NRA/CMP Highpower Match Regulations????

[Liv2Shoot]

I haven't been able to get a clear answer from anywhere.....

Are you allowed to use a 16" carbine to compete, or do I have to go buy a 20" upper?

Are you allowed to use a flat top upper with the detachable carry handle? Last I heard, this was up for debate but I never heard the outcome.

I'd really like to start competing in these matches, but I'd like to use the equipment that I already have. Any information would be great. Thanks.

[kimberkid]

The following is c&p from the NRA website ... it can be found in the Getting Started (http://www.nrahq.org/compete/highpower.asp) section:

Equipment:
Rifle: Rifles to be used in High Power Rifle competition must be equipped with metallic sights (Some long range, 1000-yard matches allow the use of "any sights"), should be capable of holding at least 5 rounds of ammunition and should be adapted to rapid reloading. Tournament programs often group competitions into two divisions, Service Rifle and Match Rifle. The rifles currently defined as "Service Rifles" include the M1, M14, M16 and their commercial equivalents. Winchester and Remington have made their Model 70 and Model 40X rifles in "match" versions and custom gunsmiths have made up match rifles on many military and commercial actions. 1903 and 1903-A3 Springfield, 1917 Enfields and pre-war Winchester Model 70 sporters in .30-06 are all equipped with clip slots for rapid reloading. The most suitable rear sights are aperture or "peep" with reliable, repeatable 1/2 minute (or finer) adjustments. Front sights should be of either the post or aperture type.

Sling: The shooting sling is helpful in steadying the positions and controlling recoil. The sling may be used in any position except standing.

Spotting Scope: A spotting scope or a substitute optical device is important for scoring and observing the placement of shot spotters on the target. The beginning shooter will benefit from the use of about any telescope which gives an erect image. The most suitable spotting scopes, however, have a magnification of from 20 to 25 power and an objective lens at least 50mm in diameter. Eyepieces angled at 45 to 90 degrees are convenient for using the scope without disturbing the shooting position.

Shooting Coat: The shooting coat is equipped with elbow, shoulder and sling pads which contribute to the shooter's comfort. Since there are several styles of shooting coats of varying cost, the shooter is advised to try out several types before making an investment.

Shooting Glove: The shooting glove's primary function is to protect the forward hand from the pressure of the sling. Any heavy glove will serve the purpose until the shooter makes a final choice among several shooting gloves available.

Sight Blackener: The shooter using an exposed front sight such as the blade found on the service rifle will require some means of blackening the sight. A carbide lamp will do this job or a commercial sight black sold in spray cans can be used.

Scorebook: If the shooter is to learn from experience, they should record the conditions and circumstances involved in firing each shot. Sight settings, sling adjustments, wind and light conditions and ammunition used all have a place in the scorebook. Actual shot value is the least important data recorded.

Ammunition: Most competitors eventually turn to handloads. Careful handloading will yield ammunition less expensive and more accurate than otherwise available. Both tracer and incendiary ammunition are prohibited by NRA Rules and armor-piercing ammunition may be prohibited by local range regulations.

===============
The official word I've heard is the definition of an "M16 or commerical equilivent" is the A1 or A2 configuration but the best thing to do is check with whoever is sponcering your event. Typically, you can compete with any rifle as long as it conforms to the rifle definition above, anything that falls outside of the defined "Service Rifle" is classified as a "Match Rifle" ... (even something like an SKS would be concidered a match rifle) but everything outside of the service rifle description the competition can be very tough ...
*note* Thats not to say the Service Rifle class is easy ...

[recon]

Good info!

[recon]

Is there a list of where these matches are held?

[recon]

Hmmmmm.

[kimberkid]

Our club list all matches on the website and posts it at the front gate.
Ours is a very basic site but its available here:

Capital City Gun Club (http://www.capitalcitygunclub.com/)