High power rifle: Difference between revisions

High power rifle
	Shooting in standing position at 500 yards (457.2 meters) at the 2006 Fleet Forces Command (Pacific) Rifle and Pistol Championships, where U.S. Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and civilians competed in team and individual divisions during an annual marksmanship competition.
Characteristics
Team members	Yes
Type	Shooting sport
Equipment	Fullbore target rifles

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High Power Rifle, also called XTC from "Across the Course",^{[citation needed]} is a shooting sport using fullbore target rifles which is arranged in the United States by the National Rifle Association of America (NRA).^[1] The sport is divided into classes by equipment, and popular types of matches include Service Rifle (a service firearm competition), Open, Axis and Allies and metallic silhouette.^{[citation needed]} The term High Power Rifle sometimes also includes the international shooting disciplines of Palma and F-Class by the International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations (ICFRA) which are represented by the NRA in the United States.

Match format

The National Match Course of fire for a high power rifle match has four (4) individual stages that comprise an aggregate match:

Stage 1: Offhand (Standing) Slow fire (10 shots in 10 minutes), 200 yards
Stage 2: Rapid fire (10 shots in 60 seconds with reload), sitting or kneeling, at 200 yards
Stage 3: Rapid fire (10 shots in 70 seconds with reload), prone, at 300 yards Shooters load 2 rounds in one magazine and 8 in the other, or 5 and 5 in some instances like match rifle.
Stage 4: Slow fire (20 shots in 20 minutes), prone, at 600 yards

There are also Regional Match formats consisting of 80 shots for record or a 100 shot format typically used in State Championship matches. When these formats are used, the same stages are used but there is an increase in the number of rounds fired.

Scoring

Scoring combines from a total aggregate of 50 shots worth 500 points. In addition to points, "X" counts are also used to rank shooters in a match. In the center of each target (within the ten ring) is an "X" ring. If a competitor shoots within this ring they receive the ten points for shooting a ten, but also receive an additional "X" which serves as a tie breaker, if needed. For example, if one competitor ends a match with 487-14X (meaning 487 points with 14 X's) and another shooter ends with 487-20X, then the one that shot 20 X's will finish ahead of the one which only shot 14 X's.

Equipment classes

Service Rifle

In service rifle matches, a competitor may use an M1 Garand style rifle, an M1A (M14) style rifle, an SR-25 (M110) style rifle, or an AR-15 (M16) style rifle. AR-15 rifles may use a scope up to 4.5 power. The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Matches also requires shooters to begin in the standing position before moving into the sitting, kneeling, or prone positions for the rapid-fire stages. This is based on the historical origins of military rifle matches and the need to improve and maintain proficiency with military arms for military members and ready civilians for service in times of national need. NRA competitions do not require a competitor to begin in the standing position.

In the 2016 revision of the Civilian Marksmanship Program's "Competition Rules for Service Rifle and Pistol", use of a magnification optic has been authorized, intended to represent the use of the Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) on today's M-16 and M-4 service rifles. Magnified optics are limited to a maximum 4.5x power, and can be of the fixed magnification or variable-zoom type. These optics will also be allowed during the National Matches, hosted in Camp Perry, Ohio. Use of collapsible buttstocks has also been allowed in the 2016 revision.

Open

In addition to service rifle matches, there are also other types of matches that are typically included in High Power Rifle shooting. These rifles can be fired in a match rifle category. Suitable centerfire rifles may be used, including civilian hunting rifles as well as foreign military rifles as long as they are safe and can meet caliber and magazine capacity requirements to complete the courses of fire. A rifle must have a minimum capacity of 5 rounds and be able to be loaded rapidly via a magazine or stripper clips to be a viable choice for competition use.

