Getting into competitive shooting?

vranasaurus · January 20, 2009, 12:34 AM

I just recently got the urge to look into competitive shooting. I am really interested in service rifle.

Does anyone have any book or other source that would be good for information about getting into this kind of shooting.

I am interested in learning about how matches are run, equipment(ie the stuff you need and why), and how to get started.

I am really looking for the basics.

Casimer · January 20, 2009, 02:52 AM

www.nationalmatch.us

this book is a little dated, but it's comprehensive - http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Highpow.../dp/1931220050

darkgael · January 20, 2009, 05:27 AM

Here's link to info at the NRA website, http://www.nrahq.org/compete/highpower.asp.
Pete

oldkim · January 20, 2009, 01:16 PM

For service rifle shooting your best option would be to look at CMP - Civilian Marskmanship Program.

You can get some M1A1 too.

http://www.odcmp.com/

kraigwy · January 20, 2009, 02:25 PM

You cant beat the Service Rifle Guide put out by the USAMU, and sold through CMP for $6.95.

I recommend it to all those who partate in my Service Rifle Clinics.

vranasaurus · January 20, 2009, 02:26 PM

Thank you for the replies.

Seems to be a lot of information.

roach4047 · January 22, 2009, 06:04 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/The-Competitive-...09119001r19059

Lot's a valuable info listed in here. The author has several other books available as well.

Roach

darkgael · January 22, 2009, 06:31 AM

+1 about the Zediker book - "The Competitive AR-15". The info about shooting and reloading from Derrick Martin alone is worth the cost of the book.
Pete

vranasaurus · January 23, 2009, 06:42 PM

I am located in Louisville, KY.

P-990 · January 23, 2009, 11:01 PM

In addition to reading, find out if any of your local clubs have clinics. This is one of the best ways to learn the ropes, IMO.

My local club has new shooter clinics every year (usually scheduled for the first cool and rainy Saturday we can find!

), where we teach the fundamentals of the rifles, the shooting positions and how a match is run. Normally we have some kind of match on Sunday after; I think we have also run a "mini-match" the afternoon of the clinic as well.

The Zediker book is also worth it for its content, as is the USAMU guide. And finding a coach or fellow shooter who can show you the pointers is also helpful. Find somebody who is Master or High Master classified and you'll be able to learn alot.

And remember to have fun!

vranasaurus · January 25, 2009, 04:57 PM

As for a rifle, is there that much difference between a 1:8 and 1:7 twist in an AR?

I was planning on using a complete RRA NM A4 upper with a 1:8 barrel. Would this be alright to start with? I know if I shoot it enough I will have to replace the barrel and could then switch out for a 1:7.

Or would it be better to put together an upper with a 1:7 barrel from the get go?

Casimer · January 25, 2009, 06:27 PM

The RRA NM A2 or A4 is a good choice.

I don't think that you'll see much difference between a 1:7 v 1:8 for the bullet weights typically used in HP XTC matches.

vranasaurus · January 26, 2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Of course you picked the one place I don't know anyone from. lol

My advice is get to some of the bigger matches and just be a sponge around the Highmaster guys. most are very helpful. They've been around a long time and they know what works.

I can promise you this. Highpower is not an equipment battle. Maxing a Visa on the latest wigit won't make you win. Get a rifle that'll hold a rock solid minute of angle and when your X ring count gets to a solid 25-30% average trade it in for one that'll shoot sub half minute. You'll see a slight increase in score and your X ring count will jump also. this'll be around the time you start to consistently hold 10 ring elevation back at the 600.

If you get good, don't be afraid to tell yourself that you can win. The best shooters are the ones that have overcome the headgame that rages within themselves.

Spend your money on bullets and gas first.

wish you the best.

Chad

I appreciate the advice. That is why I think I will stick with the plan of the RRA upper. It should make for a fine entry level service rifle..

I think the Kentucky State Rifle and Pistol Association has matches at Ft. Knox so I will look into that and eventually branch out into some larger matches.

January 20, 2009, 12:34 AM	#1
vranasaurus Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2008 Posts: 1,184	Getting into competitive shooting? I just recently got the urge to look into competitive shooting. I am really interested in service rifle. Does anyone have any book or other source that would be good for information about getting into this kind of shooting. I am interested in learning about how matches are run, equipment(ie the stuff you need and why), and how to get started. I am really looking for the basics.

January 20, 2009, 05:27 AM	#3
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	info Here's link to info at the NRA website, http://www.nrahq.org/compete/highpower.asp. Pete __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

January 20, 2009, 01:16 PM	#4
oldkim Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2008 Location: Renton, WA Posts: 462	For service rifle shooting your best option would be to look at CMP - Civilian Marskmanship Program. You can get some M1A1 too. http://www.odcmp.com/ __________________ "Shoot Safetly, Shoot Often and Share Your Sport." Jim Scoutten, Shooting USA Check out my new website: www.shootonthemove.org

January 20, 2009, 02:25 PM	#5
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	You cant beat the Service Rifle Guide put out by the USAMU, and sold through CMP for $6.95. I recommend it to all those who partate in my Service Rifle Clinics. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

January 22, 2009, 06:31 AM	#8
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	Book +1 about the Zediker book - "The Competitive AR-15". The info about shooting and reloading from Derrick Martin alone is worth the cost of the book. Pete __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

January 20, 2009, 02:52 AM	#2
Casimer Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,918	www.nationalmatch.us this book is a little dated, but it's comprehensive - http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Highpow.../dp/1931220050

January 20, 2009, 02:26 PM	#6
vranasaurus Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2008 Posts: 1,184	Thank you for the replies. Seems to be a lot of information.

January 22, 2009, 06:04 AM	#7
roach4047 Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2008 Posts: 189	http://cgi.ebay.com/The-Competitive-...09119001r19059 Lot's a valuable info listed in here. The author has several other books available as well. Roach

January 23, 2009, 06:42 PM	#9
vranasaurus Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2008 Posts: 1,184	I am located in Louisville, KY.

January 23, 2009, 11:01 PM	#10
P-990 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2002 Location: Only1/2WayThere Posts: 1,316	In addition to reading, find out if any of your local clubs have clinics. This is one of the best ways to learn the ropes, IMO. My local club has new shooter clinics every year (usually scheduled for the first cool and rainy Saturday we can find! ), where we teach the fundamentals of the rifles, the shooting positions and how a match is run. Normally we have some kind of match on Sunday after; I think we have also run a "mini-match" the afternoon of the clinic as well. The Zediker book is also worth it for its content, as is the USAMU guide. And finding a coach or fellow shooter who can show you the pointers is also helpful. Find somebody who is Master or High Master classified and you'll be able to learn alot. And remember to have fun! __________________ NRA Master, Highpower Rifle, Across-the-Course NRA Expert, Highpower Rifle, Mid-Range Prone

January 25, 2009, 04:57 PM	#11
vranasaurus Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2008 Posts: 1,184	As for a rifle, is there that much difference between a 1:8 and 1:7 twist in an AR? I was planning on using a complete RRA NM A4 upper with a 1:8 barrel. Would this be alright to start with? I know if I shoot it enough I will have to replace the barrel and could then switch out for a 1:7. Or would it be better to put together an upper with a 1:7 barrel from the get go?

January 25, 2009, 06:27 PM	#12
Casimer Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,918	The RRA NM A2 or A4 is a good choice. I don't think that you'll see much difference between a 1:7 v 1:8 for the bullet weights typically used in HP XTC matches.