Rimfire Precision Rifle Match Rules

Precision Rimfire Rifle Match

At the Blue & Gray Rifle & Pistol Club

CLICK HERE FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS
(or set your GPS coordinates to
N34.43427, W086.39418)

SATURDAY November 16, 2024

MATCH RULES AND FORMAT
(preliminary - subject to changes)

1. WHO CAN SHOOT: The match is open to scoped rifles of all modern rimfire calibers (typically 22 short, 22 long, 22 long rifle, 22 WMR, 17 HMR, 17 HM2 and 17 WSM). You may also use a separate spotting scope if you wish. Muzzle devices are acceptable, including suppressors.

There will be up to four separate Classes available for scoring:

[1] .22 scoped SPORTER rifle

"Sporter Rifles" in Class 1 include magazine or tube-fed factory sport rifles used for target, hunting and other recreational shooting. Modifications to a factory rifle, such as improved trigger, bedding of stock/action, etc, are ok. Note: Class 1 ("Sporter") is intended to be roughly similar to NRL22's "Base Class" and ARA "Factory Class" but with the extra leeway of the PRS Rimfire "Production Division": The MSRP (or replacement value if no longer in production) of the rifle plus scope (alone, without counting the value of other accessories) must be $1700 or less. Note that it means the MSRP (including of the scope), and not the discounted price you may have paid.

[2] .22 scoped SEMI-AUTO rifle

Scoped semi-auto 22's have a separate scoring class (Class 2). There are no additional restrictions or limitations.

[3] .22 scoped MATCH rifle ("Unlimited")

"Match Rifles" in Class 3 include premium-built rifles (manufacturers such as Anschutz, Grünig-Elmiger, Vudoo, Bleiker, DiOrio Turbo, etc, or premium models from more conventional manufacturers such as Winchester or Remington and others designed as single-shot competition/training rifles) or combination of bolt rifle and scope with an MRSP or replacement value of >$1700 that takes it out of the Sporter Class and into this more "Match/Unlimited" class. If your rifle is not on ARA's Factory Class list, especially if it's a single-shot, OR if your rifle is listed as a branded model exception on that list, it's almost certainly in this Match/Unlimited class (though the Match Director may make exceptions for JUNIOR age shooters).

[4] non-22 Rimfire (such as .17 HMR).

Contact the Match Director if you have any questions regarding the classification for your rifle. If not predetermined, classification will be made by the Match Director at registration or at scoring.

2. RIFLE RESTS. You may use front and/or rear rifle rests during the match. The front and rear rests cannot be attached/connected to each other in any way (no "Lead Sled" types, nor Caldwell Precision Turret Rest if you use the rear support).

ANY form of front rest may be used for this match, including soft, bipod or bench-type. You may use your front rest with supports or risers to get it to the height and stability that you need. Any form of separate rear rest is acceptable for this match.

Slings may be used in place of or in combination with any acceptable rests.

3. The COURSE OF FIRE is fixed and the total time to engage all stages will be limited. These matches are generally designed so that you can complete them with ONE 50-round box of your chosen rimfire ammo, including all scored shots and allowance for sighters and/or foulers. For this month's match, the total time allotted is 25 MINUTES TO SHOOT 42 SCORED ROUNDS as described below in #6.

4. MISCELLANEOUS

No “sighter shots” or “warm-up shots” are allowed *before* the match on match day. However, sighters *are* allowed *during* the match, with any limitations or restrictions on them specified in Rules/Format #6.

You may use magazine feed or single shot feed. Removable magazines must be kept out of the rifle until/unless otherwise stated by the match director. Integral magazines must be left empty until otherwise stated by the match director.

Participants may bring and set up wind indicators/flags if they wish. They must be set out and retrieved only when the match director has called the range COLD while targets are being put up or taken down between relays. Competitors may also use sticks, clips or other devices to secure their target frame against wind movement.

ALL RIFLES WILL HAVE CHAMBER OPEN WITH CHAMBER EMPTY INDICATOR IN THE RIFLE UNTIL THE MATCH DIRECTOR GIVES THE COMMAND TO DO OTHERWISE. LIKEWISE, BOLTS WILL REMAIN PULLED BACK, ALL MAGAZINES OUT OF THE RIFLE, ALL SEMI AUTO CHAMBERS OPEN AND ALL ROUNDS OF AMMO OUT OF ALL FIREARMS - ALL CHAMBERS EMPTY UNTIL THE MATCH DIRECTOR GIVES THE COMMAND TO DO OTHERWISE. (If you do not have an Empty Chamber Flag, ask and we will provide you one.)

