A CALL FOR THREE-POSITION RIFLE RULE RECOMMENDATIONS
August 14, 2026
A New Three-Position Air Rifle Rulebook is Due for Release in September
Three-Position Air Rifle shooting has become the most popular Junior rifle competition in the USA. Three-Position Air Rifle competitions are limited to school-age Juniors who have not yet graduated from high school. There are competitions in two categories, Sporter Class for competitors whose air rifles are limited in cost and weight and who must shoot in ordinary sports clothing, and a Precision Class, for competitors who use Olympic and international class air rifles and wear specialized shooter clothing.
The current Three-Position Air Rifle competition year cycle coincides with the school year. New athlete training as well as JROTC postals and the Scopos National (Virtual) Leagues begin in the fall. Major shoulder-to-shoulder competitions begin in December and continue into the new year. Major National Championships begin in March with the JROTC Nationals conducted by the CMP. CMP and American Legion Championships conclude the competition season in the summer.
Three-Position Air Rifle competitions are currently governed by the 15th Edition 2024-2026 National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules. The National Three-Position Air Rifle Council, which decides these rules, is comprised of representatives of organizations or firms that conduct three-position air rifle events on a national basis. Council members include the CMP, USA Shooting, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force JROTC commands, the American Legion, Scopos Orion and Crosman Air Guns. The CMP acts as the Council’s program administrator by publishing its rulebook and administering its competition and awards programs.
Since many Juniors who compete in Three-Position Air Rifle also compete in USA Shooting competitions that are primarily governed by ISSF Rules, Three-Position Rules are closely coordinated with USA Shooting and ISSF Rules. Controversies arose in 2026 regarding how and whether to enforce new ISSF rules regarding rifle clothing stiffness and their revised three-position final. Decisions regarding these and other issues identified by CMP staff or submitted by coaches must be decided before the new rulebook is released.
The current 15th Edition 2024-2026 rulebook is due to be replaced by a 16th Edition 2026-2028 rulebook to be released in September of this year. The National Council rulebook revision process is taking place this summer and is being coordinated by the CMP. Anyone who participates or has an interest in Three-Position Air Rifle competition is invited to submit recommendations for rule changes or clarifications regarding rule interpretations for consideration by the Council during this rulebook revision process.
IF YOU HAVE A RECOMMENDATION FOR A THREE-POSITION AIR RIFLE RULE CHANGE OR CLARIFICATION, PLEASE SUBMIT IT TO: [email protected]