CMP Games Matches

Another style of popular matches is called CMP games. Such matches permit both US service rifles as well as foreign military rifles (e.g., Lee–Enfield, M1 Garand, Arisaka, etc.). These matches are governed by rules and scoring methods that are very similar to U.S. service rifle matches but are limited by the modifications that can be done to them and the distances they are shot. Games matches are shot typically at 200 yards for service rifles, and 100 yards for carbines. There is also a sniper match where period rifles or copies can be used. This is typically fired in a team format out to 600 yards distance.

Traditional

Traditional High Power Rifle shooting is most commonly done using a rifle with a military web or a Model 1907 leather sling, although custom slings for match rifle are available. A sling is required to be affixed to the rifle for all stages for service rifles. Shooters use a shooting mat, shooting jacket, and wear a specialized glove that is worn on the support hand to dampen pulse, felt recoil, and protect the support hand from the sling which can be very tight during use. The shooting is done at known distances of 100 to 1000 yards from the firing line depending on the format of the match. Some High Power Rifle matches are shot only at 200 yards, such as sometimes seen during specific M1 Garand matches, and Axis and Allies matches, although they are still shot from various positions (standing, sitting/kneeling, prone).

F-Class

Those matches involving F-Class shooting add additional options, permitting use of a bipod, as well as joystick-equipped rests similar to those used in bench rest shooting.

Calibers

Popular calibers often seen in High Power Rifle matches include various .30 caliber rounds (e.g., .30-06, .308, .303 British, 7.62×39mm, 7.62×54mmR, etc.) In F-Class shooting, calibers even up to .35 are permitted.

References

^ "How To Get Started|High Power Rifle Competition". Archived from the original on 2017-09-19. Retrieved 2017-09-23.

External links

[1] "How To Get Started|High Power Rifle Competition". Archived from the original on 2017-09-19. Retrieved 2017-09-23.

[1]

