
NRA High Power Rifle
NRA High Power is a precision rifle discipline shot at distances from 200 to 600 yards using iron sights or optics. The "Across the Course" format includes standing, sitting, and prone positions with time limits.
01 // LEARN
What is NRA High Power Rifle?
Understanding this shooting discipline
NRA High Power is a precision rifle discipline shot at distances from 200 to 600 yards using iron sights or optics. The "Across the Course" format includes standing, sitting, and prone positions with time limits.
Service Rifle division uses AR-15 pattern rifles with specific restrictions. Match Rifle allows bolt actions with specialized stocks and optics. The sport develops marksmanship fundamentals applicable to hunting, military service, and other shooting disciplines.
Types & Variations
02 // START
Getting Started with High Power
Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners
Getting into high power doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.
Essential Equipment
What you need to get started
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
What Does High Power Cost?
Realistic budget expectations
$800-1,500
Basic equipment to begin
$2,500-5,000+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Hidden costs to consider: A quality AR-15 with proper barrel is the best starting investment. Add shooting coat and mat as budget allows.
High Power Rifle Categories
Compare your options
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Service Rifle AR-15/M16 pattern, 4.5x max optics, 2-stage trigger minimum pull. | Most accessible starting point; uses common AR platform |
| Match Rifle Any bolt action, free rifle stocks, unlimited optics. | Maximum accuracy potential; higher equipment investment |
| CMP/Vintage M1 Garand, M1A, other military rifles. Historical categories. | History enthusiasts; CMP sells surplus rifles to members |
03 // ASK
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about high power
New to high power? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.
Find answers to common questions about nra high power rifle. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.
A standard AR-15 with a 20-inch barrel works for Service Rifle. Many shooters use a Rock River, White Oak, or similar upper. Avoid short barrels or heavily modified lowers.
Service Rifle allows magnified optics up to 4.5x. Traditional iron sight matches still exist. Match Rifle has no optic restrictions.
CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) runs similar courses but includes vintage military rifle categories. Both organizations sanction legitimate matches.
Moderately. Standing (offhand) position requires fitness. Prone and sitting are more accessible. A shooting coat helps stabilize all positions.
A full "Across the Course" match takes 4-6 hours. Reduced courses and league formats are shorter. Plan for most of a day.
04 // FIND
Upcoming Events
Find high power events near you
High Power Rifle
Location: Rifle Range Match Director: Tommy Gilliam NRA-approved matches will be held on the second Saturday of Each Month starting in March thru November. Gates open at 7:30 AM with a mandatory safety briefing at 8:30. Matches start at 9:00 AM. Matches are normally completed by noon so club members can plan on using the range from noon until sunset on match days. Matches may be canceled if regional competitions fall on the same date and the bulk of the regular high-power competitors elect to attend those matches instead of the club match. If you’ve never attended a high-power match but would like to, feel free to come and watch a match. Any magazine or clip-fed center-fire rifle, capable of holding at least five rounds is acceptable for use in high-power matches. The rifle may have any sighting system such as iron sights, optics, or red dot. The NRA high-power rifle page is http://compete.nra.org/how-to-get-started/high-power-rifle-competition.aspx
Rifle Match 10/10
For Info, Contact, Jim Esarey (765)749-1387 or Joshua Price (765)993-6000
Rifle Falling Plates
Falling Plates The Falling Plates Rack consists of Six Metal Plates, approximately 8 inches in diameter. The Game requires every participant to shoot as many plates as possible in a specific time frame, which depends on the distance and firearm used, as follows: Falling Plates – Pistol is shot from 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 yards and the times are 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 secondsrespectively. Falling Plates – Rifle is shot from 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 yards and the times are 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14seconds respectively. Only .22 Rimfire (Long Rifle, Long or Short) are allowed. No other caliber or any Magnums are permitted. Courses of Fire are the same for both, Pistol and Rifle: the competitor shall load only 6 (six) rounds, and will shoot within the mentioned time slots. A timer is used to establish the shooting periods. Every participant will be called to the shooting lane, at which said participant will arrive with two magazines or speed loaders, with no more than 6 (six) rounds on each, and will load the firearm when directed to do so by the Match Director. Two strings of 6 (six) shots will take place. There are no alibis whatsoever. Only fallen plates will count as 1 (one) point each, towards the maximum possible of 60 points.
High Power Rifle Match
The WPGC High Power Rifle Matches are regularly held on the 2nd Saturday of every month, April-September. Starting in 2012 the matches will be NRA Approved and the scores will be recorded with the NRA. Registration Begins At 08:30 AM Match Begins At 09:00 AM Costs for WPGC Members: $5.00 Costs for Non-WPGC Members: $10.00
LRP-UHRC (ULTIMATE HUNTER RIFLE COMPETITION) MONTHLY MATCH
More Information: https://ultimate-hunter.com/ Registration: https://practiscore.com/clubs/uhssclubone
Musketeers (Juniors) Rifle/Pistol
MUSKETEER .22LR: Youth shooters are the future of our sport. Children and Grandchildren of Diablo members, who are between the ages of 8 and 18, may participate in Youth Rifle & Pistol, and Shotgun activities. Rifle & Pistol use .22 cal. rimfire only and shoot at the Multi-Purpose Range. Ammunition is supplied at the rifle events. Some loaner rifles are available, but the shooters should provide their own firearms and parents should help out. During the shoots, a responsible adult, OTHER
05 // LOCATE
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline