American Single Shot
Rifle Association
Scoring Rules
Established in 1948, the ASSRA is an organization founded to promote fellowship among those interested in the use, study, and preservation of single shot rifles developed between the close of the Civil War and the onset of WWI.
Revised under the leadership of ASSRA President Charlie Dell
June, 1996.
Section 1.0 Single Shot Rifles pg. 2
Section 2.0 Ammunition pg. 5
Section 3.0 Powder Charge pg. 6
Section 1.0 Scoring pg. 6
Section 2.0 Decision of Ties pg. 8
Section 3.0 Special Matches pg. 12
Section 1.0 Offhand Matches pg. 18
Section 3.0 Special Matches pg. 26
Section 1.0 Official Targets
Sizes, Colors & Identifying Numbers pg. 29
Section 1.0 Supervision & Management pg. 29
Section 1.0 Match Rules Committee pg. 30
Section 1.0 Scope of Rules pg. 31
Article I General Equipment Regulations
The following rules apply to all matches held under the auspices of the Association. This includes all matches fired by affiliated clubs and matches sponsored by the Association that are not fired on the range at Etna Green, Indiana.
Where these rules are not adequate to an existing situation, the NRA rules for competition shall apply when they are not in conflict with standing ASSRA rules. In all cases a decision by the Board of Directors and the Schuetzenmeister shall be considered final.
If the match is being held by an affiliated club and on-the-spot decision is necessary, the Schuetzenmeister and officials of the club shall make the necessary decision. In such a case, the problem and the affiliated clubs solution should be written up and submitted to the ASSRA Secretary and Board for a definitive ruling. Any rifle, ammunition, accessory, equipment or sights not defined within the scope of these rules is excluded.
A single shot rifle is defined as a breech loading cartridge rifle without magazine or provision for additional cartridges, in which the action must be operated, and in which a cartridge or shell must be manually inserted for each shot. Bolt action rifles are specifically excluded regardless of age or model. The action may be of the falling block, tipping block, rolling block, tip up or any similar type whether made recently or in years past. Regardless of the action type, the rifle shall basically conform to the style and appearance of rifles made from the Civil War era to 1914 period either here in the U.S. or elsewhere. This will include both factory made rifles and rifles fabricated by custom gun makers of that period.
Only single shot rifles as defined above are permitted in the matches of the American Single Shot Rifle Association. See Article III, Section 3.03-3.05 for special rules for rifles used in Buffalo Matches.
Caliber is defined as the maximum diameter of a bullet that has exited the muzzle of a rifle after having been in contact with all areas of all rifling grooves.
Centerfire rifles of less than .400 caliber are designated Class I rifles. Centerfire rifles of.400 caliber and larger are designated Class II rifles. Rimfire rifles over .22 caliber shall fire in these classes.
.22 caliber rimfire rifles are classified separately and do not compete with the centerfire rifles. Only .22 Short, Long or Long rifle cartridges shall be in this category.
Stocks shall be of wood and patterned generally in the style of stocks found on original rifles of the period, whether European or American. Benchrest stocks may have buttstocks with the bottom line parallel to the bore. Forearms for benchrest stocks shall not exceed three (3) inches in width. Those existing rifles with forearms wider than this not be changed but new equipment must conform to this dimension. The bottom surface of benchrest buttstocks shall not exceed two (2) inches in width. Thumb hole and skeleton stocks are specifically forbidden and shall not be shot on the range during matches even though of an experimental nature. Buttstocks patterned in the free rifle style while not forbidden are not encouraged.
Triggers may be of a direct type or set triggers of either the single set or double set variety. Patent type triggers are acceptable as long as they are safe and reliable. They should not be prone to slam firing which could occur if they are set too light. As these triggers are adjustable if slam fire occurs, the Schuetzenmeister will have the rifle removed form the line so that the weight of pull can be increased or repairs are made, if needed. The Schuetzenmeister or designated assistant(s) may pass judgment on the safety of a trigger. If the trigger is determined to be not safe or is unreliable, the Schuetzenmeister or designated assistants(s) will not allow the rifle to be used on the range until the condition has been corrected or repaired. Electronic or electric triggers of any sort are specifically forbidden.
Barrels may be of any length in excess of 21 ½ inches and any weight but for benchrest rifles the barrels shall be about 2 inches in diameter or less, and not less than the above designated length of 21 ½ inches from the rear of the breech face to the end of the muzzle. The barrel need not be rifled for the entire length but must fully encircle the bullet as it passes through the unrifled section. Sights may be mounted on an extended rib but the barrel must meet the above minimum length restriction.
Buttplates may be flat or of so-called Swiss style. The style found on European Schuetzen rifles is also acceptable. Buttplates may be adjustable for height to allow the same gun to be shot comfortably both in offhand matches and from the bench.
In matches calling for one rifle to be used in all phases of a specific match such as our National Match program, the same gun must be used in all phases. This includes the same barrel, receiver, forearm and buttstock. A buttplate adjustable for height may be used or a flat plate substituted for one of Swiss style. A substitute buttstock is specifically not permitted.
Sights are defined as “iron” or alternately “any sights”.
Iron sights are sights without any optical elements. An exception to this is a rear sight disk that will hold a lens that is equivalent to the shooter’s eye glass prescription. At the Schuetzenmesiter’s discretion diopters of this type with or without color filters and/or lenses similar to the shooter’s eyeglass prescription, may be used but only if an announcement to that effect is published in pre-match announcements. Diopter sights that incorporate an optical element in the front sight are specifically forbidden.
