“NATIONAL MATCH COURSE”

AUSTRALIAN GUIDELINES

 “NATIONAL MATCH COURSE”

INTRODUCTION

National Match Course Postal

This event is described in detail below.  The course is a 58round (includes 4x 2 sighters) match, set over 200, 300 and, either, 400 or 600 yards/metres comprising of both slow and rapid fire stages in standing, sitting and prone positions.  When shooting service rifle matches around the world, this is the course you will be shooting.  This event may be contested with ALL rifle types and classes, broken down into 4 classes – each class competes separately.  This match is definitely suited to ranges fitted with a butts type target gallery.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This event is typically suitable to a range that has a butts target gallery/pit.  Static target, field fire, type ranges may equally compete, but minor modifications to executing the competition may be required by the host club (eg sighting shot methods etc).

EQUIPMENT

This event is open to shooters using rifles in a configuration as follows,

-  Service Rifle Standard (As-Issued/”Vintage”) (Spec 1).  For an issued service rifle, as issued to services, in a military/service calibre, fitted with iron sights, that has NO modifications and/or enhancements in any way, to any part of the rifle (internal or external).

- Service Rifle Modified (Spec 2).  For service rifles that were issued, but carry changes, modifications and/or enhancements to the rifle in areas such as the barrel, assembly/bedding etc, but retain the looks that externally resemble the original pattern of the rifle.  This rifle must be fitted with original iron sights.

- Match Rifle (Spec 3). For any service, commercially available or custom built bolt action, or other operation rifle, of any calibre and configuration, fitted with iron sights only in any configuration or type including iris type front and/or rear etc etc.

SHOOTING ALL CLASSES

Shooters may compete in ALL rifle classes if they so wish.  Scores submitted should indicate which class of rifle scores were shot with.  Any shooter competing in more than 1 class will have each entry treated separate entries.

TARGETS

There are two (3) targets used for this competition, but this may depend of if you run reduced distances which allow for reduced size targets.

Note:  For Australian Clubs: Targets are available from AIHPA for a nominal fee.  Contact details below for quantities, costs and shipping arrangements.

MARKING INSTRUCTIONS

Because the NMC is shot using a target gallery/butts type range, these procedures for indicating shots and scores to the shooter and the firing line are VERY IMPORTANT.

Spotting Shots.  When spotting shot(s), a spotting disc must be used as follows:

-         white spotters should be used in black target area’s,

-         red or black used in white target area’s,

-         disc should be a size that is relatively easy to see with an average 8-10x spotting scope at the given distance or target area.

Score Value Indicating. When spotting each shot individually, a score value indication marker should be placed around perimeter of target to indicate the value of the shot as below:

SCORES

Scoresheets.  Ranges and clubs may use any type of suitable scoresheet they wish to best suit their procedures.  Scoring for these matches is a little different to what shooters may consider “the norm”.  If your club has no suitable scoresheets available, the suitable scoresheets can be downloaded from www.aihpa.com web site:

We offer individual stage scoresheets as follows:

- SR (Short Range) Application & Rapid scoresheet that allows hosts to have both 200 Application and 200 Rapid phases back to back.

            - SR-3 (Short Range +1) scoresheet used for the 300m Rapid (scores an entire detail).

            - MR (Mid Range) scoresheet for the Mid range Application.

We also offer a “master scoresheet” which has all stages on a single form if it works easier on the range, and you plan on sending in scores by snail-mail.

“National Match Course”

Course of fire.

Note.  Phase 4 has the option to be shot at either 400 or 600 yards/metres using reduced or full size targets respectively.  See below for details.

Phase 1            200 yards/metres          Total of 12 Rounds                   STANDING

-         Shot on 4x4’, 3” X-ring “SR” target with 13” aiming mark,

-         Standing/off-hand position,

-         No slings allowed - during this standing phase,

-         2 non convertible sighters, then 10 business shots, slow fire, in time limit of 12 minutes,

-         Single round loading only,

-         Each shot is individually marked/spotted and the score value is indicated,

-         Each shot may be scored at the firing line by a competitor or other as arranged.

Phase 2            200 yards/metres          Total of 12 Rounds                   SITTING

-         Shot on 4x4’, 3” X-ring “SR” target with 13” aiming mark,

-         2 non convertible sighters,

-         10 shots to count, rapid fire within 60 second time limit,

-         Mandatory reload  after 5^th shot inclusive during the counting 10,

-         All shots fired from the sitting position:

-         start from the standing position, holding rifle with magazine loaded (5 rounds maximum)  and bolt open,

-         on “fire” command, adopt sitting position and engage target,

-         action MUST remain open until adopting the firing position,

-         At conclusion, all shots are spotted with discs and exposed to shooters,

-         All shots are scored at conclusion of the phase by butts crew or scorers etc.

Phase 3            300 yards/metres          Total of 12 Rounds                   PRONE

-         Shot on 4x4’, 3” X-ring “SR-3” target with 19” aiming mark,

-         2 non convertible sighters,

-         10 shots to count, rapid fire within 70 second time limit,

-         Mandatory reload after 5^th shot inclusive during the counting 10,

-         All shots fired from the prone position:

-         start from the standing position, holding rifle with magazine loaded (5 rounds maximum)  and bolt open,

-         on “fire” command, adopt prone position and engage target,

-         action MUST remain open until adopting the firing position,

-         At conclusion, all shots are spotted with discs and exposed to shooters,

-         All shots are scored at conclusion of the phase by butts crew or scorers etc.

Phase 4            400 or 600 yards/metres           Total of 22 Rounds                   PRONE

-         400m/y - Shot on 4x4’, 3” X-ring “SR-3” target with 19” aiming mark,       OR, if

-         600m/y – Shot on 6x6, 6” X-ring “MR-1” target with 36” aiming mark,

-         All shots fired from the prone position,

-         2 non convertible sighters, then 20 business shots, slow fire, in time limit of 22 minutes,

-         Single round loading only,

-         Each shot is individually marked/spotted and the score value is indicated,

-         Each shot may be scored at the firing line by a competitor or other as arranged.

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