which rifle for "national match course"

[darogue1]

I want to shoot a course at my gun club so that I can use that to get an ODCMP garand. I have two rifles in mind. My mini-14 or my m1 carbine. I don't want to win just be on the roster and for the experience. I know that I am handicaped from the start going up against match grade M1A's and such but like I said above I think that it will be once and done. Also besides the ammo, what other types of gear do I need to dig out? What are the rules at this type of match Please help me! Thanks gang!!!!!! DAROGUE1

 

[swampyMO]

darogue1,

If this is a "shorty" course of just 100 or 200 yds, use either rifle and have fun. If it is an "across the course" range of 200, 300, and 600 yds match, better stick with the min-14, the .30 carbine just don't have enough oomph to get out to 600.

(NOTE: With the .223 check with the club to see what ammo is allowed. Some ranges won't let you use anything less than a 62 gr. bullet at the 600 yd distance).

You will also need the following items to enhance your first experience with highpower:

1907 leather or M1 cotton web sling.

A padded leather glove or mit to protect your left hand from the slings pressure.

An old piece of carpet to use for a mat. Two ft x 7 ft. is about right. A couple of throw rugs will work in a pinch.

Spotting scope, for spotting your shots.

Practice the three positions beforehand if you can and make sure your zero is correct with the ammo you will be taking.

You can find the CMP National Match rules at their website: www.odcmp.com

Have a ball......

Best regards,
Swampy

 

[fed168]

Sinclair International has a pretty large selection of equipment for matches, from spotting scopes to manuals on shooting.
If worse comes to worse, several match grade ARs are available, maybe a bit easier on your shoulder?

 

[Steve Smith]

Umm, if you're going to shoot a DCM match, you'll be required to shoot a service rifle. M1 Garand, M14, or M-16 or civilian equivalants. Most clubs have quite a few "club guns" that you can use. If it's an NRA Highpower course, then you can shoot whtever you want pretty much, as long as it has open sights, because you'll be shooting as a Match Rifle.

Swampy said this:

1907 leather or M1 cotton web sling.

The cotton sling, although I don't like it, is probably more simple for the person who isn't really interested in learning the finer points of the leather sling. However, if you reall want to get serious, don't buy a leather "match" sling from joe blow, buy a Turner or one from Leslie Tam.

A padded leather glove or mit to protect your left hand from the
slings pressure.

For your first couple of times, a old winter glove will work for this.

An old piece of carpet to use for a mat. Two ft x 7 ft. is about right. A couple of throw rugs will work in a pinch.

I'd go wider...of course, I shoot "across my position" a little, so I take up more room.

Spotting scope, for spotting your shots.

You can use binocs if you're not getting serious. You'll just be looking for the big spotters and score disks anyway (assuming that you'll be shooting at full distance)

Practice the three positions beforehand

Amen! If you have the time and you can afford it (some can't) buy Jim Owen's books, "Sight Alignment, Trigger Controll, and the Big Lie," and "Leather Sling Use and Shooting Positions." His other books are good too, but these two are REALLY good for the beginner.

Just remembered, you don't have to shoot a DCM or NRA Highpower match to qualify for the M1...you just have to "shoot 50 rounds for score at a DCM affiliated club" IOW, you could shoot a water pistol and score your 50 hits at the club, and qualify. However, is it in the spirit of the CMP?