Retro is back, at least in CMP’s Standard Modern Military Rifle AR category. The Service Rifle category has evolved over the years to allow for optics and heavier barrel profiles. However, the Standard Modern Military Rifle AR category is a true “blast from past”. The overall weight of the rifle is limited to 7.5 lbs, and it must have iron sights (Rule 5.2.3). The rifle must also “be based upon the M-16 rifle, or be based upon an AR design”, with “an exterior configuration similar to the original military or military type rifle”. See Rules. Dennis Santiago, our friend, has built his own AR-platform Standard Modern Military Rifle to compete in matches under CMP Games Competition Rules. This isn’t a classic AR because it has a metal handguard instead of plastic, but it is light (7.3 pounds) and it does have an iron sight — a requirement for Standard Modern Military rifles. CMP Rulebooks – All Classes. Santiago’s CMP Modern Military Rifle Standard Class with a titanium barrel and a mechanical center-able front sight. It has an ultralight free-float tube, a titanium barrelnut, and he also has centered the front sight. The barrel is a 20”-long AR-Stoner 1:7′” Government contour barrel chambered in NATO 5.56×45. Dennis says that this barrel is within the 7.5-lb limit by a few ounces. Dennis says: “We’ll see how it drives soon enough.” Dennis describes the Standard Modern Military (AR) as a category of military style rifles that shoots 200-yard, 30 or 50-shots courses alongside the M1 Garands. Springfields. Vintage. and M1 Carbines. This one features a Midwest Industries ultralight Free-float handguard and a Yankee Hill Folding Front Sight. MidwayUSA sells a 20″‘ long, 1:7″‘ twist barrel from Colt that is suitable for this purpose. Dennis installed a Mantis X unit on top of the floattube to test the accuracy of the rifle. The Mantis X records the movement to interpolate shot locations. Dennis reports: “I took some extra time on the range to get a good zero for my Modern Military Rifle. I attached a Mantis X to it so that I could record a few shots at 200 yards, shooting offhand. It drives very well, even without a shooting coat or glove.” “The Mantis-X was attached just ahead of the carry handle on top of MI’s free-float handguard. The Mantis-X is compatible with both live and dry fire. It communicates with a smartphone app via BlueTooth. 77gr Sierra MatchKings is a good choice for rifles.
The gun is zeroed using 77gr Sierra MatchKing ammo. Dennis reports that his rifle can “easily hold the X-Ring for both 100-yard CMP Modern Military Games and 200-yard CMP Modern Military Games”. It’s a blast to shoot! CMP Standard Modern Military Rifle, AR Class
This rifle was built using carefully selected and fitted components to conform to CMP’s weight limit rule for iron-sighted rifles of 7.5 pounds. This is an official CMP Standard Modern Military Rifle Class “A” type (AR). 1. S&W M&P lower Receiver
2. White Oak Armament upper receiver with 1/4×1/4 MOA pinned rear sights
3. MidwayUSA offers the AR-Stoner 20″ 1:7″-twist NATO Government contour barrel in 5.56x45mm NATO.
4. MidWest Industries ultralight handguard with Titanium barrel nut
5. Yankee Hill Machine folding rear sight with a square front pin of 0.072″
6. RRA 2-stage trigger
7. Build an Easy AR Rifle Using Existing AR Parts and New Barrels, plus Free-Float Handguard and A2 Length Buttstock
Dennis was able assemble his Modern Military AR using components he had collected throughout the years. “Most of these were already in my bin containing old AR parts that could be recycled. The only new parts were the barrel and the free-float handguard. And thanks to the modular format of the AR, the build was easy: “Assembly took about 30 minutes.” I’ve done parts swaps so often now. Key Rules for Standard Modern Military Rifle, Class A (AR Type). Dennis Santiago’s AR rifle was built to the “Standard U.S. Modern Military Rifle”, as specified in CMP Games Competition Rules. 5.2.3 Standard U.S. Modern Military Rifles (Class A)
These requirements must be met by Category A Standard Modern Military Rifles: a) Rifles should be based either on the M-16 rifle design or an AR design.
b) The rifles must be made by a USA manufacturer
c) All rifles must be equipped with front and rear sights of the issue type; rear sights that can be adjusted to a finer degree than one minute are allowed;
d) The total weight of the rifle, including sights, but excluding slings, cannot exceed 7.5 pounds.
e) Rifles can be fitted with either a float tube, or a free-floating handleguard. A non-adjustable slingswivel can be attached to the front end of the handguard.
f) The chamber of the rifle must be for 5.56x45mm cartridge or.223 Remington. Also, Rule 5.2.2:
The rifle’s exterior must be similar to the rifle’s interior.
