06-24-2017, 12:07 PM
Kilco Wrote:Not a competitive shooter myself (Maine offers no competitive rifle shooting that I'm aware of) But I have noticed some radical changes to the service rifle rules in the past couple years.
Do you think they are for better or worse?
Kilco:
Not really sure if they are better or worse. I started shooting High Power with a Service Rifle (M-1A) in the late 80's. Aside from outward appearances that were similar to issued service rifles, the ones we used in matches then and the ones used today can not be compared with anything that is issued. The last Leg Match I shot, we were issued M-118 Special Ball and after that, one was allowed to handload so not even the ammunition is similar. And, lets face it, a Joe isn't about to get into a loop sling to return fire on the battlefield and never did so one even has to question the use of the loop sling and shooting from seated position.
I say I am not really sure if the changes are good or bad because to begin with, Service Rifle competition didn't resemble reality so I am not really sure it matters.
One thing I do believe is of value to the military is that when ever a new technology is allowed in competition, it soon gets refined to near perfection. So all the different optics you see today on the 'service rifle' are being tested better than anything the military could do and survival of the fittest will be the rule. In a year or two, one or two brands and types of optics will have survived and you can bet they can stand up to some serious abuse in a bunch of environmental conditions.
I saw the M-14 disappear from firing lines within two seasons. I am sure that by next year, anyone who wants to be competitive in Service Rifle will be using an optic.
Some will piss and moan about Iron Sights becoming obsolete but to me, it is simply evolution.
LR55