Most common rifle used in matches

Good question. And it would be helpful if those who answer, give some details about what configuration the gun is. Barrel length, sights, anything else relevant to success.
 
AR-15 of some sort, mostly 20" A2 profile or Hbar profile. 16 and 14" models are not uncommon. Usually flat tops with Elcan or variable power scopes with adjustments for range/target turrets of some sort.
 
At the DCRA (National ) level, ANY sight goes. Nope, there is no separate class for iron sights.

I do know many people who have used large magnification scopes only to see a trend back to low magnification rigs (1 x 5 x 30's making a comeback). It's not uncommon to see 3 x9's and 3.5 x 10's show up but ass time goes by people are preferring the lighter models.

And Elcans are kicking my ass these days! Yeah, yah, I know this game is only a ONE way range and the Elcans do very well, so I have to give them (some) credit. ;)

Lots and lots of ACOG's on the line, too! :D
 
Grizzlypeg said:
Oh, so there's no category for shooting an AR with iron sights then?
Click to expand...

There is a class for iron sighted rifles in the US National Match program.
I would suggest that any scope that allows repeatable adjustments for range and windage would be useful. Hungry and I will be trying our new Falcon Menace 1 1/2 - 5 scopes. Price is right, and time will tell if they are a good choice.
 
Tormentor said:
What do most people use in service rifle matches? My guess would be ar15, but I dont know squat, so thought I would ask.
Tor
Click to expand...

My thoughts,
Without a doubt, most people use an AR15 of some kind. Well over 90% I would say.

To excel at this game, if you aren't using an AR, then you will not consistently place in the money. Nothing comes close to beating an AR.

The Sig is rare, and those that do make it to the range, just don't seem to do all that well with it.

You need a good optical sight that can resolve the 500m target. Elcans are fine. The most practical would be a nice Leupold 3-9 power Mark 4. The ACOGs just won't cut it at 500, so it will put you at a disadvantage. If you have the donut reticle, then you are limiting yourself to under 200m for the most part. The Eotech is even more of a disadvantage than using the stock iron sights.

You need a good bullet with good speed to do consistently well at 500m. Remember, almost 1/3 of your aggregate score will come from the 500m mound. If you can't get SS109 surplus ammo, then you will be looking for a 69 SMK or 68 gr Hornady running at around 2800+ fps. To safely get that speed, you will need at least a 20 inch barrel. The 77 grain bullets are even better, but you will probably need a 1-8 twist or faster to shoot them well.

A 16" or shorter barrel will be competitive at ranges under 300m, but you will be at a disadvantage at 400 and 500m.

So, the ideal service rifle for the Canadian game would be something like this:

An AR15 of any of the major brands.
  • - 20 inch barrel (either HBar or Govt profile)
  • - flat top upper
  • - Leupold 3-9 power Mark 4 with M1 target knobs (cheaper than an Elcan)
  • - fixed A2 butt stock.
  • - if you can't get a smooth pull from the stock trigger, then get one of the match triggers (the Armalite Match trigger is fine, and so are the other major brands).
  • - use 5/30 rd magazines and shoot prone with the mag on the ground.
  • - no need to float the barrel, it floats well enough as it is, as long as you don't use a sling or hang things off the forestock.
  • - no need for a rail system
 
sillymike said:
I guess there's not many people using a bolt gun right?
Click to expand...

There is normally one or two that show up during the year. They are there to enjoy shooting that particular rifle and to experience the challenge of it.

The rules allow for any rifle, any sight. It is tough for a bolt action to get all the required rounds off during the rapids and snaps.

If that's all you have, then that's just fine. After awhile, you will be looking for an AR though.
 
I shoot the Garand and M14.... But there are always a lot of ARs on the line.. One or two bolt guns, Im amazed to watch those guys work the bolts in the required times..
 
I thought I could use this as an excuse to get a nice mag-fed bolt action rifle... Ho well, I'll give it a few shots with the VZ58 and get a feel of the timming and see if I could swing it with a bolt gun...

I've done stupier things in life :D
(reading the rule book/course of fire might also be a good idea)
 
Last edited:
sillymike said:
I thought I could use this as an excuse to get a nice mag-fed bolt action rifle... Ho well, I'll give it a few shots with the VZ58 and get a feel of the timming and see if I could swing it with a bolt gun...

I've done stupier things in life :D
(reading the rule book/course of fire might also be a good idea)
Click to expand...

Have a look at the DCRA Precision Rifle Matches, they are listed in the same rule book for NSCC. That is where you could use a nice accurate magazine fed bolt action rifle,, something like the Tikka Tactical T3 in .308.
 
I used to shoot TR many years ago... But I thought I'd give service rifle a go while I can still do the run down.

When I'm too old to hold the various positions... I'll go back to shooting laying on my belly ;)


How much does a match AR weight VS a regular AR? (With scope and all)
 
sillymike said:
I used to shoot TR many years ago... But I thought I'd give service rifle a go while I can still do the run down.

When I'm too old to hold the various positions... I'll go back to shooting laying on my belly ;)


How much does a match AR weight VS a regular AR? (With scope and all)
Click to expand...

Precision Rifle is a little different than Target Rifle.

A match AR doesn't really weigh that much more than the standard ARs you see these days. An Elcan is heavier than a Leupold, and the standard barrels you see on most ARs are the Heavy Barrel profile,, which is not much lighter than an equivalent length match barrell.

Some guys will hang all kinds of things off their picatinney railed upper,, so some of them are heavier than a clean "match" setup.
 
If you are going to have a dedicated rifle for SM and don't want to break the bank for ammo, the AR is the way to go. I shoot my M14 at the service matches to improve my shooting skills for hunting long range, believe it or not. Since I want to simplify my friggin' life, my M14 was a pragmatic choice. One rifle that I can hunt with it, do competition in IPSC and SM, and it's non restricted. It's the only centerfire rifle I own.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom