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August 28th, 2024

NRA Hires Former Solicitor General for 1st Amendment Litigation

nra law litigation noel francisco 1st amendment jones day washington Solicitor General
Image from NRA-ILA.org.

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) has retained former United States Solicitor General Noel Francisco to lead the Association’s legal efforts against public officials who weaponized government against the NRA and its members. Mr. Francisco served as the 47th Solicitor General of the United States from 2017 to 2020 and is Partner-in-Charge of the Washington D.C. Office of the Jones Day law firm.

nra law litigation noel francisco 1st amendment jones day washington Solicitor General“I am pleased to announce that the NRA has engaged with Mr. Francisco and Jones Day to represent the NRA and our millions of members as we conclude this important legal matter,” said Doug Hamlin, NRA Exec. Vice President & CEO. “Mr. Francisco is well regarded in the legal community and served at the highest levels in our federal government. A strong advocate for Constitutional freedoms, Mr. Francisco will be a trusted voice for NRA members in the courtroom.”

Mr. Francisco’s retention comes at a pivotal time when the NRA seeks to hold government officials accountable for actions that violated the Association’s right to free speech. In May of this year, with the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Eugene Volokh, a UCLA Law School professor, the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling in the landmark NRA v. Vullo First Amendment case.

The Court decided that the NRA had properly stated a claim that actions taken by Ms. Vullo to coerce banks and insurers to stop doing business with the Association suppressed NRA’s pro-Second Amendment speech. The case will now continue, with the NRA seeking monetary damages.

“The Supreme Court rightly decided that government agencies cannot be permitted to be weaponized against the American people,” continued Hamlin. “I have full confidence in Mr. Francisco’s ability to litigate and look forward to a successful conclusion to this legal fight.”

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August 24th, 2024

USA Shooting Team Wins Five Medals at 2024 Paris Olympics

paralympics shooting team usa paris 2024

Report based on NSSF News Release
We congratulate the USA Shooting team on its achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where team members earned five medals (1 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze). The 2024 Paris Olympics saw many firsts for USA Shooting, marking a significant chapter in the history of U.S. shooting sports. See all of Team USA’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games medals below:

Vincent Hancock: Gold, Men’s Skeet
Conner Prince: Silver, Men’s Skeet
Austen Smith: Bronze, Women’s Skeet
Vincent Hancock and Austen Smith: Silver, Mixed Team Skeet
Sagen Maddalena: Silver, Women’s 50m Smallbore Rifle

Vincent Hancock Secures Gold in Men’s Skeet and Silver in Mixed Skeet
Vincent Hancock’s victory in Paris cements his place among the greatest Olympic shooters ever. Earning his fourth gold medal in men’s skeet, Hancock joins an elite group of athletes who have also won four gold medals — competitors such as Michael Phelps, Carl Lewis, and Katie Ledecky. Competing at the Châteauroux Shooting Range, Hancock delivered an almost flawless performance. In the finals, Hancock hit 58 out of 60 targets, securing the gold medal.

Conner Prince Takes Silver in Men’s Skeet
In his Olympic debut, Conner Prince delivered a remarkable performance, claiming silver in Men’s Skeet. His achievement, alongside Hancock’s, marks the first time Team USA has secured multiple medals in this event at a single Olympic Games.

Austen Smith Earns Two Medals in Skeet Events
In Women’s Skeet, Austen Smith earned a well-deserved bronze medal. Her consistency and focus were evident as she navigated a highly competitive field. Smith also partnered with Vincent Hancock in the Mixed Team Skeet event, where the pair earned a silver medal.

paralympics shooting team usa paris 2024

Sagen Maddalena Wins Silver in Women’s Smallbore Rifle
Sagen Maddalena demonstrated exceptional resilience in the Women’s 50m Smallbore Rifle, 3 Positions event. Maddalena’s skill and determination allowed her to execute a series of impressive shots in the single-shot eliminations, ultimately securing the silver medal.

NEXT UP — Paris Paralympic Games Commence August 28

American Shooters Will Compete in 2024 Paralympics August 28 – September 8
The Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a historic moment for the USA Shooting team. With five medals and history-making performances. The excitement continues with the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games, where USA Shooting’s Paralympians will compete from August 28 to September 8.

paralympics shooting team usa paris 2024

Paralympics Shooting Finals event will be broadcast on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. CLICK HERE to review the full Paralympics Shooting Sports broadcast schedule.

