Rifle recommendations for CMP HP

[Pres100]

I’d also try to find a range with HP shooters and talk to them. Prob 75% of the guys I used to shoot with would hook you up with their back up gun, mat, spotting scope and all their gear just to help you out and attract a new shooter. They would probably supply the ammo too!
Most can/will help you navigate through it all and let you try a few things before jumping in head first.

 

[shootinsteel]

Hello All,

I have been shooting steel challenge and USPSA for a few years now and am wanting to get in to CMP HP as well. I have been wanting to get a nice AR-15 for a while now but have never pulled the trigger.

What are your recommendations for a CMP HP rifle? I have been looking at picking up a DD MK12

Thanks, Phillip

I have a Flat Top optics ready AR 15 Service Rifle for sale in the classified section if you are interested. http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/national-match-optics-ready-ar-15.3983366/

 

[akajun]

I have an optics ready NMupper for sale
1/8 twist criterion barrel, wylde chamber 50 rds down the tube, RRA bcg, nm ff tube, upper,
WOA gas block

 

[Hengehold]

I have a Flat Top optics ready AR 15 Service Rifle for sale in the classified section if you are interested. http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/national-match-optics-ready-ar-15.3983366/

That looks like a great startup gun. it is turn-key ready to go. All you need to do is put a scope on top.

 

[Hengehold]

I’d also try to find a range with HP shooters and talk to them. Prob 75% of the guys I used to shoot with would hook you up with their back up gun, mat, spotting scope and all their gear just to help you out and attract a new shooter. They would probably supply the ammo too!
Most can/will help you navigate through it all and let you try a few things before jumping in head first.

+1. When I got started in HP XTC shooting I emailed the match director and he arranged for me to have a "loaner gun" to use for the first couple of matches before I started buying equipment. This would be a great idea for you and it would allow you to get some experience to develop preferences on equipment. These preferences will help to guide your decision making process as you purchase equipment for the sport.

HP shooters as a whole are very eager to grow their sport and they will go out of their way to help someone like yourself get introduced to the sport and have a positive experience.

I totally agree with all the comments about White Oak being a great choice for HP service rifle competition. Their complete uppers for match use are second to none and they are reasonably priced.

Good Luck.

-Trevor

 

[DR_2297]

Don’t over think this.

1. WOA or CLE 20” HP upper in A4 config (flat top) so you can use irons or optics.
2. Build a lower - it isn’t rocket science
A) standard forged lower without integral trigger guard
B) standard Lower parts kit
C) RRA NM, M-K or Geissele NM trigger (has to make 4.5#)
D) fixed A1 or A2 stock or a UBR Gen 1 or Gen 2
E) A1 or A2 pistol grip
F) clamp on bolt release if you so desire

 

[clowdis]

Rock River has an AR that is aimed directly at CMP across the course competition and includes adjustable stock, floating forearm tube, Wilson barrel, and Rock River National Match trigger. Get the 4X Leupold scope from White Oak with their match knobs installed and your ready to go. The only thing that I'd change about it (and did change) is swap out the RR trigger for a Geissele someplace down the road. You'll also want some rubber guards to protect your left hand and glove from the sharp edges of the Pic. rails on the handguard. A straight forward, purpose built rifle.

https://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=253

 

[SWRichmond]

Lots of great advice here. Service rifle is a rifleman competition, not an equipment race. You are actually holding the rifle when you fire it. That means to get started especially you dont need multi thousand $ equipment.

It is important to understand the rules before you spend money. For example, IIRC CMP has specific requirements for the handguard. White Oak can advise you.

Service rifle is well understood. The ammo and loads are well understood. What works and what doesnt is well understood. Most shooters shoot heavies at 600 slow fire but something lighter at 200 and 300.

forums.thecmp.org/forumdisplay.php?f=105

https://www.ar15.com/forums/training/High-Power-DCM-CMP/14/


Buy a good spotting scope and a stand with a stiff pole that will let you use the scope while standing, sitting and prone. Drink lots of water.

 

[PilotPhill]

Got it. Thank you all so much! I really appreciate the help. Those two rifles for sale look very tempting. I am getting rather excited about building my own but I will definitely consider those options.

Yes, I have a friend who shoots and has volunteered to let me use his backup guns whenever I like to start me out so I will probably do that for my first couple of matches.

