Some folks say you haven’t really mastered marksmanship unless you can hit a target when standing tall ‘on your own hind legs’. Of all the shooting positions, standing can be the most challenging because you have no horizontally-solid resting point for your forward arm/elbow. Here 10-time National High Power Champ Carl Bernosky explains how to make the standing shot.
Carl Bernosky is one of the greatest marksmen in history. A multi-time National High Power Champion, Carl has won ten (10) National High Power Championships in his storied shooting career, most recently in 2012. In this article, Carl provides step-by-step strategies to help High Power shooters improve their standing scores. When Carl talks about standing techniques, shooters should listen. Among his peers, Carl is regard as one of the very best standing shooters in the history of High Power shooting. Carl rarely puts pen to paper, but he was kind enough to share his techniques with AccurateShooter.com’s readers.
If you are position shooter, or aspire to be one some day, read this article word for word, and then read it again. We guarantee you’ll learn some techniques (and strategies) that can improve your shooting and boost your scores. This stuff is gold folks, read and learn…
How to Shoot Standing by Carl Bernosky
Shooting consistently good standing stages is a matter of getting rounds down range, with thoughtfully-executed goals. But first, your hold will determine the success you will have.
1. Your hold has to be 10 Ring to shoot 10s. This means that there should be a reasonable amount of time (enough to get a shot off) that your sights are within your best hold. No attention should be paid to the sights when they are not in the middle — that’s wasted energy. My best hold is within 5 seconds after I first look though my sights. I’m ready to shoot the shot at that time. If the gun doesn’t stop, I don’t shoot. I start over.
2. The shot has to be executed with the gun sitting still within your hold. If the gun is moving, it’s most likely moving out, and you’ve missed the best part of your hold.
3. Recognizing that the gun is sitting still and within your hold will initiate you firing the shot. Lots of dry fire or live fire training will help you acquire awareness of the gun sitting still. It’s not subconscious to me, but it’s close.
4. Don’t disturb the gun when you shoot the shot. That being said, I don’t believe in using ball or dummy rounds with the object of being surprised when the shot goes off. I consciously shoot every shot. Sometimes there is a mistake and I over-hold. But the more I train the less of these I get. If I get a dud round my gun will dip.* I don’t believe you can learn to ignore recoil. You must be consistent in your reaction to it.
5. Know your hold and shoot within it. The best part of my hold is about 4 inches. When I get things rolling, I recognize a still gun within my hold and execute the shot. I train to do this every shot. Close 10s are acceptable. Mid-ring 10s are not. If my hold was 8 inches I would train the same way. Shoot the shot when it is still within the hold, and accept the occasional 9. But don’t accept the shots out of the hold.
6. Practice makes perfect. The number of rounds you put down range matter. I shudder to think the amount of rounds I’ve fired standing in my life, and it still takes a month of shooting standing before Perry to be in my comfort zone. That month before Perry I shoot about 2000 rounds standing, 22 shots at a time. It peaks me at just about the right time.
This summarizes what I believe it takes to shoot good standing stages. I hope it provides some insight, understanding, and a roadmap to your own success shooting standing.
— Good Shooting, Carl
* This is very noticeable to me when shooting pistol. I can shoot bullet holes at 25 yards, but if I’ve miscounted the rounds I’ve fired out of my magazine, my pistol will dip noticeably. So do the pistols of the best pistol shooters I’ve watched and shot with. One might call this a “jerk”, I call it “controlled aggressive execution”, executed consistently.
Lapua, producer of premium-quality bullets, brass, and ammo, has released a very impressive new mobile App for hunters. The FREE Lapua Hunt App is available now for Android and iOS (Apple) smartphones and tablets. This Hunt App can be downloaded for FREE via Google Play and the Apple iOS iStore.
The App provides ballistics plus mapping and weather reporting. Lapua Hunt really combines the features of other popular hunting Apps with a very sophisticated 6DOF ballistics programs. Lapua Hunt incorporates the product data and advanced ballistics calculator from the excellent Lapua Ballistics App. Lapua states: “Lapua Hunt is the new digital solver for hunters that appreciate ethical hunting, accuracy, and safety. Add your own rifle and reticle, select the best ammo and game category, and you are ready to enjoy your hunting success harvesting game of all sizes.” The basic Hunt App is FREE with all essential functionality. However, additional bonus features are offered for “In-App” purchase.
