Harrison Wins NRA’s Inaugural National Defense Match

NRA’s New Defensive-Themed Entry into Practical Rifle Shooting

By Chad Adams

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Crimson Trace’s Iain Harrison topped FNH USA’s Tommy Thacker to win the Open division, and match overall, of NRA’s Inaugural National Defense Match here recently. In what began as an intense back-and-forth matchup between the two accomplished 3-gunners, Thacker committed a procedural penalty at the 200-yard line, where he lost 90 match points in all. Harrison went on to cruise to victory from there, topping Thacker 249.70 to 331.30.

Brownells’ Corey Schwanz (372.70) took third in Open, followed by Randy Luth (427.40) and Logan Clark (463.20).

In Tactical Optics, 14-year-old Colton Cerino (402.30) bested the field, followed by Zed Steward (414.70), Chris Stewart (445.00), SFC Charles Blackwell (472.70) and R.J. Contomo (578.50).

In Tactical Limited, the U.S. Air Force’s Edward Altmeyer (371.50) took advantage at the 300- and 400-yard-lines to pull away from 3-gunner Bryan Ray (425.10). James Clark, III, (471.70) finished third, followed by his dad, Jim Clark, Jr. (474.70) and FNH USA’s Ken Pfau (489.30).

Bryan Ray, who took second in Tactical Limited, fires from the barricade during the National Defense Match.

The National Defense Match (NDM), although held at historic Camp Perry in conjunction with NRA’s iconic National Matches, is anything but traditional by Camp Perry standards. While the course of fire heavily rewards marksmanship at the 400- and 500-yard-lines, this is by no means a high power match.

“The National Defense Match is America’s rifle match,” said NRA’s Trey Tuggle, who designed the NDM and course of fire. “It is a match that was designed for everyone who fought with or owns a carbine, whether it’s an FN, a Colt, whatever. It’s a place for them to come and shoot their rifles, and learn something at the same time—practicing those skills.”

While the Camp Perry match was designed to run from seven out to 500 yards, the course of fire is designed as a modular one, allowing it to easily fit into any given local club’s existing facilities. From the ground up, the National Defense Match is designed to be run on 100-yard range bays, making it accessible to most clubs across the country.

FNH USA's Ken Pfau, running his "Black & Tan" SCAR, fires weak-side from the barricade during the NDM.

Also unique to the National Defense course of fire was the use of color-coded NRA NDM 5-120 targets, available from National Target.  At closer ranges, the NDM course of fire blends rapid target acquisition and movement with memorization and recognition skills straight out of “Simon Says.” “Red, Yellow, Blue, White, Green” could be the order, forcing competitors to identify the target or incur costly penalties for shooting out of order. Throw in a 2’ x 6’ barricade, and competitors were forced to shoot strong side, support side, standing, kneeling and prone—all after activating the timer themselves and then moving across a Camp Perry firearm with a hot rifle!

“I liked the forced positions,” said Ray. “I don’t know that I’ve ever shot prone support side—and certainly not in a match.  Shooting at 100 yards from standing is also something I rarely encounter in the matches in which I compete.  Along with the transitions from standing to kneeling to prone, these unconventional positions are a great test of the shooter’s abilities.”

To help keep track of what turned out to be extremely fun and challenging target sequences, NRA sought the technology of Shot Response and its electronic scoring system that enabled the entire course of fire to be shot without ever having to walk downrange to score or paste a target.

Brian Vaught engages targets in sequence--all recorded by Shot Response's electronic target system.

The NRA has spent the last couple of years studying the sport of 3-gun. Understanding the current proliferation in that sport, certain NRA officials have looked to capitalize upon that momentum. The NDM is the fruit of that effort. And while this rifle match can’t be confused with 3-gun, or even IPSC for that matter, it could, however, find its own niche.

“This format will work as an excellent introduction to shooters that are new to the competition environment or unfamiliar with the rifle,” Ray said.  “Requiring little gear to compete, a new shooter can show up with any semi-automatic rifle, a few magazines, eye and ear protection and shoot the course.  There is limited movement involved, which allows the shooter to focus on moving safely with the rifle while not being burdened with too many tasks.  This match would be a great event for any local club having a ‘family day’ to bring out spouses and children that may not come to the range otherwise.

 “Using the short course, any range that has a 100-yard bay available can set this up with a target stand and a few barricades,” Ray continued. “There are hundreds of shooting clubs in the country that can host this type match.”

And that is exactly what the NRA is after—for the NDM to become the grassroots type of rifle match that will encourage more shooters to get out on the firing line.

“There are estimated to be 3 or 4 million AR platforms in American hands right now,” Tuggle said. “The goal is that this match becomes a place where those people can take those rifles to the local range and shoot them. My goal in life, and the NRA goal as well, we want to bring back the glory of shooting matches. We want to have thousands of people at matches. We want thousands of matches. To bring back the national pride of shooting, to bring back our National Matches.”

A Marine takes on NRA's National Defense Match at historic Camp Perry, Ohio.

Ultimately, the NDM serves as an excellent introductory rifle match to introduce shooters to the sport of practical shooting. And while its challenging enough to push the most veteran competitor, the NDM’s real value is that it is truly a course of fire that welcomes all skill levels.

“Don’t be afraid to come,” Tuggle said. “Come and shoot at your level. I know you haven’t picked up that rifle in 10 years. Come on out, and we’ll take care of you. Shooting has to be accessible. This match will make it accessible for everyone.”

“You don’t have to be a competitor for this match,” Tuggle continued. “Just come and shoot this match because it is fun.”

The Inaugural National Defense Match at Camp Perry received tremendous support from the firearm industry, with FNH USA putting multiple firearms on the awards table as the match title sponsor. Geisselle Triggers, JP Enterprises, Sinclair International, Warne Scope Mounts, Cheaper Than Dirt!, Chiappa Firearms, Blade-Tech were also among the contributing sponsors. To see footage from the match, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeT_tHHL5ts.

NRA National Defense Match Overalls                         

Posted on 8/24/2011