COMPETITION MATCH SPOTLIGHT: "SHOOTING THE AR-TACTICAL RIFLE"

By:  Andy Legg

Do you have an AR-style rifle (AR15 or AR10) and want to shoot it at distances past 100 or 200 yards? If so, continue reading…..

Does your rifle have a bipod and a 15X or less scope, and can you shoot that rifle 3 MOA or better at 100 or 200 yards?  If so, you should be able to participate in the Golden Triangle Gun Club (GTGC) Mid-Range Prone matches, shooting in the AR Tactical Rifle discipline. 

Similar to F-Class competition, AR-Tactical Rifle is a newer shooting discipline that is shot as part of the GTGC Monthly Mid-Range Prone matches. The full name of the discipline is ‘NRA-MID RANGE (PRONE) TACTICAL RIFLE (AR)’ and can also be referred to as “Rule 23 Tactical,” referencing the chapter governing its rules in the NRA High Power Rulebook.  The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) refers to the discipline as AR-Tactical.

What is a Mid-Range Prone Match?

Mid-Range prone matches consist of shooting prone (on one’s belly) at bullseye targets at distances from 300, 500, and/or 600 yards.  AR-Tactical Rifle is one of several disciplines available to shoot in Mid-Range Prone matches. Other disciplines include F/TR, F-Open, Service Rifle, and Any Rifle.

A competitor will shoot a total of three matches consisting of sighters and 20 record shots in a block time of 22 minutes for each match. For the first match, unlimited sighters are allowed, and in matches 2 and 3, two sighters are allowed before shooting the 20 shots for record.

The GTGC monthly Mid-Range Prone matches are shot at the 600-yard line on the fourth Saturday of each month, with sign-ups closing at 7:30 a.m. Pre-registration is not required; however, contacting one of the Match Directors is Recommended.

What do I need to shoot AR-Tactical Rifle in a Mid-Range Prone match?

• You are allowed to shoot an AR-15 or AR10 style rifle in any chambering, from .223/5.56 up to and including .308/7.62 (including wildcats or Non-Standard Chamberings).
• The rifle should be equipped with a Tactical/Folding bipod (No F-Class or “Ski” Type Bipods).
• The rifle should have a maximum magnification scope of 15X or be adjustable to less than 15X. You could (but not recommended) utilize a red-dot or iron sights if so inclined, but at 600 yards, it is beneficial to use a rifle scope.
• AR Tactical Rifles have a Minimum “Trigger Pull” Requirement and should be at least 4.5 lbs. 
• The Maximum Allowed Weight for an AR-Tactical Rifle is 14 lbs., including the bi-pod and any optics.
• You will need 70 - 75 rounds of ammunition.  All ammo should be of the same manufacture/bullet weight and load.  Match Grade Ammunition is Recommended.
• A rear bag/soft roll can be used to stabilize the rear of the rifle, but for an AR-Tactical Rifle, the rear bag cannot have ears to hold the buttstock. 
• A verified 100 Yard Zero (for your rifle/ammo/scope combination) with an additional 18-19 MOA Elevation available (UP on Scope Elevation Turret from 100 yards zero) and known/necessary Elevation (i.e., “Come-Up”) for the distance of the match…..You should know how much to dial your scope up to be on target.
• A shooting mat, much more comfortable than lying on the ground. 
• A phone or tablet. All prone matches are shot on the GTGC ShotMarker electronic targets. You will need a phone or tablet to see where your shots are hitting on the target.
• An ECI (Empty Chamber Indicator) which will be inserted in the chamber of the rifle at all times unless you have been given commands for start of prep time or start of fire. If you do not have an ECI, you can purchase one for a nominal fee at the match but make sure not to remove your rifle from its case / bag until the ECI has been inserted.

Note that all rounds are single-loaded. Shooting with ammunition fed from a magazine is not allowed. This includes shooting AR 15s or other semi-automatic rifles.  All rifles must be single loaded for each shot.

Shooting AR-Tactical Rifle in the Mid-Range Prone matches is a lot of fun and one of the easiest shooting disciplines to get started with.  If you have an AR rifle and ammunition that can hit the bullseye target at 600 yards, you are able to participate.  

For the full set of rules for AR-Tactical Rifle, see the NRA rulebook, starting at page 74: NRA Highpower Rule Book

If you have any questions, email andy.legg@covestro.com