In Lapua Hunt’s basic calculator view, you can log the wind speed and direction (red needle in the circle), the shooting angle, and the distance to target/prey. In addition, you can easily log weather information including temperature, air pressure, and relative humidity (enter manually or get info from nearby weather station). Additional paid features allow cartography/map view, and the ability to setup a hunting team.
Key Features of Lapua Hunt App
– Utilizes 6DOF, the most accurate ballistics calculation method*
– Includes the latest Lapua cartridge and bullet information
– Maximum target distance 300 meters / 320 yards
– Choose metric or imperial values
– Several result outputs available depending on your needs: map, numerical, reticle, and table views
– Create your own teams and see the location of members on the map
– Compass helps to set the wind direction
– Measure distances in map view**
– Get the weather parameters from nearest weather station
– Safety elements: map view, own location, team member location, compass, maximum and current range for selected ammo
* 6DOF tracks both the pitch, yaw and roll as well as the up/down, left/right, and forwards/backwards movement of the bullet.
** In the map view, it is also possible to measure distances, verify the current and optimal maximum range and sweep area, and view the current and forecasted scent direction in the area.
Create and maintain your own profiles for Game, Rifle, Cartridges:
– Select game category
– Create profiles for your hunting rifles, with scope/reticle info, and ammunition types
– Define custom cartridges (calculations based on G1 or G7 BC and Siacci method)
– Access and share your data from multiple devices.
The Lapua Ballistics App is available for Android and iOS smart phones and mobile devices free of charge. For more info, visit www.lapua.com/support/lapua-hunt-app.
Bonus Feature Set Available as In-App purchases
Basic Hunter: All free features + the ability to create custom cartridges. Basic Hunter+: All free features + the ability to create custom cartridges, plus Ballistic map view. Advanced Hunter: All free features + the ability to create custom cartridges; Ballistic map and Advanced map views; 5 day wind direction. Pro Hunter: All free features + the ability to create custom cartridges; Ballistic map and Advanced map views; 5 day wind direction; Teams feature.
Do you have some ammo that got loaded incorrectly, perhaps with the wrong powder? Then you’ll want to disassemble the ammo for safety’s sake. You can use an impact puller to do this task, but if you have more than a dozen rounds or so, you may prefer to use a collet-style bullet puller. These work very quickly and positively, making quick work of big jobs. The efficiency of the collet-style puller is worth the investment if you frequently disassemble ammo. These devices retail for under $35.00 (collets sold separately). Normally, you’ll need a specific collet for each bullet diameter. But collets are not that costly, so this isn’t a big deal, particularly if you only load a few calibers, such as .223, 6mm, and .308.
Hornady and RCBS use different mechanisms to tighten the collet around the bullet. On the red lever Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller, a lever-arm on the top of the bullet puller serves to tighten the collet around the bullet. Simply rotate the lever from the vertical to the horizontal position to grab the bullet. Lower the ram to remove the case. The bullet will drop out when you return the lever arm to the vertical position. This is demonstrated in the video below:
Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Demonstrated
Collet bullet-pullers resemble a loading die with a lever or handle on the top. They screw into a standard reloading press. Hornady and RCBS both make collet-style bullet pullers. They use the same basic principle — the device tightens a collet around the bullet, and then the bullet is separated from the case by lowering the press ram. NOTE: Collet pullers may leave small marks on your bullets, unlike impact (kinetic) pullers.*
Like the Hornady tool, the RCBS Bullet Puller employs a collet to grab the bullet. However, the RCBS tool tightens the collet in a different way. The head of the RCBS tool is threaded internally. By rotating the lever arm clockwise in a horizontal circle you squeeze the collet around the bullet. To remove the bullet, after lowering the press ram, simply spin the lever arm back in the opposite direction. The use of the RCBS tool is demonstrated in these two videos:
RCBS Collet Bullet Puller Demonstrated:
WARNING: When removing bullets from loaded cartridges, always make sure there are no obstructions or debris in your shell-holder or under the loaded round. NEVER engage a primer seating accessory on your press when working with loaded rounds. You can cause a round to discharge by contacting the primer! Also, we recommend you keep your head and torso away from the bullet puller tool at all times.