Unless otherwise specified, one penalty point (and any score achieved with the penalty round fired, always presumed to be the "best" shot on the target regardless of where the actual "extra" shot hits) will be deducted for each and every round fired in excess of the mandatory number of rounds to be fired at each stage or target, and/or 5 penalty points for any shot engaging another competitor's target (presumed to be the "worst" shot on the target towards that competitor's scoring if actual crossfire problem shot can not be determined... that competitor can only benefit from the stray shot). It is each shooter's responsibility to identify any crossfires on their target, point them out to adjacent shooters AND the match director at the end of the relay so that they can be marked accordingly on the target sheet for proper score adjustments.

An ACCIDENTAL OR EARLY/LATE DISCHARGE in an unsafe direction will result in disqualification for the day. SAFETY FIRST!! An accidental or early/late discharge in a safe downrange direction results in a 10-point penalty (or a 15-point penalty if you've done it at our matches previously).

5. All competitors will shoot from a BENCH POSITION.

Occasionally in our PRR matches, we have shot prone in front of the 50-yard benches, but for THIS match, we will be shooting from the benches themselves. It is suggested that you bring your own shooting stool or suitable chair for comfort, but upturned 5- and 6-gallon buckets and other seats will also be available to use on a first-come-first-served basis.

See Rule #2 above for allowable rifle rests.

6. COURSE OF FIRE AND SCORING:

The shooter will engage only the targets on the numbered target stand assigned. The course of fire will consist of all shooters engaging targets at nominal 50-yard distance for this match (some of our matches may have elements at 25 or 100 yards) and as stated below:

Any number of shots may optionally be used as non-scored "sighter" shots, using the small target paster dot in the upper left-hand corner of the target sheet. These must be accomplished AFTER timing starts; no additional time is set aside for "sighters". If a "sighter" inadvertently engages a scored target, it will be counted or penalized, as appropriate. "Fouler" or "barrel warming" shots intentionally put directly into the berm may be used after timing starts and are not counted as sighters.

EXTRA POINTS OPPORTUNITY: For this match, a 5 point bonus is awarded if you do not use more than THREE sighter shots. NOTE: If you or your group are shooting the same rifle more than once, this bonus is only available on your first relay with it unless you change to a different brand of ammo for the next relay.

The first 40 scored shots will consist of five shots at each of eight “color-splash” or “shot spotter” targets attached to one target backer/stand for each shooter, 40 shots total in this segment. The shooter may engage the eight primary bullseye targets on his/her numbered target stand assigned in any order but completing all five shots at a single bullseye target before moving to another. Presented will be one 6-inch target (click here for sample), followed by one 5-inch target (click here for sample), followed followed by a 4-inch target (click here for sample). followed by a different 4-inch target (click here for sample). followed by two 3-inch black and green (or black and yellow) bullseye targets (click here for sample), followed by one 2.25-inch yellow and red bullseye target (click here for sample), followed by a 5-inch square white sticker with 5 small multi-colored bullseyes (click here for sample), where you will put ONE SHOT into EACH of the five bullseyes (NOTE: This target is based on the ARA/USRA IR50/50 style targets and the outer edge of the green rings are 2 inches). If you'd like to download a pdf of a practice target you can print, click HERE.

NOTE: All participants have the opportunity to add one or more extra sighting dots to their target sheet if they wish (some shooters find it beneficial to use additional sighters during the match to adjust to wind changes). It is the shooter's responsibility to bring their own supplies to add dots or change these out if they wish while the range is cold as targets are being put up immediately before their relay.

Note: Determination of ring hit and resultant score will be at the sole discretion of the Match Director. Unless stated otherwise, we use the "best edge" approach: if a bullet hole (not the color splash) breaks the dividing line between scoring rings, the higher score area is considered hit. Target scoring gauges will be used when scoring shots with questionable placement relative to a target ring. In any case, the Match Director will use consistent methodology when scoring all similar targets of all competitors. Center sighting dots are generally not treated as separate scoring rings but if hit on some matches may provide bonus points. The center black sighting dot on this month's black 5-inch target does NOT count as separate scoring ring, nor does the white center sighting dot of the blue 4-inch target. The inside of the heavy black circle of the 6-inch target is the outer edge of its center 1" scoring ring (the heavy black circle is part of ring 9). The entire 1-inch red area of the black 4-inch target and the yellow center of the yellow/red 2.25-inch target is its center scoring ring.