 

[PilotPhill]

Is there a particular lower receiver that is desired for HP that stands out from the rest or does the lower (I’m talking just the lower, no trigger, stock, etc) not really matter that much?

 

[DR_2297]

Is there a particular lower receiver that is desired for HP that stands out from the rest or does the lower (I’m talking just the lower, no trigger, stock, etc) not really matter that much?

Nope. Any of the popular roll marked receivers are fine. From Anderson to Noveske and anything in between. It just has to be a standard forged lower. I am using the same RRA lower that I started with almost a decade ago.

The RRA rifles are fine and come with a Wilson barrel. They will shoot HM scores if you can. One thing I don’t like about those rifles with iron sights is that the FSB is pinned and therefore non adjustable for windage. This is handy to get the rear sight centered for NWZ.

As far as optics - WOA I believe is no longer able to get Leupold scopes made to their specific configurations.

The RRA NM trigger is a good trigger but the springs relax over time and next thing you know you show up to an EIC match and the trigger won’t make weight. Then you sit there removing the trigger and bending spring legs to make weight only to have it happen again down the road. This doesn’t happen with the Geissele. The Geissele NM is on sale this weekend for like $230.

 

[akajun]

Yea pretty much any quality lower, Anderson, psa, etc don't get fancy. I do recommend the Geiselle NM trigger, but I have rra's also and have never had one not make weight, but I know people who have.
FYI, and I may be in the minority here, don't go on a gear hunt, ie fancy buttstock, quad rai, etc. I like to put my money were it actually matters. I still shoot with a a2 buttstock and a service rifle ff tube foreend.
I do spend money on quality barrels, triggers, scope/iron sights, and a sling.

 

[GSS]

Alrighty, looks like I’ll be going WOA or Compass Lake. Thank you for the advice!

Next question: barrels and chambering. Looks like thee are a few top choices
Krieger, Shilen, Bartlein, etc.
CLE and Wylde
7 And 7.7 twist

I will be using commercial ammo to start but will pick up some components and get reloading soon.

I am glad to see you plan to follow the excellent advice given.

I would suggest find a Distinguished Master / Highmaster Service Rifle shooter in your area and get some basic coaching before developing bad habits on your own.

The AMU guide for Service Rifle shooting is a great yet basic read to get you the basics on the fundamentals. It is a quick read and will save your coach having to explain all the basic's of the basics and can get right to getting you into positions that fit and work for you.
https://nfga.org/wp-content/uploads/highpower/basic_highpower_info/SR_Shooting_Guide_AMU031204.pdf

Using Scopes these days just think of the center dot in your scope as the way they describe front post for focus. Everything else with Position, Head Position, NPA, shot execution, etc still applies when shooting with a scope.

For your 1st upper I'd suggest sticking with the cheaper button rifled barrel from White Oak. Cant go wrong for $740
https://www.whiteoakarmament.com/a4-service-rifle-optic-upper-pre-ban-1-7.html

If you get a good coach to help you, you will just be getting to know what you are doing by the time this barrel is nearing the end of it's useful 600 yard life at around 3000 rounds. If you will be shooting 300 or in reduced course matches the WOA Wilson barrel will be good to go for you for at least 5000 rounds. Barrel swaps are cheap in the grand scheme of things and are considered a consumable item. Like the tires on your truck.

The more expensive cut rifled barrels cost around twice as much typically don't shoot any better than the less expensive button rifled barrels but they do last twice as long making the cost per shot about equal.

If you stick with it how much you shoot each year will be the deciding factor on what is best for you. Primarily to help decide when to re-barrel.

Be prepared to meet some of the best / helpful people you have ever met once you get involved with Service Rifle shooting at your local club / area.

George

 

[PilotPhill]

Thank you all for the advice! Very helpful. Maybe I’ll meet some of you in person at a match soon

 

[Pawnee Bill]

Hello All,

I have been shooting steel challenge and USPSA for a few years now and am wanting to get in to CMP HP as well. I have been wanting to get a nice AR-15 for a while now but have never pulled the trigger.

What are your recommendations for a CMP HP rifle? I have been looking at picking up a DD MK12

Thanks, Phillip

Talk to the guys at Compass Lake Engineering. Nice folks.