This week’s Shooting USA TV episode features CMP High Power competition. High Power Rifle, sometimes called XTC from “Across the Course”, is a shooting sport using centerfire (aka “fullbore”) target rifles. Major High Power matches are run by the CMP and NRA, as well as state rifle groups. The sport is divided into classes by equipment, and popular classifications include Service Rifle, and Open Class. This episode of Shooting USA focuses on High Power competition at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama.

This episode of Shooting USA airs Wednesday, July 7, 2021, 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central on the Outdoor Channel. Shooting USA is also available On Demand via Vimeo.com.

This week Shooting USA TV features CMP High Power competition from the Talladega Marksmanship facility in Alabama. High Power is a challenging discipline that requires high accuracy in the rifle and great marksmanship skills in three positions — standing, sitting/kneeling, and prone. The CMP competition involves slow- and rapid-fire at 200, 300, and 600 yards in all three positions. There are separate Service Rifle and Open divisions.

Young 15-year-old Tyler Fisher from Arizona shot superbly at the 2020 CMP Western Games Match in Phoenix (Ben Avery). His impressive marksmanship secured second place overall (and High Junior) at the Western Games EIC Match shooting Service Rifle, a subclass of High Power.

High Power Open division Tubb 2000 with a shortened handguard, and custom hand support bracket forward of mag well.

HIGHPOWER CLINICS
The CMP conducts a number of High Power clinics each year. The CMP offers a pair of High Power clinics in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Rifle Team and members of the Remington-Bushmaster rifle team. There is a Junior Clinic as well as an advanced High Power clinic. Both focus on service rifle disciplines.

USAMU PRO TIP: Bullseye Pistol Competition

In addition to the High Power rifle feature, this week’s Shooting USA episode has a good USAMU Pro Tips segment about bullseye pistols. Staff Sergeant Ryan Franks with the USAMU Service Pistol Team shows the fundamentals of bullseye shooting, the classic pistol competition shot from a one-handed standing position. In this Pro Tip, SSG Franks focuses on proper stance and grip.

Shooting USA will air Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific (8:00 PM Central) on the Outdoor Channel. Shooting USA is also available On Demand via Vimeo.com. Watch a single episode for $0.99, or get a full-month subscription for $3.99 and watch as many shows as you like with limited commercial interruptions.

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) has produced an excellent series of videos covering the Basic Rifleman’s Course. If you are getting started in High Power shooting, or want to improve your position shooting skills, this series is well worth watching. And these videos are not just for service rifle shooters — even bench shooters can benefit from these videos, particularly Part 5, which explains how to estimate wind speed and direction. The lead instructor for these videos is SFC Brandon Green, three-time National High Power Champion, and 2017 Service Rifle Champion. When SFC Green talks, you should listen.

SFC Brandon Green is a shooting superstar. Green won his third NRA National High Power Rifle Championship in 2018 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He dominated the HP Championship cycle, finishing eight points and ten Xs ahead of his nearest competitor. Brandon also won High Power National Championships in 2015 and 2013. One of the greatest marksmen in the nation’s history, SFC Green excels at all positions, both rapid-fire and slow-fire.

Part 5 — Wind and Weather Estimation (Very Useful for All Shooters)

Note: This video includes a hit location “target analysis” in the first 6 minutes.

Part 4 — Minute of Angle Explained

Part 3 — Ballistics and Zeroing

Part 2 — Positions, Sight Alignment, and Natural Point of Aim (Very Useful)

Part 1 — Aiming and Sight Picture

SFC Brandon Green (left above) has set multiple National Records at Camp Perry.

The great shooting coat controversy has been quelled — at least for the next few months. The CMP will not be banning any brands of commonly-used jackets for now. On Monday, May 15th, the CMP announced that it would halt “strict enforcement” of shooting jacket rules for the remainder of 2017, until new, clear standards can be adopted. Here is the CMP’s statement:

Moratorium on Strict Enforcement of Shooting Jacket Rules
The Civilian Marksmanship Program has declared a moratorium on strict enforcement of rules on design and construction of shooting jackets for 2017 until specific procedures and measurement tools are developed to determine the maximum amount of support coats may provide to competitors.

“The CMP 2018 Rules will contain further clarifications concerning jacket design and construction specifics going forward,” said Mark Johnson, CMP’s Chief Operating Officer. “The CMP strives to institute rules that promote true marksmanship skill and those that resist the equipment race (gamesmanship) facets of our sport.”

“The CMP’s matches are being developed to enhance competitor learning and increasing their own personal marksmanship skill set, not who can buy the best gadget for means of additional support or easier access to higher point totals,” Johnson said.