Points will be scored as follows (number of rings may vary by target size and type):

- X (center) Ring of yellow 6" target = 10 points, going down one point less each ring as they extend outwards. Shots breaking the line of the inner-center thin circle get an extra 2 points each. (60 points max possible on this target)

- X (center) Ring of 5" target = 5 points, going down one point less each ring. Shots breaking the black center sighting dot get an extra 1 point each. (30 points max possible on this target)

- X (center) Ring of blue 4" target = 5 points, going down one point less each ring. Shots breaking the white center sighting dot get an extra 1 point each. (30 points max possible on this target)

- X (center) Ring of red/black 3" target = 5 points, going down one point less each ring. Shots breaking the red center sighting square get an extra 1 point each. (30 points max possible on this target)

The two 3-inch black bullseye targets in this segment have a 25 point maximum on each one, with scoring of the center ring 5 points each hit, going down one point per ring as they extend outwards.

- X (center) Ring of yellow-red 2.25" target = 10 points, going down one point less each ring as marked. (50 points max possible on this target). For THIS target only, the scored ring will be where the CENTER of your bullet hole lies.

- Rings of 5 small color bullseyes are as marked, starting at 10 points and going down one point less each ring as marked, scored by the bullet hit's "best edge". A shot obliterating the center "x" dot (similar to American Rimfire Assoc target rule 15.2) adds 1 bonus point (11 points max possible on each bullseye, 55 points max possible this target). REMEMBER -- only ONE SHOT per each bullseye on this target set, five shots total. However, especially for our more NOVICE shooters, if you don't think you can hit the center smaller bullseye without ending up with the shot putting a second strike in one of the outer bullseyes, it is OK to skip the center bull rather than an extra shot penalty being applied for the stray hit.

typical target backing sheet
for this match

For our Top Shot Challenge this month, AFTER YOU FINISH WITH YOUR BULLSEYE TARGETS, you'll be shooting at a full-size regulation wood bowling pin. That's a nice big target, so to make it more challenging, we are going to have you put away your bench rests, fold away your bipods, remove your sand-bags, pack away your slings, and have you shoot your rifle FREEHAND for this single target. Knocking over the bowling pin is worth 20 points... but read on about a potential bonus...

You may use NO MORE THAN TWO SHOTS (not just two hits... a 'miss' counts as a 'shot') to try to knock over the bowling pin, and you MUST use the same ammo you used for your bullseyes -- no changing to higher velocity rounds!

NO RESTS or slings are allowed... you have to shoot freehand, but it's ok to rest your ELBOWS (only) on your bench (with a simple comfort pad under each elbow if you wish -- some of our match rifles are HEAVY!). If you forget and use your rifle rests, or have either of your hands or fists resting on the bench, no points are given for the bowling pin.

DO NOT CROSSFIRE! It's more difficult to stay on target when you're freehand shooting, so be SURE that you're shooting at your own bowling pin. If you shoot someone else's, you get no points, but then they get to shoot at yours and are entitled to the higher point value of the two hits.

You'll see a black-rimmed BRIGHTLY COLORED DOT (circle sticker) in the middle of the bowling pin. It's not just a sighter dot... it's actually covering a REACTIVE (explosive) Firebird target disc... and if you hit the disc near the center, you'll know it! And a "boom" gets you not just a big smile, but also ten additional points as a bonus, making this bowling pin target worth 30 instead of 20.

TIPS: (1) If your match rifle has a variable-power scope, turn down your magnification -- that'll make it easier to manage unavoidable movement and time your trigger pull during this freehand shooting segment. (2) A hit centered laterally along the height of the bowling pin will generally knock it over, but an "edge" shot may just cause it to wobble; a hit higher on the pin imparts more energy for toppling the pin than a hit near the center or bottom, which imparts more energy for pushing the pin off its mount. But ANY good hit is likely to knock the pin over and off its mount.

Remember, NO MORE THAN TWO SHOTS (including any misses) to try to knock over the bowling pin. A knock-over is worth 20 points, or 30 points if it includes a "boom"; any other result is worth zero unless you hit the wood stand that the pin is on (don't do it!), which gets you a -20 point penalty and no points for the bowling pin.

NOTE: Speed may come into play here... There is a SLIGHT chance that the concussion from a nearby bowling pin's Firebird explosion will cause your pin to topple, so there is a potential advantage of getting to yours FIRST. If yours does happen to get knocked over by someone else's explosion, you get 10 "consolation" points. Don't shoot your bowling pin if it's on the ground.

Total scored rounds needed per competitor is 42 but you may want to bring extra rounds in case you want to use sighters or foulers or for the Top Shot target. Maximum match score possible = 5+ 305 + 30 = 340 points. In the case of a tie in overall match score, the top-score shooter with the smallest 5-shot group from their regular bullseye targets will be considered the winner.

