Rifle class specifications

[DShortt]

I have never looked into the competition shooting sports before and only know a couple of guys who compete. One shoots in pistol matches and another shoots PRS.

Is there an information source that outlines the rifle guidelines?

I'm sure this sounds like a ridiculous question to many here but again, I'm completely new and I've no one local I can ask.

Thanks in advance for constructive advice.

 

[LHSmith]

For Shortrange BR- See the rules for the following organizations that run sanctioned matches_
* Internationalbenchrest.com
*nbrsa.org
*ultimatebenchrest.com

 

[K22]

It's not a ridiculous question at all.

The NRA (National Rifle Association) has numerous publications on both pistol and rifle competition rules for various competitions they sponsor. In addition, they have specifications for the targets used in those competitions.

 

[DirtySteve]

Check on line for the governing body of the type of matches you would like to participate. Also see what type matches are within a tolerable driving distance. Some folks are willing to drive further than others. It is 75 miles to the grocery store for me so I tolerate longer drives.

 

[jackieschmidt]

What are your interest?

 

[DShortt]

What are your interest?

Actually that's a difficult question for me to answer. I rather like the concept of PRS shooting because it's not so much about the arrow as the Indian but I'm nearly 60 so the physical requirements are something that would likely cause me problems.

Please do not read anything into that statement. I'm not implying that any competitive shooting sports do not require skills. Far from it.

I'm simply saying a discipline that isn't as heavily focused on equipment appeals to me more.

 

[Fast14riot]

I wish silhouette was more popular still. Was a good game that didn't require the absolute best equipment. Same for service rifle, but everyone shoots the same gun.

 

[LHSmith]

Actually that's a difficult question for me to answer. I rather like the concept of PRS shooting because it's not so much about the arrow as the Indian but I'm nearly 60 so the physical requirements are something that would likely cause me problems.

Please do not read anything into that statement. I'm not implying that any competitive shooting sports do not require skills. Far from it.

I'm simply saying a discipline that isn't as heavily focused on equipment appeals to me more.

I'd have to argue that there is a lot more "Indian" to SR BR than you may think. The most successful competitors learn to compensate for "conditions" ( wind, mirage, and light). True, you need an accurate rifle (one you can trust to say that bad shot was on me- not the gun/ load) to start with. But you must learn what your rifle likes in varying conditions that one can normally expect to encounter at various match venues- aka "tuning". It is rare that one just goes to the "line" and holds the reticle on a bull and pull the trigger. Invariably you must "hold-off" (a judgement call) to what the sighter rounds tell you. Tweaking scope adjustments throughout the match aggregate will not work out too well.
In addition, in the Score game there is a strategic importance in how the rounds are fired sequentially to best take advantage of the Creedmoor Rule (a tie breaker).

 

[JEFFPPC]

Creedmore......speaking of stupid. It's a shooting match, have a shooting tie breaker. It's just as stupid as the argument we Can't change a rule, target or whatever to increase the appeal or life of a given discipline because of existing records. Retire those and start new records. So your 60 and have some mobility concerns that will not get better over time, you have been given some good advice as far as see what is available in your area. Visit some matches to find out what they are about and if you fit in with crowd. See what equipment you will need the and cost. Some homework will save you time and money in the long run. Do you want the formal heavily ruled format of the organization's or are you more comfortable at club shoots. Bottom line is to do well at any level it will require work, time, and dollars. It can be a lot of fun, rewarding as your skill increases, and a way to find new challenges and friendships.

 

[Liven The Dream]

Actually that's a difficult question for me to answer. I rather like the concept of PRS shooting because it's not so much about the arrow as the Indian but I'm nearly 60 so the physical requirements are something that would likely cause me problems.

Please do not read anything into that statement. I'm not implying that any competitive shooting sports do not require skills. Far from it.

I'm simply saying a discipline that isn't as heavily focused on equipment appeals to me more.

F/ Class is Heavy on Equipment and $$$$
Rim Fire Factory Class Rifles at 50 and 100 yard could cost less ?

Go to a couple Ranges to see different matches, have Fun.

