ViMBAR / ViMSAR

The development and use of the military bolt action rifles using metallic cartridges spans from circa mid eighteen sixties to 1936 when the last newly developed military bolt action rifle was adopted. During this time many guns were produced to supply the armies of the world. Of course, these guns provided excellent service in WWII and long after. The idea of shooting ViMBAR is to experience the capabilities these old military rifles had on the battlefield. Some were better then the others, but most had capabilities that are amazing still today.

Vintage Military Bolt-action Rifle (ViMBAR) and Vintage Military Semi-auto Rifle (ViMSAR) are concepts that were developed so that collectors of the myriad of inexpensive military surplus rifles available today can have an opportunity to use them in a fun shooting match environment. You can go out and buy a $100 surplus Mauser, some inexpensive surplus ammunition, and be “in the game” and as competitive as the next guy. The idea behind the ViMBAR/ViMSAR match 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 encourage the use of life-size or large targets, and specifically prohibit the use on the line of High Power equipment, range finders, wind flags, or other such items as deemed “prohibited” by the match designers. In that vein, we often invoke “Spirit of the Game”, the original adage of the ever popular Cowboy Action Shooting™ game.

Required equipment:

Guns:  Any military bolt-action rifle in as-issued, battle-ready condition, with original as-issued iron sights, and chambered for its original military cartridge may be used. See the Rifles page for more information.

Handguns:  There are many opportunities to involve the use of handguns in our matches. These should be limited to any military pistol, or DA revolver in use prior to 1960 and in as issued condition.

Equipment:  Sandbags, ammo cans, field packs, helmets, etc. may be used as a rest. A mat or tarp, elbow pads, and recoil-shield may also be used for shooting. The use of Government Issue personal equipment such as pistol belt, harness, ammo pouches, stripper clips, canteens, etc. is encouraged. This equipment will make it easier for individual movements that may be required for various phases of the match.

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