NRA Approved Mid-Range Rifle MAtch

[elkhunter7x6]

Ok so I just finished building my first custom rifle. The guns primary purpose is PDogs and other varmits. I have a range close by that holds (I believe) NRA sanctioned Mid-Range Rifle Matches on the first weekend of every month. I have never shot in any kinda of competion but have kinda had the desire the last few years to give it a shot. So the question in all of this is if my rifle would meet the regulations and be suitable to enter in a Mid-Range match event.

Here are the specs on my 6MM BR Norma: Kelby's Stolle Kodiak action, 6mm 10 twist Bartlein #6 contour 26" barrel, Mcmillian A5 stock, Jewel trigger set @ 4ounces, NF NXF 8-32 x 56 scope, harris bi-pod. The total package weighs 15.2 lbs. I have worked up a load for the rifle using 87gr Hornady V-Max's. I have a range set up at the house with my longest backstop at 300yds. The gun is shooting pretty consistently .21-.36moa at 300yds.

Here is a link to the range if anyone is interested. http://www.epcgc.com/

 

[ARshuter]

Yes the rifle will work. Two things come to mind 1) is that weight with the bipod on it, which doesn't really matter because 2) you will have to shoot in the F Open class because of the caliber. In F/O you will be shooting against rifles being shot from a front rest.

 

[SWRichmond]

By all means go shoot the matches. You will be in F Open, but who cares? You will have an awesome opportunity to shoot in whatever wind there happens to be, forcing you to learn to read the wind. Once you learn the match routine, which might seem hectic at first, you begin to notice there is ample time to pay attention to wind changes between shots.

If you decide later you want to go whole hog and build a purpose-built race gun, you can.

 

[chkunz]

Attend one of the matches and observe and learn as much as you can about the process including scoring and pit duty. Read the rules. Mid range prone is the easiest type of competition for a beginner as far as learning the process is concerned (the target is challenging enough). Then plan on attending your first match, during registration identify yourself as an unclassified beginner and ask to be squaded with an experienced shooter who is willing to shoot and mentor a beginner. Most match directors do this anyway. Once you get experience and a classification identify yourself to the match director as willing to squad with a beginner and mentor him, this will give you an opportunity to pay back for what you have learned and you will find that you will benefit by teaching and will also learn at a higher level. Also identify yourself to the match director as someone who is willing to help once you learn the process, help is needed with target work details, registration, match results bulletins, etc.

 

[Medic505]

Great reply T-Rex!

 

[elkhunter7x6]

Sounds like a bipod will be at a bigs disadvantage to the front rest. What would be a good rest? I wouldnt know one from the other.

 

[fayettefatts]

"The gun is shooting pretty consistently .21-.36moa at 300yds."

If you have a rest that will produce these results when shooting prone, then you already have a good rest on hand. Get to that match and see what other shooters are using and enjoy yourself!

 

[blairf]

I went to my first mid range match with my GAP Hospitaller in .308, and a Harris bipod. That rifle is a hammer and was more than enough for that match. I suggest you go shoot and have fun - you may very well be competitive, especially the way your rifle is grouping.

During that first match, several guys offered to let me try their equipment for future upgrades.

Go shoot !

 

[elkhunter7x6]

Thanks for all of the responses. I am looking forward to shooting in my first rifle match.

 

[elkhunter7x6]

fayettefatts,
The gun is shooting great from a bipod on a nice shooting bench! My range at the house only goes to 300yds but my local Gun Range goes to 600yds. I will be trying it out from a prone position from 300-600yds hopefully this weekend.

 

[fayettefatts]

If you are not use to shooting prone, it may take some experimenting to get your position right, but the results should be the same once you do.

The best practice is to shoot in a match.