Unless otherwise prohibited in specific matches, tube sights may be used in iron sight matches.
This designation is applied to rear sights of the tang and ladder type without click adjustments, and with or without windage adjustments. Verniers or scales, with or without screw adjustment are acceptable. As applied to front sights it means simple globe or wind gage sights with or without spirit levels. Sights of the Lyman 17A type and similar are acceptable here. Open sights mounted on the barrel are also acceptable. For the purposes of this section tang sights of the type of the Lyman 103 sights may be used even though they have click adjustments as they were available during the period that we try to emulate. Some matches may, however, specifically exclude Lyman or similar type sights.
Telescope sights refers to any optical sight but does not include Aimpoint or laser type sights. A telescope sight must be one that the shooter actually looks through, and by superimposing a crosshair or other reticle arrangement on the bullseye, aims the rifle. This includes both internal and externally adjusted models.
Any sight is defined as any above specified sights but does not include Aimpoint or laser sights or any sights of that general category.
Bullets must be of lead or lead alloy with no metallic gas checks, half jackets or other metallic jackets. These may be loaded from either the muzzle or the breech and may be paper patched at the shooter’s option.
Wads may be used at the shooter’s option. These may be of card (paper), felt, cork, wax, graphite or any similar non-metallic materials. Kapok, corn meal, Cream of Wheat and/or similar materials may be used as fillers. Cotton and paper are flammable and should be used only when there is NO danger of fire in the area. The use of these materials is not recommended, but not forbidden. Shooters are reminded that any of the above mentioned wads or fillers may under some conditions of loading and type of powder, damage a barrel, particularly possible old soft steel barrels.
Fixed ammunition may be used at the shooter’s option, or when required for certain matches, providing the components are in accord with the rules in Sections 2.01 and 2.02.
Any safe combination of black powder, black powder substitutes and/or smokeless powder may be used. The determination of “safe” is the responsibility of the shooter and/or his gunsmith.
Section 1.0 Scoring
Traditionally ten shots were allowed to be fired at each target. Misses received no score. With our current mode of shooting this is impossible to police so it is now legal practice to put ten shots on the target even though that may require more than ten shots to be fired. The penalty for extra shots on the target (See Article II Section 2.32) will encourage better control by the shooter.
Benchrest matches will be scored from the centers of the bullet holes. The exact center of the shot hole touching a scoring ring will receive the higher value.
Offhand matches will be scored by the leaded edge of the bullet hole. The leaded edge of the shot hole touching a scoring ring will receive the higher value. This will include keyhole and tipped shots even though the hole is elongated to the bullets length rather than being a circle of the bullet’s diameter. Such tipped shots must be differentiated from ricochet hits if at all possible.
Ricochet hits and shots fired on the wrong target will be scored as misses. These shots are not to be considered I the tie breaking procedure as defined in Section 4.40 even though they may be measurable hits.
In Offhand Matches any hit on the paper is scored. Hits outside of the scoring rings will be scored at ten (10) points.
For the purposes of scoring, if the center of a bullet hole or leaded edge is determined to be tangent to a scoring ring, it will be scored as touching the higher point ring.
When scoring from the edge of the bullet hole, as in Offhand Matches, a scoring gauge (plug) will be used to determine the value of close hits only when the proper size plugs for all calibers concerned are available. (All targets of the match will be scored in the same manner.) When using the gauge. The higher value will be allowed in those cases where the flange on the gauge touches a scoring ring. The flange of the gauge must not be more than 0.001 inches larger than the actual bullet diameter. Devices other than scoring gauges of the plug type may be used in establishing the correct value of hits, however, such devices are not to be inserted into the bullet hole. Bullet holes may only be plugged by the Schuetzenmeister or the scoring detail and then only when necessary to determine the closeness of the shot. No bullet hole may be plugged more than (3) times.
In matches fired for score, the competitor having the highest numerical total will be declared the winner. All competitors will be ranked in the match according to their numerical scores.
Targets which are shot in scheduled relays where all competitors shoot a particular match during the same relay, must be turned in no later than the start of the second relay following the relay during which the target was shot, or one (1) hour if the end of the shooting for the day.
Section 1.32 Turning In of Targets - Concurrent Matches
Targets or matches which are shot concurrently with other matches, i.e. a .25 caliber only match is held during the Rowland Match, all targets must be turned in to the scoring detail or the Schuetzenmeister for scoring of the Rowland Match, which is the primary match. After the scoring and protest period is over for the Rowland Match, the Schuetzenmeister will turn only specifically designated .25 caliber tagets over to the person(s) managing the concurrent .25 caliber match which is secondary match. Any deviation from this will disqualify the targets from the primary scheduled match.
When any speciality match is fired either as a stand alone match or is fired in conjunction with another recognized match, the rules and regulations for the specialty match must be posted a minimum of three hours before the scheduled time of the event so that all potential competitors may review and understand them.
Section 2.0 Decision of Ties
In the event of numerical ties, such ties will be decided by the following methods used in sequence, until the competitors rank may be determined. For the purpose of ranking tie scores, the bullseye numbers will be considered to run in sequence throughout the entire course of fire, even though all targets for an event may not be posted at the same time. Center shots, for the purpose of ranking tie scores, are defined as those shots which score 25 or the highest value on the target. (see Article II, Section 1.10 for rule on Benchrest Matches and Section 1.11 for rule for Offhand Matches.)
The competitor having the greatest number of center shots in the match will be ranked higher.
