We often receive inquiries about our 600 and 1000 yard high power matches. Most recently we’ve received a spate of questions about the types of rifles that can be used. To help clear up these questions, we’ll address them in a series of blog posts. In this first post, we’ll briefly cover the types of rifles used.
Firstly, it should be stated that the 600 and 1000 yard competitions held by PVGC are NRA High Power Rifle mid range and long range matches and are conducted in accordance with the most current NRA rules. Although the rifles described below are quite different, any may used in our matches because the course of fire is the same. Additionally, match winners are determined for each rifle division.
Official NRA rule books can be downloaded from the NRA’s Competitive website. Download NRA Rule Books. Its recommended that anyone interested in NRA matches read the rule book as many useful topics are covered including courses of fire, types of targets used, scoring procedures, equipment, etc. This post summarizes the types of rifles described in the NRA High Power Rifle rule book.
Briefly, mid range and long range competitors are divided into two broad divisions as determined by the type of rifle being used: F-Class and Match Rifle. F-Class rifles are shot from the prone position using a front support while Match Rifle is shot from the prone position using a sling. Within F-Class and Match Rifle divisions are several subdivisions and are further differentiated by the characteristics of the rifle.
F-Class (front support)
Example of an F-Class Rifle
F-TR
- Caliber/Cartridge: .223 Remington or .308 Winchester
- Bullet Weight: no restriction
- Rifle Support: sling or bipod only. Bipods must be attached to the rifle. Rear bags allowed.
- Trigger: must be manually operated, no weight limit, must be safe
- Sights: any sighting system allowed, no restriction of scope magnification
- Weight: under 18.18 pounds, including sights, bipod and other attachments
- Muzzle breaks not allowed
F-Open
- Caliber/Cartridge: no more than .35
- Bullet Weight: no restriction
- Rifle Support: front rests or bipods. Rear bags allowed.
- Trigger: must be manually operated, no weight limit, must be safe
- Sights: any sighting system allowed, no restriction of scope magnification
- Weight: under 22 pounds
- Stock: forend not to exceed 76mm
- Muzzle breaks not allowed
Match Rifle (sling)
Example of a Match Rifle
Service Rifle
- issued by U.S. Armed Forces (.30 M1, 7.62 mm M-14, 5.56 mm M-16, 7.62 mm M-110, and CMP rifle)
- Trigger: 4 1/2 pounds
- Sights: issued metallic sights or a optical sight with no greater than 4.5 magnification
- Stock: issued
- Rifle Support: sling only
- Weight: no restriction
- full-auto fire disabled
Any Rifle (aka Any-Any)
- Caliber/Cartridge: no more than .35
- Bullet Weight: no restriction
- Sights: any sighting system allowed, no restriction of scope magnification
- Rifle Support: sling only
- Stock: no restriction
- Weight: no restriction
- Muzzle breaks not allowed
NRA Match Rifle
- Caliber/Cartridge: no more than .35
- Magazine: required, no less than 5 round
- Trigger: must be manually operated, no weight limit, must be safe
- Sights: metallic
- Rifle Support: sling only
- Stock: no Schuetzen type buttplate
- Weight: no restriction
- Muzzle breaks not allowed
Palma Rifle
- Caliber/Cartridge: .308/7.62 or .223/5.56 NATO cartridges
- Trigger: must be manually operated, no weight limit, must be safe
- Sights: metallic
- Rifle Support: sling only
- Stock: no Schuetzen type buttplate
- Weight: no restriction
- Muzzle breaks not allowed
NOTE: these descriptions are an interpretation of the current NRA rule book including with the 2017 rule book addendum.