Match Rifle

[ovenpaa]

Rox mentioned MR to me on Friday, can anyone tell me anything about the discipline, what I need and how to get started or at least have a try?

[20series]

I think its basically the same as TR i.e Jackets and Slings, but you can use Telecopic sights and hand loads. Also shot at 1000, 1100 and 1200 yards.

I found this on Google

http://www.matchrifle.org/About_Match_Rifle.htm

Alan

[rox]

The Aussie article covers the basics, i.e. calibre must be .308, barrel weight limited (no limit on rifle weight), hand may be supported but not rifle, sights can be telescopic or 'irons', prone or supine position. Mostly fired at distances of 1000, 1100 and 1200, various courses of fire including 2+15, 0+20.

The photos below illustrate some of the equipment and styles in use.

[Mike357]

One for the younger generation then!
:lol: :lol: :lol:

[ovenpaa]

Out of interest how is the 2.5kg barrel weight confirmed, I would expect it to be down to some maths as pulling a barrel off to scrutineer may be greeted with some howls from the competitors.

Are repeater actions allowed even if single fed?

[rox]

Out of interest how is the 2.5kg barrel weight confirmed, I would expect it to be down to some maths as pulling a barrel off to scrutineer may be greeted with some howls from the competitors.

Are repeater actions allowed even if single fed?

Good question. I imagine most 'smiths would confirm the weight before fitting, but if something looked like it was flouting the rules then I'm sure you could be asked to prove that it were legal. Whether that has ever happened I don't know. I've been asked to take photos to see whether there was the slightest contact between a competitor's rest and rifle. Competitors certainly keep an eye on what their opponents are doing/using!

I suspect that any single fed action is allowed, although in general very strong & stiff actions are favoured due to the loads needed to drive heavy bullets to remain above transonic at 1200. I must point out that I've never shot MR, so this is all hearsay.

..

[ovenpaa]

The NRA states:

Experimentation and innovation have always played an important part in the discipline

Which I find strangely appealing, does this mean push the rules as far as you can but don't cheat! The Fullbore list has been quite critical of some of the top MR shooters in the past who have pushed the envelope....

To stay at the upper end of transonic with the much favoured heavier bullets is going to be interesting, my take is you need an MV of around 2875fos to keep a 210 projectile above the zone so they must be favouring quite long barrels, I would expect to see a fair amount of seriously fluted barrels on the firing point. The alternative is push lighter things around the 3000fps mark and hope you can read the wind!

I assume butt hooks in some form are allowed? I need to check the Bisley bible tonight to see what is says.

[rox]

does this mean push the rules as far as you can but don't cheat! The Fullbore list has been quite critical of some of the top MR shooters in the past who have pushed the envelope....

I suppose, but also: "push the rules as far as you can but don't injure me when I'm your target partner".

they must be favouring quite long barrels, I would expect to see a fair amount of seriously fluted barrels on the firing point.

Just measured my [as yet unused] MR barrel and it's 34" including the chamber, fluted and very tapered.

I assume butt hooks in some form are allowed? I need to check the Bisley bible tonight to see what is says.

I think they are.

..

[ovenpaa]

I suppose, but also: "push the rules as far as you can but don't injure me when I'm your target partner"

Very much so.

It would be nice if I could sling the bipod away for the day and shoot my AI at a competition just to see how I get on, even if it is only with some 155's. Hmmm... I might even invest in some new brass for it!

[TobyH]

I might even invest in some new brass for it!

Blimey!! That sounds serious!