NRA High Power Rifle Matches

[gregthehand]

I'm thinking about getting into the NRA rifle matches and I wanted to get everyone's opinions on if the matches are fun, what gear I'll need, and if a RRA National Match AR15 would be a good rifle for the service category. I'm familiar with the platform and shooting targets that far out with one and know it can do it. I'd like to not spend a ton of money on a rifle right off the bat. Will one in an A4 configuration work?

[BobCat]

Very much fun, very challenging, and the people are very supportive and accepting.

The RRA National Match will take you to Expert or Master. It has a free-float tube under the handguard so the sling does not influence barrel vibrations, and a good two-stage trigger.

You need a sling, shooting coat, spotting scope and stand, mat, and maybe a stool / cart (look at Champion's Choice or Creedmore Sports for pictures).

I may be incorrect but I think A4 is flat top. Service Rifle is iron sights and some removable carry handles do not have enough elevation to shoot 600. You can adjust the front sight, but generally people set that and lock it with a set screw from the bottom so it does not wobble. You can modify the slot in the elevation screw (where the roll pin goes through to keep it from unscrewing all the way) to get the elevation, but for XC (across the course - regular standing/sitting @ 200, prone rapid @ 300, prone slow @ 600) you might want to just go with an A2 fixed carry handle. Or ask RRA if their carry handle will give you 18-20 minutes of elevation from all the way down.

Scoped is F-Class, prone, Mid-Range is 300 or 600 (Bayou alternates by month - 300 is two weeks from this Sunday i.e. June 19th). 66 rounds (three 20-shot slow fire strings plus two sighters each time); .223 or .308 with a bipod is F/TR (Tactical Rifle). With front and rear rests, any caliber, F-Open.

Next XC at Bayou Rifles in Juliff is a week from this Sunday, i.e. June 12th. Greenwood may be sooner but I don't know. If you want to observe, come on down. If you do come, just so you have the option to do more than observe, bring your rifle and 88 rounds (20 rounds plus 2 sighters each stage, no 55 grain past 300 - you want 77 or 80 grain for 600) and any coat you have; someone will lend you a scope and mat. Sign-in 7-7:30.

You'll have fun even if you just observe, but you might be annoyed at yourself if you don't bring your rifle and ammo.

Have fun!

Regards,
Andrew