 

[JimPag]

Creedmore......speaking of stupid. It's a shooting match, have a shooting tie breaker. It's just as stupid as the argument we Can't change a rule, target or whatever to increase the appeal or life of a given discipline because of existing records. Retire those and start new records. So your 60 and have some mobility concerns that will not get better over time, you have been given some good advice as far as see what is available in your area. Visit some matches to find out what they are about and if you fit in with crowd. See whay equipment you will need the and cost. Some homework will save you time and money in the long run. Do you want the formal heavily ruled format of the organization's or are you more comfortable at club shoots. Bottom line is to do well at any level it will require work, time, and dollars. It can be a lot of fun, rewarding as your skill increases, and a way to find new challenges and friendships.

Oh your so right about a creedmore. In IBS short range anyway, if your shooting a 100-200 yard match and 2 shooters tie in the grand agg, they give the creedmore win to the shooter who placed higher at 100. Really! Should be the other way around because as we all know it's easier to shoot a 100 yard match than a 200. This game that I use to play has become very stale. Then there are the people who don't want to change things that make more sense. We have this shoot up here called the Firecracker. They shoot 2 days at one range for the 100 and 200 then on the 3rd day they drive over two hours to a second range to shoot the 300. I tried to make it so that we could just shoot the 3 days at that second range and all but 2 of the regulars were all for it and of those 2 there is this one guy [who opposes it]. I found out that he didn't want it to be at that second place with the 300 yard range because it would of been a longer drive to get home from there because he goes back home after shooting both the 100 and 200 yard matches. We had shooters drive over 10 hours from Maryland who use to shoot that match and they told me that they weren't coming up to shoot anymore because you had to get 2 different hotel rooms at 2 different places for that shoot and I don't blame them all because of one shooter.

 

[OMW57]

At our club, we have been shooting at 100 & 200 yards BR, NOT any sanctioned shoots, just for fun & bragging rights! we run FACTORY class, & CUSTOM class, so anyone can bring whatever rifle they have & shoot, we just get together & shoot for fun & the chance to get together & BS!
Maybe see if a club in your area does something similar? Hope you find something close to you that fits whatever you decide to do! JUST GET OUT & SHOOT!

 

[Bottom Fodder]

F Class sometime known as belly benchrest

 

[280ai]

I watched IHMSA handgun steel shooting die a slow death over 20 years because of RULES imo!

 

[Mulligan]

I have never looked into the competition shooting sports before and only know a couple of guys who compete. One shoots in pistol matches and another shoots PRS.

Is there an information source that outlines the rifle guidelines?

I'm sure this sounds like a ridiculous question to many here but again, I'm completely new and I've no one local I can ask.

Thanks in advance for constructive advice.

The 600 yard IBS Nationals start today and run through tomorrow just east of Spickard, MO. I encourage you to take a drive and check it out. Lots of great folks and cool equipment to see.

Light Gun 17 pounds and under
Heavy Gun, no weight limit.

Neither has a stock limitation, must be single fed, 40 cal is the max..... most matches are won with 6 br or variant (Dasher or BRA).

CW

 

[squint-n-squeeze]

Actually that's a difficult question for me to answer. I rather like the concept of PRS shooting because it's not so much about the arrow as the Indian but I'm nearly 60 so the physical requirements are something that would likely cause me problems.

Please do not read anything into that statement. I'm not implying that any competitive shooting sports do not require skills. Far from it.

I'm simply saying a discipline that isn't as heavily focused on equipment appeals to me more.

It sounds like you are describing Silhouette. Most people can compete with equipment they already have. It's a lot of fun, and in my experience the group that shoots it is always really nice and fun to be around. Plus you get instant gratification from knocking over a steel target!

There are a bunch of subcategories:
Smallbore silhouette is probably the most popular (this is shot with a scoped 22lr).
Highpower silhouette (offhand centerfire to 500yd)
Cowboy / Lever action (shot with open sights),
Black powder
Pistol Silhouette
Airgun Silhouette
and I'm probably missing a few.

You can find the rules on the NRA website, and there is a new website with tons of good info on training, gear, and matches here: https://nassasilhouette.org/
The classic silhouette website is here: http://steelchickens.com

 

[K22]

I'm simply saying a discipline that isn't as heavily focused on equipment appeals to me more.

I have the same philosophy. When I first started shooting NRA competitive pistol in the 70's, I shot revolvers because I always enjoyed shooting revolvers even though in that discipline, it was a handicap in the time and especially the rapid-fire stages. But I wanted to compete, just to see how competitive I could be with a revolver. That's the way it started.

I got fairly good, qualifying as a Distinguished Expert (285x300) and made our club's Gold Team (top five shooters). I was having fun reaching that level with a revolver. However, my teammates encouraged me to switch to semi-automatics to boost the team's average. So, I caved into the pressure, and I did shoot a litter better, but it was as much fun anymore. I had lost the reasons I got into this sport.

