January 8, 2023Sunday GunDay – 2023 CMP Rules for Rifle CompetitionsCMP 2023 Competition Rules are Now OnlineCMP Competition 2023 rules books are now available on CMP’s Website. You will find links to the complete rulebook for each discipline as well as links for 2023 Rule Amendments. This Sunday Gunday article will focus on 2023 Rule Amendments for rimfire (Smallbore), rifle, and centerfire rifle (Highpower). Although rule changes are also made for pistol disciplines, this article does not cover pistol rules. 2023 Highpower Rule ChangesCMP Smallbore Rifle Competition Rules 2023 These rulebooks 2023 are available on the CMP website. Match officials, match sponsors, and competitors can download them to view or print. The rulebooks will be printed in the next two to three months. They will also be available for purchase. These summaries discuss and identify the changes to the rifle rulebooks. If you have questions about the 2023 CMP Competition Rulebooks, contact the CMP Competitions Department at [email protected] or (419) 635-2141, ext. 714 or 729. For Smallbore Rule questions, contact (419) 635-2141, ext. 730 or [email protected] HIGHPOWER RIFLE RULE CHANGESThe CMP Highpower Rifle program includes: 1) Traditional Service Rifle events conducted according to National Trophy Match rules; 2) Highpower Rifle events conducted according to CMP Cup Match rules; 3) Long-Range Rifle (prone and F-class events at 800, 900, and 1000 yards); and Mid-Range Rifle (prone and F-class events at 300, 500, and 600 yards). CMP’s Mid- and Long-Range competitions now include: 1) Match Rifle Prone Long-Range; 2) Service Rifle Prone Long-Range; 3) F-Class Long-Range; 4) Long-Range Rifle (prone and F-class events at 800, 900, and 1000 yards); and 3) Long-Range Rifle (prone and F-class events at 300, 500, and 600 yards). CMP Highpower Rifle Events. 2.9. National Trophy Teams. 2.8.1 Definition of a new shooter. 2.11. Spectators and Media A new rule was added to encourage spectators and media to accommodate at competitions. It imposes limitations on their actions. Pre-Preparation and Preparation periods. These rules define current pre-prep periods and preparation periods. Interruptions. Interruptions. Rifle Achievement Awards. 4.1.1 g Magazines. Magazines. The new language allows for the evaluation of minor changes in the “general overall exterior appearance” M16/AR rifles. Minor alterations caused by the installation or modification of after-market products on these rifles with trigger configurations and trigger guard variations, or slightly different exterior appearances (i.e. no walk pins etc.) This revised criteria will generally allow for minor alterations to be approved provided they 1) do not provide an unfair advantage, 2) fulfill rifle functionality requirements, and 3) generally meet M16 external dimension specifications. Such minor alterations may be approved provided that they 1) do not provide an unfair advantage, 2) fulfill rifle functionality requirements and 3) generally meet M16 external dimension specifications.4.6.2. j) & k). Targets. The new 300-500-600 Yard Mid Range course will be fired at MR targets. 5.2.3 c. CMP Cup Match Events, Rapid-Fire Loading. Although the Rapid-fire loading procedure is unchanged for CMP Cup Matches, it has been clarified. Table 4. Rifle National Match Course. This rule has been rewritten to allow the Highpower Rifle National Match Course to be programmed as either a National Trophy or EIC sanctioned Service Rifle Match (with zero sighters and beginning rapid-fire from standing) OR as a CMP Cup Match with sighters and firing in position. This course can now be fired as a CMP Cup Match. Team matches. Two team members may match fire or light in a team event that is Long-Range. These events allow team members to fire fires in succession or pair fire. Table 7. Long Range Matches Additional information was added regarding the application Palma Rules to events that are only restricted to Palma rifles. 5.12. Table 8. Mid-Range Courses. Table 8. Mid-Range Courses, Table 8. Three new events were added to the 2023 CMP Games Rules, including a benchrest event. The Special EIC Matches will be expanded. This rule lists the events that the CMP recognizes as “CMP Games” events. For 2023, three new rifle events have been added: Benchrest Vintage Military Rifle Match (Rimfire Sporter Dewar Match), and Rimfire Sportser Benchrest Match1.8. Media and Spectators. A new rule is added regarding spectators, media. 