What is Match Rifle?

What is NRA/CMP Match Rifle Competition?

Match Rifle competition is the advanced category of NRA and CMP Highpower Rifle shooting. It’s similar in format to Service Rifle, but with far fewer equipment restrictions — allowing shooters to use highly tuned rifles and optics designed for ultimate precision.

Match Rifle competitors fire from multiple positions (standing, sitting, and prone) at distances ranging from 200 to 1,000 yards. The result is a discipline that blends traditional marksmanship with modern precision engineering.

The Basics of Match Rifle

  • Governing Bodies: National Rifle Association (NRA) and Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)

  • Distances: Typically 200, 300, 600, and occasionally 1,000 yards

  • Positions: Standing, sitting, and prone

  • Targets: NRA Highpower paper bullseye targets

  • Course of Fire: Usually 50 or 80 rounds, fired in timed stages for slow and rapid fire

Match Rifle vs. Service Rifle

The two disciplines share a similar course of fire, but Match Rifle allows far more flexibility in rifle setup and optics.

Feature Service Rifle Match Rifle
Rifles AR-15, M1A, or M1 Garand (mil-spec configuration) Custom bolt or semi-auto rifles
Optics Max 4.5x magnification Any magnification scope allowed
Calibers .223/5.56 or .308/7.62 Any safe caliber under .35
Weight Limits Strict No fixed limit
Purpose Preserve military-style marksmanship Maximize precision and innovation

Match Rifle competitors often use bolt-action rifles chambered in 6mm or 6.5mm cartridges (such as 6mm Creedmoor, 6XC, or 6.5 Creedmoor) for superior ballistic performance.

Equipment Used in Match Rifle

Common Setup Includes:

  • Custom-built precision rifle

  • Variable-power scope (often 15x–25x)

  • Adjustable stock and cheek piece

  • High-quality trigger (usually around 2 pounds)

  • Shooting sling for sitting and prone

  • Shooting coat, mat, glove, and spotting scope

Unlike Service Rifle shooters, Match Rifle competitors can experiment with barrel profiles, optics, and calibers to achieve the best long-range accuracy.

Rules and Match Format

Each stage is fired under specific time limits and positions:

  • 200 yards – Standing (Slow Fire): 10 shots, 10 minutes

  • 200 yards – Sitting (Rapid Fire): 10 shots in 60 seconds with a reload

  • 300 yards – Prone (Rapid Fire): 10 shots in 70 seconds

  • 600 yards – Prone (Slow Fire): 20 shots, 20 minutes

Matches may be fired individually or as part of Across-the-Course events, Mid-Range (600-yard), or Long-Range (1,000-yard) matches.

Tips for Success in Match Rifle

  1. Perfect Your Positioning: Balance comfort and stability for each position.

  2. Master Wind Calls: Especially at 600 and 1,000 yards, wind is the biggest variable.

  3. Develop Consistent Ammo: Handloading is common for accuracy and uniformity.

  4. Use Quality Optics: Clear, repeatable adjustments matter more than high magnification.

  5. Keep Detailed Notes: Track zeros, conditions, and performance in a data book.

Why Shoot Match Rifle?

Match Rifle competition offers freedom and precision. It attracts shooters who want the skill-based challenge of traditional Highpower combined with the accuracy of modern custom rifles.

It’s a discipline where small improvements in form, load tuning, or optic setup can mean the difference between a 9 and an X. For those who love precision shooting, Match Rifle competition delivers both tradition and technical excellence.

Creedmoor Sports supports NRA and CMP Match Rifle shooters with premium slings, mats, coats, rests, and optics.