I had to quit competitive shooting in the mid 90's due to an arthritic elbow but I still shoot my revolvers, albeit 2 handed these days but enjoy shooting for score just to measure myself. I approach my rifle shooting the same way, I shoot for score every range session but I'm shooting against myself, measuring myself.

What I learned in competitive shooting was that it was the comradery with teammates that was the most rewarding aspect. It's also difficult, at least it was for me, not to get caught up in the equipment race. So, by all means pursue a competitive discipline that appeals to you, have fun doing it, enjoy the interaction with fellow shooters, but don't fall into the trap I did of getting caught up in the equipment race.

One rifle discipline that you may find fun is hunter's silhouette shooting, shooting animal steel targets at various ranges. I shot this in the 80's, the pistol version and it was a lot of fun. I managed to qualify AAA, again with a revolver.

 

[Will Henry]

I have two rifles I use for centerfire silhouette. Both are Model 70's, both are whatever caliber I want them to be at the time, and both also get used for other disciplines. My main rifle is a short action Model 70 in a Wooster stock, and wearing a 6.5 Creedmoor barrel. With a switch to the laminated Marksman stock and the 308 barrel, it's a prone rifle. With the heavier 308 barrel and a bipod, its a F/TR rifle. With a third stock, a six power scope, and a lighter 308 barrel, it's a passable Hunter Class rifle (I've shot a few 50-5x with it but never kept it together for a 250).
The second rifle is much the same. It has two stocks and a shelf full of barrels. These are mixed and matched according to my intentions that day.
I really enjoy silhouette shooting, although it can be very frustrating! I like the atmosphere. I like that I don't have to obsess over handloading minutia.
I can put together a rifle which, with the aforementioned changes, is usable for silhouette, "F" class, long range BR, short range BR, or prone with a sling.
I enjoy all sorts of shooting, but if I'm being honest, I like messing around with rifles even more. So it is that I compete with equipment which, by some standards, a compromise. Nonetheless, I enjoy it and often am reasonably successful.
So, the requirements for the various shooting disciplines vary quite a bit, but they are all variations on the theme. Pick the type of shooting which appeals to you most, and make your rifle choice based on that. I might add, every discipline rewards skill behind the rifle above all. WH

 

[ronsatspokane]

F/ Class is Heavy on Equipment and $$$$
Rim Fire Factory Class Rifles at 50 and 100 yard could cost less ?

Go to a couple Ranges to see different matches, have Fun.

F Class is a good route to go and does not need to be expensive. I started out shooting FTR with a Savage 223. Of course competition of all sorts is a rabbit hole and I now shoot F Open where my rest alone cost more than that first rifle. That said, I cannot take the recoil for the near future so I pulled out a CZ 527 MTR in 223 and shot a 600 yard match using 69 grain Nosler Custom Comps, Varget, CCI 400's and Lapua brass. I dialed my elevation, focused the little 24 power scope and touched off the first round. I damn near started giggling. I'd forgotten how accurate a 223 can be at 600 yards. Took second in the match in FTR and was well behind an experienced shooter driving his 308 in the same class. At the end of the match however I noticed that my Duplin Bipod had damn near fallen out of the slot. Another couple rounds and the rifle would have fallen in the dirt. Was wondering how I dropped a couple of those points.

So, grab a 223. Do a bit of load development so it shoots and and you have your dope for mid range (300 to 600 hards) then just show up at a match. Among the folks who are shooting someone will be happy to help you out.

 

[cdgaydos]

Consider High Power Rifle…
There are several types of competitions and different rifles/configurations. Service rifle is very much “Indian” vs “Arrow”

In most local matches you can shoot what you have… as long as it’s safe and can get you through the course of fire safely. (No muzzle breaks).

Most matches will have someone to help out beginners and will even have equipment to loan… including rifles. Check with the match director… new shooters are very much welcomed and I encourage you to reach out and do some sort of competition… you will learn a lot, get better and most importantly meet great people.

Long term there is some equipment involved but it’s not crazy and there is a lot of used stuff out there.

Two governing bodies are the NRA and CMP. Very similar, but slightly different…? See attached for rules… in excruciating detail lol.

Good luck!

https://competitions.nra.org/documents/pdf/compete/RuleBooks/HPR/hpr-book.pdf