Eswanson,
I'm saying the NRA guys who run Highpower are snobs because they'll only allow an A2 configuration to compete in "Service Rifle" class, when the M4 AND A2 with flattop and backup irons (A4, I guess you'd call it, minus the select fire option) are both in CURRENT SERVICE as we speak. Nope, if it ain't an A2 and 20", you're put in the other category.
Frankly, for ME, an M4 is a handicap, because of the shorter barrel length and shorter sight radius, but it IS current issue. As for the A2 with flattop and backup irons, frankly, it's more comfortable for me to shoot, and yes, it's also CURRENT issue. But I don't want to have to build a dedicated match gun, when I should be able to at least have the option of competing against the big dogs with the guns I have.
You're right, I may have been thinking of benchrest and those 15 lb guns.