7. UP TO EIGHT shooters will simultaneously shoot the entire match course of fire from the position line. UPON COMPETITOR COMPLETION OF SHOOTING THE COURSE OF FIRE, after the match director calls the range “COLD/SAFE” and gives the command, ALL COMPETITORS IN THAT GROUP ARE REQUIRED TO GO TO THE BERM, COLLECT THEIR OWN TARGETS AND SET UP TARGETS FOR THE NEXT GROUP OF COMPETITORS.

Each shooter is required to write his or her name (and scoring class or slot/group number or rifle type, if shooting multiple slots) on their target sheet. You must also write the results of your pre-sighter steel target ("hit steel", "hit steel's dot", "missed steel") and your Top Shot bowling pin ("knocked over bowling pin", "boom", "missed pin", or "hit wood stand", "blown down") -- don't expect the Match Director to remember what you did when he's scoring the sheets several hours later... if you don't put any notation about the Top Shot bowling pin target, it will be scored as -20. If you don't put any notation about the steel target, it will be scored as zero.

It is suggested that you take a snapshot of your target sheet before you turn it in... it can help when there might be a question or mistake in scoring.

8. HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE MATCH:

Competitors will register for the match by email to the match director Mike Charness, mcharness@comcast.net (be SURE to reply to the anti-spam message you'll get if this is your first time), as soon as one month prior to match date, and no later than 4pm on the Thursday prior to the match. Earliest registrations get priority as far as scheduled shoot times (usually first groups of the day unless you request otherwise). Limited walk-on registration may be accomodated on a space available basis, either as fill-in for no-shows or late cancellations, or if there is room in the last scheduled group of the day. If you have questions or would prefer to register via text msg, Mike can also be reached by phone at 256.509.8115.

Each competitor can shoot as many as THREE slots, with no more than two of those slots in a single scoring classification. You can REQUEST a FOURTH slot, and we will accomodate it if possible. Late sign-ups may be limited to fewer slots. If you shoot the same rifle more than once, only your FIRST slot will be considered for prize eligibility (see Rules section #15 about prizes). To maintain full eligibility for prizes for multiple slots, each slot must be with a different rifle. In any case, no more than two rifles/slots may be within the same scoring class.

When you pre-register, inform the match director of the rifle(s) you plan to shoot and in which class(es) you believe it/they belong. If your plans change before match day, that's ok... just inform the match director as soon as possible to aid in match planning. ALSO, when you pre-register, let the match director know IF YOU ARE A LEFT-HANDED shooter so that you are not put at a shooting position that might have interference.

All competitors will each pay to the match director a match fee of $10.00 for their first shooting slot no later than at the time the shooter signs in prior to shooting the match, to cover the cost of targets and supplies. If you wish to shoot an additional slot (either the same rifle or a different one), add $5 each for a second or third shooting slot to cover the cost of targets. Payment is due no later than at the time the shooter signs in prior to shooting the match. "Youth" shooters (16 and under) are $5 per slot.

Prepayment is optional... but it is preferred so we don't have to deal with it on match day. If you do wait and pay on match day, please try to bring the exact amount due as the Match Director can't guarantee the ability to make change depending on how others have paid. Pre-payment can be made via mail or PayPal, and should be received no later than the Thursday before match day. If you prepay but then have to cancel before the Thursday before match day when the schedule goes out and target sheets are made up, you're entitled to a refund or credit towards a future match. Even if you do not prepay but cancel after the schedule goes out or just "don't show", there will be a $5 materials fee per slot for the target sheet(s) that were made up for you -- even if the match was otherwise free -- unless we have a late sign-up that uses your slot(s). Pre-payment is NOT optional if you've been a no-show more than once.

NOTE: If you have an equipment failure during the match and are unable to finish the target set, let the Match Director know immediately following "RANGE IS CLEAR" command and if you paid a match fee of more than $5 for the set, the overage will be refunded to you on the spot and you can take your incomplete target sheet home. The $5 "retained" is merely to cover the supplies used for your target sheet.

Any accumulated surplus will be periodically turned over to the Blue & Gray Rifle & Pistol Club.

9. SCHEDULING:

The match director will schedule in advance the time of day that each shooter will commence the course of fire and shoot the match, and distribute the schedule to all participants the Thursday night prior to match day via group email. These will be at fixed 45 MINUTE INTERVALS STARTING AT 9:30am.

