M1 & M1A and CMP matches

[jmorris]

Ok, make up my mind for me. I cannot decide between a M1 or M1A.

The M14 was the very first rifle I carried in the military, albeit ROTC. I liked shooting it over the M16 and didn't mind the extra weight. I much preferred the longer reach. So for those reasons I lean towards the M1A.

But I've been looking at the info on CMP matches. I'm looking at the loaded Springfield M1A as my purchase of choice. What I can't quite determine is if this rifle is legal for the service rifle completions under rule 6.1.2 Service Rifle Modifications, specifically the match trigger. The match barrel and sights seem to be allowed. If not, then maybe I'll go the M1 route and just shoot in Garand matches when possible.

I know I'm not going to set the shooting world on fire but wouldn't mind earning a few points.

[howdy]

The CMP has their own forum. Go here http://forums.thecmp.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and scroll down a ways and you will see the competition section. I am sure you can find your answer there. Buying a CMP rifle is easy and the delivery time (to your front door...no FFL required) is about 2 weeks. You need proof of marksmanship training (A CHL or DD-214 works) and a club affiliation (Texas State Rifle Association) M1 Garand is the best.

[threoh8]

A 4.5 lb trigger is fine (Rule 6.1.1). They usually check with actual weights to see if the trigger can lift them.

I'm not sure if that particular stock, with what appears to be a rubber buttplate, meets the service rifle specs.

I like my M1, and would enjoy an M1A, but the AR15 and 5.56/.223 have been developed enough to dominate service rifle matches these days. They've even been used to win against match rifles (bolt actions and space guns). I'm even building a mousegun myself to shoot an occasional NRA or CMP service rifle match.

If I had my way, Springfields and Krags would still be legal for service rifle matches ... and if you could run a trap-door Springfield fast enough for rapid fire, I'd video it!

[jimlongley]

A 4.5 lb trigger is fine (Rule 6.1.1). They usually check with actual weights to see if the trigger can lift them.

I'm not sure if that particular stock, with what appears to be a rubber buttplate, meets the service rifle specs.

I like my M1, and would enjoy an M1A, but the AR15 and 5.56/.223 have been developed enough to dominate service rifle matches these days. They've even been used to win against match rifles (bolt actions and space guns). I'm even building a mousegun myself to shoot an occasional NRA or CMP service rifle match.

If I had my way, Springfields and Krags would still be legal for service rifle matches ... and if you could run a trap-door Springfield fast enough for rapid fire, I'd video it!

A bunch of years ago I shot an '03-A3 in a M1 Garand match, and beat a large proportion of the shooters there. I finished rapid fire, but fired the last shot right on the timer. What a blast.

[threoh8]

I was hooked on NRA Highpower Rifle after the first rapid-fire string with my Remington 788 Carbine in .308. A Swedish Mauser, a sporterized '03 Springfield, and a Winchester 70 Target cemented the relationship. I continue to prefer the bolt actions for match rifles in "for fun" matches. Maybe I'm channeling Sam Woodfill or someone, but it's a blast and a challenge. Kind of like rowing a four-speed on a track.

But, these days, if you're competing in an actual service rifle match, and want to win, the National Match-style AR has advantages over its .30-caliber predecessors. It has lower recoil which helps in rapid fire, and more than adequate accuracy with modern loads at the 600 yard line.

Until I finish my AR, the only CMP-legal service rifle I have is my Garand. I enjoy it, but not as much as the bolt guns.