2017 NRA High Power Rifle Update

by
posted on February 3, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
medals-high.jpg

Above: The new International Distinguished F-Class Badge.

NRA National High Power Rifle Manager Sheri Judd shared the following discipline updates with SSUSA. Stay tuned for more updates.

null
From last year's F-Class Nationals in Lodi, WI.

The biggest news for NRA High Power Rifle this year is the rule for optics on high power rifles for matches. Most notably, fixed scopes up to 4.5x are now allowed on the M-14, M-110, M1 and M1A in the service rifle category. Optics are legal for match rifles shooting across-the-course, unlimited power.

AR Tactical Matches—due to the popularity of shooting alongside prone matches in mid-range, this probationary program is in its second year in 2017. Several clubs around the country are picking up on this new category—which offers a new classification for competitors and is a great starting point for juniors who want to get into the prone tactical arena.

The America’s Rifle Challenge (ARC) is as popular as ever. One club in California sells out in less than an hour whenever a new event is announced. In 2016, Forward Assist Training LLC spearheaded the program by hosting four ARC training events and three Advanced Matches at Burro Canyon Shooting Park in Azusa, CA. Thanks to the consistent growth the club had over 490 people in attendance last year. This year, they plan on expanding to another location—Angeles Shooting Range in Lake View Terrace, CA.

There is a new Distinguished Rifleman Badge, as well as a new Master Team Coach Medal which were both passed by the NRA High Power Committee and BOD this past January. Now, not only will competitors be striving to earn recognition as Distinguished among their peers, but coaches will be looking to rise up and be given a chance to receive the accolades they deserve for pushing their teams to the winning level. Additionally, the Individual Rattle Battle Match for club participation in 2017 was passed.

The first International Distinguished Badge was awarded last year at the F-Class Nationals in Lodi, WI. SSUSA writer Larry Bartholome was awarded International Distinguished Badge #1 for F-Class competition. International distinguished points began accumulating with the 2002 F-Class World Championship.

Questions about NRA High Power Rifle programs? Email [email protected].

Latest

XS VP9 1
XS VP9 1

XS Sights Adds Fiber-Optic Sights, Optic Plates for HK VP9

XS Sights releases fiber-optic sights and CNC-machined optic plates for the HK VP9, offering ACRO and RMR footprint compatibility.

Beretta Launches Full Training Apparel Line

Beretta debuts Training Gear Collection at 2026 NRA Annual Meeting with seven pieces engineered alongside top shooters for range and competition.

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge Featured on ‘Gun Talk Nation’

Kyle Lamb joins ‘Gun Talk Nation’ to make the case for ARC as the best entry-level AR-15 competition and to explain why civilians and tactical shooters alike benefit from match experience.

Mein Reaches Super Final as Team Federal Cleans Up in San Antonio

Derrick Mein finished third in the Main Event and Gregg Wolf won American Field HOA at the 2026 World English Sporting Clays Championship.

Vincent Hancock Receives NRA Golden Bullseye Competitor Award in Houston

Four-time Olympic skeet gold medalist Vincent Hancock accepts 2026 NRA Media Golden Bullseye Competitor award at NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas.

Results: 2026 Tennessee State BB Gun Championship

Lily Cope scored 474.9 of 536 to win the Tennessee State BB Gun Championship Match over 37 competitors in Cookeville.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.