This post is about the best CMP service rifle scopes. CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) Service Rifles have some rules and regulations that only a few scopes meet. Some are simply not worth the asking price, or they are too pricey.
We have presented the best scopes for this competition, highlighting each model’s advantages and disadvantages so that you can decide whether it is suitable. At the end of this article, you should be able to make an informed decision.
What is the CMP Competition Shooting?
The CMP hosts and sponsors marksmanship competitions across the USA for both junior and adult rifle shooters. It was established by a 1996 law that required funding and promoted gun safety and marksmanship among all individuals, particularly young people. Competitions are one of the best tools at CMP’s disposal for carrying out its mission.
CMP matches place a high value on both optics and rifles. Scopes need to have enough magnification to allow tight shot groups up to 600 yards without compromising fast target acquisition and a wide, forgiving eyebox. Durability is also essential when conducting matches in all weather conditions.
What Makes a Great Scope for A CMP Service Rifle?
- Generous Consistent Eyebox
- Illuminated reticle for challenging light
- A magnification of at least 4x to 16x
- Parallax adjustment for accuracy
- A robust, waterproof, and fogproof design
- The scope should provide clear images with high contrast
Rules and Requirements on Optics
Smallbore rifles and high-power rifles are the two types of CMP service rifle matches. Smallbore is defined as expressly .22 LR alone, and highpower as .223 or 5.56 NATO ammunition. Although it’s easy to argue over terminology, most competitions will be conducted as highpower rifle matches because that’s how the rules are stated.
There is virtually no restriction on the type of optics you can put on your rifle for smallbore contests, but for high-power matches, you can only use an objective lens diameter of 34mm and a maximum magnification of 4.5x. While changing sights or optics during a match is prohibited, you should be able to adjust magnification as you desire.
Best CMP Service Rifle Scopes
Here are the best scopes to lighten the burden and confusion of choosing from a flooded market. If you don’t know what to pick, the scopes are a great place to start.
1) Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm riflescope is a great riflescope. Its high durability, phenomenal image quality, and wonderful performance make it one of the best CMP service rifle scopes.
The one-piece, shockproof tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum cements its durability. The 30mm tube allows plenty of room for windage and elevation adjustments.
The scope is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, with a hard anodized finish. The outer lenses are treated with Armortek to protect against dirt, scratches, and oil.
Tall, exposed turrets make range calculation and shooting adjustments quick and precise with subtension marks that match the reticle. The reticle is etched between two glass layers for durability and reliability.
The lenses are treated with XR coatings to increase light transmission. The XD elements on the glass increase resolution, color, and contrast.
The magnification ranges from 1x to 4x, and the objective lens is 24mm. The riflescope has a wide field of view and is well-made for service rifle competitions.
Features
- Extra-low dispersion glass
- Proprietary lens coatings increase light transmission
- O-ring seals and argon purging ensure waterproof and fogproof performance
- Aircraft-grade aluminum build
- Armortek lens coating protects against scratches and dirt
- 30mm tube
- Hard anodized finish
- Customizable rotational stop helps in return to zero
- The fiber optic turret rotation indicator offers a highly visible reference point for turret rotations
- Glass-etched reticle
- 24mm objective lens diameter
- A fast focus eyepiece for quick reticle focus
Pros
- Clear and crisp
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment
- Great dials
- Tough as nails
Cons
- Heavy double-screw adjustments
2) Trijicon Accupoint 1-4x24mm Riflescope
The Trijicon Accupoint is a really good choice for CMP competitions. The scope is illuminated by fiber optics and tritium, providing a clear aiming point and a battery-free reticle that enhances target acquisition and great accuracy regardless of ambient light.
The 1-4x magnification is ideal for short distances. Eye relief is consistent across all magnifications, and the 30mm tube provides more adjustment range for windage and elevation.
The Accupoint is made of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, a very robust material perfect for riflescopes. The inside of the scope is fogproof and waterproof, so it can be used in any weather.
The full multi-coating on the unit makes the images produced clear, bright, and highly detailed. You can clearly see the target in any condition, whether in a remotely controlled environment or the deep jungle.
The reticle has a second focal plane design that maintains the same appearance after zooming on or out. The capped turrets provide precise and crisp windage and elevation adjustments with no tools needed.
Features
- Easy-focus eyepiece
- Variable 1x to 4x magnification
- 2 inches of eye relief
- Matte finish
- The lenses have a full multi-coating
- 30mm tube
- Second focal plane design
- The reticle is powered by fiber optics or tritium
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof
- A magnification lever for adjustments on the go
- 24mm objective lens size
Pros
- Very positive adjustments
- Stunning optical clarity
- It is well-designed and robust
- No battery to die on you
Cons
- No lens cap
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
Leupold scopes are some of the easiest to recommend. The VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm riflescope leaves nothing on the table when it comes to providing every possible advantage in any lighting situation.
It features the Twilight Light Management System that provides additional minutes of shooting light and minimizes glare for flawless image quality.
The lens is 20mm. Although it is not the largest by any means, it is perfect for pairing with a service rifle scope.
The military-grade, scratch-resistant lenses fight off abrasion unfairly. The 6061-T6 aluminum material makes the scope rugged. At the same time, it is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. The scope has been punisher tested for a lifetime of performance under sever recoil.
Another marvel that makes the VX-Freedom a good option for the best CMP service rifle scopes is its maximum magnification of 4x and base of 1.5x. Windage and elevation have 1/4 MOA increments that provide repeatability and dependability.