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August 24th, 2024

For Shooting Sports Month — Event Calendar and FREE Targets

August 2024 National Shooting Shoot sports month celebration

Find Shooting Sports Events Near You
August is National Shooting Sports Month (NSSM). This coast-to-coast celebration spotlights the fun and enjoyment of target shooting. The NSSF’s ShootingSportsMonth.org website offers a comprehensive, searchable database. This lets you search by state to find ranges, events, and sales promotions near you. Visit the NSSF online database of NSSM shooting events to find matches, clinics, training sessions, special sales — and much more.

August 2024 National Shooting Shoot sports month celebration
August 2023 National Shooting Shoot sports month celebration

Great FREE Targets for Fun at the Range

To promote National Shooting Sports Month, the NSSF offers 17 FREE Downloadable Targets. There are regular bullseyes, as well as Darts, Golf, and more. We really like the Billiards target and kids love the Water Balloons target. You can download all 17 targets for free, and then print them out, ideally with a color printer. Below are six of our favorite targets. Click HERE to download these six targets (3.5 mb ZIP).

nssf august 2024 shooting sports month


CLICK HERE to Download all 17 FREE Targets (7.6 mb ZIP) »

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August 21st, 2024

John Wilson Wins 2024 NRA Long Range HP Rifle Championship

John wilson eliseo rifle NRA Long range rifle championship 2024 camp atterbury
John Wilson wins Tompkins Trophy, Leech Cup, and NRA High Power Long-Range title at Camp Atterbury

This story is based on Shooting Sports USA Report by John Parker
We congratulate the newly-crowned 2024 NRA National High Power Rifle Long-Range Champion, John Wilson. With a very strong performance at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, John won the Long Range rifle title along with other honors. He was shooting an Eliseo tubegun that could be converted between two chamberings — .308 Win and 6.5 EL/MO.

Gary Eliseo posted: “Congratulations to John Wilson, 2024 NRA Long Range National Champion! John used his Competition Machine UMRS rifle chambered in 6.5 EL/MO to fire the winning score of 1241-73X, in addition to winning the championship John also won the Leech Cup, the oldest target shooting trophy in the United States! Well done John!”

Wilson captured this year’s NRA High Power Long-Range title and the Tompkins Trophy with a score of 1241-73X. Wilson also won the Leech Cup Match with a score of 199-14X, claiming victory in the shoot-off with a score of 100-5X. Wilson noted: “The best shooters in the country showed up to Camp Atterbury this year, and it was an honor to shoot with them”. This year there were 49 total entries in the 2024 NRA High Power Rifle Long-Range Aggregate.

John wilson eliseo rifle NRA Long range rifle championship 2024 camp atterbury
Wilson was shooting an Eliseo Universal Match Rifle (UMRS) chambered in 6.5 EL/MO.

Coming in second place in the 2024 NRA High Power Rifle Long-Range Aggregate was Amanda L. Elsenboss a past NRA High Power Champion and Long Range Champion. Amanda, a former USAMU team members, finished 1240-62X score, and she won the Remington Trophy Match with a 199-12X score, after a shoot-off.

Ranking third in the Aggregate was John Friguglietti, with 1240-60X. Friguglietti secured the High Palma Rifle title, along with the Bert Rollins Trophy. John also won the Edward D. Andrus Memorial Trophy Match with a score of 199-9X, the Palma Individual title with 449-25X, and the Sierra Trophy Match with 796-41X.

John wilson eliseo rifle NRA Long range rifle championship 2024 camp atterbury

USAMU Dominates Team Matches
In the team matches, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) team took the Roumanian Trophy with a score of 784-38X and the Herrick Trophy with a score of 792-28X. Team members included SSG Lee Bahten, SSG Shane Butler, SSG Benjamin Cleland, SSG Jarrod McGaffic, Team captain SPC Adam Fitzpatrick, and Team coach SFC Alexander Deal.

Get Full Camp Atterbury National Match Results on NRA Website
Full results of the 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury are available on the NRA Competitive Shooting website. There will also be a comprehensive Summer 2024 NRA Championship Report in an upcoming issue of the Shooting Sports USA digital magazine.

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August 20th, 2024

2024 F-Class National Championships — Report from Lodi, WI

2024 F-Class F-TR National championship team vortex

The 2024 F-Class Mid-Range and Long Range National Championships were held August 10-17 at the Winnequah Gun Club in Lodi, Wisconsin. The match was a success, drawing 145 competitors in F-Open and 67 shooters in F-TR. Shooters tell us the Long-Range match was tough, with challenging weather conditions. The entire competition — Mid-Range and Long Range — was shot using a ShotMarker Electronic Target System. Each target frame had sensors that locate shot placement (and score) with great precision. This system provides instant score access, and eliminates the burdens of pit duty.

