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USCG PS1 Dennis Carney fires M1 Garand during rifle competition at Camp Perry
shooting-sports/high-power-rifle

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.

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01 // LEARN

#01

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

Service Rifle (AR-15 pattern, iron sights or 4.5x max)
Match Rifle (bolt action, any optics)
F-Class (prone with front rest)
Palma (international team format)
CMP Games (vintage military rifles)

02 // START

#02

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

1AR-15 or M1A for Service Rifle, bolt action for Match
2Shooting coat (stabilizes standing position)
3Shooting glove
4Shooting mat
5Spotting scope (20-40x minimum)
6Eye and ear protection

Safety & Rules

Know these before your first shot

1Standing slow fire at 200 yards (offhand)
2Sitting rapid fire at 200 yards (time limit)
3Prone rapid fire at 300 yards (time limit)
4Prone slow fire at 600 yards
5No artificial support except sling

Pro Tips for Beginners

Advice from experienced shooters

Start with Service Rifle; the AR platform is affordable and accessible
A shooting coat is essential for standing stage
Learn the sling; it is your only support device
Dry fire extensively for position practice
Consider CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) matches as entry point

What Does High Power Cost?

Realistic budget expectations

Getting Started

$800-1,500

Basic equipment to begin

Competitive Setup

$2,500-5,000+

Quality gear for serious shooters

Per event/match:$25-50 entry, 50-88 rounds
Ammo per session:$30-75 (5.56/.308)

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

TypeBest 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

#03

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

#04

Upcoming Events

Find high power events near you

View details
OCT
10

High Power Rifle

Competition

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

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Magic City Gun ClubMagic City Gun Club, Birmingham, AL
View details
OCT
10

Rifle Match 10/10

Competition

For Info, Contact, Jim Esarey (765)749-1387 or Joshua Price (765)993-6000

Saturday, October 10, 2026• 09:00:00
Farmland Conservation ClubFarmland Conservation Club, Farmland, IN
View details
OCT
10

Rifle Falling Plates

Training

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.

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Coyote Point Rifle & Pistol Club Inc.Coyote Point Rifle & Pistol Club Inc., San Mateo, CA
View details
OCT
10

High Power Rifle Match

Competition

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

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Rimfire Steel - West Point Gun ClubRimfire Steel - West Point Gun Club, Adaline, WV
View details
OCT
10

LRP-UHRC (ULTIMATE HUNTER RIFLE COMPETITION) MONTHLY MATCH

Competition

More Information: https://ultimate-hunter.com/ Registration: https://practiscore.com/clubs/uhssclubone

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Cameo Shooting and Education ComplexCameo Shooting and Education Complex, De Beque, CO
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OCT
10

Musketeers (Juniors) Rifle/Pistol

Youth

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

Saturday, October 10, 2026• 13:00:00
USI Multi Purpose RangeUSI Multi Purpose Range, Concord, NV