ColdBore,
Thanks for the enlightenment. It sounds like there's a divergence between Combat and Highpower shooting in the National Guard.

I have a question out to the captain of the Air Force Team on the minimum score for a leg in EIC matches. My suspicion is that it applies only at Wilson.

Am I correct in saying that your choice of "Close to Rack" in Civilian matches is your choice? Have you ever shot a Match Tuned AR (or M1 or M14) in a conventional Leg Match or at Perry? With what result?

You carry a Sharp Shooter rating right? Is that with your stock NG AR or with a match rifle?

The Guardsmen legging at Wilson and/or on the Combat Intern'l Team had trouble breaking 420 on the NMC even with match gear. In contrast, the Marines shoot stock M16A2's, M855, cloth jackets and no mats in the Division Matches. Put them on the Match 16's and they kick butt. I believe the skill sets are quite different.

Two of my USMC High Master friends shot rack A2's with M855 in a "fun match" against Civilians with race AR's, M1A's etc in a course replicating the USMC Division Match course. They both beat the Civilian with Race Gear anyway. Gear helps, but it's no substitute for good marksmanship skills (holdin' and squeezin' center).

ColdBore,
My Air Force Team friend got back from the Interservice Matches and got back to me about the Leg Requirements you had mentioned.

He said the minimum point threshhold was instituted for matches where only "Guard" shooters were participating ie Wilson Matches to ensure a certain level of competency that is normally found in other branch or Civilian EIC's.

Maybe I can get him to elaborate further here.

[ 07-27-2003, 06:37: Message edited by: Chris F ]

Well Chris, that sounds a little discriminatory. A "certain level of competency"? That's a slap. When we are tightly restricted in the weapons, ammo, and gear (or lack thereof) that we can use in competition, and civilians can shoot anything they please (within CMP guidelines)? Match barrels, float tubes, leather coats, handloads (different for each stage if you want to), etc, etc. The active duty teams are the same way. They are basically "semi-pros", who shoot for a living. They have rifles built for them, shoot handloads, and have full-time coaches.

Like I said in my email to you, if it's all the same, and the shooter is all that matters, why do you never see a stock weapon on the line at a civilian match, and nobody EVER fires military 55 grain ball, especially from the 600 yard line (except us).

Just another reason that I prefer Combat style shooting over High Power. It's truly man-vs-man, equipment concerns are not an issue.