While researching & sourcing components for the AR service rifle I have wanted to build, I ran across some buzz on a couple forums regarding a potential CMP rule change that would allow optics for service rifles. Checking the CMP forum, I noted the following reference to a note from CMP's COO regarding rule changes up for vote:
Service Rifle:
1) The only alibis that will be permitted are range alibis (no fault of the shooter).
2) Optics will be allowed on rifles that weigh 11.5 lbs., total with optic installed. Optics will only be allowed on the AR platform. The optic maximum magnification will be 4.5 power. There will not be a separate category for optical sighted ARs.
3) No weight limit on iron sighted, non-optical sighted ARs, i.e. you can shoot the current configured service rifle just as it is with no weight restrictions.
4) Only .223/5.56 NATO will be allowed for ARs, .308/7.62 NATO for M14 platforms, .308/7.62 NATO or .30/06 for M1 Garands.
5) M-4 type stocks will be allowed on the AR platforms.
If the rules pass the up-coming CMP Rules Committee meeting the new rules package will be implemented in the 2016 CMP Rules for Service Rifle and Service Pistol. Just a note a service rifle with no lead front or back weighs 10.9 pounds with carry handle installed. Remove the carry handle and install a 1-4.5 power scope and rings you get 11.25 lbs. With that said we set the weight limit with optics at 11.5 lbs. If you want to shoot with a scope you will not be able to lead the rifle. If you want to shoot with iron sights go as heavy as you like.
Best Regards,
Mark Johnson
Chief Operating Officer
Civilian Marksmanship Program
I was looking forward to a couple more matches this year and perhaps being more active next year. Overseas travel and important family events conflicted with some matches this year, so work & family trumped fun. Camp Perry is on my bucket list, so I'd like to improve. Not sure I like the rule change as I was looking forward to building skills with irons. I'm guessing the USMC is pushing for this, as supposedly they are training & qualifying solely with optics now. I still think there's value in practice with irons.
The folks at Compass Lake Engineering are now machining some space on their A4 uppers so that a carry handle / A4 combo can accommodate iron sights that have full range A2-like adjustment. They mentioned it was a common special request but now will be standard so that both good irons and optics can be accommodated via the A4 upper / carry handle combo. So now my build will be A4 based but ugh- I'd like to stick with irons while my eyes hold up.
Service Rifle:
1) The only alibis that will be permitted are range alibis (no fault of the shooter).
2) Optics will be allowed on rifles that weigh 11.5 lbs., total with optic installed. Optics will only be allowed on the AR platform. The optic maximum magnification will be 4.5 power. There will not be a separate category for optical sighted ARs.
3) No weight limit on iron sighted, non-optical sighted ARs, i.e. you can shoot the current configured service rifle just as it is with no weight restrictions.
4) Only .223/5.56 NATO will be allowed for ARs, .308/7.62 NATO for M14 platforms, .308/7.62 NATO or .30/06 for M1 Garands.
5) M-4 type stocks will be allowed on the AR platforms.
If the rules pass the up-coming CMP Rules Committee meeting the new rules package will be implemented in the 2016 CMP Rules for Service Rifle and Service Pistol. Just a note a service rifle with no lead front or back weighs 10.9 pounds with carry handle installed. Remove the carry handle and install a 1-4.5 power scope and rings you get 11.25 lbs. With that said we set the weight limit with optics at 11.5 lbs. If you want to shoot with a scope you will not be able to lead the rifle. If you want to shoot with iron sights go as heavy as you like.
Best Regards,
Mark Johnson
Chief Operating Officer
Civilian Marksmanship Program
I was looking forward to a couple more matches this year and perhaps being more active next year. Overseas travel and important family events conflicted with some matches this year, so work & family trumped fun. Camp Perry is on my bucket list, so I'd like to improve. Not sure I like the rule change as I was looking forward to building skills with irons. I'm guessing the USMC is pushing for this, as supposedly they are training & qualifying solely with optics now. I still think there's value in practice with irons.
The folks at Compass Lake Engineering are now machining some space on their A4 uppers so that a carry handle / A4 combo can accommodate iron sights that have full range A2-like adjustment. They mentioned it was a common special request but now will be standard so that both good irons and optics can be accommodated via the A4 upper / carry handle combo. So now my build will be A4 based but ugh- I'd like to stick with irons while my eyes hold up.
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