NRA High Power consist of:
10 shots slow fire standing in 10 min at 200 yards, single loading
10 rounds setting rapid fire in 60 seconds, including a mag change at 200 yards.
10 rounds prone rapid fire in 70 second, including a mag change at 300 yards.
20 rounds slow fire prone in 20 min. at 600 yards, single loading.
That is considered the National Match Course. More commonly you'll fire 20 rounds slow fire standing, and two 10 shot stings in setting and prone rapid fire, and 20 rounds slow fire pone at 600 consisting of an 80 round match.
In the 80 shot course you normally have two sighters at each stage.
In standing you cant use a sling, but the sling is used for support in setting and prone positions.
Iron sights are used throughout. The most common rifle used now is the AR. The NRA and the CMP have different rules as to what rifle you can use. An example the NRA allows AR 10s. the CMP doesn't. If rules conflict the CMP ruled govern.
Min equipment is the rifle w/sling, two mags. spotting scope, mat, of some sort, shooting glove to protect the support hand from the sling. I heavy coat is used to dampen the heart beat in the arm stuck through the sling.
The best guide you can find ref. High Power shooting is the Service Rifle Guide put out by the CMP:
http://estore.thecmp.org/store/catal...4=¬e5=&max=
Best $6.95 you'll ever find, written by the best shooters in the world, the Army Marksmanship Unit. it covers everything you need to know.
http://estore.thecmp.org/store/catal...4=¬e5=&max=
In choosing your rifle I would highly recommend you use the rifle rules in the CMP rule book. Eventually if you get into high power you'll want to work toward your Distinguished Rifle Badge, that is a CMP program.
A good cheap and effective way to get started is the CMP Vintage Rifle Games. Don't let the name fool you. If covers pretty much everything you need in High Power. Only the price of the rifles and other equipment is cheaper. You only shoot at 200 yards with the same position stages as high power.
The CMP has clinics (Called Garand Clinics but cover many other rifles, the principals are the same). They are conducted all over the country by CMP Master Instructors and will go a long way in getting you started.
Check here for a Clinic in your area.
https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.p...r_value=CLINIC
The clinics don't cost much some times are free, depending on if there is a range fee involved. I don't charge anything for the clinics I conduct.
To give you an idea of the cost difference. An NRA Match service rifle will cost in excess of $1200. You can buy a M1 Garand from the CMP for $625.
The Garand can be used in any NRA High Power or the CMP EIC matches.
The CMP games is a good place to start.
Visit
www.odcmp.com for more information.
I've been shooting high power since 1977, coached the Alaska NG rifle team for years, and am currently a CMP GSM Master Instructor. Don't hesitate to PM me if you have any questions.
High Power is probably the best place to learn the pure fundamentals of rifle shooting.
Hope this helps.