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
| 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
#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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JUN
17
Match Rifle Team (Reserved)
Competition
Twin City Shooting Club is running a rifle match on June 17th, 2026. This is a competitive event where you'll test your marksmanship against the clock and other shooters, which is solid practice if you want to sharpen your fundamentals under pressure. It's a reserved team match, so you'll be shooting with a squad. The format and distance will depend on what discipline the club runs that day—typical rifle matches cycle through different stages and distances to keep things varied and challenging.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Twin City Shooting ClubTwin City Shooting Club, Town of Halfmoon, NY
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JUN
17
Second Annual Stuart and Phyllis Anderson Memorial Service Rifle Match. 5:30 PM. The Rifle Range is closed from noon to dusk
Competition
Second Annual Stuart and Phyllis Anderson Memorial Service Rifle Match. 5:30 PM. The Rifle Range is closed from noon to dusk. When 06/17/2026 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location 28716 Prairie Lake Road, Grand Rapids MN 55744 Location: Itasca Gun Club Outdoor Rifle Range IGC Memorial M1 Service Rifle Match Location: The New Itasca Gun Club Outdoor Range In Memory of Stuart and Phyllis Anderson Iron Sights or up to 4.5 X scope allowed. First Service Rifle Match 2 PM 100-Year-Old Rifle Match 3:30 PM Seco
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Itasca Gun ClubItasca Gun Club, Grand Rapids, MN
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JUN
17
Second Annual Stuart and Phyllis Anderson Memorial Service Rifle Match. 2:00 PM. The Rifle Range is closed from noon to dusk
Competition
Second Annual Stuart and Phyllis Anderson Memorial Service Rifle Match. 2:00 PM. The Rifle Range is closed from noon to dusk. When 06/17/2026 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location 28716 Prairie Lake Road, Grand Rapids MN 55744 Location: Itasca Gun Club Outdoor Rifle Range IGC Memorial M1 Service Rifle Match Location: The New Itasca Gun Club Outdoor Range In Memory of Stuart and Phyllis Anderson Iron Sights or up to 4.5 X scope allowed. First Service Rifle Match 2 PM 100-Year-Old Rifle Match 3:30 PM Seco
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Itasca Gun ClubItasca Gun Club, Grand Rapids, MN
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JUN
17
Guthsville Jr Rifle Team Practice(Indoor Range)
Competition
An open practice session at Guth S Ville Rod and Gun Club. This is dedicated time for shooters to work on fundamentals, sight in firearms, test loads, or prepare for upcoming competitions. Your firearm(s) and ammunition Targets (or purchase at the range) Eye and ear protection (required) Any accessories you want to test or zero Contact Guth S Ville Rod and Gun Club for range hours, bay availability, and any guest policies.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Guth S Ville Rod and Gun ClubGuth S Ville Rod and Gun Club, Orefield, PA
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JUN
17
Rifle Range reserved for Club Members
Competition
This is a rifle match at 1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club reserved for club members on June 17, 2026. You'll shoot against other members to test your marksmanship at distance and see where you stand. The match format and specific rules come straight from the match director, so contact the club ahead of time to learn the distance, target setup, and scoring system. Bring a minimum of 60 rounds and a rifle suited to whatever discipline they're running that day.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club: Home Page1000 Islands Sportsmen's Club: Home Page, Redwood, NY
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JUN
17
100-Year-Old Rifle Match. This match begins at 3:30
Competition
100-Year-Old Rifle Match. This match begins at 3:30. When 06/17/2026 3:30 PM Location 28716 Prairie Lake Road, Grand Rapids MN 55744 Location: Itasca Gun Club Outdoor Rifle Range 100 Year Old Rifle Match Location: The New Itasca Gun Club Outdoor Range Time: The match begins at 3:30 PM This match is for 100-year-old rifles. They can be any kind of rifle, but they must have been manufactured at least 100 years ago. Modern replicas of old rifles do not qualify. That means that any rifle built
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Itasca Gun ClubItasca Gun Club, Grand Rapids, MN