Features
- Weighs 9.6 oz
- Military-grade, abrasion-resistant lenses
- 5x minimum magnification
- 4x maximum magnification
- It is built from 6061-T6 aluminum
- 20mm objective lens diameter
- Twilight Light Management System
- Finger click dial system
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Shockproof
- Eye relief of 3.7 to 4.2 inches
- One inch tube
Pros
- The design is very light
- The glass is extremely clear
- Awesome quality
Cons
- Not illuminated
4) Trijicon ACOG 4x32mm Riflescope
Another pricier Trijicon offering than the previous model is the ACOG 4x32mm scope. It is excellent for shooting in very low-light environments. The illumination relies on fiber optics for daytime and tritium for nighttime.
This dual illumination promotes super-fast focusing, whether in the day or pitch-black night.
It employs the Bindon Aiming Concept, which allows shooters to shoot with both eyes open, maximizing situational awareness and enhancing target acquisition.
Service rifles are often used in foul conditions, so a durable scope will be handy in the field. The ACOG is built out of 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, making it impossible to beat.
It is weatherproof and shockproof for reliability in any given situation. The lenses are multi-coated to increase the level of light transmission for superior clarity and brightness.
The abundance of features the ACOG presents makes it one of the best CMP service rifle scopes.
Features
- The scope enhances hit potential in any condition without using batteries
- Fiber optics and tritium illumination
- The housing is crafted from 7075-T6 aluminum
- Bindon Aiming Concept
- Matte finish
- 4x magnification
- Shockproof construction
- Weighs 9.9 oz
- 32mm objective lens diameter
Pros
- Decent glass clarity
- Good field of view
- Performs well in low light
Cons
- Limiting eye relief
5) Truglo Tru-Brite Xtreme 4x32mm Riflescope
This riflescope allows two reticle choices: a dual-color illuminated or mil-dot reticle. The former can be employed without illumination against a black background, while the latter empowers the user to calculate the distance of objects of a known size and offers quick trajectory and wind drift references.
The scope delivers clear, high-contrast images courtesy of the multi-coated lenses that optimize light transmission. It will do the job in all lighting conditions.
The hunting scope has a one-piece construction formulated from aircraft-grade aluminum. This is the best scope material as it is lightweight and robust. It has a scratch-resistant, non-reflective finish.
Besides, it is nitrogen-filled, and the filling renders the scope internally and externally fogproof. It is also water-and shock-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it shattering when used in harsh conditions.
Get the Truglo Tru-Brite for a top-of-the-line scope that will be with you every step of the way.
Features
- 4x magnification
- The lenses are multi-coated to maximize light gathering
- Matte finish
- 32mm objective lens size
- Picatinny mounting rings are included
- Nitrogen-filled for fogproof integrity
- One-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum
- Non-reflective finish with scratch-resistant lenses
- Generous 5.5 inches of eye relief
Pros
- Clean and precise clicks on the finger-adjustable turrets
- Well-designed
- Easy and accurate zeroing
Cons
- The scope rings are low-quality
What To Look for In the Best CMP Service Rifle Scopes
Finding the right scope can be challenging, but having some factors in mind will help you choose wisely
Lens Quality
Lens quality is the first factor to consider if you’re looking for the best CMP service rifle scopes. A decent pair of lenses will help you win contests and enable you to land many prey. Mediocre lenses, on the other hand, will be a menace.
Look for multi-coated or fully multi-coated optics, as they increase light transmission and minimize glare. This results in bright, clear, high-contrast, and high-resolution images.
Construction Quality
Service rifles are often used in demanding conditions, so a good scope should be able to withstand whatever comes its way. A durable housing made from aircraft-grade aluminum will ensure consistent performance regardless of what mother nature throws at you.
Also, ensure the scope you pick is filled or purged with gas for fogproof integrity. It should be sealed with proper mechanisms for waterproof performance for immaculate performance given any weather.
Weight
Weight distribution is paramount, especially because CMP service rifle matches often entail shooting from different positions and carrying the rifle for long periods. Accurate aiming will be difficult if your gun is a little back-heavy. Because of this, choose a scope that has a decent, balanced weight. It will also be easy to keep balance and maneuver.
Magnification
The next factor is magnification. Although CMP service rifle competitions usually require shooting at ranges up to 600 yards, the ideal magnification depends on individual preference and shooting style. Many shooters prefer scopes with low to moderate magnification, like 4x to 12x, for flexibility across different distances.
Cost
The best CMP service rifle scopes come at various costs. Determine a budget based on your needs and preferences. While there are premium scopes with state-of-the-art features, there are also price-friendly options that provide commendable performance with CMP service rifle competitions.
What Is a Service Rifle Competition?
A service rifle competition is one of the renowned competitions in the U.S. One of the most well-known competitions in the USA is the service rifle competition. The competition has four legs, including Standing up, aiming the rifle straight, and firing ten bullets at 200 yards in ten minutes. It increases your capacity for patience. To complete the second leg, you must sit and fire ten bullets over a 200-yard distance in a short amount of time. You have to shoot ten rounds at a distance of 200 yards in 70 seconds for the third leg. You have to shoot 20 rounds at a distance of 600 yards in 20 minutes for the final leg.
Conclusion
The CMP service competition is tricky, so you need a good scope to ace it. All the best CMP service rifle scopes explored above perform admirably, so you need to choose one that meets your needs and preferences. Which scope are you going to pick?
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