Coverage from the NRA/Springfield Armory M1A Match

I arrived at Camp Perry early this morning to watch the sun rise over the range. At that time, I met up with a few shooters and talked with them about their anticipations of the match before firing began. The overall atmosphere of the match was that the competitors were happy to be on the range with good weather conditions and were looking forward to the beginning of the M1A Match.

Brad Clark is from Holland, Mich. and is competing for the second time in the match’s two-year history. Brad is excited to compete in the match today. “I’ve had a great time. Weather’s been good and so have the people. What more could I ask for?”

Nelson Shrew has been to Camp Perry for 38 years. He is anticipating his success in the M1A Match, and said that he has a very good shot at placing very high in today’s match. “I’m not nervous at all, just apprehensive. Personally, I like the big black,” said Nelson in reference to the targets. “But it is a very hard and difficult target.” They are shooting at MR-65FC targets. Shew is from Lebanon, Ore.

It only took one word for Oscar Aitken to describe his thoughts during the first match of the NRA High Power phase at Camp Perry, and that word was “dry.” The Overland Park, Kan. native said that last year’s NRA/Springfield Match came with a lot of rain and a very wet range. Oscar is very appreciative of the Springfield Armory’s support in a match such as this. He hopes that more manufacturers will also join in and create matches, which will ultimately support and create more interest in the shooting sports.

The Springfield Armory donated the M1A semi-automatic rifles, caliber. 308/7.62 mm, which competitors will use in this match. The NRA donated all of the ammunition. The course of fire is five sights from any position and 20 rounds, slow fire, prone; 10 rounds rapid fire sitting or kneeling; 10 rounds rapid fire prone; 10 rounds slow fire standing. This will all be fired from 300 yards.

The match winner will receive a prize of $2,000. The first place civilian winner will receive $1,500 and second place civilian will receive $1,000.

Below are a few photos that I took during today's competition.