*By contrast, impact pullers rarely mark bullets, particularly if you put a little bit of foam or paper wadding in the closed end of your impact puller. When dismantling loaded rounds, powder kernels can get trapped in the wadding, so you should remove and replace the wadding before changing to cartridges loaded with a different powder type (assuming you intend to save the powder).
This popular video, viewed 3.4 million times on YouTube, provides a clear explanation of Minute of Angle (MOA) and how that angular measurement is used. Among novice shooters, there is much confusion over this term. In this NSSF Video, Ryan Cleckner, a former Sniper Instructor for the 1st Ranger Battalion, defines the term, “Minute of Angle” (MOA) and explains how you can adjust for windage and elevation using 1/4 or 1/8 MOA clicks on your scope. This allows you to sight-in precisely and compensate for bullet drop at various distances.
For starters, Ryan explains that, when talking about angular degrees, a “minute” is simply 1/60th. So a “Minute of Angle” is simply 1/60th of one degree of a central angle, measured either up and down (for elevation) or side to side (for windage). At 100 yards, 1 MOA equals 1.047″ on the target. This is often rounded to one inch for simplicity. Say, for example, you click up 1 MOA. That is roughly 1 inch at 100 yards, or roughly 4 inches at 400 yards, since the target area measured by 1 MOA increases in linear fashion with the distance.
More Minute of Angle (MOA) Explanatory Videos
This Gunwerks video explains that Minute of Angle subtends approximately 1″ for each 100 yards (well, 1.047″ to be more precise). That means a Minute of Angle increases in actual measured size the greater the distance of the target from the shooter.
This lengthy (24-minute) video defines Minute of Angle, and uses multiple diagrams to illustrate how MOA angular measurements works. The video also how MOA-based click values translate to point-of-impact changes at various distances.
A while back our Aussie friend Stuart Elliot of BRT Shooters Supply filmed some interesting videos at the QTS range in Brisbane, Australia. Stuart told us: “I was shooting in an Air Gun Benchrest match here in Brisbane, Australia. I finished my target early and was awaiting the cease fire and took a short, slow-motion video of windflag behavior.” You may be surprised by the velocity changes and angle swings that occur, even over a relatively short distance (just 25 meters from bench to target).
Here are windflags in slow motion:
The flags show in the videos are “Aussie Wind Flags”, developed by Stuart Elliot. For many years, these were sold in the USA by Butch Lambert, through Shadetree Engineering & Accuracy.
Here is a video in real time:
Stuart says this video may surprise some shooters who don’t use windflags: “Many people say the wind doesn’t matter. Well it sure does — whether for an airgun at 25 meters or a long range centerfire at 1,000.” This video illustrates how much the wind can change direction and velocity even in a small area.
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.
For many years, the Swarovski Optik website featured a blog with interesting technical articles. (Unfortunately some of these articles have been taken offline.) In the “On Target” series of blog stories, Swarovski provided a handy explanation of how optics systems work, with exploded diagrams of rifle scopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars. We’ve reproduced the key diagrams here. CLICK HERE for Swarovski On Target Archive.
Scope Terminology Focusing Lens
The focusing lens is an adjustable lens inside the optical system for focusing the image at different distances…. In the case of rifle scopes, apart from focusing, the focusing lens also facilitates parallax compensation.
Objective Lens
The objective lens is the optical system’s front lens group facing the object and operates like a converging lens. Its purpose is to display an image which, at the image plane, appears upside down, laterally transposed and reduced, and which is subsequently displayed correctly again by the reversal system.
