Competition culture · editorial reference

High Power Rifle Explained: Across-the-Course, Service Rifle and Match Rifle

Standing, sitting and prone, slow fire and rapid fire, iron sights or a low-power optic. High power is the oldest continuous American rifle competition, and it still rewards fundamentals over gear.

Reference page — staleness notice. Published 2026-11-03. Last reviewed 2026-10-30. Rules, product listings and published guidance change; this page is scheduled for re-review by 2027-04-30. Check current primary sources before relying on it. This is general information, not legal advice.

Short answer

High power rifle is shot from standing, sitting or kneeling, and prone positions at 200, 300 and 600 yards, in a mix of slow and rapid fire stages called across-the-course. Service Rifle limits competitors to military-pattern rifles such as the AR-15, M1 and M1A; Match Rifle allows a broader range of centerfire rifles. The CMP and NRA both run matches, with some rule differences, so read the rulebook used by your match.

The oldest game in American rifle competition

Long before barricades and steel plates, American rifle competition meant paper targets, a sling and positions learned in the military. According to Shooting Sports USA, the first organized matches were held at Creedmoor, New York, in 1873. In 1903, Congress helped establish the National Matches as a combined civilian and military event, and in 1907 they moved to Camp Perry, Ohio, where the CMP's National Trophy Rifle Matches are still held. The same article notes that the NRA moved its National High Power Rifle Championships to Camp Atterbury, Indiana, in 2017.

The CMP's 2026 flyer lists the National Matches at Camp Perry from July 12 to August 8, 2026, including rifle matches, vintage rifle matches and mid and long range events. Dates for 2027 had not been checked for this article; see thecmp.org.

The across-the-course match

The heart of high power is the National Match Course, fired across several distances and positions. As summarized from standard references, it looks like this:

Stage	Distance	Position	Shots and time (typical)
Slow fire	200 yards	Standing (offhand)	10 shots in 10 minutes
Rapid fire	200 yards	Sitting or kneeling	10 shots in 60 seconds, with a reload
Rapid fire	300 yards	Prone	10 shots in 70 seconds, with a reload
Slow fire	600 yards	Prone	20 shots in 20 minutes

That is 50 shots for a possible 500 points, with X-count breaking ties. Regional and state matches often fire longer versions, such as 80 shots, with more rounds in each stage. Some ranges fire reduced-distance versions on scaled targets. The match program tells you which; our guide to reading a match program explains where to look.

Why rapid fire has a reload

Rapid-fire stages require a magazine change or clip reload partway through. That keeps the stage connected to its military origins and tests gun handling under time pressure. It is also why the match is a test of the whole shooter, not just the rifle.

CMP and NRA differences

Both the CMP and the NRA write high power rules, and their books differ in places. One commonly cited example: CMP rapid-fire stages start from standing, with the shooter dropping into position after the targets appear, while NRA matches do not require the standing start. Equipment and sight rules differ too. Our CMP rulebook checklist covers how to read the current edition.

Service Rifle vs Match Rifle

	Service Rifle	Match Rifle
Rifles	Military-pattern: AR-15 (M16 type), M1 Garand, M1A (M14 type) and others listed	A broader range of centerfire rifles meeting capacity and loading rules
Sights	Iron sights, or limited-magnification optics where the rules allow	Wider choice, per the rulebook
Spirit	Proficiency with issue-type rifles	Purpose-built target rifles

A 2016 CMP rules revision allowed Service Rifle competitors to use magnified optics up to 4.5 power, as summarized by Wikipedia's high power rifle article. That change brought many AR-15 owners into the sport. Check the current rulebook for optic and stock rules before you build or buy anything specifically for Service Rifle.

Ammunition and cartridges

Most modern Service Rifle competitors shoot .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO AR-15-type rifles, often with heavy match bullets for the 600-yard stage. The M1A and M1 Garand shoot .308 and .30-06 respectively, and the history of military match ammunition is a story in itself; see our M118LR explainer. Heavy .223 bullets need an appropriate barrel twist, which our twist rate guide explains.

Ammunition Depot also publishes a .223 target shooting guide that lists other options.

Equipment for a first match

A legal rifle for the class you enter, with a working sling.
A sling, traditionally a military web or leather 1907-pattern sling, used for support in sitting and prone.
A shooting mat for prone.
A spotting scope to see your shots between strings.
A scorebook to log every shot, call and sight adjustment.
Hearing and eye protection. Long days on the line add up; our article on hearing fatigue explains why it affects scores.
Optional at first: a shooting jacket and glove. They make positions steadier and more repeatable, and most regulars use them.

Classification and badges

NRA high power uses a classification system, with categories such as Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, Master and High Master, so you compete against shooters at a similar level. The CMP runs Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) matches, where top finishers earn points toward the Distinguished Rifleman badge, one of the oldest marksmanship awards in the country. Requirements are set in the current rulebooks.

Gentler entry points

If a full across-the-course match feels like a lot, the CMP also runs matches for vintage military rifles, such as Garand, Springfield and vintage rifle events, and many clubs run reduced-course matches at 200 yards. These use the same positions and fundamentals with fewer rounds and less gear. Clubs often hold clinics that teach sling use and positions before match day.

First high power match checklist

Find the rulebook and edition your match uses, CMP or NRA.
Confirm your rifle and sights are legal for your class.
Practice getting into sitting and prone with a sling, unloaded, at home.
Practice your reload until it is smooth.
Prepare a zero for each distance in your scorebook.
Bring ammunition for record shots and sighters, plus spare.
Arrive early for the safety briefing and squadding.
Expect to work in the pits at ranges with manual targets.

Course of fire, dates and rule changes are summarized from the CMP flyer, Shooting Sports USA and Wikipedia as of October 2026. Confirm every detail with the current rulebook and your match program.

Frequently asked questions

What does across-the-course mean?

It means a match fired at several distances and positions, traditionally 200 yards standing and sitting, 300 yards prone rapid fire and 600 yards prone slow fire, rather than at a single distance.

What rifles are allowed in Service Rifle?

Military-pattern rifles such as the AR-15 (M16 type), M1 Garand, M1A (M14 type) and some others listed in the rulebook. Check the current CMP or NRA rulebook for exact eligibility and sight rules.

Can I use a scope in high power?

Service Rifle rules have allowed optics with limited magnification since a 2016 CMP change, described as up to 4.5 power. Match Rifle rules differ. Check the current rulebook before buying an optic.

Where are the National Matches held?

The CMP National Matches are held at Camp Perry, Ohio. The 2026 CMP flyer listed the season from July 12 to August 8, 2026. The NRA moved its National High Power Rifle Championships to Camp Atterbury, Indiana, in 2017, per Shooting Sports USA.

Do I need a shooting jacket to start?

No. Many clubs welcome new shooters with a sling, a mat and a rifle. Jackets and gloves help in the positions and most regular competitors buy them eventually.

Sources and further reading

This independent educational article does not replace official instructions, professional advice or legal guidance. Re-check sources before relying on time-sensitive details.