Interested in NRA/CMP Matches

[Lights]

I have been interested in getting into some kind of shooting matches with my AR. I do not wish to shoot in the service rifle category. I love to shoot my varmint/hunting style AR's. I have read that there is an optic class now and a MRP/Tatical category . Does anyone know if there are any of these matches held locally? If so please advise me on how to get info on them. I would really like to participate in these matches.

Thank you,
Mark

[Rip Van Winkle]

Hi Mark,

Both NRA and CMP now allow optics on rifles for matches. CMP allows up to 4.5 power and NRA is unlimited. There are also F-Class matches and leagues locally. The MN Rifle & Revolver Asso. is the place to find information on these kind of matches. http://www.mrra.org/

If your interested in more tactical matches, North Star Rifle Club has a match coming up in December. I don't have a match program, but here's a link to the one from last August. https://docs.google.com/document/d/18ZhP4_XZhZHZH8d9d_kv50NLDOQc-dKIF-os9r7FqyI/edit

[Lights]

Thanks Rip I will check out the December match. I'm also interested in MRP. Don't think F class is my thing but I could be wrong.

[Erud]

Lights,
The NRA Mid Range AR Tactical class is shot concurrently with regular Mid Range prone (sling & f-class) matches, and is sort of a hybrid of traditional sling and f-class. Shooters use an AR-platform rifle with a harris type bipod, (not the fancier dedicated f-class types), and scope power is limited to 12x, I believe. Since equipment is limited, they shoot on the sling target, as opposed to the smaller f-class target. It’s a new class that was just created last year so participation is still small, but people are starting to shoot it. It’s a good way to get some exposure to NRA shooting, which I think is great. There are quite a few Mid Range matches within easy driving distance of the TC metro from April to October.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Erik

[Lights]

That makes sense to me now Erik. Thank you very much.

[xd ED]

I found this article on New Mid-Range Prone Discipline for AR Shooters - Accurate Shooter.com.

Seems like a good way to get more shooters onto the completion ranges with currently owned equipment, presenting an interesting alternative to the F Class equipment race, while still allowing glass.
The NRA and the various clubs/ ranges would do well to better publicize, and promote this discipline.

[Rip Van Winkle]

I found this article on New Mid-Range Prone Discipline for AR Shooters - Accurate Shooter.com.

Seems like a good way to get more shooters onto the completion ranges with currently owned equipment, presenting an interesting alternative to the F Class equipment race, while still allowing glass.
The NRA and the various clubs/ ranges would do well to better publicize, and promote this discipline.

Not that I feel the need to take on anymore responsibilities, but if someone can point me towards an untapped pool of interested shooters who this type of match might appeal to, I might be talked into putting some kind of match together.

[Erud]

I found this article on New Mid-Range Prone Discipline for AR Shooters - Accurate Shooter.com.

Seems like a good way to get more shooters onto the completion ranges with currently owned equipment, presenting an interesting alternative to the F Class equipment race, while still allowing glass.
The NRA and the various clubs/ ranges would do well to better publicize, and promote this discipline.

Not that I feel the need to take on anymore responsibilities, but if someone can point me towards an untapped pool of interested shooters who this type of match might appeal to, I might be talked into putting some kind of match together.

Mark,
There is no need for new matches, this class can already shoot in regular MRP matches. They shoot on the sling target, but use a bipod and scope up to 12x. Randy the Bearded One was putting together a dedicated rifle to shoot in the AR Tactical class last time I saw him.

[Rip Van Winkle]

Mark,
There is no need for new matches, this class can already shoot in regular MRP matches. They shoot on the sling target, but use a bipod and scope up to 12x. Randy the Bearded One was putting together a dedicated rifle to shoot in the AR Tactical class last time I saw him.

Experience has taught me that new shooters won't show up to a match where they think they might embarrass themselves. I was thinking more on the line of a club entry/clinic style match.

And the next time you see the Uncle Si look alike, call him Ocho no bueno. Tell him I said so.