We congratulate the new 2024 Long Range National Champions: Alan Kulcak (F-Open) and Randy Littleton (F-TR). These men both showed great shooting skills and impressive wind-reading abilities — there were some tough conditions in Lodi this year.

F-Open champ Alan Kulcak shot a great match to win with 1390-71X, four points ahead of second-place Peter Johns (1386-72X) and third-place Robert Sebold (1386-60X). F-TR Long Range National Champion Randy Littleton fought a tight battle to the very end. The F-TR LR match went down to the final target with Littleton (1376-54X) edging runner-up Mike Plunkett (1375-56X) by a single point. Now that’s close competition!

CLICK HERE for 2024 F-Class Long Range and Mid-Range Nationals — All Results

2024 F-Class F-TR National championship team vortex

Credit AccurateShooter Forum member Turbulent Turtle for all the images in this story. You can see over 340 photos from the match, thanks to Turbulent Turtle and his camera. CLICK HERE to see 2024 F-Class Nationals Photo Archive.

2024 F-Class F-TR National championship team vortex

Here are the Long Range Top 10 for F-Open and F-TR:

F-Open LR Top 10
1 Kulcak, Alan (HM) 1390-71X
2 Johns, Peter (HM) 1386-72X
3 Sebold, Robert (HM) 1386-60X
4 Dileva, Dan (HM) 1384-73X
5 Skogman, Doug (HM) 1384-72X
6 Fairley, Joseph (HM) 1383-67X
7 Nettesheim, Brian (HM) 1382-73X
8 Basalla, Matthew (HM) 1382-67X
9 Kolodziej, William (HM) 1382-63X
10 Mitchell, Ryan (HM) 1382-62X
F-TR LR Top 10
1 Littleton, Randy (HM) 1376-54X
2 Plunkett, Mike (MA) 1375-56X
3 Trapp, Keith (HM) 1373-57X
4 Hubbard, Tom (HM) 1373-50X
5 Hogg, Tracy (HM) 1370-51X
6 Strasovich, Todd (MA) 1367-44X
7 Lucy, Dale (MA) 1363-41X
8 Klemm, Ian (HM) 1362-55X
9 Casale, Lou (MA) 1362-53X
10 Faloon, Christopher (HM) 1360-46X

CLICK HERE for Long Range F-Open and F-TR Full Results

2024 F-Class F-TR National championship team vortex

2024 F-Class F-TR National championship team vortex

Long Range F-Class Nationals Team Competition
In F-Open Long-Range team competition, Team Bayou Boyz won the F-Open Team title followed by Team Lapua-Brux-Borden (Second) and Team Vihtavuori (Third). It was a close match, with the Bayou Boyz (1590-83X) edging Team Lapua-Brux-Borden by a slim 2-point margin (1588-83X) with the same X-count. Congrats to Team Bayou Boyz members: Joseph Fairley, Johnny Ingram, Peter Johns, and Alan Kulcak.

2024 F-Class F-TR National championship team vortex
Team Bayou Boyz won both the Long Range and Mid-Range F-Open Team events.

In F-TR LR Team competition, Team Vortex (1583-80X) finished first, followed by Team USA White and Team USA Red. Team Vortex recorded an impressive victory, winning by 20 points over runner-up squad Team USA White (1563-54X). Congrats to Team Vortex members: Tracy Hogg, Ian Klemm, Brad Sauve, and Keith Trapp.

2024 F-Class F-TR National championship team vortex
Team Vortex recorded an impressive 20-point win in the F-TR Long Range Team Match.

CLICK HERE for Full Long-Range Team Results.

Mid-Range F-Class Nationals Results

The Mid-Range F-Open event saw tight competition. We congratulate new Mid-Range Champ Johnny Ingram who edged second-place Jim Fowler by two points. The top five F-Open finishers were separated by just five points and third-place finisher Matt Basalla had the highest X-Count with an impressive 99X. In the F-TR division, 2024 Mid-Range Champion Tom Hubbard put on a dominant performance, winning by ten points with the highest X-Count (87X) among all F-TR competitors.