The competitor having the greatest number of center shots on the last target fired, or on the last bullseye on multiple bullseye targets will be ranked higher. Targets will be scored in inverse order, from the last target or bullseye to the first target or bullseye fired in the match, or until the competitors may be ranked.
The competitor having the greatest number of misses in the match will be ranked lower.
Section 2.13 Ranking by Order of Missed Shots
The competitor having the greatest number of misses on the last target fired, or on the last bullseye on multiple bullseye targets will be ranked lower. Targets will be scored in inverse order, from the last target or bullseye to the first target or bullseye fired in the match, or until the competitors may be ranked. Multiple target match targets will be given a numerical sequence prior to issue to the shooter. This numerical sequence will be used for scoring. The actual order in which the competitor completed the targets will not be considered.
The competitor having shot the furthest from the exact center of the bullseye or 25 ring will be ranked lower.
The widest shot fired in the match by each of the tied competitors, the center of which touches or is inside the scoring rings, will be measured from the center of the shot hole to the exact center of the bullseye. The widest shot shall be ranked lower.
Competitors will be ranked lower in order:
A. By the greatest number of hits of lowest value.
B. By the greatest number of hits of the next highest value, etc.
Competitors will be ranked by applying Section 2.16 A or 2.16 B in inverse order of targets fired.
The competitor having the shot nearest the exact center of the bullseye or 25 ring in the entire course of fire will be ranked higher. Such center shots must be scored 25 to be considered. (See rules in Section 4.11 or 4.12.) Measurement is to be taken from the exact center of the bullet hole in either Benchrest or Offhand Matches.
Section 2.19 Ranking of Closest Shot to Center by Order Fired
If the competitors should still be tied, this center shot method will be applied to the targets or bullseye in inverse order from the last target of the match, or until the competitors can be ranked.
When the tied scores cannot be ranked by the preceding methods, the string measure of the last target or bullseye on multiple bullseye targets will be used. Targets will be measured in inverse order from last target to first until the competitors can be ranked. String measure is the total distances of the centers of each bullet hole from the exact center of the bullseye or 25 ring, and can only be used when equal numbers of shots are measured and compared.
To decide otherwise unbreakable ties after all of the preceding tie-breaking rules have been exhausted, the Schuetzenmeister will call the competitors concerned to fire additional shots to determine their ranking in the match. The procedure used, number of shots and all conditions of the shoot-off will be decided by the Schuetzenmeister.
A. If more than the required number of hits appear on a target due to a claimed
crossfire and cannot be identified by caliber or significant bullet hole characteristic, or admission of the person firing the crossfired shot, the score will consist of the required number of hits of lowest value.
B. Whenever a competitor unwittingly fires more than the required number of
shots on his own target, only the required number of hits of lowest value will be scored.
When more than the required number of shots are fired at one bullseye and a fewer number than required are fired on another bullseye on the same target card so that not more than the required total number of shots are fired at the target card, the competitor will be given the actual value of the score, minus a penalty of one point for each shot fired at the wrong bullseye. Penalty points shall be deducted from the shot or shots of highest value on the bullseye bearing more than the required number of hits, and the net value ( actual value of the extra hits) shall be allocated to the bullseye on which there are less than the required number of hits and shall thereafter be scored as the actual value of that shot.
As a general rule only those hits which are visible will be scored. An exception will be made in the case where the grouping of 3 or more shots is so close that it s possible for a required shot or shots to have gone through the enlarged hole without leaving a mark. In this case the shooter will be given the benefit of the doubt and scored a hit.
Accidental shots are those which may be fired while the rifle is in the same position as when the cartridge or shell was inserted into the chamber (rest position). All shots fired after the rifle is moved from this position will be scored. Should the rifle be returned to the rest position unfired but is then discharged from that rest position, the shot is to be considered accidental and will not be scored. Only one accidental shot per target will be allowed. More than that will be considered evidence of malfunctioning equipment or poor accuracy. Normally, this section applies to offhand shooting, however, an accidental shot may be claimed during bench matches.
Section 2.60 Sighting Shots
Section 2.61 Additional Sighting Shots
Additional sighting shots may be fired at any time but must be fired from the same position as the record shots and must be on a separate, designated sighting target.
In matches fired for group size rather than score, group measurements will be taken between the centers of the two shots farthest apart.
Measurements will be made with a reticle caliper, reticle rule or similar accurate measuring devise. The smallest group measured in inches will be declared the winner. The next largest group will be second place and etc. All competitors will be ranked in order in the match according to group size. Groups having less than the required number of shots will be disqualified. See Section 2.40 regarding very small groups.
The positions authorized for use in a match shall be stated in the program under conditions of the match and shall be in accord with the definitions of positions prescribed in this section.
In all positions the butt of the rifle must be held against or in front of the shoulder or upper arm on the outside of the shooting coat or shirt. Carrying straps or slings must be removed from the rifle, unless a particular match allows the use of such equipment.
Standing, erect on both feet, no other portion of the body touching the ground or any supporting surface. The rifle will be supported by both hands and one shoulder only, and may be steadied by the cheek. The elbow and forearm may be extended, may be placed against the body or rested on the hip. In order to compensate for insufficient length of arms, the shooter is permitted to use a palm rest or “finger tip” rest. An offhand support rest may be used. When the gun is in firing position, however, the barrel must be at least 1 inch from any nearby support or rest.
This is a means for securing maximum accuracy with a hand-held rifle. It is constructed as a table which permits the shooter too sit comfortably with both elbows on the surface and the barrel or forearm resting on a specially built support or sandbag, or combination of these.
