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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

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OCT
30

INDOOR YOUTH RIFLE

Competition
Youth

Youth rifle match at Bucks County Fish and Game Association—a chance for young shooters to compete, dial in their rifles, and see how they stack against peers on the same range. October 30th in Doylestown. This is match day: you show up, you shoot, you get scored. Real feedback on where your marksmanship stands. These matches run on a set format with established rules, so every competitor knows what they're walking into. Good way to build consistency under pressure and learn what your rifle can actually do.

Friday, October 30, 2026
Bucks County Fish and Game AssociationBucks County Fish and Game Association, Doylestown, PA
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OCT
30

Rifle Sight-In - , 2026

Social

Every Fall, the week prior to Minnesota Deer Opener, the Osage Sportsman's Club offers an opportunity for local hunters to sight in their rifles. 9 am - 5:30pm $7.00 per gun, no shot limit

Friday, October 30, 2026
Osage Sportsmens ClubOsage Sportsmens Club, Park Rapids, MN
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OCT
31

Practical Rifle (Public)

Competition

Pre-Registration is required. We only can accomodate the first 20 shooters who sign up. Click here to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXgQQPL2inhLMpncOTIc4-27gjCyjj3p00WrBwey3U6ayVhg/viewform#start=openform Note: The above link will become active on the 10th of the month. You will need to be ready to go by no later than 0830hrs. Please feel free to Gary Bissig with any questions at [email protected] This link with be active at 9:00am on the 10th of the month for that month's match. Until 9:00am the link will be deactivated. Our matches typically sell out in 10-15minutes. Once the match is full, I will deactivate the link. Members are encouragedto email me if they are unable to register. I have received multiple emails frommembers who indicated the link on our calendar is not correct. Could you pleaseupdate the LRGC calendar with this link. We do our very best never to turn an LRGCmember away.

Saturday, October 31, 2026
Langhorne Rod & Gun ClubLanghorne Rod & Gun Club, Holland, PA
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OCT
31

Rifle Sight in

Competition

This is a rifle sight-in match at Monticello Sportsmen Club on October 31st—a chance to zero your rifle and verify your setup performs before the season gets serious. You'll shoot from a controlled position at measured distances, giving you real data on where your gun is hitting and whether your scope needs adjustment.

Saturday, October 31, 2026
Monticello Sportsmen ClubMonticello Sportsmen Club, Monticello, MN
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OCT
31

Rifle Range reserved for Club Members

Competition

This is a rifle match at 1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club reserved for club members on October 31st. You'll shoot against other members in a structured competition that tests accuracy across set distances—the kind of event that shows you where you actually stand as a marksman, not just at your home range. The format varies depending on the discipline the club runs that day, so your prep and positioning matter. It's straightforward competition: show up with a rifle zeroed and ready, put rounds downrange, and see how you stack against shooters who take it seriously. Good way to benchmark your skills and pick up field craft watching how others approach different positions and distances.

Saturday, October 31, 2026
1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club: Home Page1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club: Home Page, Redwood, NY
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OCT
31

Rifle 100 Yd Open

Competition
Benchrest

A competitive rifle match at Oakdale Sports Mens Club. Depending on the format, this may include benchrest, highpower, CMP service rifle, or practical rifle stages at various distances. Rifle (caliber and type per match rules) Ammunition (round count varies by format -- check with venue) Shooting mat or rest (as appropriate for format) Eye and ear protection (required) Arrive early for sign-in and safety briefing Bring more ammunition than you think you will need If this is your first match, let the match director know Contact Oakdale Sports Mens Club for match format, distances, round count, and entry fees.

Saturday, October 31, 2026
Oakdale Sports Mens ClubOakdale Sports Mens Club, Oakdale, CA