2024 F-Class F-TR National championship team vortex

Here are the Mid-Range Top 10 for F-Open and F-TR:

F-Open Mid-Range Top 10
1 Ingram, Johnny (HM) 1783-95X
2 Fowler, Jim (HM) 1781-82X
3 Basalla, Matthew (HM) 1779-99X
4 Waite, Boe (HM) 1779-92X
5 Brooks, David (HM) 1778-88X
6 Kulcak, Alan (HM) 1777-78X
7 Thomas, Jamie (MA) 1777-71X
8 Stob, James (HM) 1776-86X
9 Basalla, Gwen (HM) 1776-70X
10 Zwahr, Brandon (HM) 1775-86X
F-TR Mid-Range Top 10
1 Hubbard, Tom (HM) 1770-87X
2 Gavrock, Gabriel (HM) 1760-68X
3 Crofts, James (HM) 1759-78X
4 Conrad, Keith (HM) 1756-73X
5 Retzloff, Robin (EX) 1755-62X
6 Faloon, Christopher (HM) 1749-63X
7 Brindle, Jerry (HM) 1749-55X
8 Wiens, Gerry (HM) 1746-62X
9 Sowa, Mike (EX) 1743-58X
10 Dixon, Richard (HM) 1739-59X

CLICK HERE for F-Open and F-TR Mid-Range Full Results

Mid-Range F-Class Nationals Team Competition
In Mid-Range Team Competition, Team Bayou Boyz (1598-115X) won the F-Open Division while Team USA White (1585-87X) won the F-TR Division. Congrats to the Mid-Range Bayou Boyz (Johnny Ingram, Peter Johns, Alan Kulkak, and Pat Wood) and to USA White (Keith Conrad, Christopher Faloon, Dale Lucy, Mike Plunkett). There were 17 teams competing in F-Open, and 10 Teams competing in F-TR.

CLICK HERE for full Mid-Range Team Results.

CLICK HERE for 2024 F-Class Nationals Program and Match Rules. NOTE: This official program incorrectly states that Silver Mountain electronic targets are used. Instead the ShotMarker system was used.

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August 9th, 2024

+ONE — Help a New Shooter During Nat’l Shooting Sports Month

National Shooting Sports month nssf +one

national shooting sports month nssf+ONE Program to Encourage New Shooters
August is National Shooting Sports Month. As part of this effort, the NSSF encourages firearms owners to take one novice to the range this one. This +ONE Movement will help strengthen the ranks of shooters, which, in turn, can help protect our Second Amendment freedoms. The NSSF states: “If just one in three of America’s recreational shooters adds one new person to the shooting sports, we’ll secure a strong future for generations to come. So be the one. For all the thrills and excitement recreational shooting has given you, join the +ONE movement and invite someone to the range today. Share your experience on social media.”

As part of the +ONE Movement, the NSSF encourages all participants to practice gun safety and proper firearms handling and storage practices. This video covers basic gun safety procedures:

This second video highlights the +One program, inspiring experienced shooters to invite novices to try shooting at the range this summer:

The NSSF has created a list of TEN Rules of Firearms Safety. While you’re at the shooting range or anywhere you handle a firearm, safety ALWAYS comes first. Here are the 10 Key Rules of Firearms Safety. NOTE: The first four rules are the most important.

National Shooting Sports month nssf +one

National Shooting Sports month nssf +one

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August 7th, 2024

Ben Avery Welcomes Shooters for Nat’l Shooting Sports Month

Ben Avery Shooting Facility Coronavirus Health Covid-19

August is National Shooting Sports Month. And one of the nation’s best shooting centers, the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, invites shooters to visit. Ben Avery has excellent rifle, pistol, and shotgun ranges.

The Arizona Game and Fish Dept. (AZGFD) invites recreational shooters to celebrate National Shooting Sports Month in August. The world-class Ben Avery Shooting Facility, one of America’s largest publicly operated shooting facilities, drew almost 200,000 recreational shooters in 2023. Ben Avery’s 1000-yard rifle range is home to the Southwest Nationals, the hugely popular long-range annual event that attracts shooters from around the country.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility Coronavirus Health Covid-19
Ben Avery has a good covered facility for benchrest competition with a regular match schedule.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility Coronavirus Health Covid-19
Looking downrange at the 1000-yard target line at Ben Avery.

“Recreational shooting is a safe, fun activity enjoyed by millions of Americans,” said Mike Raum, AZGFD Shooting Sports Chief. “Whether you’re new to recreational shooting, someone who shoots regularly or enjoys competing in tournaments, or just sighting in your firearm for a hunt, join us in celebrating the month by visiting a local shooting range.

ben avery shooting facility phoenix arizona

Ben Avery Operation Hours

Below are Ben Avery’s hours of operation for rifle and pistol ranges, archery ranges, and Clay Target Center. Ben Avery is normally closed on Mondays but is open from Tuesday through Sunday. The range even opens at 7:00 am, so you can have some shooting fun before work!

Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Customers can reserve shooting times on weekend days at Bookben.azgfd.com.


View Larger Map

ben avery shooting facility cactus classic match

There are nine other public shooting facilities owned by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. There also are dozens of independently owned and operated ranges in Arizona, which can be found at WheretoShoot.org.