Competitor "shoot times" will be scheduled on a first come first served basis by the Match Director (preference is given to those whose registrations were received first or are signed up for multiple slots -- which generally means an earlier shoot time on match day unless you request otherwise).

In order to ensure match safety and due to range limitations we can expect to run no more than one group of shooters every 45 minutes through the match. Therefore, there will be a limit to the number of competitors that can shoot the match.

In the case of high probability of rain, notice will be sent by email the night before the match and the match will be postponed or rescheduled. For those that pre-paid and can not attend the rescheduled date/time, they have a choice of a full refund or to have it held as a credit until their next PRR match.

10. SAFETY ON THE SHOOTING LINE: SAFETY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION AT ALL TIMES DURING THE MATCH. THERE IS TO BE NO HANDLING OF FIREARMS WHEN ANYONE IS DOWNRANGE.

IN ORDER TO PROMOTE SAFE SHOOTING AND AVOID CONGESTION AT THE SHOOTING LINE OF FIRE. SPECTATORS AND/OR SHOOTERS WHO ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY AFTER THEIR DESIGNATED “SHOOT TIME” WILL BE REQUIRED TO STAND BEHIND SHOOTER AREAS AND/OR CONCRETE PADS. Exceptions may be made for "coaches" of novice or junior shooters only with the specific approval of the Match Director.

11. COMPETITOR ARRIVAL & ARRIVAL TIME:

All shooters are required to arrive no less than 20 minutes prior to their appointed "match shoot time". Upon arrival, each shooter must immediately sign in, filling out full name, whether or not he or she is a member of BGRPC, rifle(s) to be shot, contact info, etc.

All shooters must be ready to bring to their assigned/designated shooting area all equipment, including their rifle, no less than 10 minutes before their assigned "shoot time". If everyone in the current shooting group is ready, we may start shooting a few minutes earlier than the published time.

12. Failure of any shooter to be ready to commence fire in accordance with the range officer or match director's direction at the designated "shoot time" will result in disqualification of the shooter and forfeiture of the competitor's opportunity to participate in the match that day unless a later slot becomes available.

13. At each “shoot time”, all competitors in the group will shoot the match simultaneously.

14. Match results will be tabulated and announced within 2 days after the day of the match (though normally the afternoon of match day) by email, and be made available for the website and/or newsletter.

15. PRIZES/AWARDS: For a shooting Class to be considered for a prize, it must have at least five participants (not just five slots) for score. For each eligible class, the winner will receive a PRECISION/TOP SHOT LIMITED EDITION CHALLENGE AWARD COIN, and "CONTENDER" poker-chip style challenge coins will be given to the 2nd and 3rd place shooters.

Further, if we have at least 30 slots filled, this will be a "prize" match where eligible winners of this month's match will *also* receive their choice of an MTM WIND READER FLAG, a 4oz bottle of Bore Tech C4 carbon cleaner, a bottle of RemOil, a Top Shot ceramic mug, a PATCHWORM .22 cleaning kit, a 19-in-1 Shooters' Tool by EAGLE, a Bubble Level for a 30mm scope tube, a coated Rimfire Chamber Cleaning Rod with mop and brush, Electronic shooter's earmuffs, or have the first slot at your next PRR match be FREE ($10 credit). If we have 30 to 40 shooting slots filled, a prize will be awarded to within the largest Class. If we have 41 to 50 shooting slots competing, a prize will be awarded in the largest *TWO* Classes. If we have 51 or more shooting slots competing, a prize will be awarded in *ALL* eligible classes. Winners can receive multiple Award Coins, but no shooter is eligible to receive more than one additional prize per match, even if they choose to compete with multiple rifles, and the choice of prize item(s) will pass to the next highest eligible shooter in that second Class (a "spread the joy" approach). As stated previously, only your FIRST slot with a particular rifle will be considered for prize eligibility, and for a shooting Class to be considered for a prize, it must have at least five participants (not just five slots) for score. If two Classes have the same number of slots taken, preference is given to the one with the higher number of participants, and if that is the same, then the one with the higher scoring shooter. NOTE: A special Top Shot logo prize is awarded to anyone who gets top score in Sporter, Semi-Auto, and Match/Unlimited classifications in a single match (must use three different rifles). Prizes will be available for pickup (southeast Huntsville) or can be brought to the next match.

FOR 2024, THERE IS ANOTHER WAY TO EARN OUR PRECISION CHALLENGE AWARD COIN! If you have participated in at least 9 of our 12 monthly matches during 2024, and have otherwise not earned a COIN, you will receive one of these coins in recognition of your dedication to the sport!

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