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+{{Infobox sport
-'''High Power Rifle''' is a specific style of [[Shooting sports|competitive shooting]] popular in the [[United States]]. It is also referred to as "Across the Course", '''XTC''', as well as 'traditional' High Power.
+| name       = High power rifle
+| image      = US Navy 060505-N-1159B-055 Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Edgar Perez aligns his sites during the 500-yard off-hand individual standing stage of the 2006 Fleet Forces Command (Pacific) Rifle and Pistol Championships.jpg
+| alt        =
+| imagesize  =
+| caption    = Shooting in standing position at 500 yards (457.2 meters) at the 2006 Fleet Forces Command (Pacific) Rifle and Pistol Championships, where U.S. Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and civilians competed in team and individual divisions during an annual marksmanship competition.
+| union      =
+| nickname   =
+| first      =
+| firstlabel =
+| region     =
+| registered =
+| clubs      =
+| contact    =
+| team       = Yes
+| mgender    =
+| type       = [[Shooting sport]]
+| equipment  = [[Fullbore target rifle]]s
+| venue      =
+| glossary   =
+| olympic    =
+| world      =
+| paralympic =
+| obsolete   =
+| IWGA       =
+}}
+'''High Power Rifle''', also called '''XTC''' from "Across the Course",{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} is a [[shooting sport]] using [[fullbore target rifle]]s which is arranged in the [[United States]] by the [[National Rifle Association of America]] (NRA).<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://competitions.nra.org/how-to-get-started/high-power-rifle-competition.aspx |title=How To Get Started{{!}}High Power Rifle Competition |access-date=2017-09-23 |archive-date=2017-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919072537/http://competitions.nra.org/how-to-get-started/high-power-rifle-competition.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> The sport is divided into classes by equipment, and popular types of matches include Service Rifle (a [[service firearm competition]]), Open, Axis and Allies and [[metallic silhouette]].{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} The term High Power Rifle sometimes also includes the international shooting disciplines of [[Palma shooting|Palma]] and [[International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations|F-Class]] by the [[International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations]] (ICFRA) which are represented by the NRA in the United States.
-Types of matches popular with High Power Rifle include service rifle, open, Axis and Allies, [[metallic silhouette]] and F-class.
-[[Image:M1 Garand rifle - USA - 30-06 - Armémuseum.jpg|right|thumb|M1 Garand rifle]]
-In [[service rifle]] matches, a competitor may only use an [[M1 Garand]] style rifle, an [[M1A]] (M14) style rifle, an [[SR-25]] (M110) style rifle, or an [[AR-15]] (M16) style rifle.  A post front sight is required for the service rifle category.
+== Match format ==
-In the 2016 revision of the Civilian Marksmanship Program's "Competition Rules for Service Rifle and Pistol", use of a magnification optic has been authorized, intended to represent the use of the [[Rifle Combat Optic]] (RCO) on today's M-16 and M-4 service rifles. Magnified optics are limited to a maximum 4.5x power, and can be of the fixed magnification or variable-zoom type. These optics will also be allowed during the National Matches, hosted in Camp Perry, Ohio. Use of collapsible buttstocks has also been allowed in the 2016 revision.
+The National Match Course of fire for a high power rifle match has four (4) individual stages that comprise an aggregate match:
-The standard course of fire for a service rifle match has four (4) individual stages that comprise an aggregate match:
-#''Stage 1: Slow fire (10 shots in 10 minutes), standing at 200 yards''
+#''Stage 1: Offhand (Standing) Slow fire (10 shots in 10 minutes), 200 yards''
 #''Stage 2: Rapid fire (10 shots in 60 seconds with reload), sitting or kneeling, at 200 yards''
-#''Stage 3: Rapid fire (10 shots in 70 seconds with reload), prone, at 300 yards''
+#''Stage 3: Rapid fire (10 shots in 70 seconds with reload), prone, at 300 yards'' Shooters load 2 rounds in one magazine and 8 in the other, or 5 and 5 in some instances like match rifle.
 #''Stage 4: Slow fire (20 shots in 20 minutes), prone, at 600 yards''
+There are also Regional Match formats consisting of 80 shots for record or a 100 shot format typically used in State Championship matches.  When these formats are used, the same stages are used but there is an increase in the number of rounds fired.
+== Scoring ==
-Starting in 2009, Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Matches also require a shooter to begin in the standing position before moving into the sitting, kneeling, or prone positions to start their rapid fire.  [[National Rifle Association|NRA]] competitions do not require a competitor to begin in the standing position.
