M1A Service Rifle

[minuteman]

Is the M1A Service Rifle Legal for Highpower Silhouette?  From what I gathered from the rule book it's O.K.  What are your thoughts?

Minuteman

[sltexas]

I believe the rules say that it is legal,  but you have to use iron sights if I remember correctly.  besides with a scope it surely would not make weight.

[Nobade]

Yes, it's legal but you'd probably want to get a 5 round mag that doesn't protrude below the stock. Of course you won't have much competition; I've never seen anyone shooting in the service rifle class. I too have thought it would be fun to try it with a M1A or Garand some time, but as of now don't own either of them.

[minuteman]

So what your saying is that I can't shoot my M1A in a Standard NRA Highpower Silhouette Match?  I would have to shoot in another class?  I'm confused?!?!  I thought as long as I shot with Iron Sights I could use it in a standard match, even though it won't make the 10lb 2oz restriction.

Please help!

Minuteman

[alsmith]

Hi,

In the NRA Rifle Silhouette rule book the following:

"Section 3.1 High Power Silhouette Rifle

Paragraph (h)  Exceptions:  US Rifle caliber .30 M1, M14 and M1A.  These rifles only may exceed the weight limit.  Telescopic Sightrs are not permitted.   The magazine of the M1A or M14 may not be used as a palm rest."

Al

[Nobade]

I was/am under the impression that service rifle is a seperate class. I would imagine you could shoot it in standard rifle class, but that would put you at a terrible disadvantage competing against scope sighted match rifles. Just like being able to shoot your hunter rifle in hunter and standard class, if you want to.

[minuteman]

 In rule 3.1 that you designated will not make the size, but in rule 3.1 - (h) says,
 "Exceptions: U.S. Rifle .30 M1, M14 and M1A.  These rifles only may exceed the weight limit.  Telescopic sights are not permitted.  The magazine of the M1A or M14 may not be used as a palm rest."  
 
And then for Highpower semi automatic rifle in rule 3.1.2 (B.)  Maximum weight 10 pounds, including empty magazine.
And rule 3.1.2 (C.) Any magazine may be used and maybe used in the grasp.
 
Don't these two rules contradict the above mentioned 3.1-(h)?
 
Please help me understand, and explain why I can't shoot an M1A in Standard Highpower Rifle Silhouette as long as I don't use a scope and don't use the magazine as a palm rest?

I also e-mailed NRA Headquarters and am awaiting a response from them.

Minuteman

[sltexas]

The way I understand the rules,   You can use the M1a but it is only for the standard class, and you cannot use a scope with it.   Now  I will say after many years of shooting,  I have never seen one used in a match.   There is just too much disadvantage to using metal sights.   

Once in Ridgway a friend brought an accurazied M!a and we were shooting itat some targets.   I fired five shots at the rams and to my supprise I hit two. 

I suggest that you give Greg Conners at the NRA Silhouette division a call.   I think he will tell you just about what I have.   At least you will know for sure one way or the other.   

[minuteman]

Here's my last conversation via e-mail with NRA Coordinator,

Sorry for the confusion.
 
3.1 High Power Silhouette and 3.1.2 High Power Semi Automatic Rifle  are for two different disciplines. You may shoot your rifle in the High Power Silhouette 3.1, however, you will be competing against scoped rifles. If a match that you attend has a High Power Semi Automatic Rifle category then rule 3.1.2 will apply.
 
Hope this clears up the confusion
 
Thanks
Don Nance
Program Coordinator
Silhouette Department


So I guess that is that!
Minuteman

[HoustonGreg]

Ok, I will admit to shooting a match and at one time had a classification in service rifle.  I shot my Garand....for the time did OK but cannot say it was much fun.....

Standing there taking the impact of that 30-06 40 times and then having to look for the brass in the tall grass.   Once was enough........

Greg

[Jason]

I can't say that sounds like fun at all. Taking that recoil on a gun that doesn't exactly fit the body perfectly and has no recoil pad would have me flinching and yanking the trigger so badly I'd be better off to just not waste the ammo. 

[sherppa]

I must be the odd man out.  I am gearing up to use the Garand this summer on the course.  One question I do have if NM sights are allowed.  I do not see where they would be an issue but one never knows.

[eroyd]

Actually it sounds kind of fun. I find the gas operated springy M1a not to rough on the shoulder at all. Certainly a lot more pleasant to shoot than say a bolt 7-08. My brass consistanty lands about 3 feet ahead at 2 o'clock. The only concern would be if the brass was bugging other shooters.

I did a few 22 matches with aperature target sights and was quite surpised how well I did.