High power rifle enthusiasts can now develop the shooting skills that lead to success in matches and tournaments with the aggregate competition course of fire as well as success on the hunting field with the sporting rifle course of fire.

The aggregate competition course helps develop target shooting skills using a 50-, 80-, or 100-shot course of fire. High power rifle shooting is the most popular event at NRA's annual championship -- the National Matches. Shooters from all across the country -- military, civilians, police, and juniors alike -- assemble at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, OH to vie for high power championship titles at the largest NRA competition conducted.

If hunting is your forte and you want to build your field shooting skills, the sporting rifle event provides an abbreviated course of fire using both the rest and standing positions. Scores fired on a home range, a local club, or in a league or tournament can all be applied toward the rating requirements in either high power qualification program.

Aggregate Competition Course

• Rules
  NRA High Power Rifle Rules apply.

• Rifle
  Any safe U.S. military service rifle, or centerfire rifle with metallic sights and a magazine capable of holding not less than five rounds may be used.

• Equipment
  A sling may be used in all positions except standing. Telescopic sights, hook butt plates, and palm rests are not permitted.

• Ammunition
  Any ammunition except tracer and incendiary ammunition is permitted. However, it is your responsibility to identify and follow all of the rules of the range on which you are firing. Some ranges restrict the use of armor piercing ammunition as well.

• Targets
  

  On a 100-yard range:	use SR-1 target to simulate 200 yards, SR-21 target to simulate 300 yards, and MR-31 target to simulate 600 yards.
  On a 200-yard range:	use SR target at 200 yards, SR-42 target to simulate 300 yards, and MR-52 target to simulate 600 yards.
  On a 300-yard range:	use SR target at 200 yards, SR-3 target at 300 yards, and MR-63 target to simulate 600 yards.
  On a 600-yard range:	use SR target at 200 yards, SR-3 target at 300 yards, and MR-1 target at 600 yards.

• Firing Procedures
  Qualification ratings may be earned by firing any one (50-, 80-, or 100-shot) course. All four stages must be completed in the same session to count as one completed course of fire. Since score requirements are in percentages, different shot courses (50/80/100) may be used for each award level.
  The same safety precautions required in tournament shooting apply to qualification shooting. In the slow-fire stage, all rifles are loaded with only one cartridge at a time. In rapid-fire, shooters using service rifles first load and fire 2 rounds, and then reload and fire 8 rounds to complete the 10-shot string within the specified time limit. Shooters using other centerfire rifles initially load and fire 5 rounds, and then reload and fire another 5.

Sporting Rifle Course

• Rifle
  Any safe centerfire rifle weighing less than 9½ pounds, including detachable magazine and sights but excluding sling, may be used. Telescopic sights are permitted.

• Equipment
  Any equipment that is considered usual and customary for field use, such as coats with light padding at the shoulder/elbows and unpadded gloves, may be used. Special jackets, gloves, slings, set triggers, hooked butt plates, palm rests, and other devices associated with formal competition shooting are prohibited.

• Rules
  The Sporting Rifle course of fire is governed by the rules listed in this booklet.

• Positions
  Rest Position: Arms and elbows may be rested against the shooter's knees, or on the ground, or on a bench, table, sandbag, or other object to assist in holding the rifle steady. The rifle and shooter's hands may not touch the supporting device. The forward hand must grasp the forestock of the rifle ahead of the trigger guard.
  Standing Position: Shooters stand erect on both feet. The rifle is supported only by the hands and the shoulder. The forward hand must grasp the forestock of the rifle ahead of the trigger guard. The rifle butt must be against the front of the shoulder.

• Awards
  High Power Rifle Qualification Patch. Blue/burgundy certificates. Medals, medal bars and skill rockers used in all courses. See qualification awards.