 Scoring combines from a total aggregate of 50 shots worth 500 points.  In addition to points, "X" counts are also used to rank shooters in a match.  In the center of each target (within the ten ring) is an "X" ring.  If a competitor shoots within this ring they receive the ten points for shooting a ten, but also receive an additional "X" which serves as a tie breaker, if needed.  For example, if one competitor ends a match with 487-14X (meaning 487 points with 14 X's) and another shooter ends with 487-20X, then the one that shot 20 X's will finish ahead of the one which only shot 14 X's.
+== Equipment classes ==
-In addition to service rifle matches, there are also other types of matches that are typically included in High Power Rifle shooting.  In so-called open matches, almost any rifle may be used, including civilian hunting rifles as well as foreign military rifles.  Another style of popular matches is called Axis and Allies.  Such matches permit both US service rifles as well as foreign military rifles (e.g., [[Lee–Enfield]], [[Dragunov sniper rifle|Dragunov]], [[SKS]], [[Arisaka]], etc.).  These matches are governed by rules and scoring methods that are very similar to U.S. service rifle matches.
+=== Service Rifle ===
+In [[service rifle]] matches, a competitor may use an [[M1 Garand]] style rifle, an [[Springfield Armory M1A|M1A]] (M14) style rifle, an [[SR-25]] (M110) style rifle, or an [[AR-15]] (M16) style rifle. AR-15 rifles may use a scope up to 4.5 power.
+The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Matches also requires shooters to begin in the standing position before moving into the sitting, kneeling, or prone positions for the rapid-fire stages.  This is based on the historical origins of military rifle matches and the need to improve and maintain proficiency with military arms for military members and ready civilians for service in times of national need.  NRA competitions do not require a competitor to begin in the standing position.
+In the 2016 revision of the Civilian Marksmanship Program's "Competition Rules for Service Rifle and Pistol", use of a magnification optic has been authorized, intended to represent the use of the [[Rifle Combat Optic]] (RCO) on today's M-16 and M-4 service rifles. Magnified optics are limited to a maximum 4.5x power, and can be of the fixed magnification or variable-zoom type. These optics will also be allowed during the National Matches, hosted in Camp Perry, Ohio. Use of collapsible buttstocks has also been allowed in the 2016 revision.
-F-Class is another style of High Power Rifle match that falls within High Power Rifle shooting, having an entirely different set of rules.
+=== Open ===
-Some High Power Rifle matches are shot only at 200 yards, such as sometimes seen during specific M1 Garand matches, and Axis and Allies matches, although they are still shot from various positions (standing, sitting/kneeling, prone).
+In addition to service rifle matches, there are also other types of matches that are typically included in High Power Rifle shooting.  These rifles can be fired in a match rifle category. Suitable centerfire rifles may be used, including civilian hunting rifles as well as foreign military rifles as long as they are safe and can meet caliber and magazine capacity requirements to complete the courses of fire.  A rifle must have a minimum capacity of 5 rounds and be able to be loaded rapidly via a magazine or stripper clips to be a viable choice for competition use.
+=== CMP Games Matches===
-Popular calibers often seen in High Power Rifle matches include 5.56 (.223), as well as various 30 caliber rounds (.30-06, .308, .303 British, 7.62×39mm, 7.62×54mmR, etc.)  In F-Class shooting, calibers even up to .35 are permitted.
+[[File:M1 Garand PPsh-41 Sturmgewehr 44.jpg|thumb|right|A U.S. [[M1 Garand]], a Soviet [[PPSh-41|PPsh-41]] and a German [[Sturmgewehr 44]].]]
+Another style of popular matches is called CMP [https://thecmp.org/wp-content/uploads/CMPGamesRules.pdf games]. Such matches permit both US service rifles as well as foreign military rifles (e.g., [[Lee–Enfield]], M1 Garand, [[Arisaka]], etc.).  These matches are governed by rules and scoring methods that are very similar to U.S. service rifle matches but are limited by the modifications that can be done to them and the distances they are shot.  Games matches are shot typically at 200 yards for service rifles, and 100 yards for carbines.  There is also a sniper match where period rifles or copies can be used.  This is typically fired in a team format out to 600 yards distance.
+=== Traditional ===
-Traditional High Power Rifle shooting is most commonly done using a rifle with a military web or leather sling attached, with the shooter using a shooting mat, wearing a shooting jacket, and using a specialized glove that is worn on the support hand.  The shooting is done at fixed, specific distances from the target line. Both loop slings, affixed at only the front end of the rifle stock, as well as hasty-slings, affixed at both the front and rear of the rifle stock, are also often used.  Those matches involving F-Class shooting add additional options, permitting use of a bipod, as well as joystick-equipped rests similar to those used in bench rest shooting.
