Talladega CMP Vintage Sniper Match

[Forgetful Coyote]

Figured yall probably might enjoy gettin to watch some of the action if youre like me(+ a bonus feature on the recent PRS GAP Grind match)
I'd think this'd be a perfect venue for the K31/ZFK55(?) and Swede 41b's to clean up, though obviously the old -06 aint a slouch at all with something like a Berger 200.20X in a max load if hot rod modern match loads like that are allowed..? I'd also believe that you'd have better options for legal optics going with a Swede or German K98 sniper, as far as scope quality/capability with those compared to the Unertl 8x or Weaver M73/M73B1 that are legal for the '03..?? I wouldn't bet against a good condition/well-maintained scoped M39 or other Finn Mosin if it's allowed to mount a PEM or some such on one of those, also. What would yall use? Personally I think I'd go with a Swede, or '03 8x USMC sniper..
https://youtu.be/l85XRxx-4s4

 

[Random Guy]

Thanks for posting that video. I have not yet been to the new Alabama facility for this match, but I have competed at the CMP Eastern Games in the vintage sniper match from 2012-2016. (I missed the 2017 match, but will be back in 2018 to compete). I use my trusty 1903A1 with 8x scope, but my 2nd choice would be my M41B with old 4x Ajack scope. I earned a bronze and silver metal in 2013-2015, but finally won a gold in 2016 (2nd place). Its my favorite vintage rifles match.

BTW, regarding this comment: "K31/ZFK55(?)"....that would not be legal in these matches, as they are limited to rifles up to 1953 (Korean War era). The ZKF55 is a 1955 rifle an too "new" for these matches. The 1942 and 1943 versions of the K-31 sniper are legal, but that optic is pretty primitive.

I will note that in 2016 the top 2 scores at Camp Perry, they were obtained with a 1903A1 and an Finnish "M39SOV" (which is the flavor with the 4x PEM scope). I had an M39SOV built this autumn, but have not yet shot it (see pics 3 & 4). These are my 3 preferred platforms for pre-1953 vintage sniper rifles for the CMP matches.

 

[Forgetful Coyote]

Thanks for posting that video. I have not yet been to the new Alabama facility for this match, but I have competed at the CMP Eastern Games in the vintage sniper match from 2012-2016. I use my trusty 1903A1 with 8x scope, but my 2nd choice would be my M41B with old 4x Ajack scope. I earned a bronze and silver metal in 2013-2015, but finally won a gold in 2016 (2nd place). Its my favorite vintage rifles match.

BTW, regarding this comment: "K31/ZFK55(?)"....that would not be legal in these matches, as they are limited to rifles up to 1953 (Korean War era). The ZKF55 is a 1955 rifle an too "new" for these matches. The 1942 and 1943 versions of the K-31 sniper are legal, but that optic is pretty primitive.

I will note that in 2016 the top 2 scores at Camp Perry, they were obtained with a 1903A1 and an Finnish "M39SOV" (which is the flavor with the 4x PEM scope). I had an M39SOV built this autumn, but have not yet shot it (see pics 3 & 4). These are my 3 preferred platforms for pre-1953 vintage sniper rifles for the CMP matches.

VERY cool sir! Great minds think alike I see like I said the '03 and 41b would be my top picks, with honorable mention going to M39 + PEM as I mentioned in the OP.. so we're definitely thinking on the same wavelength here lol. Please do definitely post up a AAR when you get around to wringing out the M39! What are planning to shoot out of it? D166's??
Thank you sir.

 

[kraigWY]

I havent shot the Talladega Vintage Sniper match, but I've shot several other CMP travel games including the OK City Games. Over all from what I've seen the Springfields win most of the matches. I did shoot The games at Cody,WY when the M1Ds won but that was the exception.

The K31s seem to do good.

I shoot a Faux M1903A4 I built with parts, does pretty good.

My 'A4 with a Weaver 2.5X scope with post site.

I never shot a match at Talladega but I did get to shoot there. I attended the CMPs Advanced Maint. Course, and afterward, I took my just built Garand there to try out. I couldnt afford the ammo it would cost if I lived any where close to that range.

 

[Random Guy]

"Please do definitely post up a AAR when you get around to wringing out the M39! What are planning to shoot out of it? D166's?"

This winter I intend to load up 3 bullets for my M39SOV,, 174gr Sierra BTHP (.311"), 174gr Horn BTHP (.3105"), and I have a box of pricey Lapua D166/200 gr FMJBT (.310") bullets. Probably try 3 or 4 powders, Viht N140, I-4350, Varget, and I-4064 too. It will likely be the spring before I get to test the loads. I'll post my results.