Youve put some rounds through it at the range and had some fun plinking at tin cans.

Lean it in a closet corner and forget it?

Hang it on a wall to collect dust?

A man carefully loads a vintage military rifle using a stripper clip during a Vintage Military Rifle Games competition. The action emphasizes the skill and techniques required to operate historical firearms authentically. His focused expression and the rifle’s detailed components highlight the dedication to preserving military history. This moment showcases the hands-on engagement and marksmanship celebrated in the Vintage Military Rifle Games.

You’ll want chargers (stripper clips) for the VMR rapid fire stages.

Whats a VMR?

A Vintage Military Rifle match is a competition in which shooters use only as-issued vintage military rifles.

The matches are governed by therulescreated by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).

The author fires a Swiss K31 rifle from an offhand position during a Vintage Military Rifle Games match. The precision and craftsmanship of the K31 are evident as the shooter demonstrates skill and control. The match setting reflects the emphasis on historical accuracy and traditional shooting techniques. This image embodies the essence of the Vintage Military Rifle Games, where history and marksmanship come together in competition.

The author shoots his Swiss K31 offhand in a VMR match.

Then, what is a vintage military rifle?

The U.S. Krag and M1917 rifles qualify, too.

We also see Krags and the occasionalArisakaorCarcano.

The Swiss K31 straight-pull rifle, renowned for its accuracy, is displayed prominently as a popular choice in Vintage Military Rifle Games. Its sleek design and unique bolt mechanism highlight its innovative engineering from the early 20th century. Known for exceptional precision, the K31 remains a favorite among competitors in these historical shooting matches. This image underscores the Vintage Military Rifle Games' celebration of both craftsmanship and performance in military firearms.

The straight-pull Swiss K31 is an accurate and popular VMR choice.

Sometimes an aficionado will bring out something more esoteric, like a Swiss Schmidt-Rubin 1896/11 long rifle.

If you want to shoot better scores, a few accessories mentioned below will help, of course.

No Tricks

The as-issued aspect makes VMR matches more of a game than a serious competition.

A variety of Mosin-Nagant rifles, including different models and configurations, are displayed at a Vintage Military Rifle Games event. The enduring popularity of these rifles is fueled by their affordability and the widespread availability of ammunition. Each rifle tells a story of its military heritage, showcasing the global reach of the Mosin-Nagant design. This image highlights the Vintage Military Rifle Games' appreciation for accessible and historically significant firearms.

Many variants of the Mosin-Nagant show up at VMR games. Ammo is cheap and plentiful.

More Than Just VMR

Lets clarify a point here.

Vintage Military Rifles is only one classification of rifles eligible for CMPs As-Issued Military Rifles games.

Theres one very awesome rifle missing from the VMR list, theU.S.

A shooter smiles while firing a military surplus rifle at a Vintage Military Rifle Games event, highlighting the enjoyment of these competitions. The relaxed atmosphere and focus on affordability make the games an accessible hobby for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Surplus rifles, with their rich history and budget-friendly appeal, take center stage in this engaging activity. This photo captures the essence of the Vintage Military Rifle Games, blending fun, history, and marksmanship.

Vintage Military Rifle games are a fun, inexpensive way to enjoy your bargain mil-surp rifle.

The semi-automaticM1 GarandandM1 Carbinealso have classifications in As-Issued Military Rifle Matches.

Plus, theres a Modern Military classification for theM1A,SKS,AR-15and other post-World War II semi-automatic rifles.

Obviously then, chargers or stripper clips for rapid reloading are an important accessory.

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Youll learn a few more comforts and aids to better shooting when you attend your first match.

Youll find everyone there helpful and full of friendly advice and information.

Why Should I?

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Shooting VMR games is kind of like participating in living history thats affordable to all of us.

Download the CMP Games Competition Rules

Go to forum thread

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