[Erud]

Mark,
There is no need for new matches, this class can already shoot in regular MRP matches. They shoot on the sling target, but use a bipod and scope up to 12x. Randy the Bearded One was putting together a dedicated rifle to shoot in the AR Tactical class last time I saw him.

Experience has taught me that new shooters won't show up to a match where they think they might embarrass themselves. I was thinking more on the line of a club entry/clinic style match.

And the next time you see the Uncle Si look alike, call him Ocho no bueno. Tell him I said so.

Yeah, I suppose a clinic wouldn't be a bad idea. I'm used to embarrassing myself everywhere I go, so that part was never a problem for me. This seems to be picking up a little steam at Eau Claire, there have been people shooting AR Tactical class the last few times I've been over there.

[xd ED]

I think a clinic would be a great idea.
Some people are intimidated/ worried about being initially too ignorant, and getting embarrassed.

A thought I had that would be pretty simple and easy-

Let people know it's out there-
On match announcements/ registration forms, add a paragraph explaining a bit about the new discipline, and along with the boxes to check for the various sling, and F Class categories, have a box to check to enter the AR match.

At first, you might get shooters migrating from the other disciplines, and not necessarily increasing overall turnout, but I think word would spread... maybe attract some of the PRS/ tactical dudes, or just some of the millions of AR shooters who want to stretch it out a bit.
I suspect there are those, (like myself) who think they might not survive a July weekend in a shooting jacket, and those not wanting to invest in a full-blown F Class rig that resembles way to much a bench rest set up.
Plus, there's those humongous X-rings you guys shoot at....

[Lights]

Guys this category would take off with some of the thousands of AR guys that do not want to shoot the service rifle or F class. I have been looking for this category to shoot in for 5 years. Most people I talk to including myself up until just the other day, do not know it even exist. I will definitely be at some matches next spring.

Rip I think if we could get the word out. It would be great to put on a beginners clinic so people don't feel so embarrassed/intimidated at there first match. Maybe post a flyer at the local r a ranges. Good way to introduce some of the AR nuts like myself to the matches. All that is really needed to participate is your AR a mat, mags and ammo.

[yukonjasper]

^^^^^^^^^^^this, my two largest barriers ar time and intimidation. I definitely see value in a more practical application of the competition. Developing skills that will help with hunting. The shorter distances maybe means the matches could be spread out instead of the limited number of 1000 yard ranges. Ideally a sportsman's oriented shooting event: trap,skeet, sporting clays and some medium range rifle work.

[yukonjasper]

^^^^^^^^^^^this, my two largest barriers ar time and intimidation. I definitely see value in a more practical application of the competition. Developing skills that will help with hunting. The shorter distances maybe means the matches could be spread out instead of the limited number of 1000 yard ranges. Ideally a sportsman's oriented shooting event: trap,skeet, sporting clays and some medium range rifle work.

[xd ED]

^^^^^^^^^^^this, my two largest barriers ar time and intimidation. I definitely see value in a more practical application of the competition. Developing skills that will help with hunting. The shorter distances maybe means the matches could be spread out instead of the limited number of 1000 yard ranges. Ideally a sportsman's oriented shooting event: trap,skeet, sporting clays and some medium range rifle work.

"...this, my two largest barriers ar time and intimidation.."

I can't help you with time management, but as to embarrassment, and intimidation...

If you show up willing to learn, and are safe, you will be welcome, and find no end to the assistance you'll encounter.
In this area of the country, there are several national class, and world class shooters of many disciplines. You'll find them, as their time allows, to be some of your greatest resources, and downright nice guys.
The guys in this thread are no exception.

Last year, at one of the first matches I attended, the guy scoring for me suggested I take a short break, while he pointed out a few things about wind, and a few basic procedures...I'd never met the guy before, but he sounded like he knew what he was talking about...
...this year he smoked the completion at the national championships.

Don't let concerns about the nonexistent keep you from showing up, and once you show up you've already won something...Any day at the range is almost always better than a day spent somewhere else...especially if yard work is involved.