Target
Shooting Focus
HIGH POWER
RIFLE
Just what is High Power
Rifle Shooting? It's an outdoor rifle match involving different ranges, positions and time limits. A National Match Course
(which is what we usually shoot here in Kodiak) consists of four separate matches.
Match one is a 200 yard
slow fire and consists of 12 shots in 12 minutes from the standing position at 200 yards. The first 2 shots are sighting shots
and are not scored.
Match two is a 200 yard
rapid fire. It is shot from the sitting position. The shooter has 2 sighting shots in 2 minutes followed by 10 shots in 60
seconds. A reload is required. Time starts when the targets appear. The targets are lowered at the end
of 60 seconds. The shooter is required to be in the standing position until time starts, he then gets into position and if
he is using a semi-auto -- shoots 2 rounds and reloads with 8 rounds. Bolt actions shoot 5 and 5. Slings are allowed in this
match.
Match three is 300 yard
rapid fire. It is shot from the prone position. The shooter has 2 sighting shots in 2 minutes followed by 10 shots in 70 seconds.
A reload is required. Time starts when the targets appear. The targets are lowered at the end of 70 seconds. The shooter is
required to
be in the standing position
until time starts, he then gets into position and if he is using a semi-auto shoots 2 rounds and reloads with 8 rounds. Bolt
actions shoot 5 and 5. Slings are allowed in this match.
Match four is 500 yard
slow fire. It consists of 22 shots in 22 minutes from the prone position at 500 yards. The first 2 shots are sighting shots
and are not scored.
Service rifles used
in this sport include M1A's (the civilian version of the M14), the M1 Garand, and the AR15. Match rifles
include various bolt actions (mostly Winchesters and Remingtons) and other semi auto rifles. The requirements
are that the rifle holds at least 5 rounds in the magazine and has iron sights.
This is the competition
that qualifies you to purchase an M1 Garand from the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program). Go to http://www.odcmp.com/
to find the current prices and availability.
Shooting one highpower
match will teach you more about rifle shooting than a lifetime of hunting experiences. When you shoot your first X at 500
yards the feeling of accomplishment you feel will hook you into highpower for a long time.
A lot of shooters feel
intimidated by the long ranges and the feeling of being an outsider at the matches. Believe me everyone out there felt the
same way there first time. Also at most matches the competitors will go out of their way to help a "new shooter". Most shooters
do better than they figured at 600 yards too, don't let it stop you.
The Kodiak Island
Sportsman's Association
holds HP Rifle
matches monthly so come on out and give it a try.
