CMP RIMFIRE SPORTER: WHY NO FLUTED BARRELS?

[Steve N]

I have an opportunity to shoot Rimfire Sporter at a nearby range. However, according to CMP rules, my rifle does not qualify as it has a fluted barrel. My question is: what is the thought process as to why fluted barrels are not allowed? Is it due to weight, or balance, or that fluted barrels are not normally found on sporter class rifles? Is there a competitive advantage to having a fluted barrel? Looks like I won't be competing until I can afford to buy something else to shoot.

[Rover]

It's simply because fluted barrels eliminate the need to "hold your mouth right."

[Steve N]

It's simply because fluted barrels eliminate the need to "hold your mouth right."

What?

[dronning]

It's simply because fluted barrels eliminate the need to "hold your mouth right."

What?

Flute joke, good one too.

- Dave

[Bob-Riegl]

Way to go Rover keep 'em guessing....."Doc"

[Andre]

My guess is that because for a "Sporter" class rimfire match you need a Sporter barrel profile, not a lightweight target profile barrel.

[dronning]

My guess is that because for a "Sporter" class rimfire match you need a Sporter barrel profile, not a lightweight target profile barrel.

Tapered, straight and I assume bull barrels (if light enough) are allowed, I am not sure of the rational on the fluted barrel. Unless they are trying to keep people from going out and buying aftermarket barrels like TacSol.

- Dave

in addition to the following the rifle can't exceed 7.5 lbs.

8.2.1 Rimfire Sporter Rifles
All Rimfire Sporter Rifles must be standard sporter-type rifles chambered for
the .22 cal. Long Rifle cartridge. Magnum rimfire or .17 cal. rimfire rifles may
not be used. Barrels may be tapered or straight, but fluted barrels may not
be used. There are three Rimfire Sporter Rifle classes:
• Standard Rimfire Sporter Rifle, O-Class (open sights)
• Standard Rimfire Sporter Rifle, T-Class (telescopic or aperture sights)
• Tactical Rimfire Sporter Rifle, Tactical Class (aperture or optical sights)

Match sponsors also have the option of sub-dividing the T-Class into a
separate T-Class and an A-Class for rifles with receiver sights

[pmy]

Don't try to figure out the "why" behind the rimfire sporter rules. They just are.

There's no objective reason that will satisfy you for almost all of the rules in that sport.

Most local matches will let you shoot whatever you bring, though you will probably be shooting out-of-competition, and won't be eligible for shiny pins. Do that for a few matches, and if you like it, it's easy enough to be a compliant rifle.

[john bickar]

It's simply because fluted barrels eliminate the need to "hold your mouth right."

What?

Flute joke, good one too.

I could've guessed that Rover was funky like diaper rash. Not so sure about his being mad spunky and making cash.

[dronning]

Flute joke, good one too.

I could've guessed that Rover was funky like diaper rash. Not so sure about his being mad spunky and making cash.

Even Better!

(Flute Loop, Beastie Boys!)