ViMBAR / ViMSAR

Vintage Military Bolt-Action Rifle (ViMBAR) and Vintage Military Semi-Automatic Rifle (ViMSAR) are concepts that were developed so that collectors of the myriad of military surplus rifles available today can have an opportunity to use them in a fun shooting match environment. You can go out and buy an old military bolt or semi-auto rifle, some surplus ammo, and be “in the game”. And be as competitive as the next guy. The idea behind the ViMBAR/ViMSAR matches is to experience the capabilities these rifles had on the battlefield, and the service they provided to soldiers all over the world in conflicts spanning the past century and a quarter.

ViMBAR/ViMSAR matches are not intended to be “precision accuracy” or High Power Service Rifle competitions. On the contrary, we use large steel targets, and specifically prohibit the use on the line of range finders, wind flags, or other such items as deemed “prohibited” by the match directors. In that vein, we often invoke “Spirit of the Game”, the original adage of the ever popular Cowboy Action Shooting discipline.

Rifles:  Any military bolt-action or semi-auto rifle in as-issued, battle-ready condition, with original as-issued iron sights, and chambered for its original military cartridge may be used. Examples of vintage bolt action rifles eligible for the match include: Springfield 1903 or ‘A3 rifles, all military type Mausers, Soviet  Mosin Nagant, Japanese Arisakas, British Lee-Enfields, Swiss 1911s and K-31s, Finnish Nagants, French MAS 36, and many more. Examples of vintage semi-auto eligible rifles include: M1 Garand, M1A/M-14s, HK/PTR 91s (and CETMEs), Swedish Ljungman, SKS, M1 Carbine, SVT 40, and others. Scoped rifles in “sniper”configuration will sometimes be used in a side match.

Handguns:  There will be opportunities to involve the use of handguns in our matches. These are limited to any military pistol or revolver in use prior to 1960 and in as issued condition. Examples include: M-1911, German P-38/P1, Browning Hi-Power, S&W Victory revolver, Tokarev, Walther PP, and many others. Not permitted are more modern guns such as Glocks, Beretta 92s, CZ75, S&W M&P.

Equipment:  Sandbags, ammo cans, field packs, helmets, shooting mats, etc. may be used as a rest. These will be supplied by the club, at the match. Government Issue personal equipment such as pistol belt, harness, ammo pouches, stripper clips, canteens, etc. is encouraged. In fact, full uniform wear is encouraged (not required).

Ammunition:  Ammunition may be loaded with soft nosed, hollow point, or Full Metal Jacket bullets. No armor piercing, incendiary, or tracer ammunition will be allowed.