NRA VS. CMP Matches?

NRA Bullseye is more like "unlimited" in the sense that you're allowed red dots, scopes, or iron sights. You're allowed a single shot pistol, Revolver, or an auto loading pistol. Target or anatomical grips are permitted. It's kind of an anything goes game but they're are rules. 

CMP is more the EIC (excellence in competition) stuff. Service Pistol (what used to be called hard ball) is a 45 or 9mm and iron sights only. Slab side grips only. Jacketed Ammo only. That sort of thing. 

There is the Distinguished Revolver match and a 22 EIC match also. Separate rules for everything. Read through the PDF version online of the CMP rules and the NRA Pistol rules. It's all explained.

Jon Math wrote:While the CMP matches are a .22 LR and a service revolver w/ stock grips both open sighted and FMJ ammo? 

CMP events are with a service pistol not a revolver, the list of what qualifies as a service pistol was expanded dramatically last year. 

The Distinguished Revolver match is an NRA event

- Dave

These are the NRA rules and include DR (Distinguished Revolver) Easy read.

http://rulebooks.nra.org/documents/pdf/compete/RuleBooks/Pistol/pistol-book.pdf

And here are the CMP rules. They include rules for EIC in what used to be hardball and the new EIC .22 rules. Also an easy read and good to keep handy.

http://thecmp.org/wp-content/uploads/Rulebook.pdf?ver=20161026

Jon Math wrote:So for a beginning competitor would one be better off getting a good quality service 1911 as their first target pistol and shoot that in either NRA or CMP sponsored events, or is that type of pistol hopelessly outclassed in NRA matches?

A 1911 with irons still holds the NRA record, so no it won't be over matched.

The only issue is for a CMP service pistol must have a min. 4lb trigger in NRA min. 3 1/2, so can run a slightly lighter trigger in NRA.

- Dave

That is an excellent way to start. But you would also need a good .22. Neither pistol has to be "great" to start out. A nice starter .45 is the Springfield Range Officer. It could carry you to very high expert scores or even Master without any modifications. here are lots of choices for a production .22. S&W Victory, Ruger MK 2, 3, or 4, S&W 22A or a Browning Buckmark are all around 400.00 and all capable of great groups. Welcome to the chase

Len

The answer to the first question is easy. You don't need to shoot full power loads for EIC anymore. Powder puff loads with your jacketed bullets are allowed and you can always change springs if you need more oomph to get the accuracy you desire with a particular load. What to do about Mass. rules not a clue. Move?

Jon,  There is another good choice if your not going to move You can check on the Kimber Gold Match II. There are two Kimber dealers in Mass. and they would know if they can sell that model (3200354). I personally own two of them and have converted one to a 38 super and shoot the other for EIC matches. I guess you could say I am a Kimber fan. I also have two Range Officers so maybe just a 1911 fan. It's worth looking into. Another possibility would be a SW1911. Some of them made the list.

Can you get a colt? I know Greg derr who is mass works on lots of them.... might be your only option?

Used ones only!

I see the just released Ruger MK IV made the list but S&W Victory isn't there. Smith makes nice 1911s. Remington made the list also. Never had much luck with Rem but new stuff looks nice. Get bored? Read the list.

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/chsb/firearms/approvedfirearmsroster10-2016.pdf