A sandbag or shaped rear rest sand filled bag made of leather or canvas may be used under the toe of the buttstock. No other device or support is permitted for the toe of the rifle. V-blocks or rests, guides, ways, or any such devices which may aid in alignment and realignment of the rifle, are prohibited. An anti-cant device (bob-sled) similar to the Pope style muzzle rest or the one described in Mann’s book is permitted. Also a spirit level or sight attached to the barrel is permitted. A simple stop may be attached to the front rest as an aid in realigning the rifle for the next shot. This may be contacted by the muzzle rest or the forearm at the discretion of the shooter if used at all. The front rest assembly and rear bag may not be connected mechanically or tied together. The shooting bench top surface is the only common connection between the two that will be allowed.
All devices or equipment which may facilitate shooting and which are contrary to these rules and regulations are forbidden. The responsibility shall be upon the competitor to submit questionable equipment for inspection and approval by the Schuetzenmeister or the Board of Directors. Equipment judged to be in violation of this section will be allowed to be shot on the range as experimental equipment but targets fired with such equipment will not be scored and entered in the matches. If equipment is used that has been approved by the Schuetzenmeister, and is found by the Schuetzenmeister to be in violation of this section, scores fired shall be declared void, unless a challenge is made and is upheld by the ranking club officer(s).
Shooting coats of any commonly used style and material may be worn in the shooting of offhand or benchrest matches, unless restricted or prohibited by specific match regulation. Jackets, coats or rain wear will not be normally considered as shooting coats when worn in response to prevailing weather conditions. Any required decisions regarding this issue will be the responsibility of the local Schuetzenmeister and/or Match directors.
Any change in the regulations for any specific match will be announced in the program for that match and will apply only at that time. The Schuetzenmeister may change the match and firing conditions providing all competitors are informed of the changes, and providing such changes are not contrary to ASSRA rules. Affiliated clubs desiring to shoot under more restrictive rules than the general ASSRA rules may do so provided that their match bulletins and range literature plainly spell out exceptions. Fore example, clubs desiring to shoot offhand matches with no shooting jackets allowed may do so if pre-match and range literature state this. As long as club rules are more restrictive than the general ASSRA rules, any record scores fired will be accepted by ASSRA as records.
Section 4.0 Competitor’s Duties & Responsibilities
Section 4.10 Safety & Sportsmanship
It is the duty of each competitor to cooperate sincerely with match officials in the effort to conduct a safe, efficient match. Competitors are expected to call promptly to the attention of the proper officials any infraction of the rules of safety or good sportsmanship.
It is the competitor’s responsibility to have full knowledge of the rules under which the match is to be fired, and to be familiar with the program. When targets are framed by the competitor, it is the competitor’s responsibility to be sure the correct target, properly marked, is framed.
Competitors must report at their assigned firing point immediately upon being called. The proper rifle and ammunition for that particular match must be ready and in safe firing condition. Time will not bwe allowed for rifle repairs, sight adjustments, or search for missing equipment after a relay has been called to the firing line. Competitors who may not be ready when called may be re-squaded in a subsequent relay at the discretion of the Schuetzenmeister.
It is the competitor’s duty to leave the firing line promptly at the conclusion of the firing relay, however, the competitor should not remove his equipment while those adjacent firing points are still firing. When leaving the firing point the rifle must be unloaded and the action must be open. In those cases where the number of competitors and benches allow, equipment may be left on the benches from one relay to the next. It is common courtesy when there are shooters waiting to shoot for the shooters to remove equipment during relays when the shooter, will not be shooting.
Competitors will assist in the operation of the range or will act as scorers when requested to do so by any range officer or Schuetzenmeister. Targets are to be scored by the individual competitor before submitting the targets to the Schuetzenmeister who will review and double check them. Questionable shots shall be marked for the Schuetzenmeister’s review.
At matches which provide a target crew to post and/or retrieve and score targets, the target crew, scoring detail and Schuetzenmeister shall be responsible for scoring and handling the targets.
Questionable shots shall be marked for individual scoring by the Schuetzenmeister or the scoring detail. In all cases the Schuetzenmeister’s decision shall be final except when the competitor feels the decision is improper at which time he may, following the noted procedure, challenge the scoring of his or any other competitor’s target.
Section 5.0 Challenges
Section 5.10 Challenging a Score
When a competitor feels that a target fired by him or by another competitor has been improperly evaluated or scored, he may challenge the scoring. Such a challenge must be made within the challenge time. It shall be the challenging competitor’s privilege to inspect the target following the recheck. The Schuetzenmeister, Match Director, Officers, scorers and scoring consultants will be allowed to have reasonable private time for checking the target with the shooter or the protesting individual not present, to allow for unbiased evaluation. Then the decision of the scoring team shall be reviewed with the challenger.
A challenge fee of $ 1 will be charged all competitors making challenges. The fee will be collected before making the first re-check of the challenged score. If the competitor’s challenge is sustained at any point along the line of re-checks, the challenge fee shall be returned to him. If the challenge is lost the challenge fee will be included in the general revenue of the tournament.
In shoulder-to-shoulder matches the challenge must be made and the fee paid within two relay breaks after scores are posted for a scheduled (a shoulder-to-shoulder event) match.
A. The time of the end of the protest period must be posted adjacent to the scored targets.
B. Scores for schedule events shall only be posted at the end of a relay. This may be the relay following the scheduled event or later at the discretion of the scoring detail. There shall be two relay breaks between the posting of the scores and the end of the protest period. Targets shall be posted in an accessible location.
C. Should a feature match be fired as the last event of the day, the scores shall be posted at the end of the first relay of the following day. This shall not apply on the last day of the match.