3.3.6 Benchrest Supported Position. The definition of the benchrest firing position for the VMR and Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Matches has been added. Supports below the fore-end can be used; however, they are not permitted under the buttstock. 4.6.6. Benchrest VMR Match. These rules apply to the Benchrest VMR Match. Rapid-Fire Loading for the Springfield M1A Match. The loading procedures for the Springfield M1A Match are unchanged. Competitors must load rapid-fire series in their position. The M1903 Springfield rifle was updated with a straight pistol grip stock and a Winchester A5 scope or Lyman 5A scope. Interruptions in Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Matches. 8.3.7. Targets. 8.6. Rimfire Sporter Dewar course. Additional fire-fighting equipment is available, including a Dewar course (20 shots prone at 50 meters and 20 shots at 100 metres). This event was used as an experimental fire during the 2022 National Matches.8.7 Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Course. This is the second Rimfire Sporter event under the 2023 rules. Competitors will fire their rifles using two sandbag rests, but no buttstock rests, from benches at 100-yard smallbore rifle targets. 8.8.4. Scoring Internal Crossfires. 10.3-10.5. National Records. The National Records List now includes the new events. SMALLBORE RIFLE COMPETITION RULE CHANGESThe big announcement is that the 2023 National Matches Smallbore Rifle Championships are going to be held on electronic targets. Another big change is the introduction of rules for the F-Class Smallbore Rifle event. Provisional F-Class smallbore rifle competitions were held at Camp Perry’s 2022 CMP Smallbore Prone Championship. F-Class will now be officially part of the CMP Smallbore Rifle Program. The 2023 (5th Ed.) will reflect this. The 2023 (5th Ed.) CMP Smallbore Rifle Competition Rules now includes rules for Smallbore F-Class contest. These are the most notable changes to the 2023 CMP Smallbore Rifle Rules. F-Class Smallbore Rifles. F-Class Smallbore Rifles recognize two types of F-Class rifle front supports: a front rest (Fo, Open Rifle), or a bipod, (Fo, Target Rifle). 5.6.1 Ammunition. F-Class events are restricted to rimfire.22 LR ammunition loaded 40-grain bullets.6.1 Supported Prone Position. Describes the firing position for F-Class shooting.6.2 International 100-Yard Target. This is the 300 Meter ISSF Target. It is scored with an 8 mm diameter round. Target Hanging Procedures. 6.3.5 Wind Flags The height of the wind flag must match the flight paths of bullets. Table 3. Table 5. Table 5. Table 5. F-Class Procedures. F-Class firing procedures allow for firing in 5- or 2-minute intervals. pre-prep and 3 min. Preparation periods and 3-min. Competition Procedures, Electronic Targets. These procedures were in the previous edition. However, they are highlighted because the CMP plans for electronic targets to be in place during the 2023 National Matches in Camp Perry. Competitors will be allowed to return to sighting shots during record fire. This is not permitted in three-position events. 40-shot prone events may be fired without a break. However, an additional five minutes is allowed in the time limits (unlimited sighters, 40 record shots in 45 min) to allow competitors who wish to take a break. Any sight stage target aiming masks will have an aiming mark.
7.12.9. Disclaimed Shot. Disclaimed Shot. For more information, see section 11.3.3 of the 2023 Smallbore Rules.
On the Mark’s Winter 2022 issue contains “COMPETITION ROLES–A Primer about Competition Rules and How To Follow Them”. Click HERE to download this issue of On the Mark. CLICK HERE to download the current issue of On the Mark. DISTINGUISHED MARKSMAN BADGGE CHANGESThe CMP Highpower Rifle and Smallbore Rifle rulebooks contain rules that outline the Distinguished Marksman Badge Program for eligible competitors in each discipline. These rules describe the program for those who have physical disabilities or limitations that make it difficult for them to comply with the requirements for other Distinguished Badges. Competitors with disabilities must apply to CMP for a “Distinguished Marksman Authorization” (call 419-635-2141, ext. 602; [email protected]). EIC Match scores of equal or greater than EIC minimum cut scores are eligible to receive EIC points which count towards the awarding the Distinguished Marksman Badge. Click HERE to download the Air Rifle or Air Pistol Rules. CMP states: “2022 1st edition Rulebooks will continue being used in 2023.” An errata sheet will also be printed if any changes are made during the year.
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