Thanks to Chris Keebler and Joe Costanzo for re-invigorating the NRA Smallbore Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Shooting Program (http://mqp.nra.org/) !
NRA Smallbore Marksmanship Qualification Program Status
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Smallbore Rifle Shooting
The Lower Providence Smallbore Program is intended to be a skills development program, with the goal of improving rifle marksmanship. During the Autumn, Winter, and Spring we shoot twice a month on the indoor range and in the Summer we shoot twice a month on the outdoor range. All events are open to all adult club members regardless of skill level – even those who have never fired a rifle are welcome.
Indoor Shoots
- Location: Indoor Range (New)
- When: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month (October-April)
- Time: 6:30pm to 9:30pm
- Cost: $5.00 per night for Range Fees
- Ammunition: .22 LR ammunition is periodically available at $10/50 rounds depending on market availability
The indoor shoots are primarily focused on the Marksmanship Qualification Program (MQP) developed by the NRA. Currently we shoot the 4 position MQP (a program that requires shooting from prone, sitting, kneeling, and standing positions using iron sights), and we are looking to add one more program that allows the use of scopes (Rimfire Rifle Qualification, prone position). These self-paced programs are designed to support skills development by setting increasingly challenging goals as the participants improve. Completion of the various stages is acknowledged with NRA Qualification Awards (certificates, patches, and/or medals, depending on the stage and when available). Shooters not interested in following the MQP programs are still welcome to come and shoot.
Participants in the MQP are responsible for knowing where in the program they are and for following equipment restrictions.
Rifle Requirements for Four Position MQP
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.22 or .17 HMR rimfire
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Telescopic sights prohibited
Rifle Requirements for Rimfire MQP
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.22 or .17 HMR rimfire
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Weight of rifle, including sling and sights, must not exceed 12 pounds
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Schuzten-type butt plates and palm rests prohibited
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Iron sights and scopes are permitted
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Rifle support (e.g., sandbags) may be used through Pro-Marksman
While the program does not formally include instruction, there are several NRA certified rifle instructors who are more than happy to help new shooters get started and experienced shooters work on some of the finer details of marksmanship. New and experienced shooters are strongly encouraged to check it out!
To give it a try, simply show up at the range with a rimfire rifle (.22 or .17 HMR), ammo (100 rounds is plenty), eye protection, ear protection, and a $5 bill. For anyone who lacks an appropriate rifle but would still like to give it a try, the Club offers loaner rifles at no charge. When market conditions permit, the Club also has ammo available for purchase.
More often than not, some of the participants remain after the shoot for some socializing and refreshments in the Clubhouse. BYOB. No B until your firearms are fully secured, of course.
Outdoor Shoots
Adult Smallbore:
- Location: 100 Yard Rifle Range
- When: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month (May-September)
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First Thursday matches are open to club members only. Informal match format of two targets at 50 yards and two targets at 100 yards. New/curious shooters are encouraged to participate. Pre-registration strongly recommended to ensure you have a spot – contact Chris Keebler to register. (Walk-ons will be accommodated as lane availability permits – we can accommodate up to nine shooters per relay.) $10 entry fee – exact change appreciated. Accommodations can be made for shooters with physical limitations.
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Third Thursday matches are open to club members and the public and follow a formal NRA 800 aggregate match format at 50 & 100 yards (NRA membership not required). Not recommended for shooters unfamiliar with match logistics. (Come and shoot a first Thursday once though and you should be good to go for a formal match.) Pre-registration strongly recommended to ensure you have a spot – contact Chris Keebler to register. (Walk-ons will be accommodated as lane availability permits – we can accommodate up to nine shooters per relay.) $15 entry fee – exact change appreciated. Accommodations can be made for shooters with physical limitations.
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- Time: First relay 3:00 – 5:30; second relay 5:00 – 7:30. (Relay determined during registration. Your choice as availability allows – first come/first served.)
- Cost: $10.00 per night for Club Matches (first Thursday of the month); $15.00 for NRA Matches (third Thursday of the month)
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Equipment Requirements:
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Safe/serviceable 22 rimfire rifle (17 HMR & air rifle also acceptable) with sling or bipod (elbow & F-class shooters welcome); iron sights or scope. Red dot optics not recommended – come and try it to see why. For formal competition (Third Thursday) a bolt action is strongly recommended, as single round loading is required. The Club can provide loaners – contact Chris in advance to make arrangements.
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Ammo – minimum of 100 rounds; 150 rounds recommended. .22 LR ammunition is periodically available at $10/50 rounds depending on market availability
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Eye & ear protection
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Shooting mat (club has loaners; no advance request required)
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Spotting scope/binoculars/similar if shooting iron sights or low magnification scope – something so you can see where your shots are hitting the targets.
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Shooting coats welcome but not required.
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The Summer outdoor shoots follow a common match format of two targets at 50 yards and 2 targets at 100 yards. There are no minimum score requirements or qualifications to participate, so even if competition isn’t your interest, come and shoot with us anyway!
Come on out and have some fun!
Winter 800 Agg Night Shoot:
- Location: 100 Yard Rifle Range
- When: 2nd Wednesday of the Month (October-February)
- Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
- Cost: $5.00 per shooter
- Ammunition: .22 LR ammunition is periodically available at $10/50 rounds depending on market availability
Come join us through the Winter for .22LR shooting under the lights at the 100 Yard Rifle range. The course of fire will be 800 Aggregate total points on targets at 100 yards only in the prone position. We’ll be limiting the shooters to 1 relay with a maximum number of shooters set at 10. The event will occur rain/snow/or shine, so come prepared for the elements! A limited amount of .22LR ammunition will be available for sale at a cost of $10/50 rounds. The cost for the event will be $5.00 to cover supplies and targets. For more information please contact Chris Keebler at chriskeebler1@yahoo.com or Mark Harvill at lprgcmark@gmail.com.
All Smallbore events are open to all members. Guests are not permitted.
NRA Smallbore Program Qualification Requirements