In postal matches, the challenges and fees must be received by the Secretary within fifteen (15) days after the official match bulletin announcing the scores fired has been mailed to the competitors.
The re-checks will be made by the Schuetzenmeister (providing he has not previously scored or checked the target) and the President, Vice-President or Secretary in that order. Other competitors, whose judgement and integrity is known to the above, may be asked to assist or may be consulted for an opinion.
A competitor may also challenge a decision of the Schuetzenmeister regarding improper equipment. The challenge shall be resolved by the members of the Board of Directors who are present. It is the duty of competitors to check their scores and to sigh their targets. Failure to check scores or to call attention to any errors within the time limit, forfeits the rights to challenge. Targets constitute the score cards and are retained in good order until the time allowed for challenges and protests has expired.
Section 6.0 Protests
Section 6.10 Formal Protests
A competitor may formally protest any injustice which he feels has been done to him or to another competitor except the evaluation of a target, which he may challenge as outlined in Section 5.10.
A competitor may formally protest the conditions under which another competitor has been permitted to fire.
Section 7.0 Records
Section 7.10 Keeping of Records
Records are kept for each individual match event but also for high target scores even though the high score target is part of another event. For an example, if one target of the Hudson match has a score bettering the record of 241-5, it will set a new record for a 10 shot Offhand target score.
Matches named for specific shooters (except the Hudson Match) which are shot only at Etna Green range will be considered for world class records. Similar matches shat at affiliated club ranges will not be designated by those names, but will qualify for ASSRA national records for matches which adhere to the same rules. For example: The Hill Match is a single entry, any sight, ten shot offhand match. Scores for this event fired at Etna Green only will qualify for entry in the world class records. A similar single entry, any sight, ten shot offhand match fired at an affiliated club will not qualify the shooter for a place in the world records but will be included in the national match records. It is possible for a shooter at an Etna Green match to shoot a score that will simultaneously set a world record and a national match record.
Article III General Information on Matches
This section covers designated matches and their requirements which are fired at the Association’s range at Etna Green, Indiana. All centerfire matches are fired at two (200) yards. Targets are scored from the leaded edge of the bullet hole for Offhand Matches and from the center of the bullet hole for Benchrest Matches. These listed matches may be used as guidelines for matches by associated clubs butt are not mandatory. Associated clubs may formulate their own match programs and change them when and how they desire. Only record targets fired at designated ranges under full ASSRA rules or stricter will be accepted by the Association as records, however.
Section 1.0 Offhand Matches
Section 1.01 Burch-McCoy Match
This is a re-entry offhand event open to any sights and consists of two matches fired simultaneously on the #3 or #4 target. Closet shot and highest score need not be on the same target. This match is fired at all three matches of the Association.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Offhand
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 3 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, large or small red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: 1. This is usually shot at the Spring, Summer and Fall
Matches. A shooter may reenter this match more than
once.
2. Burch Match: 3 shots for score
3. McCoy Match: Of the targets entered, the best center shot is the entry in the McCoy match.
Guy Burch was a charter member of the Association from Macedonia, Ill. William McCoy was a charter member of the Association from Sullivan, Ind.
Section 1.02 Hill Match
This is a single entry, offhand, any sight match which is fired during the summer match. It consists of ten shots fired for a total possible of 250.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Offhand
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, large or small red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: This is normally shot at the Summer Match. This is a non-
reentry match which is fired by all shooters on one scheduled
relay.
Rupert Hill was from Warsaw, Indiana. He was a charter member of the Association and was instrumental in locating the original range there. It was a different range than the Beeson range that we now use (1996).
Section 1.03 Hudson Match
This is a single entry offhand match that is fired at each of the Association’s matches: any sight, 100 shots on ten targets, each having a possible score of 250 for a possible total score of 2500 points.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Offhand
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, large or small red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: This is shot at the Spring, Summer and Fall Matches and
some local club events. A shooter may shoot this once at each
of these matches.
Dr. Walter G. Hudson was a turn of the century offhand shooter of exceptional ability. His score of 2301 has only recently been broken with modern equipment and high powered telescope sights. He set many different records with his shooting.
Section 1.04 May Match
Re-entry 10 shot offhand, any sight, fired for a possible score of 250.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Offhand
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, large or small red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: This is shot at the Spring, Summer and Fall Matches. A
shooter may enter this match more than once.
Named in honor of Dr. John P. May of Palentine, Illinois who was our third newsletter editor.
Section 1.05 Niender Match
Single entry offhand match offered only at the fall match each year. Twenty shots offhand for a possible score of 500.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Offhand
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 20 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, large or small red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: This is normally shot at the Fall Match. It is a non-reentry
match which is fired by all shooters on one scheduled relay.
Adolph O. Niedner was a famous shot and rifle builder at about the turn of the century and later. He did much experimental work for Dr. Franklin Mann.
Section 1.06 Zischang Match
Re-entry match, offhand, iron sight, ten shots for a possible score of 250.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Offhand
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Iron (metallic) sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, large or small red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: This is normally shot at the Spring, Summer and Fall Matches.
A shooter may enter this match more than once
Named for August O. Zischang from New York who was a famous rifle maker at the turn of the century.
Section 1.07 .22 Caliber Rimfire Offhand Match
Ten shots on the #8 target for a maximum score of 250.
Distance: 50 yards
Position: Offhand
Rifle: Any rimfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 8, 50 yard .22 RF Offhand.
Notes: This is usually shot at the Spring, Summer and Fall Matches. A
shooter may normally enter this match more than once.
