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Whether
you watched someone compete in a Highpower Match, or have just heard
conversation about it, it's clear that something has peaked your
interest in the sport. Being interested in something is great, but
without information, it won't get you very far. We have heard new
shooters ask people on the range what they need to do to get into
Highpower and the responses that a lot of people give are scary! The
next thing you know, you are in the store spending a few thousand
dollars without even knowing why. In an attempt to avoid this
situation, lets sit down and talk about some of the essentials, and
more important information associated with the sport of Highpower Rifle
Competition.
In most cases, it is entirely possible to compete in a match
without buying anything. We will go over the few things that you do
need to have to compete, which usually all can be found by just asking
around. Does it make more sense to try the sport and make sure that it
is something you want to pursue fully before spending a good amount of
money? I have been in gun shops in the past and witnessed people trying
to return a lot of very expensive shooting equipment because they just
did not end up enjoying the sport. Yes, it happens.
The
first thing that all new shooters need to understand is that they are
entering a sport that is already established. As with any other sport,
there are rules and regulations which can be confusing at times. You
will also be competing shoulder to shoulder with people of all
different classifications and experience levels. This includes shooters
who may be in contention to win whatever match it is that you have
decided to enter. With that being said, one of the first things that
you should track down is the most up to date versions of the NRA
Highpower Rifle Rules booklet and the CMP Competition Rules. These can
be found easily on-line or by contacting each organization. Believe me
when I say that your firm knowledge of these rules will make for a far
less painful day wherever you may be competing.
Section
6.0 of your CMP Rulebook and Section 3 of your NRA Rulebook defines
authorized equipment. Obviously, you will need a rifle. Pay close
attention to the types of rifles described in these sections as
authorized. More often than not, people are surprised to find that they
already own or know someone who owns an authorized Highpower Rifle.
Most clubs and associations that support a Highpower program at their
range will have service rifles for new shooters to use in their
competitions. There may be a raised match entry fee for this service.
If you have no luck after checking these resources, it may be necessary
to purchase a rifle. Another call to the CMP can usually help with
this. Be sure when you do find a rifle, that you have a minimum of two
clips or magazines for that specific system. The other obvious
requirement to compete would be ammunition, which is defined in CMP
Rule 6.6 or NRA Rule 3.17.
Now
we will take a look at some of the less obvious requirements defined in
these rules. Contrary to popular belief, a sling is required in service
rifle competition. It is listed in CMP Rule 6.1.1 and NRA Rules 3.1,
3.1.1, and 3.1.2 as a characteristic of the rifle itself. The sling may
be used for support in the Prone, Sitting, and Kneeling positions, but
not the Standing position. During Standing, the sling must be attached
to both the front and rear sling swivels (CMP Rule 8.1.3(1) and NRA
Rule 5.12b). Don't let this worry you. If you haven't found a sling in
the same place that you found your rifle, a simple M-1 web sling can be
purchased for about ten dollars. Sling features are defined in CMP Rule
6.1.1 (3) and NRA Rule 3.13. Another required item is the Empty Chamber
Indicator (ECI), according to CMP Rule 5.5.1 and NRA Rule 3.21. This is
a crucial part of Highpower Safety. The ECI is to be in the chamber of
your rifle at all times other than your preparation period, while
actually firing, and when cased. An ECI can be purchased from the NRA
for one dollar. The final thing that is required for competition is
Responsibility. This includes Safety, Discipline, and Etiquette. And
yes it is required, by the rules in CMP Section 5.0 and NRA Section 18,
and your own common sense. As a part of your responsibility, you need
to realize that this sport is not just about your shooting. It is about
everyone’s shooting. This is why you are responsible for pit pulling
and scoring duties (CMP Rule 5.3 and NRA Sections 10 and 14
respectively) as well. These duties are just as important as your
firing. Always strive to give better pit and scoring service than you
receive.
With
your understanding of the importance of scoring and pit pulling during
a match, we will discuss some things that are not required, but
strongly encouraged. In order to properly perform your scoring duties,
you should have a few pens, a stool or chair, a Ziploc bag (in case of
rain), and some type of optics. Keep in mind; you will be firing out to
600 yards in most courses of fire. At this distance, you will probably
not be able to see the scoring disks, or even the chalkboards during
rapid fires. Again, don't be concerned. These are all things that you
more than likely already have. You do not need an expensive spotting
scope. A pair of binoculars would be sufficient. Something else that is
inexpensive and genuinely advised in the sport is eye and ear
protection. Highpower matches are not exactly short. It is a long
process that takes a large portion of the day. You need to take this
into account before leaving for the range. A small cooler of snacks and
plenty of water is something that you will never regret bringing.
That
about does it for the necessities. Right now, you are at the bare
minimum of what you need to complete a match. There is some other
equipment that is nice to have, and can be substituted to save money.
It is a matter of personal choice if and when you want to use any of
the following. You will be shooting outdoors, and at times, in adverse
conditions. Rain gear is usually helpful in this situation. The classic
garbage bag poncho is a cheap alternative, though it doesn't breathe
very well. If you decide to only bring out one set of rain gear, do the
right thing and give it to your rifle. A rifle case is a helpful
addition, for transportation purposes, but should still be covered in
the rain. Also bring a small bottle of lubrication, and use it;
especially if your rifle does get wet. If you don't like lying on the
wet ground, a mat, piece of carpet, or even a poncho could be used as
long as it does not create artificial support. You do not need a $300
shooting coat, but something to pad your shoulder from recoil and your
arm from the sling, is useful. Many people use a simple issue field
jacket, or a sweatshirt. Any kind of a glove that might cut down on the
pinching of the sling on your hand, as well. If you own them, try to
wear your boots instead of your shoes. It will provide you more support
for shooting, and just in general over the day. You may want to bring a
towel to wipe away annoying sweat while shooting. Be sure to keep
yourself organized. A small backpack can make your life much easier on
the range.
Well, that is what to bring to the range. But when? A brand new
shooter does not want to fire their first competition at the National
Matches. Find that local gun club that supports a Highpower Program and
ask questions. A list of CMP Affiliated Rifle Matches can be found at http://clubs.odcmp.com/cgi-bin/matchUpcomingSearch.cgi?designation=EICRIFLE.
The more information you have, the better off you will be. Get a copy
of their match schedule, and make a plan. Find out the course of fire
for the match you will be firing and ensure that you have enough
ammunition for your record shots, sighters, and possible alibis. Learn
the stages of fire and range commands for the course of fire you will
be shooting. All of this information can be found in your CMP and NRA
Rulebooks. This information will seriously cut back on confusion
throughout the day. You should have your rifle zeroed and ready to go
before you try to compete. You do not need to be a member of the NRA to
enter in NRA Approved Matches. If you are not already a member, you can
still shoot in competition, although membership is not a bad idea.
I hope that you do enjoy the sport, and stick with it. As you shoot
more, your knowledge of the sport will progress, and with knowledge
will come the skill. With the skill, will come an excuse to start
buying stuff. Safe and Happy Shooting!
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The USAMU Service Rifle Team is also answering your
questions pertaining to Service Rifle Shooting including topics such as
Equipment and Ammunition, Shooting Positions and Shooting Techniques and
Tactics. Go to http://www.odcmp.com/usamu/shooting_tips.htm
to view the latest questions and answers. If you have a question you
would like to ask, email USAMU@odcmp.com. |
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