First CMP Shoot on Sunday

[TrapperReady]

I'm going to be shooting my first CMP Match this upcoming Sunday. It will be on a reduced course, with 200 yards as the maximum length.

I won't technically be in compliance with the rules, since I'll be shooting a flattop Colt with the detachable carry handle (if I really like it, I'll end up getting a new upper pretty soon). I've got the rifle outfitted with a Turner sling, and have practiced a fair amount (more dry-firing than live rounds due to weather and limited range hours) and am comfortable with shooting all three positions.

Are there specific pieces of equipment which are mandatory (i.e. shooting mat, open-bolt indicator, spotting scope)? Also, what types of magazines are legal/appropriate (although, since the gun itself isn't legal, does it really matter that much)? I've got the 10-round magazine that came with the gun, and a handful of old 30-rounders. Would 20-round mags be preferable, and do you still have to load them in such a fashion as to force a reload (and if so, on which stages)?

I will get to the range on Saturday, and hope to meet and talk with some of the folks who will be practicing. I also want to check my zero and shoot a "practice match".

Any other key pieces of advice?

Thanks!

 

[Steve Smith]

Sure! First things first, welcome to a wonderful sport!

The match is more likely an NRA Highpower match, but that is semantics more than anything at your stage. You are of course welcome to shoot whetever you bring...you'll be in Match Rifle class.

With a good sling tension but no float tube, you'll be bending your barrel some. Try to keep your sling tension the same from shot to shot and it won't kill you on the line. If you decide to get serious about this your comp upper will have a float tube.

Nothing is really mandatory except you. Lots of folks should offer you equipment, so don't feel like you have to buy lots of stuff just to try it...and that includes rifles. An OBI is required for the rifle you're using, though. You can often get them at the match or borrow one. They are sold through Sinclair for about a buck and a half each. Make sure you get the AR-15 type.


For MR, reference this thread we had a while ago: http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10124&highlight=magazine

If you have a standard AR with a flat top, that thread applies to you.

The 20 round mag is about the best mag you can use. Plenty to hang on to, but not so long as to get in the way for prone. The 20 round length 10 rounders would be fine too. The short mags that barely stick out of the magwell would not be advised (immediate action drill).

Mags are loaded as 2 and 8 for Service Rifle or 5 and 5 for match rifle. The latest edition of the rules are at http://www.tngbbs.com/rifle/nra/hp/

Based upon the previously noted thread and the rules on loading for Rapid Fire, it appears that you will load 5 and 5 for your Rapid Fire magazines.

Key piece of advice? There is a ton more time in the rapids than newbies think. Take your time and fire good shots. Breathe.

 

[Steve Smith]

BTW, an old piece of carpet will work for a makeshift mat, and you can get by with a pair of binocs.

You need a heavy glove to protect your sling hand.

 

[TrapperReady]

I plan to use an old poncho liner for a mat, and I'll try our binoculars on Saturday. The range has a handful of spotting scopes that are available to borrow on a first-come, first-serve basis, so I hope to score one on Sunday.

BTW, what's the deal with the heavy glove on the sling hand? I can understand the rest of the pieces of equipment, but that one has always confused me a bit. I had planned to simply wear a shooting glove I use for shotgunning, which is leather with an extra layer on the palm.

Also, if all the targets are being shot at an actual range of 200 yards, is my best bet to simply zero my rifle at that range?

I wasn't able to track down an OBI, but I fashioned one from a dayglo orange bicycle flag (folding it to size and stapling it) that I can fit in the ejection port, with about 3" visible above the receiver and a small portion extending out of the magazine well. Do you think that would be acceptable to an RO, or do I need to scrounge one at the match?

My final question (no really, at least for this post), is that I'm wondering if the sling has to be tight for the standing position, or can I leave it slack so it hangs underneath the bottom of the magazine by an inch or two?

With regards to NRA Highpower vs. CMP, the shoot was listed as "CMP Match" on the bulletin board at the range. However, that may not mean a darned thing.

 

[Steve Smith]

I will try to answer each question in order:

I plan to use an old poncho liner for a mat, and I'll try our binoculars on Saturday. The range has a handful of spotting scopes that are available to borrow on a first-come, first-serve basis, so I hope to score one on Sunday.

Poncho liner could be a little uncomfortable if you are on rocks. Do what you want. Scope and a proper stand will be far better than binocs. A "photography" tripod won't work, so I'd say jsut play with theirs for a while before you decide to drop cash.

BTW, what's the deal with the heavy glove on the sling hand?

If you haven't been practicing with your sling properly you wouldn't understand this. The glove protects your hand from the taught sling. Most shooting gloves or mitts will have all the badding on the outside of the hand because that's where the sling goes. The palm side in insignificant. well, not entirely, but as far as padding goes it is.

Also, if all the targets are being shot at an actual range of 200 yards, is my best bet to simply zero my rifle at that range?

You may eventually start shooting "across the course" which is to say the full course, but even then a base 200 yard zero is preferred.

I wasn't able to track down an OBI, but I fashioned one from a dayglo orange bicycle flag (folding it to size and stapling it) that I can fit in the ejection port, with about 3" visible above the receiver and a small portion extending out of the magazine well. Do you think that would be acceptable to an RO, or do I need to scrounge one at the match?

I'm sure it will be fine. The important thing is that it goes into the chamber, not just the ejection port. Once you're at the match you might find one you can buy from someone and it will probably work better.

My final question (no really, at least for this post), is that I'm wondering if the sling has to be tight for the standing position, or can I leave it slack so it hangs underneath the bottom of the magazine by an inch or two?

The old rule said it had to be tight. Now it doesn't. It can swing down to your knees if you want it to flop around like that. Personally, I have mine just loose enough so that I can get it away from my hands. The sling may not be tight against your hands or aid in support at all in the standing portion.

With regards to NRA Highpower vs. CMP, the shoot was listed as "CMP Match" on the bulletin board at the range. However, that may not mean a darned thing.

I am the type of person that calls a magazine a magazine and a clip a clip. Your Match Director may not be. Or it may not be an NRA Registered or Approved match, and he called it what he thought would be most appropriate.

 

[TrapperReady]

Thank you very much for your prompt and thorough replies.

I'll try using the sling a little differently when I practice on Saturday, and then post my experiences from the match on Sunday night.

 

[Steve Smith]

Its hard to convey how to use the sling unless you're actually there. It should go from the outer portion of your bicep (above it), across the back of your hand, to the sling swivel. Sling tension sould be tight but not to the point of causing a pulse thump. You should not have to hold the rifle up at all.

 

[TrapperReady]

My technique was basically sound, but I tightened up the sling slightly and I see what you mean. I had kept the tension down a little, due to the fact that I don't have a float tube and was concerned about putting too much "bend" on the barrel.

With the lessened pressure, it didn't seem bad just using a light leather glove. However, once I ratcheted the frog up a notch (or two), I could see the benefit of having a little more padding.

I'll play around with it a little more this evening, before I head to the range tomorrow.

Once again, thanks!

 

[Steve Smith]

I take it you're not using a shooting coat?

Once you get to using a shooting coat, you'll have your sling a lot tighter, and you'll see that you most likely couldn't bear the pain of the sling on your hand without a glove.

 

[TrapperReady]

No shooting coat yet. I'll probably just wear a field coat, depending upon the weather.

I'm trying to go "cheap" for now and see how I like it.

Lots of time for more goodies later!