Diopter Adjustment
For rifle scopes, the reticle can be focused using the diopter adjustment on the eyepiece, thereby correcting any visual impairment. [Editor’s Note: Movable eyepiece diopter adjustment is not offered on all rifle scopes. It is a useful feature on Swarovski and other premium scopes. This allows shooters who need eyeglasses to get a sharply focus image even without wearing corrective lenses. Of course shooters should always wear ANSI-certified eye protection. With the diopter, folks who need correction can use inexpensive, non-Rx safety eyewear instead of expensive prescription safety glasses.]
Reversal System
The purpose of the reversal system is to reverse the image by means of prisms in binoculars and telescopes, and lenses in rifle scopes….The lens reversal system is needed in rifle scopes to control the variable magnification and move the exit pupil[.]
Resource tip by EdLongRange. We welcome reader submissions.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. KYGUNCO — Rock Island Armory TM22 Rifle, $278.00
⏺ Slick, AR-style rimfire rifle with new features
Looking to get started in NRL22 competition, or want a rimfire varmint rifle with familiar AR look and feel? Then check out the Rock Island Armory TM22. This handsome semi-auto .22 LR rimfire rig weighs 6.5 lbs. with its 18″ barrel. The modestly-priced TM22 sports an AR-type grip, commercial buffer tube adapter, top rail, and M-LOK fore-end. The rifle is set up with right-handed controls, but the TM22 can easily be modified for left-handed operation. The TM22 ships with two 10-rd aluminum magazines with aftermarket 15- and 25-round magazines available.
2. EuroOptic — Trijicon Scope Sale
⏺ Major savings now on quality Trijicon optics
Trijicon scopes are being used by more rifle competitors and varminters/hunters because they’re great scopes for the money. If you’ve been wanting to give one a try, EuroOptic is having a major Trijicon Scope Sale with discounts up to 60%. You’ll find big discounts on FFP and SFP scope in a wide variety of power ranges and configurations — everything from AR scopes to long-range competition models.
3. Bruno Shooters Supply — Rimfire Ammo Sale
⏺ Save big bucks on case-quantity rimfire ammo
.22 LR rimfire shooting is fun, requires less barrel cleaning, and rimfire ammo is much cheaper than centerfire. If you’re getting into rimfire shooting check out Bruno’s rimfire ammo sale. You’ll find 5000-round case quantities of ELEY, Norma, and Wolf ammo at very attractive prices. In addition, individual 50ct boxes of CCI and Federal rimfire ammo are priced competitively.
4. MidwayUSA — Factory Seconds Bullet Sale (Great Prices)
⏺ Amazingly low prices on good bullets — many weights/calibers
MidwayUSA is running a great sale right now on factory second Blem Bullets. Choose tipped, BTHP, or Spire Point rifle bullets with prices as low as $0.16/bullet. There are a wide choice of rifle calibers (from .22 to .338) on sale, plus 9mm, .40, and .45 pistol bullets. The 77gr .22 Cal bullets are just $17.99/100 while 168gr .30 Cal match bullets are just $19.99/100. If you shoot CMP matches with an M1 Carbine, Garand, M1903, or M1A, these bullets will work great for practice and local matches. We can’t reveal the manufacturer but it’s one of the best.
5. Midsouth — LEE Challenger Breech Lock Kit, $144.89
⏺ Full reloading set-up all for less than many presses alone
Here’s a remarkable deal on the LEE Breech Lock Challenger Reloading Kit. For just $144.99 you get the Lee Breech Lock Challenger single stage press, Lee Perfect Powder Measure, Lee Safety Scale (manual), Lee Large and Small Safety Prime tools (for on-press priming), Chamfer tool, Lg/Sm Primer Pocket Cleaner, Lee Case Trimmer, Lee Cutter + Lock Stud, Powder Funnel, and even 2 oz. Resizing Case Lube. The Breech Lock Challenger press boasts a quick change die system, and spent primers conveniently eject down through a tube.
⏺ Great deal on RIMFIRE silhouette steel target 20-Pack
There are few things as fun as plinking with a .22 LR Rimfire rig at steel targets. It’s fun for kids and adults alike and right now you can grab a 20-ct pack of RIMFIRE animal targets in assorted sizes and shapes. They are 1/5 size and made from A36 steel plate. IMPORTANT: These small steel targets work great for rimfire shooting, but should NEVER be used with centerfire rifle cartridges.
