2010 CMP Competition Rules
Rules for Service Rifle, Service Pistol, As-Issued Military Rifle
By Gary Anderson, DCME
The 2010 14th Edition of the CMP Competition Rules for Service Rifle, Service Pistol and As-Issued Military Rifle shooting has just been released. These new rules go into effect immediately and will remain in effect until the 2011 15th edition of the CMP rules is released. The new rulebook can be downloaded from the CMP website at
http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Rulebook.pdf. Printed copies of the new rules, which can be purchased from the CMP for $3.00 each, will be furnished to each match sponsor and National Matches competitor.
The 14th Edition 2010 CMP Competition Rules are now in effect. Copies can be downloaded from the CMP website at
Shooters in As-Issued Military Rifle Matches will now have a uniform 80-second time limit for rapid-fire stages. The new time limit will apply in Garand, Springfield and Vintage Military Rifle as well as in mixed military rifle matches.
Coaching during As-Issued Military Rifle Matches. The 2010 rules place some limitations on coaching during As-Issued Military Rifle Matches while still allowing new and inexperienced shooters to receive necessary assistance. The rules now state that
“coaching new and inexperienced shooters is permitted,” but that “coaching experienced or advanced shooters by calling wind or rapid-fire shot locations, etc. is contrary to the spirit of As-Issued Military Rifle rules and is not permitted.” To reinforce that standard, scorers or coaches will be required to turn their scopes away during rapid-fire stages.
http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Rulebook.pdf.
There are fewer changes this year than there have been in any of the past ten years. This is probably a sign that military rifle and pistol rules have stabilized. What this means for most competitors in CMP-sanctioned Service Rifle, Service Pistol and As-Issued Military Rifle Matches is that they will not have to adapt to any significant changes this year. Last year’s major changes like the new loading procedures for Service Rifle and M1 Garands remain unchanged .
Here is a summary of this year’s changes:
Completed Match. Previous rules stated that if an EIC match had to be shortened because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances, that the scores would be recognized to award EIC points if at least two stages or 20 shots were fired in the match. The 20-shot requirement remains for pistol EIC matches, but all competitors in rifle EIC matches must now fire at least three stages (30 shots) before scores will be counted for EIC purposes.
Short M16 Stocks. Standard M16A2 and M16A4 stocks are a relatively long 13 ½ inches. To obtain a shorter stock, the rules have allowed shooters the option of installing the M16A1 stock, which is slightly shorter. However, shooters of smaller stature have frequently requested that an even shorter stock option be available. This has been a particularly acute need for coaches who work with younger junior shooters to introduce them to Service Rifle shooting. To answer that need, the new rules provide that “fixed-length aftermarket stocks that reduce the length of pull to no less than 10 inches.” These stocks must have “the same external characteristics as the A2 or A1 stocks.”
As-Issued Military Rifles. There were a few clarifications in the new rules. A previous rule interpretation barring the attachment of bayonets because they could be used as muzzle weights is now a rule prohibiting the attachment of bayonets during competitions. The rules also clarify that M1C and M1D Garands may be used as As-Issued M1 Garands “provided that they comply with other requirements for As-Issued M1 Garands.” Telescopes must, of course, be detached. M1Cs and M1Ds were standard M1 Garands except for adaptations for scope mounting that were made to them. Shooters who fire U. S. Krags in Vintage Military Rifle Matches will now be able to modify the sights on their rifles according to M1903 USMC sight dimensions that permit 0.100” aperture openings and 0.100” wide front posts. If front sight posts are retrofitted, they must retain the as-issued profile.
As-Issued Military Rifle Course of Fire. With more and more match sponsors now running mixed relays in their As-Issued Military Rifle Matches where the 80-second rapid-fire time limit must be used, there are fewer pure M1 Garand Matches where the 70-second rapid-fire time limit can even be used. In recognizing that reality, rapid-fire time limits for the John C. Garand 30 and 50 second courses of fire has been changed to 80 seconds for all rifles. The 70-second rapid-fire time limit will, however, continue to apply for both prone and sitting position rapid-fire in the Special As-Issued M1 Garand EIC Matches that the CMP conducts at the Eastern and Western CMP Games.
Wounded Warrior Exception for Service Rifle Rapid-Fire. The CMP continues to require rifle shooters to start rapid-fire stages from standing in Service Rifle EIC and National Trophy Matches both because of decades old tradition and because quickly assuming a firing position and orienting its natural point of aim on the target is a vital skill that adds to the special challenges of military rifle shooting. While maintaining that requirement, the CMP has sought to make some accommodation for wounded veterans who are unable to readily move from a firing position to standing and back again because of their combat injuries. An “exception” for this is in the new rules. It reads, “In recognition of their extreme sacrifice to our country, military or former military members who were awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat that resulted in partial or complete loss (or replacement) of lower extremities, will be allowed to remain in position for rapid fire stages, and still be eligible to earn EIC points and win National Trophies.” This exception is limited to wounded veterans and it will be evaluated this year to determine whether it retains the ‘level playing field’ standard that the CMP seeks for all competitors in EIC or National Trophy Matches.
Service Pistol Rules. There were once again no significant pistol rule changes this year. If a trigger shoe is attached to a service pistol, “the trigger weight must be suspended at the center-point of the trigger when the trigger is checked.”
Considered But Not Adopted. Several recommendations were received advocating the recognition of the M4 Carbine as a service rifle. Serious consideration was given to adding the M4 to the Rule 6.2.3 list of approved caliber 5.56mm service rifles. A final decision was not made, however, since there are still many unanswered questions concerning adjustable stock length, whether longer barrels could be installed and how the Picatinny rail could be used. Those questions will continue to be studied in the coming months. Additional shooter comments on the M4 Carbine as a service rifle are welcome.
For details on each of these new rules, be sure to see the full edition of the 2010 CMP Competition Rules that is posted on the CMP website at
http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Rulebook.pdf.