Congratulations to CFRPC’s Newest Distinguished Rifleman, Scott E. Russell!

Scott fired a 475-9x to leg out at the Palmetto State Marksman’s Association’s EIC Match held on October 26, 2014.  He placed 2nd in the field of 38 non-Distinguished competitors, and had the high score on the 200RF and 600SF stages.  Scott was also one of 36 competitors in the South Carolina State High Power Championship on October 25.  His score of 763-9x was a tie; but in the end 3rd overall and 3rd Master Class went to the highest 600SF, our own Scott Russell with a 191-4x.

The Distinguished Rifleman Badge is perhaps the most prestigious award in the High Power Rifle Shooting sport. The program was administered for many years by the Office of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM), a branch of the US Army, and is now administered by its successor, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Military or civilian personnel can earn points toward “becoming Distinguished” only by competing in “Excellence in Competition”(E.I.C.) matches in conjunction with State or Regional Championships or the National Matches.

Points are awarded to the top 10% of Non-distinguished shooters. A 1st place finish can be a 6, 8 or 10 point “Leg” in a journey of many steps to become distinguished, thus the term “Leg Match”. The number of points awarded is determined by the number of competitors, with 36 competitors being the minimum to have a 10 point leg. Awards of 8 and 6 points are awarded in smaller matches. A shooter must earn a minimum of 30 points to earn the Distinguished RiflemanÔÇÖs Badge, but thereÔÇÖs a catch, the shooter must have at least one 8 or 10 point leg and cannot earn the award with 6 point wins alone.

 

Leg matches are few and far between, often only two per state per year, so they draw good shooters from hundreds of miles away. Competitors must use U.S. Service Rifles such as the M1 Garand, M14, M16 or their civilian equivalents, the M1A or AR15. Only ÔÇ£IronÔÇØ sights with a rear aperture and front post are allowed as opposed to target rifle type sights or telescopic sights. Strict limitations are imposed on modifications or tuning of the rifle.

The course of fire consist of 10 rounds Slow Fire Standing from 200 yards, a Rapid Fire 10 round string from sitting at 200 yards, a 10 round Rapid Fire string from prone at 300 yards and 20 rounds Slow Fire Prone at 600 yards. There is no coaching allowed on the firing line and there are no sighting or zeroing shots.

The quest for the Distinguished RiflemanÔÇÖs Badge is spread over many miles and many years for those that attempt the challenge. Since itsÔÇÖ inception in 1891(thatÔÇÖs right 1891!), there have been roughly 2000 Distinguished Rifleman medals awarded to civilians and 5500 awarded to military members. It is said that fewer than 3% of those who seek to becoming distinguished succeed.

If you would like more information or are interested in participating in High Power Rifle events at CFRPC, please contact Scott at highpowerdad@gmail.com. Monthly matches are held on the 4th weekend of each month.