Where do I start?

What kind of competitive shooting with the AR? Service rifle or three-gun? They are very different and require different equipment.

If you want to go service rifle, then attend a service rifle clinic. Nashua Fish & Game and Reading Rifle are offering them. They may have loaner equipment as well.

I'm not up to speed on what ARs are competitive in service rifle these days. Some folks will be along to tell you. I think White Oak Precision may be one of the favored brands: http://www.whiteoakprecision.com/

For service rifle, you'll also need other gear including:

- spotting scope
- highpower scope stand (don't cheap out on this)
- shooting mat
- shooting log book
- 1/2 a dozen magazines
- elbow pads.
- shooting glove
- shooting cart
- rifle case
- military style sling (leather or cloth, I used a leather Turner sling)

And, finally, you'll need to get into reloading, which is an additional set of equipment. For reloading match rifle rounds, I suggest that you take EddieCoyle's class, as that isn't simple.

Originally Posted by ByeByeClays

I'd have to say service rifle, but I know that usually consists of m1's, 14's, and 16's.. would that include a Colt M4 .223?

You won't want to use an M4. Service rifle shoots at 200, 300, and 600 yards. Most folks these days use AR15s. Since you are using iron sights, you really want the extra sight radius (and muzzle velocity) that you get from the 20" AR15, rather than an M4.

And you'll need a dedicated service rifle upper that was built to maximize accuracy. You'll also need a good trigger. Lots of guys like Geiselle, but there are a number of options.

Derek and others will be along shortly. I haven't shot service rifle in 10+ years and only shot it for a season or so. There's a number of folks here who are Distinguished and thus have forgotten more about service rifle than I ever knew.

Thanks for the info on Service Rifle, appreciate it M1911, I will follow up with the info you provided.

I will say I am far more interested in shotgun competitions overall though, as I have been in a couple and have taken a few lessons at EAF in RI.

Check out Minute Man in Billerica. Dedicated shotgun sports club.

http://www.minutemansportsmen.com/

If you're interested in trying out service rifle, swing by Reading Rifle on sunday morning. It's one of the most active HP clubs in the northeast, and it'd give you some insight into what's involved. You dont need everything in the creedmoor catalogs to get started.

It's hard to beat a White Oak upper and a Geissele trigger (any old lower will work). That combo has won national championships.