In 2017, the primary emphasis of the shooting jacket rule, 6.6.1 in the CMP Highpower Rifle and Pistol Competition Rules, 21st Edition – 2017, still applies. The rule states, in part, “Shooting jackets made of flexible material may be worn in CMP Rifle events. Shooting jackets may have shoulder, sling and elbow pads providing those pads are not constructed so as to provide rigid artificial support. Jacket constructions that use back braces (…) or other non-flexible materials are prohibited.”

For 2018, it is the CMP’s intent to provide a clear and concise definition of “flexibility” as it relates to support materials used in shooting jackets and a simple measurement process capable of passing or failing jackets across the entire spectrum of highpower rifle jackets in the marketplace.”

Jacket Rules Not Abandoned Completely
We commend readers to look at the second-to-last paragraph in the CMP statement above. The CMP says Rule 6.6.1 still applies, requiring shooting jackets to be made of “flexible materials” without “rigid, artificial support”. Keep that in mind. While the CMP is halting “strict enforcement” of jacket rules, you still can’t show up with a bionic exo-skeleton.

By Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus
The 2017 CMP competition rules are now approved and posted on the CMP website. The 2017 CMP Highpower Rifle and Pistol Competition Rules and the 2017 CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Competition Rules can be downloaded on the CMP Competition Rules Page.

CLICK HERE for 2017 Highpower Rifle and Pistol Competition Rules

CLICK HERE for 2017 CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Competition Rules

2017 marks the third consecutive year with major CMP competition rule changes. The 2015 Rules opened Service Pistol shooting to a wider variety of pistols and introduced the popular 22 Rimfire Pistol Distinguished Badge. The 2016 rules authorized limited power optical sights for service and modern military rifles and opened Service Rifle shooting to a wider variety of M16/AR-type rifles.

AR Alternative Rifles Allowed in Highpower Service Rifle Competitions
The 2017 rules authorize residents in states where AR ownership is prohibited to use an Alternative Rifle that is legal in that state. The introduction of an Alternative Rifle rule exemplifies the CMP’s determination to take whatever steps are legally possible to ensure that all competitors in the USA can continue to compete in CMP Highpower Service Rifle competitions.

The new Highpower Alternative Rifle will allow competitors in states where the ownership or possession of M16/AR-type rifles is prohibited to use a rifle that has the same capabilities as an M16/AR-type rifle. Alternative Rifles may be either semi-auto or manually operated and must be chambered for the 5.56 x 45mm NATO cartridge (.223). Optical sights with a manufactured maximum of 4.5X are permitted. These rifles must have a 4.5-pound trigger pull, a maximum barrel length of 20 inches and a fixed sling swivel on their fore-ends. Alternative Rifles may have stocks with the same adjustment capabilities as Service Rifles, that is butt-stock length may be adjustable, but the cheek-piece and butt-plate must be fixed. Stock design and magazine configuration is flexible according to what is permitted in the competitor’s state.

Match Rifles Will Be Allowed in Highpower Matches
The 2017 CMP Rules will also open the door for Match Rifle competitors to shoot in CMP-sanctioned highpower events. Due to the advantages these rifles have (more cartridge options, no trigger limitation, infinite stock adjustments and unlimited optical sight power), competitors with Match Rifles will usually compete in a separate or Open Individual Category, but they will now be welcomed in CMP Highpower Matches. Traditional EIC and National Trophy Match events will still be restricted to Service and Alternative Rifles, but match sponsors can now invite Match Rifle competitors to shoot in CMP-sanctioned events. Except for EIC and National Trophy Matches, which will continue to be no-sighter matches, the 2017 Rules will permit sighters in other matches.

Most Match Rifle competitors have already competed in CMP Matches with Service Rifles and are familiar with CMP requirements that shooters must start rapid-fire series from standing. The CMP regards this requirement to quickly go from standing to sitting or prone and place the natural point of aim on the target as a vital skill that highpower rifle shooters should be able to perform. However, some Match Rifle competitors who have never competed in CMP Matches will find this to be a new … challenge.

New Competition Classification System
The CMP will develop and introduce a new competitor classification system in 2017. The system will be similar to traditional classification systems where competitors are divided into five classes according to current match score averages. CMP classifications will initially be available for use by Highpower and Service Rifle match sponsors. The CMP system will provide for instant, electronic updates of match score data. Match sponsors will be able to confirm competitor classifications through online look-ups.

For those competitors who are over 70 or who have physical impairments, the CMP has lots of experience in making it possible for those competitors to start rapid-fire series in position. Everyone who is able is expected to start rapid-fire from standing, but those who cannot are allowed to start in position. These competitors can win special and class awards as well as CMP Achievement Awards; they just cannot win the match.

