From: dnewcomb@whale.st.usm.edu (Donald R. Newcomb)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: DCM M1s and competition
Date: 13 Dec 92 23:12:23 GMT
Organization: University of Southern Mississippi

In article <9212130645.aa07604@s.s.ms.uky.edu> eric@ms.uky.edu (Eric H. Herrin II) writes:
#I have a couple questions about the DCM and the Civilian Marksmanship Program.
#I'm mostly a pistol shooter, so I'm not familiar with rifle matches; bear
#with me if I ask stupid beginner questions (BTW, I've shot rifles all my life,
#just never in competition).

I think this question is probably good "FAQ fodder."

#My understanding is that you enter a few competitions, score so many points
#and then you qualify for a DCM M1 garand.  You then fill out some paperwork,
#take some fingerprints and send them your money.  Rifle arrives in the mail
#about a year or so later.  Correct?

So far, so good.

#Now the questions:
#
#1. What kinds of matches do you have to shoot?  I assume high power rifle,
#   but do they have to be 'sanctioned' by the DCM (or maybe just the club
#   sponsoring the match must be DCM affiliated)?  How many points do you
#   need to qualify for the DCM M1?  How are they tabulated?

The matches are any of several approved courses of fire shot with centerfire
rifles not using optical sights. They can be as long as 600 yards or as
short as 1000 inches (27.8 yd). You must fire at least 100 rounds for
record  (sighters don't count), which will require you shoot at least two
matches as the longest match is 80 rounds, I think. The matches can be
non-sanctioned club matches at a DCM affiliated club or they can be NRA
sanctioned matches. Small Arms Firing School at Camp Perry also counts.
No particular score is required. I have seen applications with scores
as low as 12 (out of 500 possible) reported. Our club provides a form
letter with scores and club affiliation. At sanctioned matches you should
be sent a match bulletin that shows your score. Two of these and a
photo-copy of you club membership card will do also. You do need to
show membership in a DCM affiliated club or state association.

#2. What type of rifle do I need?  I assume a hunting rifle just won't do.

I have seen this done with guns that have peep sights, not scopes.

#   Seems like the rapid-fire would kill you pretty quickly.

You survive, learning how is part of the game. I wouldn't want to try it
with a 300 Magnum.

#   I've seen a couple M1 Garands and M1As in the shops for pretty reasonable
#   prices.  Is this what I want?  If so, what kind of accurizing do I need to
#   do (most I've seen are pretty used and probably need new barrels)?  
#   Match barrels allowed?   Regulations on what kinds of parts you can put on
#   the rifle?

Don't tell me you are going to buy a match grade M1A so you can qualify to
buy an issue Garand. Most clubs have Garands you can use at the match.
If you need to  get started, you can buy a #4 Enfield for $50. I saw one
guy shoot a 454/500 with one of these, out  of the box.
As for match modifications to rifles, that is just too complex for this
forum.

#3. How much does one usually spend on his/her competition rifle (ball-park)?

Somewhere between $50 and $2400. How's that for a ball park? $1200 is about
average for a serious shooter.

#Any pointers to info or experiences, etc would be highly appreciated.

Glad to field some target shooting questions any time.
-- 

Donald R. Newcomb                * Life only admits two states: 
dnewcomb@whale.st.usm.edu        * growing and dying. So what,
newcomb@usmcp6.bitnet            * if I've put on a little weight?