Section 1.08 .22 Caliber Rimfire Stitch Match
Re-entry, six shots on the #7 target, one shot per bull for closest shot to center.
Distance: 50 yards
Position: Offhand
Rifle: Any rimfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 6, closest shot to center
Target: ASSRA No. 7, 50 foot .22 RF shot at 50 yards
Notes: 1. This is simply the best center shot of the match, regardless
of the any score achieved on the target.
2. This is normally shot at the Spring, Summer and Fall
Matches. A shooter may enter this match more than once.
The Stitch Match of Schuetzen tradition was fired on a 12 inch bull at 200 yards for closest to center shot.
Section 2.0 Benchrest Matches
Section 2.01 Bartlett Match
Twenty-five shots, five shots on the bull of five #6 single bull red targets for average group. Any sights, single entry. Fired only at the Summer Match.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 25 for group
Target: ASSRA No. 6, red, single target side.
Notes: 1. Five (5) targets are shot with five shots per target. Each
target is measured for group size. The average group size of
all five targets is calculated. This product determines the
shooter’s group size entry.
2. This target is a typical benchrest target and would be
difficult to use with iron sights unless a supplementary
aiming bull is used
3. There is a 1 inch border on top and sides with a 1-3/8 inch
bottom border on this target. The center of the bullet must
fall on or inside those lines to be scored. If the center of any
bullet hole falls outside the border lines the target is
disqualified.
4. This is normally shot at the Summer Match. This is a non-reentry match which is fired by all shooters on one scheduled relay.
Named for Waldfritz Bartlett.
Section 2.02 Beeson Match
Ten shots for score on the # 2 (100 yard benchrest target), any sights, single entry. Fired only at the Summer Match.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 2. The upper left bull is designated as the Sighter
bull. The upper center bull is the #1 bull, the upper right bull as
the #2 bull and the three bottom bulls numbered from left to
right as #3, #4 and #5.
Notes: 1. This match is shot on five bulls of the # 2 target. Two (2)
Shots on each of the five bulls. Yes, it is a 100 yard target
Being shot at 200 yards.
2. This target is normally shot at the Summer Match This is
a non-reentry match which is fired by all shooters on one
scheduled relay.
Named for Jim Beeson, benchrest riflesmith and former owner of our range property. He lives across the road from the range and is a great help to us.
Section 2.03 Brockway Match
Ten shots for score on the # 4 target, iron sights, re-entry. This match is fired at all of our Association matches.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Iron (metallic) sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, large or small red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: This is normally shot at the Spring, Summer and Fall Matches.
A shooter may enter this match more than once.
Norman S. Brockway of Vernon, Vermont was a famous builder of muzzle loading slug guns who promoted early benchrest shooting.
Section 2.04 Kelley Match
Five shots for group on the #6 target. any sights, re-entry. This Match is fired at all Association matches.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 5 for group
Target: ASSRA No. 6, red, single target side.
Notes: 1. This target is a typical benchrest target and would be
difficult to use with iron sights unless a supplementary
aiming bull is used.
2. There is a 1 inch border on top and sides with a 1-3/8 inch
bottom border on this target. The center of the bullet must
fall on or inside those lines to be scored. If the center of any
bullet hole falls outside the border lines the target is
disqualified.
3. This is normally shot at the Spring, Summer and Fall
Matches. A shooter may enter this match more than once.
Named for John D. Kelley of Williamsport, Pennsylvania who was one of the foremost benchrest shooters at the turn of the century.
Section 2.05 Rowland Match
Ten shots for group on the #6 target. any sights, single entry. This Match is fired only at the Association’s Spring Match.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 for group
Target: ASSRA No. 6, red, single target side.
Notes: 1. This target is a typical benchrest target and would be
difficult to use with iron sights unless a supplementary
aiming bull is used.
2. There is a 1 inch border on top and sides with a 1-3/8 inch
bottom border on this target. The center of the bullet must
fall on or inside those lines to be scored. If the center of any
bullet hole falls outside the border lines the target is
disqualified.
3. This is normally shot at the Spring Match. This is a non-
reentry match which is fired by all shooters on the same
scheduled relay.
Charles W. Rowland was a famous shooter from Boulder, Colorado who in 1901 fired the still unequaled 200 yard benchrest group of 0.727 inches.
Section 2.06 Schoyen Match
Ten shots for score on the # 5 target, any sights, re-entry. This match is fired at all of our Association matches.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No5, red or black center may be used at the shooter’s
Option.
Notes: This is normally shot at the Spring, Summer and Fall Matches.
A shooter may enter this match more than once.
Named for George C. Shoyen who was a noted barrel maker and gunsmith at the turn of the century.
Section 2.07 Ten Shot Group Match
Fired on the #6 target. any sights, single entry at the Fall Match.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 shots for group
Target: ASSRA No. 6, red, single target side.
Notes: This target is a typical benchrest group target.
There is a border around the target. The center of the bullet must fall on or inside of this border. If the center of any bullet hole falls outside the outside edge of the border, the target will be disqualified. This is normally shot at the Fall Match. This is a non-reentry match which is fired by all shooters on the same scheduled relay.
Section 2.08 Ten Shot Score Match
Fired on the #5 target, any sights, single entry at the Fall Match.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 shots for group
Target: ASSRA No 5
Notes: This match is normally fired at the Fall Match. This is a non-
reentry match which is fired by all shooters on the same
scheduled relay.
