Open Letter submitted via email to the highpower, comp admin , and comphelp email addresses:
Dear Highpower Committee and Competitions Division,
I am writing this open letter today to gain a complete understanding of the proper interpretation of a rule change incorporated into the January 2023 revision of the
NRA High Power Rulebook. This letter and any responses received will be published in the forums of
accurateshooter.com in the thread named “Jan 2023 NRA Highpower RuleBook”
Note: for the sake of clarity in this letter, sections copied and pasted from the 2023 rulebook will be placed in quotation marks (“…”).
I ask that the Competitions Division not only answer this letter directly, but also publish the response for all NRA competitors and match directors to reference in the future. This will ensure that consistent interpretations are used nationwide. I humbly suggest that this clarification and any others provided to match directors and/or competitors be placed in a FAQ attached to the rulebooks page of the NRA competitions website.
RULES :
“22. F-CLASS RIFLE RULES
3.4.1 Rifle Rests –
(a) F-Class Open Rifle (F-O) - The F-Open rifle may be supported by a front rest bag, which may be fully adjustable for position but may not provide a positive mechanical method for returning the rifle to itts prior point of aim from the previous shot. The rest may not mechanically capture the fore-end of the rifle in such a way that does not allow the rifle to be lifted directly up from the rest or to be placed directly down into the rest. Any rest which captures the fore-end of the rifle and that will not allow for the rifle to be lifted directly up from the rest shall be considered to be an attachment. The area of contact between the front bag and the rifle’s fore-end will not exceed 76mm x 76mm (2.99 inches x 2.99 inches). The F-Open front rest may be employed for either the rifle’s fore-end or for the shooter’s forward hand. If attached, clamped or held onto the rifle in any way, a front rest must be included in the rifle’s overall weight. The front rest may have up to three “feet”. Each “foot” may terminate in a spike, which may be pressed into the ground by up to 50mm (about 2”), provided this causes no significant permanent harm or damage to the firing point.
…
(9) F-Open Front Rest Bags - The fore-end of the rifle must rest upon and/or be guided by the front bag(s) described elsewhere in this section. The rifle may not be supported or guided during recoil by rollers, wheels, or any other mechanical device.”
QUESTIONS:
1. In 22.3.4.1(a)(9) the phrase “The rifle may not be supported or guided during recoil by rollers, wheels, or any other mechanical device.” Is not clear. What does “supported … by … any other mechanical device” mean exactly?
a. Does this prohibit the use of mechanically adjustable front rests (i.e. coaxial joystick rests or adjustable center post style rests), as those are mechanical devices that physically support the forend of the rifle during recoil?
b. Does this rule prohibit the use of anything other than a filled bag to guide the sides of the forend? Are solid materials or thin felt allowed to be used in lieu of side bags?
c. Are mechanically adjustable side bags allowed (i.e. side tension screws and positioning mechanisms)?
d. Is a free pivoting top to a front rest permitted (i.e. one that allows the front rest to self-align with the forend of the rifle)?
Your rapid response to this inquiry is appreciated.
Respectfully,
Keith Glasscock
Distinguished Rifleman Long Range F-Class, Master Team Coach