+[[File:M1 Garand rifle - USA - 30-06 - Armémuseum.jpg|right|thumb|M1 Garand rifle]]
+Traditional High Power Rifle shooting is most commonly done using a rifle with a military web or a Model 1907 leather sling, although custom slings for match rifle are available.  A sling is required to be affixed to the rifle for all stages for service rifles.  Shooters use a shooting mat, shooting jacket, and wear a specialized glove that is worn on the support hand to dampen pulse, felt recoil, and protect the support hand from the sling which can be very tight during use.  The shooting is done at known distances of 100 to 1000 yards from the firing line depending on the format of the match.
-== F-Class ==
+Some High Power Rifle matches are shot only at 200 yards, such as sometimes seen during specific M1 Garand matches, and Axis and Allies matches, although they are still shot from various positions (standing, sitting/kneeling, prone).
-F-Class is a rapidly growing precision shooting sport subset of High Power Rifle shooting.  F-class is shot solely prone at distances over 300 to 1200 yards. With the object to place shots as close to the center, or “Bull” as possible.<ref>http://dcra.ca/fclass.php</ref> Competitors may use almost any caliber rifle (up to .35 caliber), a scope, and a front and rear rest or a bipod. It is a sport that was started in Canada, by the late George “Farky” Farquharson, after whom the sport is named.<ref>http://dcra.ca/fclass.php</ref> In the United States,  J.J. Conway is considered the “grandfather of F-Class”. <ref>http://www.accurateshooter.com/guns-of-week/gunweek063/</ref> F-class shooters use targets half the size of (and often shoot concurrently with) the world's long-range Palma shooters.  See the High Power Rifle rulebook for more information on F-class competition.
-F-Class matches are all slow-fire, prone shooting ‘for score’. There are primarily two courses of fire in most major F-Class tournaments. A Palma match consists of three stages, 800, 900 and 1000 yards, with 15 shots for record at each distance. At 800 yards, the shooter is allowed unlimited sighters. However, only two sighters are allowed at 900 yards and 1000 yards. That dictates a different strategy for the longer distances. A tournament may consist of two or three Palma matches. The other course of fire that we commonly shoot has stages at 600 yards and 1000 yards, with 15- or 20-shot strings at each distance. A tournament will be three to five strings at each yardage, usually with unlimited sighters for each string.<ref>http://www.accurateshooter.com/guns-of-week/gunweek063/</ref>
+=== F-Class ===
-There are two classes in F-class competition: F-Open and F-TR. F-TR is a restricted category where a shooter must shoot unmodified .223 or .308 cartridges with a rifle using a bipod in front with a weight limit of 18.18 pounds.  F-Open allows any cartridge, uses a front rest like used in bench rest shooting, and has a higher weight limit of 22 pounds.<ref>http://compete.nra.org/documents/pdf/compete/RuleBooks/HPR/hpr-book.pdf</ref>
+[[File:BCM Europearms F-Class OPEN.jpg|thumb|right|An F-Class Standard rifle with a scope and bipod.]]
+Those matches involving [[International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations|F-Class]] shooting add additional options, permitting use of a bipod, as well as joystick-equipped rests similar to those used in bench rest shooting.
-== Palma ==
+== Calibers ==
+Popular calibers often seen in High Power Rifle matches include various .30 caliber rounds (e.g., .30-06, .308, [[.303 British]], [[7.62×39mm]], [[7.62×54mmR]], etc.) In F-Class shooting, calibers even up to .35 are permitted.
-Palma competition dates from 1876, featuring long-range rifle shooting, out to 1,000 yards. The first Palma match was contested by teams from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Scotland and Ireland (with muzzle loaded rifles at that time). The matches continued to the late 1920s, and the trophy was eventually lost in Washington DC around the outbreak of WW2. The match was revived in the modern era in 1966 in Canada, and continues between teams from around the world. The PALMA bolt action rifles are 7.62mm NATO caliber (Winchester .308) and fire Match Grade ammunition using a 155 grain bullet using micrometer aperture (iron) sights. [9] The last two International Long-range Target Rifle Matches were held in Australia in 2011 and the U.S. in 2015, were won by Great Britain.[10]
 ==See also==
+* [[International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations]] (ICFRA), the international sanctioning body of [[fullbore target rifle]] (Palma and F-Class)
-*[[Civilian Marksmanship Program]]
+* [[National Rifle Association of America]]
-*[[Designated marksman]]
+* [[Civilian Marksmanship Program]]
-*[[Marksmanship Badge (United States)]]
+* [[Project Appleseed]]
-*[[National Rifle Association]]
+* [[Marksmanship Badge (United States)]]
-*[[Project Appleseed]]
-*[[Shooting sport]]
 == References ==