Link to NRA Marksmanship Program Rules

[timegoat]

Ok, I took down my modified marksmanship program thread. It was a bad idea, I know that now.

But, I'm still gonna finish up the 4-position air rifle that I started last year and wanted to keep a link up to the NRA Qualification Program Book:

http://www.nrahq.org/education/training/marksmanship/qualbook.pdf

And here's a link to some of the more detailed rules including target dimensions:

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/nra-rule-books.asp

I still gotta make alterations to my prone and sitting positions, but I started with open sights at 10m and I'll finish that way... or at least try to.

- Mark

[timegoat]

Ok, now I got a question about the Bars. The rules say,

While developing position skills (Bars 1-9), shooters should NOT concentrate on the development of just one position; they should begin to earn qualifying targets in all positions concurrently. Position bars may be obtained as they are earned without regard to numerical sequence.

Now, I just shot a 38 and a 40 sitting, open sights, 10m. Does that mean I should enter those scores for Bar 4 (score 35+) even though I don't have any scores entered yet for Bar 2 (Min score 25) or Bar 3 (Min Score 30)?

- Mark

[Big_Bill]

Hello Mark,

The NRA Marksmanship program, as the rules stated when I participated and operated this wonderful program, required that you have your scores witnessed by two shooters, and submitted to a Certified Rifle Instructor to be evaluated. Then you would be issued your "sticker" for your next bar.

Now any score above the required score for the award you are trying to achieve is OK, however, if the score will enable you to win the bar above the bar you are shooting for, you may wish to hold it until you apply for the higher bar rating.

Also, the bars were sold at additional costs, as well as the medals. The NRA charges for them !

Bill

[timegoat]

I see. Ok, so I'll just put my scores down for the lowest bar for the given position. That makes the most sense to me anyway.

I'll never have a witness for my scores, but that's ok. I'm not doing this to be officially recognized by the NRA, just for myself. Besides, I still don't have a proper prone or sitting position that follows the book, so my scores and ranking will never be completely official.

I think the rules might have changed a little over the years. When I was a kid, shooting .22lr at camp, it wasn't enough to nick the line to get the higher score, you had to break the line. Also, from what I gather from the rule book, only the Distinguished Expert scores need to be witnessed, and then only by a single NRA member to have it official.

I've been to the NRA site for the medals, ordered what I've earned so far... ProMarksman through Sharpshooter. Gonna display them proudly with the word "Unofficial" blazoned across the top. Gonna order the others as I earn them. It's nice that they can be purchased without a witness, but that does leave it open for shenanigans. There doesn't seem to be any requirement to actually apply for any of the awards. Just a credit card. They didn't even ask me for my membership number (Lifer).

Maybe they loosened up over the years? Regardless I'm only doing it for myself, not national recognition.

They really do have some great, and difficult, shooting courses.

- Mark

[Big_Bill]

I guess things have changed !

When I was a Club Instructor, your had to give your Certification number when ordering awards. and Distinguished Expert Awards had to be witnessed by two NRA members and the Club Instructor to be allowed

The Older I become, the more things change ! 

Good Luck on your Award !!!! And you can add Modified Positions, instead of Unofficial to your display !

Bill

[timegoat]

I like the sound of "Modified Positions" much better. Thanks, Bill!

I'm guessing they loosened things up to get more people participating? I dunno, but it does make it easier for me to go it alone. Like they say, "The only constant in life is change."

I'll post updates as I finish each level. I'm cycling through the different positions as I work through the Bars... got a long way to go. I'm only two scores into Bars 1, 2, 5, & 8. Taking their advice and working on all positions instead of focusing on one at a time. It's already proved to be very helpful. I'm hoping to get through a few of them before it gets too cold to shoot outside. Temps are already dropping fast up here.

..and I'm very glad I took your advice and picked up that scoring gauge. Boy does that help out a lot!

- Mark

[timegoat]

Just took a short break and finished up my Bar 1 with a score of 42! 4 nines and a six. Between work, weather, and family I haven't had a whole lot of time to target shoot. Been squeezing them in any chance I get. So far my match targets ain't up to par, but getting that Bar 1 makes up for it nicely.

One target away from Bar 2, two away from Bar 5, and three away from Bar 8. The peep sight is working out so well it almost feels like cheating... almost.

- Mark