Use of Electronic Devices (Airplane Mode OK)
The new rules clarify that the use of “electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets or other hand-held communication devices only to keep time, record shots, or compute sight adjustments” is permitted. However, those devices must not be capable of communicating with other electronic devices (must be placed in airplane mode).

Below are summaries of other rule changes in the 2017 CMP Competition Rules.

GENERAL RULE CHANGES

Safety Flags. CMP Rules and Range Officer scripts will now use the term “safety flags” instead of “ECIs” for the simple reason that everyone, even non-shooters, understands what a safety flag is, while you must be an ‘insider’ to understand what an ECI or CBI is. The mandatory use of safety flags remains unchanged.

CMP Facility Matches. A new category of CMP-sponsored competitions called “CMP Facility Matches” was added to designate matches like the Talladega 600 and Camp Perry Open that are now being conducted at CMP owned facilities. Those unique facilities include The Talladega Marksmanship Park at Talladega, Alabama; The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry, and The CMP Competition Center at Anniston, Alabama.
RO Scripts.

Malfunctions. Except for Bulls-Eye Pistol Matches, CMP matches are no-alibi matches. If a competitor has a malfunction, they may attempt to clear it and continue shooting, if they can do so safely. Coming out of position to clear a malfunction is not considered safe. When a competitor cannot clear a malfunction, they must call a Range Officer.

Definition of Loading. “Loading” is clarified as bringing a cartridge or magazine containing cartridges in contact with a rifle or pistol. This should eliminate arguments over whether placing a cartridge on a loading port is or is not loading. 45-Degree Ready Position for Pistol. Now there is a 5-point penalty for failure to come to a 45-degree position or for an early lift.

Electronic Devices. The new rules clarify that the use of “electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets or other hand-held communication devices only to keep time, record shots, or compute sight adjustments” is permitted. However, those devices must not be capable of communicating with other electronic devices (must be placed in airplane mode).

CMP HIGHPOWER RIFLE RULES

Highpower Rifle Standard and Long Courses. The rules now provide for both 80-shot and 100-shot highpower rifle courses of fire that can be used in CMP, state championship and club matches.

Service Rifle Rules. Additional clarifications were added to the Services Rifle rules regarding authorized alterations to the MIL-SPEC M16.

Sling Use. Slings used with rifles may now have quick detachable sling swivels. The rules state that slings must continue to be attached during standing position firing, but clarify that they “may not be so tight as to support the back of the hand or wrist.”

Shooting Jackets. Competitors are reminded that CMP rules do not permit jackets with back braces or non-flexible liners. Jacket constructions that use back braces, plastic or other non-flexible liners or other non-flexible materials are prohibited.

Sighting Shots. CMP EIC and National Trophy Matches will continue to be no sighter matches, but other CMP-sanctioned matches may permit sighters.

EIC Minimum Credit Scores. CMP decided not to try to adjust EIC Minimum Credit Scores for weather or other conditions. The minimum scores necessary to receive EIC credit points are already quite low and finding objective, verifiable standards to make adjustments has not been feasible.

CMP GAMES RULES

Achievement Award Scores. Award scores were updated according to 2016 NM results. Award scores for the Vintage Sniper Team Match, As-Issued Pistol Matches and the Rimfire Sporter T and O classes were updated. All other scores remain unchanged.

Courses of Fire. An As-Issued Military Rifle 4-Gun Aggregate was added to provide an event for an aggregate of scores in the Garand, Springfield, Vintage Military Rifle and Modern Military Rifle Matches.

Grounding Rifles or Remaining in Position. Previous rules required that rifles be cleared and grounded after each firing stage. Now the rules clarify that when another stage of fire follows, as in the transition from prone slow fire to prone rapid fire in as-issued rifle matches, the competitor may keep his/her sling on and remain in position, if a safety flag is inserted.

CMP PISTOL RULES

Approved U.S. Service Pistols. M1911 Service Pistols or commercial equivalents may now be chambered for any cartridge with a bore diameter of not less than 9mm nor greater than .45 cal. Four new Approved Service Pistols were added to the list.

Service Pistol Ammunition. Pistol ammunition may now be loaded with metal-jacketed or metal-plated bullets.

CMP Pistol Aggregate. A 1400-point aggregate consisting of a 40-shot President’s Pistol course and a 30-shot NMC with both the Service Pistol and the 22 Rimfire Pistol was added.

Achievement Award Scores. Award scores for 22 Rimfire Pistol EIC Matches were increased.

Ask Questions or GET MORE INFO
For more information about the CMP and its programs, visit www.TheCMP.orgAny competitor or match sponsor with questions about the 2017 CMP Rules is invited to contact CMP Competitions at 419-635-2141, ext. 714 or 722 or by email at competitions@thecmp.org.