[keytosuccess...]

I haven't been able to get a clear answer from anywhere.....

Are you allowed to use a 16" carbine to compete, or do I have to go buy a 20" upper?

Are you allowed to use a flat top upper with the detachable carry handle?

I'd really like to start competing in these matches, but I'd like to use the equipment that I already have. Any information would be great.

 

[ScottG]

Have you contacted the CMP? I believe they have the national match rulebook on their site.

 

[wtr100]

I haven't been able to get a clear answer from anywhere.....

Are you allowed to use a 16" carbine to compete, or do I have to go buy a 20" upper?

Are you allowed to use a flat top upper with the detachable carry handle?

I'd really like to start competing in these matches, but I'd like to use the equipment that I already have. Any information would be great.

seems to me the worst that would happen is they'll move you to the Match Rifle vs the Service Rifle Category


Are you a cook or a Rifleman
http://www.appleseedinfo.org

 

[1984cj]

Most places that I have shot Service rifle have been a bunch of good guys. Show up at a shoot with your gear and ask the Range Officer or the Match Director ( fancy titles for the guys that like it so much that they are willing to run the match).
My 2 cents is that a carbine would be OK so long as you were shooting Iron sights. I can't really help you on the AR world since I shoot a Garand when I shoot.

 

[ARShooter]

With the shorter sight radius of the carbine and less muzzle velocity with the shorter barrel you will be handicapped in shooting. I am sure that most of the local competitions will let you shoot with a 16” so you can get a taste of competition. Sometimes there are some shooters that will bring along a spare rifle for someone to try out the match. Some clubs will even have loaner rifles too. Most of the time the folks at the local matches will be very helpful in helping someone get started in the sport. Either you can bring your equipment with or just show up to a match and see how things work. I have found it useful to watch a match before shooting in one so you get a feel as to how things work and can focus on the shooting more than the procedures, when you do shoot a match. It also gives you an opportunity to tap into some of the knowledge of the experienced competitors.