The Practical & Precision rifle program at NHRPC was formed in 2009, and represents two different sports in one. What the two sports share in common are a safety focused, friendly environment, and a challenging course of fire that is never the same twice. Targets for both disciplines include paper, cardboard, reactive steel, and both walking and running speed moving targets. Range safety gear (eye & ear protection, chamber safe device) is required for shooters and spectators. There are never any “spotters,” and in both disciplines shooters are expected to arrive with their gear completely ready.
On the “Practical” or “Carbine” side, modern sporting rifles of all types and kinds are put to the test in a competitive atmosphere from 3 to 400 Yards. Most shooting is 200 Yards and closer. Rifles suitable for this side of the match program do not have to be tricked-out match or race guns. Any rack grade AR-15 or Kalashnikov style rifle will be fine. Muzzle brakes are permitted, but discouraged. NFA items such as SBR’s or Suppressors are permitted. There is no select fire permitted at any time. Bring required paperwork with you. A typical Course of Fire would include some standing shots, some moving targets, some pop-up targets, firing at reactive steel, and some closer range exercises. Bipods are not permitted in this division.
The Precision side of the match is for scoped bolt-action and semi-automatic firearms that are designed to place precise shots at long distance. Any rifle suitable for F-Class T/R is also suitable for Precision Rifle matches. The course of fire is always changing, and usually involves challenging shots from 50 to 600 Yards. Bipods are permitted. Moving targets, limited exposures, shots from unconsidered positions are all part of this sport, which seeks to press the edges of even the most experienced shooters’ comfort zone.
Recommended Equipment (Carbine):
- Zeroed Modern sporting rifle in good working order, any caliber 308 or under.
- A case to transport the rifle to the firing line.
- At least four magazines.
- Any tools required to adjust your sights or other gear.
- Personal range safety gear.
- A GMRS Radio.
- 100 Rounds of ammunition (No armor piercing, tracer at all, and no M855 ammunition is permitted on our steel targets). Sometimes the round count varies.
- A sling on the rifle. Any kind that can carry it securely.
- A means to carry your magazines on-person. Belt container, vest, etc.
- Other maintenance and shooting supplies.
- A rucksack is highly recommended, and is sometimes permitted as a shooting aid.
- Water / Nourishment
- Clothing suitable for weather conditions
Recommended Equipment (Precision Rifle):
- Zeroed, centerfire rifle with a scope of at least 10x or so.
- A case to transport the rifle to the firing line.
- 60 rounds of match grade ammunition (same restrictions apply)
- Any tools required to adjust your sights or other gear.
- Personal range safety gear.
- A GMRS Radio.
- 100 Rounds of ammunition (No armor piercing, tracer at all, and no M855 ammunition is permitted on our steel targets). Sometimes the round count varies.
- A sling on the rifle. Any kind that can carry it securely.
- Other maintenance and shooting supplies.
- A rucksack is highly recommended, and is sometimes authorized as a shooting aid.
- Water / Nourishment
- Clothing suitable for weather conditions
LOWLIGHT SUPPRESSOR – ONLY SHOOTS:
The low light suppressor-only matches are primarily open to members only, but we do allow guests who have shot with us in regular matches to attend. These are scheduled for the first Saturday of the month, but because of the additional staff and safety protocols required to run them, they aren’t held unless we have a full cadre. Check with us in advance to see if the match is running or not. The low light suppressor matches are a unique opportunity for night fire, using your (mandatory) NFA registered sound suppressor. There is no unsuppressed fire permitted. There is always a course of fire offered for both Carbine and Precision rifles. Targets are illuminated using a green laser designator, independent white light, or white light on the firearm. You are never asked to shoot at a target that you cannot clearly see and identify. Night vision devices are permitted but not required. Circumstances that challenge the shooter and use of the equipment are always the norm. A variety of lighting conditions (front, back-lit, etc) are used. The same shooting equipment for each discipline above are required with the addition of:
- White light (flashlight) For pit use, safety checks, and cleanup
- Colored light (red, green or blue) for use on the firing line (no white light permitted on the firing line)
- Glow stick, or glow in the dark device.
- White light on the carbine is highly recommended.
- NFA paperwork.
Practical and Precision Rifle FAQ:
Q: How do I sign up?
A: The matches will be announced on this website, and also on many popular shooting sites. There is always an online registration process.
Q: Will I know the course of fire (CoF)?
A: Yes. The CoF is always published in advance.
Q: How is range safety managed?
A: There is a mandatory safety briefing held before every match. We have a cadre of Certified Range Safety Officers who supervise the firing line and the pit area at all times in a friendly and approachable manner. Shooters are required to comply at all times with range rules and instructions of the RSO’s.
Q: Are the matches beginner-friendly?
A: Yes, they are. There are only one or two matches that we would recommend a first time competitor to forgo.
Q: Is everybody shooting at once, or is it one at a time?
A: It depends on the stage. Some stages there will be only one shooter firing at a time, others two or three. Slow fire stages on paper could see the entire line firing at once.
Q: How does the cancellation policy work?
A: If you register for a match and cancel within five days of the match, or no-show, you owe the match fee the next time you come to shoot with us. Many of them fill up to capacity, and we want as many people as possible to be able to shoot.
Q: I have a special piece of equipment I want to use that hasn’t been discussed. Can I use it?
A: Email us and ask.
Q: What is a “Pit” system?
A: Our range has a “Pit.” It is sort of like a baseball dugout with a protective block wall and stone mound in front of it. When people are in the pit, they are raising, lowering, and scoring targets for the shooters. A pit system is completely safe as long as you follow all the safety protocols covered at the briefing.
Q: What are the match fees?
A: Usually $20 for members, and $30 for non-members. Some special matches have a higher fee, but the value is always commensurate with the fee.
Q: How does this differ from the rifle shooting portion of 3-Gun matches?
A: Many of the shooting stages are similar, and even similar targets are used, but most matches are scored on an accuracy focused, rising point scale with limited target exposure. Similar to a “Par time.”
Q: Are pistols ever used in combination with the rifle?
A: Yes, we do run some multi-gun stages. It will always be posted in the match announcement and course of fire.
Practical and Precision Rifle Match Director – Fred Wissing