Original military or military-type firearm;
b) The pull of the trigger must not be less than 4 lbs. Other Modern Military Rifle shooters’ comments: “I built an Modern Military [Standard]”. It was difficult to get below the [7.5-lb] limit. I had to remove a lot of the barrel diameter (20”) but wanted to keep it for sight radius (over 16 ”). I would shoot my 15-lb Nightforce – scoped Service Rifle at 200 yards just as well as that little iron-sighted gun. I love that little gun.” — Kenneth S. This was on my winter list.” — Tom K. We found that turning down the National Match barrel by a few inches and removing a few inches from it made for a very accurate gun.” — Jack A. “My old A2 upper (complete) has been sat on a shelf for the past couple of years. Maybe I should build my own [Standard Modern Military] rifle.” — Derek D. Dennis Santiago responded: “Derek – that’s why I was drawn to this.” I bought a brand-new WOA A2 pin receiver to make a redesigned upper, but then the scope rule came into effect and all of them were flat tops. CMP Rules Determining Modern Military Rifles Standard Versus. Unlimited, Class B vs. A There are two classes of Standard Modern Military Rifles: Class A for AR type rifles and Class C for other military style rifles such as the M1A or FN-FAL. Okay, did you get that? There is also a division for UNLIMITED Modern Military Rifles. This division has two classes: Class A — AR-type, and Class B — Other Military Rifles. These unlimited rifles may have optics, heavier loads, modern-design adjustable length stocks, and other upgrades. Here is Rule 5.2.2 of the current CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Competition Rules.
You may fire semi-automatic rifles manufactured in the United States or abroad, or commercial rifles with the same caliber and type or commercial variations of military rifles. There are two types of Modern Military Rifles. 1) Standard Modern Military Rifles, which include Class A-AR and Class B other military rifles; and 2) Unlimited Modern Military Rifles. All Modern Military Rifles (Standard or Unlimited) must meet the following requirements:
b) The trigger must be pulled with at least 4.5 lbs. ;
Butt-stocks can be fixed or adjustable and may have a variable length. Stocks with adjustable length are allowed, but not those that allow other adjustments like the cheek-piece or buttplate location.
d) Magazines can only hold 30 rounds. Magazines cannot be used to hold the rifle in a firing stance where the magazine is resting on the ground, mat or arm. SEE ALSO 5.1.2 Scope Of Rules
These Rules specify the conditions and requirements for As Issued Military Rifle Matches at the following events:
a) M1 Carbine Matches for M1 Carbines As Issued (Rule 5.2.1).
b) Modern Military Rifle Match: semi-automatic rifles of military type that comply with Rule 52.3 and/or Rule 52.4. (For Unlimited Modern Military Rifles see Rule 5.2.5).
c) Unlimited Garand match for M1 Garands which do not comply to Rule 4.2.2 but comply to Rule 5.2.6
d) M16 Rifle Special EIC match for M16 rifles which comply with Rule 5.2.7.
e) M14 Heritage Match: For M14/M1A type rifles that conform to Rule 5.2.8. 2024 11th edition of the CMP Games Pistol and Rifle Competition Rules
The 2024 CMP Rules apply to all CMP sanctioned matches, including those for As-Issued Military Rifle & Pistol Events, Special EIC Matches, and Rimfire Sporter Rifle Matches. These Rules are in effect until the next edition replaces them. * It seems that the AR-Stoner 20” barrel with a 1:7′ twist may not be available at MidwayUSA. There are alternatives, such as the Colt 20″‘ 1:7″ twist M16 barrel. Dennis thinks a 20” barrel with a 1:7 twist is worth buying. He says, “These days, you should grab one if you find it.” Finding the best parts is like a treasure hunt right now.
