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Welcome, since you're reading this, you are probably new to High Power Rifle competition. Don't worry about your first score, it's not important. Just handle your rifle safely, listen to and follow the range officer's commands and you'll be fine.

The National Match Course as we shoot it at MSA has 5 sighter shots in 5 minutes followed by four shooting stages:

• Match No. 1 is 10 shots slow fire, standing, in 10 minutes.
• Match No. 2 is 10 shots rapid fire, sitting with a mandatory reload, in 60 seconds.
• Match no. 3 is 10 shots rapid fire, prone with a mandatory reload, in 70 seconds.
• Match No. 4 is 20 shots slow fire, prone, in 20 minutes. In the slow fire stages (including all sighters) load one shot at a time.

In all stages we start in the appropriate position for that stage. On the slow fire stages we load and shoot 1 round at a time. On the rapid fire stages we have 2 clips or magazines prepped. Depending on the type of rifle you are using, the first magazine is prepped with either 2 or 5 rounds and the second magazine is prepped with either 8 or 5 rounds, for a total of 10 rounds.  At the horn you insert the first magazine, close your bolt and begin firing. Shoot the rounds you have loaded, reload the rifle and continue shooting until you hear the horn blow again. Often beginners will get caught up in the pace of rapid fire and shoot too fast. Try to pace yourself, and get your shots off at 3 to 4 second intervals. If you take your time aiming and firing, you should have a better score.

While all this seems like a lot to learn, in practice it is very simple and with a little experience, you will start shooting better scores. We ALWAYS welcome new shooters (especially juniors) and usually have loaner rifles available for those who would like to try the sport. If you need a loaner so you can try High Power just drop an email to highpower@midlandshooters.com a day or two before the match.

Matches are the usually held the 1st Saturday of each month excluding July and September; please refer to the Event Calendar for details.