Centerfire Prone

Centerfire prone matches are informal matches held on the first Sunday of each month on the High Power Range. Shooting starts promptly at 8:30 am so the range can be cleared prior to the startup of the silhouette matches that are scheduled for 1:00 pm. Shooters should arrive by about 8:00 am in order to get entered, put up targets, get squadded, and set up the line.

The course of fire consists of 15 shots for record at 300 yards, 15 shots for record at 500 yards, and 15 shots for record at 600 yards. Unlimited sighters are allowed at 300 yards, and 2 sighters are allowed at 500 and 600 yards. The time limit is 22 minutes for each stage, after an adequate period to get set up to fire. The targets are standard NRA targets for each range, with a 10 ring of approximately 2 MOA, and one inside X ring of about 1 MOA. The firing is done in 2 relays, with one relay on the line while the other relay is in the pits scoring and marking each shot.

Three classes of rifles are permitted. These are:

NRA service rifle. This can be an M1 Garand, an M14 or commercial equivalent, or an M16 or commercial equivalent.

NRA match rifle. A wide category of rifles is permitted here, with the main requirements being iron sights, and no bipods or other support. Slings are permitted.

Unlimited. This is a local category that allows almost any rifle, and associated gadgets. Scopes, bipods, portable rests, etc, are OK. Basically, if you can carry it to the line, it is allowed. However, no calibers over .30 are allowed in order to minimize target frame and backstop damage.

In addition to a rifle and ammo, a shooting coat, hearing protection, a ground pad, and a spotting scope will be needed. An unlimited rifle with a good scope on it can eliminate the needs for a spotting scope. Good eye protection is highly recommended.

Shooters keep their own scores; so a pencil and clip board of some type are needed. Any interested shooter who is not familiar with NRA type high power matches should come to a match as an observer, and to work in the pits for a while to learn scoring and pit operation. Good pit service is essential to the shooters on the line, and it's tough to learn it from scratch at a match and do a decent job.

Entry fees are very modest, as are the cash awards that are given for the high scores for each rifle type, and the overall match winner.

For more information, contact Stan Smoch at 271-0965, or Pete DiVasto at 265-1322