I am passionate about the sport of highpower shooting.  This discipline is demanding both of the competitor and his/her equipment.

A typical (National Match) highpower course of fire consists of 10 rounds slow fire offhand (standing), 10 rounds rapid fire sitting, fired from 200 yards on bullseye type targets.  10 rounds are fired prone rapid fire at 300 yards, and the final 20 rounds are fired slow fire prone at 600 yards.

The offhand is, for most competitors, the most difficult, earning this stage it's nickname "awful-hand".  The time limit for 10 rounds is 10 minutes, and the cartridges are loaded singly.  The shooter has to contend with the effects of the wind and must fire unsupported, without using the sling.

The seated rapid fire stage is fired from either a sitting or kneeling position.  The sling may be used.  The competitor starts out in the standing position with (except for the M1 Garand) an open bolt.  When the targets are raised the competitor has 60 seconds to drop to the sitting position and fire the 2 rounds, change magazine/clip and fire the remaining 8 rounds.  Competitors using a match rifle (bolt action) may fire 5, load and fire the remaining 5 rounds.

The prone rapid fire is much like the seated rapid fire, except the time allowed is 70 seconds.  In the prone position the competitor is lying on the ground or a shooting mat.  No part of the rifle may be supported by the ground. The sling may be used.

The prone slow fire is fired one round at a time, and the position is the same as for the prone rapid fire.  At the increased distance, the ability to read the wind becomes even more important.

The most important piece of equipment is the rifle.  In the service rifle category, a M-1 Garand, a M-14/M-1A or a M-16/AR-15 may be used.  Competitors shooting a match rifle may use any rifle that can be fired safely.  Many competitors use a heavy shooting jacket that provides back support for the offhand stage.  A good quality spotting scope, a shooting mitt/glove, a shooting stool and shooting mat are recommended.  Eye and ear protection are essential.

There are 2 basic types of competition, NRA matches and ODCMP matches.  The NRA matches allow the shooter 2 'sighter' shots before each stage.  In the NRA matches you compete against shooters in your own classification, much like a handicap system in bowling.  The Civilian Marksmanship Program matches, which include Excellence In Competition and National Trophy matches, are fired with no sighters.  You do not have to be a NRA member to compete.

Some variation is permitted in the course of fire.  Some ranges do not have 200/300/600 lines, and matches may be shot at reduced distances at reduced targets.  On some firing ranges the 600 yard slow fire is shot at 500 yards.