Section 2.09 .22 Rimfire 200 Yard Bench Rest Match
Ten shots for score on the #3 target, any sights, single entry. Fired at all Association matches. Match.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest
Rifle: Any .22 rimrfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 shots for score
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, large or small red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: This match is normally fired at the Spring, Summer and Fall
Matches. A shooter may reenter this match more than once per
season but only once at each match of the Association. It is not
a match fired by all shooters on the same relay.
Section 3.0 Special Matches
Section 3.01 Benchrest Centerfire Championship Match
Eighty shots, twenty (20) each day for four days, fired on the #5 target, single entry.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 80 shots for score, 20 shots per day during four (4) consecutive
days
Target: ASSRA No 5, red or black center may be used at the shooter’s
option.
Notes: This match is normally fired at the Spring,and Fall Matches.
A shooter may only enter this match once at each match event.
Section 3.02 National Championship Match, Offhand and Benchrest
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Benchrest and Offhand
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle which meets ASSRA guidelines
And complies with noted restrictions
Sight: A. Iron (metallic) sights which meet ASSRA guidelines
for the “Iron Sight” stage
B. Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines for the
“Any Sight” stage
Shots: 80 for score, total possible score of 2000
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: This is normally fired at the Fall Match. A shooter may enter
this match only once. Twenty (20) shots fired from each
condition: Iron Sight Benchrest, Iron sight Offhand, Any Sight
Benchrest and Any Sight Offhand. A total of eighty (80) shots
for score. Must be fired with the same rifle, the buttplate only
can be changed from the Offhand to the Benchrest event. If a
palm rest is used for the Offhand position, it may be removed
for the benchrest portion of the event.
Ten shots on the #4 target for score.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Cross sticks, sitting or kneeling.
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle, .40 caliber or larger which meets ASSRA
guidelines.
Sight: Iron (metallic) sights which meet ASSRA guidelines.
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, large or small red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: 1. Fired only at the Fall Match. A shooter may normally enter
this match more than once. Rifles must be .40 caliber or
larger and of the 1850/1900 period or replicas of rifles of that period. Tube sights are acceptable. Ammunition may be fixed or breech seated. Targets are scored from leaded edge of bullet holes.
2. Sitting or kneeling positions are acceptable but shooter
must sit on the ground. Crossed sticks are defined as sticks with a cross section not to exceed 1 x 2 inches in dimension or 1.5 inches in diameter. They may be bolted or lashed together. These may be driven into the ground for safety and stability. Ground clothes, rugs or blankets are permitted as well as cushions if not more than two inches in thickness.
Same general requirements as for the iron sight event, reentry. Fired on the #3 or #4 target.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Cross sticks, sitting or kneeling.
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle, .40 caliber or larger which meets ASSRA
guidelines.
Sight: Any sights which meet ASSRA guidelines..
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No. 3 or No. 4, large or small red or black center may
be used at the shooter’s option.
Notes: This is usually fired at the Fall Match. A shooter may normally
enter this match more than once. Targets are scored from
leaded edge of bullet holes.
Period sights of the tang and globe type without click adjustments. Lyman type 103 rear sights are excluded. Open barrel sights are acceptable. Fixed ammunition: bullet seated in the cartridge case and loaded into the rifle as a single unit. Otherwise as other Buffalo Matches.
Distance: 200 yards
Position: Cross sticks, sitting or kneeling.
Rifle: Any centerfire rifle, .40 caliber or larger which is an original or
a reproduction of rifles of the 18590/1900 time period.
Sight: Vernier or other tang sight with no click adjustments with
1850/1900 period type aperature, open barrel sights are
acceptable, front sights may be open or globe (nothing bigger
than the Lyman #77)
Shots: 10 for score
Target: ASSRA No. # 4, large black center, red not allowed.
Notes: 1. This is usually shot at the Fall Match. A shooter may
normally enter this match more than once.
2. Black, duplex or smokeless powder. Fixed ammunition;
breachseating is not allowed; any wads and fillers.
3. Ground clothes, rugs or blankets are permitted as well as
cushions if not more than about two inches in thickness.
See Crossed Sticks as defined in Section 3.03.
100 shots .22 caliber Rimfire at 50 feet. Offhand, no slings, any sights, any non-bolt action single shot rifle. Targets may be obtained from and must be returned to the Schuezenmeister or designated Postal Match Director. Targets must be returned and postmarked before May 30 of the designated year. Entry fee is payable in US funds. Competitors must be an ASSRA members.
100 shots Offhand on ten (10) #3 targets or equivalent, ten shots per target. Subject to rules on extra shots on individual targets. May be fired on any 100 yard range and witnesses are not required except to check scoring and addition. Targets may be obtained from and must be returned to the Schuetzenmeister or designated Postal Match Director. Targets must be returned and postmarked before July 31 of the designated year. Entry fee is payable in US funds. Competitors must be ASSRA members.
Article IV Targets
Target #1, 100 Yard Offhand: Black bull to the 18 ring (6.0 inch diameter), scoring rings to #14. 0.75” bull. 0.375” rings. Paper size 9 ½ x 11 ½ inches. Same on back in red.
Target #2, 100 Yard Bench Rest Score: 6 bull, black to 22 ring, 0.75” center, 0.375” rings. Paper size 9 ½ x 11 ½ inches.
Target #3, 200 Yard Offhand Scope: Red bull to 22 ring, scoring to 15 ring. 1.50” center, 0.75” rings. Paper size 18x20 inches. On back is red target, red to the 18 ring scoring to 15 ring.