7. Midsouth — Lyman Case Prep Xpress Center, $142.99
⏺ Multi-function Case Prep center at great price
The Lyman Case Prep Xpress performs a multitude of case prep functions, saving you time and effort. On sale for just $142.99 at Midsouth, this unit is a GREAT DEAL now as the same unit is $199.99 at MidwayUSA, so you save $57 bucks. The Lyman Case Prep Xpress boasts a high-torque motor with five tool stations. This allows the user to chamfer cases inside and out, brush case-necks, clean/uniform primer pockets, and ream military crimps.
8. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Quick-N_EZ Tumbler, $59.99
⏺ Reliable vibratory tumbler with see-through lid
It’s hard to beat a good vibratory tumbler for basic brass cleaning. We like the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ tumbler for the $59.99 price. This Frankford Arsenal unit features a unique bowl design to enhance brass agitation for faster cleaning. A clear lid allows you to watch the process. There is a convenient cord-mounted on/off switch. This tumbling machine works with both Walnut Media and Corn Cob Media.
9. Amazon — Hat Target Hangers, $24.99
⏺ Hat Hangers for cans are great for fun shooting
Soda cans make great fun targets. With the GoSports Outdoors Blast Hat Target Hangers 12-pack you can hang 12 oz. soda cans so you can shoot them over and over again without having to pick them up off the ground. NOTE: The $24.99 price includes 12 polymer hat hangers only, NOT the soda cans. Shoot empty cans for practice or full soda cans for foamy fun. For another $47.57 you can get a target stand kit with 12 hook fittings — just add your own 2×4 wood beams to red brackets.
10. Amazon — Eylar 53″ Tactical Case, $159.99
⏺ Great price for long case with high-quality foam
Here’s a rugged, waterproof, TSA-compliant long-length hard case for just $159.99. The Eylar 53″ Tactical Slim Rifle Hard Case boasts three layers of foam: upper convoluted foam layer, second perforated pull & pluck cubed layer, and a third solid foam layer. This Eylar case meets TSA requirements, and two padlock fittings provide good security during travel. Unloaded case weight is 14.5 pounds. Inside dimensions are: 51″ Long x 11.1″ Wide — big enough to hold a long-barrel, scoped competition rifle.
Here’s a very cool 3D Animation showing pistol rounds being chambered and fired in a semi-auto handgun. Computer-generated graphics provide a look inside the cartridge at the moment of ignition as the primer fires and the flame front moves through the ignited powder. It’s really kind of mesmerizing. If you’ve every wondered just what happens inside your cartridges the moment that firing pin strikes, then watch this video. It has racked up 6.1 million views on YouTube with over 48,000 likes.
Watch Video to See Handgun Ammo Being Chambered and Fired:
Mute Enabled — Click Speaker Icon to Hear Audio. Firing Sequence Starts at 1:28.
This animated video from German ammo-maker GECO (part of the Swiss RUAG group of companies) reveals the inside of a pistol cartridge, showing jacket, lead core, case, powder and primer. Employing advanced 3D rendering and computer graphics, the video shows an X-ray view of ammo being loaded in a handgun, feeding from a magazine.
Then it really gets interesting. At 1:28 – 1:50 you’ll see the firing pin strike the primer cup, the primer’s hot jet streaming through the flash-hole, and the powder igniting. Finally you can see the bullet as it moves down the barrel and spins its way to a target. This is a very nicely-produced video. If you’ve ever wondered what happens inside a cartridge when you pull the trigger, this video shows all. They say “a picture’s worth a thousand words”… well a 3D video is even better.
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.”
How to Shoot Standing
5. Know your hold and shoot within it. The best part of my hold is about 4 inches. When I get things rolling, I recognize a still gun within my hold and execute the shot. I train to do this every shot. Close 10s are acceptable. Mid-ring 10s are not. If my hold was 8 inches I would train the same way. Shoot the shot when it is still within the hold, and accept the occasional 9. But don’t accept the shots out of the hold.
Like the Hornady tool, the 
Garand Collectors Association Master Marksman Medal
This animated video from German ammo-maker 
