sporter events. The 2023 CMP Games Rules introduce three new events, including new benchrest events. There will also be an expanded version of the Special EIC Matches.
Here is a list of notable changes in this rulebook for the CMP Games RIFLE Events:
1.5/Table 2, CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Events. This rule lists the different events that are recognized by the CMP as “CMP Games” events. Three new rifle events are added for 2023: Benchrest Vintage Military Rifle Match, Rimfire Sporter Dewar Match, and Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Match
1.8.11. Spectators and Media. A new rule regarding spectators and media is added. The rule encourages match sponsors to welcome and accommodate them but also places limits on what they may do.
3.3.6. Benchrest Supported Position. A definition of the benchrest firing position that will be authorized for the new VMR, and Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Matches is added. Supports under the fore-end are allowed; supports under the butt-stock are not allowed.
4.6.6. Benchrest VMR Match. Provides rules for the Benchrest VMR Match.
5.4.4 i). Rapid-Fire Loading, Springfield M1A Match. Loading procedures for the Springfield M1A Match, where competitors must start and load rapid-fire series in position, are unchanged, but clarified.
6.2.1 Vintage Sniper Rifle. The M1903 Springfield rifle with straight pistol grip stock and a Winchester A5 or Lyman 5A scope was added to the list of legal sniper rifle/scope combinations.
6.5.8 Interruptions in Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Matches. A provision was added that allows the firing of one additional sighting shot if there is an interruption of more than 5 minutes in 300-yard firing or 3 minutes in 600-yard firing.
CMP GAMES RIMFIRE SPORTER RULE CHANGES
8.2.2 a) Rimfire Sporter Adjustable Stocks. T and O Class rifles may have adjustable butt-plates or cheek-pieces if those features are fixed and cannot be readily changed without tools during the firing of an event.
8.3.7. Targets. Targets for the Rimfire Sporter Dewar and Benchrest events are defined.
8.6. Rimfire Sporter Dewar Course. A Dewar course of fire (20 shots prone at 50 yards and 20 shots prone at 100 yards) is added. This event was fired on an experimental basis during the 2022 National Matches.
8.7. Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Course. This is the second new Rimfire Sporter event in the 2023 rules. Competitors will fire their rifles from benchrests at 100-yard smallbore rifle targets, using a maximum of two sandbag rests (but no buttstock rest). The course of fire includes a 5-minute sighting period, followed by 40 record shots in 30 minutes.
8.8.4. Scoring Internal Crossfires. A rule change clarifies how Rimfire Sporter internal crossfires are scored.
10.3-10.5. National Records. Adds the new events to the National Records list.
SMALLBORE RIFLE COMPETITION RULE CHANGES
The big news is that the 2023 National Matches Smallbore Rifle Championships will be conducted on electronic targets. The other big change is the addition of rules for the new F-Class Smallbore Rifle events. Provisional F-Class smallbore rifle events were held during the 2022 CMP Smallbore Prone Championship at Camp Perry. F-Class will now officially be part of the CMP Smallbore Rifle Program. Accordingly, the 2023 (5th Ed.) CMP Smallbore Rifle Competition Rules adds rules for Smallbore F-Class competition. Here are the notable changes in the 2023 CMP Smallbore Rifle Rules:
5.3. F-Class Smallbore Rifles. Two types of F-Class rifle front supports are recognized, a front rest (F-O, Open Rifle) or a bipod (F-TR, Target Rifle). Non-mechanical rear rests are authorized.
5.6.1. Ammunition. F-Class events are limited to rimfire .22 LR ammunition loaded with 40-grain bullets.
6.1.4. Supported Prone Position. Describes the firing position authorized for F-Class shooting.
6.2. 100-Yard International Target. This is the 300 Meter ISSF target, scored with an 8 mm diameter bullet, reduced for use in F-Class 100-yard events that are fired and scored with 5.56 mm bullets.
6.2.4. Target Hanging Procedures. A new rule prohibits the use of distinctive colored target clips as a means of distinguishing a target (competitors should use target numbers to identify their targets).
6.3.5. Wind Flags. Wind flag height must correspond with bullets’ flight paths.
6.4. Table 3. The three-position course of fire was changed in 2022 to be the same as the new ISSF 3×20 course of fire (formerly 3×40).
6.4. Table 5. The F-Class 160-shot course of fire includes 40 shots at 50 yards on the ISSF reduced 50m target, 40 shots at 50 m on the old A-50 metric target, a combined 50 and 100 yard 40-shot event and 40 shots at 100 yards on the 100-yard international target (see Rule 6.2).
6.4.8. F-Class Procedures. F-Class firing procedures provide for 5- or 2-min. pre-prep and 3-min. preparation periods, followed by unlimited sighting shots with each record fire stage.
7.9 and 7.10. Competition Procedures, Electronic Targets. These procedures were included in the previous edition of this rulebook, but they are highlighted here because the CMP plans to have electronic targets in place during the 2023 National Matches at Camp Perry. In prone but not three-position events, competitors will be allowed to switch back to sighting shots during record firing. 40-shot prone events can be fired without a break, but an extra five minutes is provided in the time limits (unlimited sighters and 40 record shots in 45 minutes) to allow competitors who would like to take a break during these events to do so. Target aiming masks provided for any sight stages will have an aiming mark inscribed on them.
7.12.9. Disclaimed Shot. Procedures for handling disclaimed shots are provided.
There are a series of EIC Match Credit Changes for 2023, along with revisions for the Distinguished International Shooter Badge to adapt these regulations to ISSF rule changes. Check the 2023 Smallbore Rules for details, starting at section 11.3.3.
AN INTRODUCTION TO CMP COMPETITION RULES
The CMP’s Winter 2022 edition of On the Mark magazine contains “COMPETITION RULES—A Primer on Competition Rules and How to Follow Them”. This article (on pages 6-13) covers rulebook terminology, guiding principles in shooting rules, safety and safe range procedure rules, and an outline of the technical rules contained in each rulebook. CLICK HERE to download this issue of On the Mark.
DISTINGUISHED MARKSMAN BADGE CHANGES
The CMP Highpower Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, Pistol, and Air Gun rulebooks have rules that describe the Distinguished Marksman Badge program for eligible competitors in that discipline who have physical disabilities or limitations that prevent them from complying with all rule requirements for other Distinguished Badges. To compete for a Distinguished Marksman Badge, competitors with disabilities must apply to the CMP for a “Distinguished Marksman Authorization” (contact 419-635-2141, ext. 602; acantu@thecmp.org). Eligible competitors who fire EIC Match scores that equal or exceed EIC minimum cut scores receive EIC points that count towards the awarding of the Distinguished Marksman Badge.
AIR RIFLE AND AIR PISTOL COMPETITION RULES
The Second Edition CMP Air Rifle and Air Pistol Competitions Rules 2023 are posted on the CMP website. CLICK HERE to download those Air Rifle and Air Pistol Rules. NOTE: the CMP states that: “2022 1st Edition Rulebooks will continue to be used in 2023. If any changes are necessary during the year, an errata sheet will be printed to accompany published rulebooks.”
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GunBroker.com is pleased to continue to promote not-for-profit organizations whenever possible, including YSSA, USA Shooting, Kids and Clays, The Light Foundation (via Ruger’s efforts), Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), Scholastic Action Shooting Program, and more. For decades, we’ve dedicated prime space on the homepage to charitable auctions and take no transactional fees.
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