NRA Highpower Rifle Competition
NRA Highpower Rifle Competition includes all-out state-of-the-art precision match rifles, service rifles, and sporting/hunting rifles, with courses of fire consisting of both slow and rapid fire strings fired from standing, sitting/kneeling, and prone positions.
EQUIPMENT:
Match Rifle:
The most exotic and cutting-edge equipment can be seen in the "Match Rifle" categories of NRA "highpower" rifle competition. These rifles range from simple bolt-action rifles with match sights to highly specialized bolt-action "tube-guns" and AR-15 derivative "space guns".
Service Rifle:
Any U.S. "Service" rifle (1903, 1903A3, M1 Carbine, M1 Garand, etc.) or service-like rifle (M1A, AR-15A2, etc.) that fits the NRA's "Service Rifle" guidelines. These rifles are not necessarily "as-issue" firearms, as they may have "national match" barrels, triggers, sights, etc. Or, in the case of the AR-15, rifles may have a free-floated front hand guard, provided their profiles meet "service rifle" guidelines. Also, the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) hosts "Service Rifle" matches with very similar guidelines.
Concerning the CMP...
"As-Issue" Matches:
In addition to "Service Rifle" matches, the CMP hosts certain rifle-specific "as-issue" matches, like the John C. Garand Match, M1 Carbine Match, or the Springfield Match (for 1903 and 1903A3's). In these "as-issue" matches, custom barrels, triggers, bedded actions, match sights, etc. are not allowed. "National Match" parts are not even allowed in the "as-issue" matches. Also, in the "as-issue" matches, specific ammunition is issued to all competitors. So, custom loading is not permitted in these matches, placing all competitors on a much more equal playing field. It is amazing to see 1200+ competitors, all shooting "as-issue" M1 Garands with the exact same ammo... And, it's a lot of fun!!!
COURSES OF FIRE:
The NRA Match Course consists of four stages:
1. 200 yards - 20 shots for score - Standing Slow-Fire
2. 200 yards - 20 shots for score - Sitting Rapid-Fire
3. 300 yards - 20 shots for score - Prone Rapid-Fire
4. 600 yards - 20 shots for score - Prone Slow-Fire
The NRA "National Match" Course:
1. 200 yards - 10 shots for score - Standing Slow-Fire
2. 200 yards - 10 shots for score - Sitting Rapid-Fire
3. 300 yards - 10 shots for score - Prone Rapid-Fire
4. 600 yards - 20 shots for score - Prone Slow-Fire
NOTE: Smaller rifle ranges may shoot these courses with all stages at 100 or 200 yards with reduced ring targets to simulate distance.
Slow-fire stages are allotted 1 minute per shot. Rapid-fire stages speed up the pace a bit. The 200 yard sitting (or sometimes kneeling) rapid-fire stage is fired in 10 shot strings for score, allotted 60 total seconds per string, and begun from standing "ready" position. The 300 yard prone rapid-fire stage is fired in 10 shot strings for score, allotted 70 total seconds per string, and begun from standing "ready" position. Also, adding to the intensity of the rapid-fire stages, is a mandatory reload or magazine change requirement during each given 10 shot string.
These courses of fire may have been designed with military training and marksmanship in mind, but they prove easily complimentary to all forms of rifle marksmanship, whether target competition or hunting.
GET INVOLVED!!! ... Find a range near you ... And, join the NRA !!!