Target #4, 200 Yard Offhand Iron Sight: Black bull to 18 ring, scoring to 15 ring. 1.50” center, 0.75” rings. Paper size 18x20 inches. On back is same target in red
Target #5, 200 Yard Benchrest: Red bull to the 22 ring, and scoring to the 21 ring. 1.50” center and 0.75” rings. Paper size 8 ½ x 11 inches.
Target #6, All-Range Group Benchrest: Red 2-bull with un-numbered rings and 4 Square aiming points with 0.375” white cross. Same red Single Bull on back. Paper size 9 ½ x 11 inches.
Target #7, 500 Foot, .22 Rimfire: 5 black bulls plus sighter. Bull to 18 ring scoring to 17 ring. 0.25” center, 0.125” rings. Paper size 9 ½ x 11 ¼ inches.
Target # 8, 50 yard .22 Rimfire: 2 black bulls to the 18 riings, scoring to the 13 ring, 0.375” center, 0.188” rings. Paper size 8 ½ x 11 ¼ inches.
Article V Postal Matches
Section 1.0 Supervision & Management
All postal matches will be supervised by the Schuetzenmeister or designated Postal Match Director or appointed assistant(s). Targets and entry forms will be obtained from the Schuetzenmeister or Postal Match Director. The match entry fee(s), completed entry forms and fired targets will be sent to the Schuetzenmeister or Postal Match Director. Names, addresses, telephone numbers and match entry fee schedules will be listed in an addendum sheet to this rule book. This sheet will be updated annually or as required by the ASSRA.
Section 1.10 ASSRA .22 Caliber Postal Match
100 shot, .22 Rimfire at 50 feet, Offhand, no slings, any non-bolt action single shot rifle, any sights. Targets must be returned and postmarked before May 30. entry fee is payable in US funds, sent to the Schuetzenmeister or designated Postal Match director. Competitors must be ASSRA members.
Section 1.11 ASSRA 100 Shot 100 Yard Centerfire Offhand Postal
Match
100 shot Match fired on ten #1 targets. Targets to be fired on any100 yard range, ASSRA members witnesses are not required except to check scoring and addition. Targets must be obtained from and returned to the Schuetzenmeister or designated Postal Match Director. Fees are payable in U.S. funds to be sent with request for targets. Targets to be returned to the Schuetzenmeister no later than July 31. Winners to be announced at the Fall Match. Competitors must be ASSRA members. There will be a permanent trophy to be kept in the clubhouse plus individual awards to the fifth place if participation warrants.
Article VI Amendments To Match & Equipment Rules
Section 1.0 Match Rules Committee
A Match Rules Committee shall be set up to consider proposed changes to these rules and regulations. The committee shall consist of seven members headed by the vice-President. Three shall be elected from the floor at the annual meeting. Initially, one will serve for a period of one year, one for two years and one for three years. As each term expires, the newly elected member will serve three years. This will ensure continuity on the committee. Three other members will be appointed by the President from associated clubs that are not normally represented at our annual meeting with the intent of getting as broad a base of interest as possible.
Section 1.10
Changes to Match and Equipment Rules
Proposed changes to these rules shall be submitted in writing to the Vice-President who will then send copies to members of the Match Committee. If approved by the committee, the proposed changes shall then be submitted to the board of Directors and if approved, they shall be accepted as revisions to these match rules. The revised rules will be published in the Journal.
Article VII Midrange & Long Range Match Rules
The intent of these rules is to promote Midrange and Long Range Black Powder marksmanship within the Association and conform to the shooting tradition of the era 1860-1895. In areas of unanswered questions or interpretation of issues, the governing body shall resolve al questions in light of the Creedmore tradition and against modern technology and innovation. Any deviation from these rules should exist solely to encourage participation as opposed to technological improvement.
The following rules apply to domestic ASSRA sponsored Midrange and Long Range Matches and take precedence over any other Black Powder rules. In cases of international competitions, where 100% black powder and plain based lead bullets are required, the match program, announcements and/or advertisements for matches must indicate these and any other rule variations or special conditions that exist in the matches.
Any original or modern manufactured breech loading cartridge rifle designed as a single shot. Bolt action rifles are specifically excluded. Original or reproduction muzzle loading rifles are acceptable. They must be chambered for authentic original black powder cartridges and in an authentic original black powder caliber. The weight shall not exceed fifteen (15) pounds. Rifles must have a safe trigger of any type and be traditional configuration and of .32 caliber or larger. The stock may have an adjustable comb only and must not adjust above the centerline of the bore.
Any metallic sight, open aperture or tube sight is permitted but no sight may have click adjustments. One optical lens may be used in the rear sight as a substitute for prescription glasses.
Slings, rests or crossed sticks may be used at all distances as a support for the hand which holds the forend of the rifle. The support must not extend below the “break of the wrist”. The hand must be between the top surface of the rest and under the forend of the rifle stock. A rest of any type may be used but may not be attached or fixed to the rifle in any manner. No part of the stock is to be in contact with the shooting mat or the ground. Gloves, shooting jackets and shoulder pads are permitted. The combined use of a sling and a rest is not permitted.
Genuine black powder or its equivalent must be used. No more than 15% of smokeless powder (by total weight) may be used as a cleaning or priming charge. Non-metallic wads or filler may be used; no gas checks. Loading may be breech seating with fixed ammunition or by muzzle loading, with no restrictions on size or shape of the bullet. Bullets must be lead or lead alloy with plain bases and no half jackets. Paper patched bullets may be used. Wiping or cleaning the barrel during the match is permitted.
Any safe position including the various back positions may be used. No part of the rifle may be in contact with the ground, shooting mat or any artificial support.