Service Rifle Shooting

Service Rifle matches will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, May through October.  We used to require rifles used in service to the USA, but now our Service Rifle matches are open to service rifles used by any country.  We recognize that many people do not own a US style rifle but do have other rifles that could be used to compete, such a Mauser, SKS, Mosin-Nagant, FN, Enfield or other bolt action or semi auto.   

You can bring your own service-type rifle, or you can use a club loaner M-1 Garand or M-1Carbine.  Call ahead to make sure one is available, or that the rifle you bring is appropriate.  If you borrow a .30 caliber rifle from the club, ammo is available for sale at the matches (30-06 and .30 carbine).  No scopes or optics are used, it's iron sights only.  Check the calendar for the next shoot, and you'll find contact information there.

Sighting shots are allowed, then the course of fire consists of:

1. 10 shots slow fire prone, 5 sighters
2. 10 shots rapid fire prone in 70 seconds, must include a magazine or clip change
3. 10 shots rapid fire from the sitting or kneeling positions in 60 seconds, with a magazine or clip change
4. 10 shots slow fire from the standing or off-hand position, over 10 minutes

Competitors walk down range and score their targets after each course of fire, pasting holes and replacing the center of the target, by stapling a new "Repair Center" on top of the previous targets.  This is a great time to come up with excuses, like, "The sun was in my ear!"

There is a loose competition between people, and this is treated as a match, but it's really about you, and improving your skills.  Competing in a match also qualifies you for the Civilian Marksmanship Program, where you can purchase a refurbished or rebuilt M-1 Garand.  

Competitors typically come from Grand Rapids as well as Bemidji and Hibbing.  Service Rifle matches are open to anyone interested.  Check the calendar on this site for contact information if you have questions or want to try Service Rifle shooting and need to borrow a rifle.  Show up and join in.  Spotting scopes are NOT provided.  Shooting pads to soften the ground are NOT provided.  You can shoot as you are, you don't need to buy shooting jackets and other shooting apparel.  But if you find out you're good ...

Service Rifle Slideshow