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August 6th, 2024

2024 CMP New England Games September 23-29 — Register Now

2023 cmp new england games rifle high power pistol matches

Register for CMP New England Games, High Power Rifle and Pistol Matches
On September 23-29, the CMP 2024 New England Games will take place in Jericho, Vermont. Hosted jointly by Camp Ethan Allen National Guard Training Site and the Vermont State Rifle and Pistol Association (VSRPA), the New England Games will be conducted at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, a beautiful facility. The New England Games features a full lineup of mathces including recreational-style rifle and pistol CMP Games events as well as High Power Rifle matches.

» CLICK HERE to Register for 2024 CMP New England Games

2023 cmp new england games rifle high power pistol matches

New England Games Registration is currently open. Competitors are encouraged to register right away, though interested shooters will also be able to register for additional matches while attending the event. The CMP expects over 150 competitors this year. The New England Games have become extremely popular for the serene, scenic environment and fun competition.

2023 cmp new england games rifle high power pistol matches

Popular Rifle Events
Popular events like the Garand/Springfield/Vintage and Modern Military (GSMM), Rimfire Sporter, Carbine and Vintage Sniper matches combine classic and contemporary rifle competitions that are suitable for those just beginning as well as those seasoned in the sport. Additionally, High Power rifle matches like the 80 Shot Aggregate series, a 4-Man Team event and a Service Rifle Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) match offer even more exciting challenges on the range, fired on CMP electronic targets.

2023 cmp new england games rifle high power pistol matches

Rifle Training Programs at New England Games
A basic Rifle Training Class will be held at New England Games. Also, an M1 Maintenance Clinic will show M1 owners how to maintain and preserve the historic M1 Garand rifle. And a GSMM New Shooter Clinic will be offered for novice GSMM competitors.

Electronic Targets Speed Up Matches and Eliminate Pit Duties
The 202e New England Games will feature the CMP’s electronic High Power targets. The electronic target system is now well-sorted and provides accurate scoring. Shooters have monitors right at their shooting stations, providing instant scoring info — no more waiting for the targets to be marked manually. And with the elimination of pit duty allowed by the target system, matches are completed more quickly.

2023 cmp new england games rifle high power pistol matches

Pistol Matches and Handgun Training Courses
2023 cmp new england games registration
The CEATS Pistol Range hosts centerfire and rimfire matches in a lovely, tree-lined setting.

The CMP New England Games will include Service Pistol, .45 Cal, and .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC events, along with As-Issued 1911 Pistol and Military & Police Service Pistol matches. the CMP will host a Pistol Marksmanship 101 course with hands-on training on the firing line covering gun safety, target shooting skills, positioning, mechanics and more. All firearms and equipment will be provided.

2023 cmp new england games rifle high power pistol matches

Accommodations and Meals
Competitors may stay at Camp Ethan Allen in the Barracks for $20.00 per night (advance application required). Meals are also available and must be requested in advance. There will also be Camp Transient Quarters available to former and current military personal. Competitors interested in Transient Quarters will contact the Billeting Office at (802) 899-7028.

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August 5th, 2024

Enjoy August — Get to the Range and Have Fun This Month

Mortality life expectancy carpe diem
Some rifle ranges certainly are beautiful enough to be country clubs. Here is the scenic General Vokes Range in British Columbia, Canada.

August is National Shooting Sports Month. So be sure to get to the range sometime soon, preferably outdoors. Range time gets you away from the pressures of work, and is a great way to spend time with friends and family members.

Mortality life expectancy carpe diem

We should remember the real reasons many of us enjoy the shooting hobby. Many of us like shooting because it gets us outdoors, away from work pressures. Shooting gives us a chance both to enjoy solitude as well as have fun with friends and family in the outdoors. For this Editor, a solo trip to the range in mid-week was often the perfect antidote to job stress. Going to a scenic venue and sending a few shots downrange was satisfying. And getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city did indeed calm the soul.

kirsten joy weiss sharp shots

Talented 3-position shooter (and trick-shot artist) Kirsten Joy Weiss says that any day at the range is “always a good day”. Here is her photo to prove it. If that shot doesn’t motivate you to spend a day outdoor with rifles, we’re not sure what will. Here’s hoping you’ll have a chance to get in many fun days of shooting and/or hunting this summer and fall. That can be with air rifles, rimfire guns, or centerfire guns — they are all fun to shoot.

“Always a good day…” — Kirsten Joy Weiss

kirsten joy weiss sharp shots

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August 4th, 2024

Sunday GunDay: Garand and Modern Military Rifles at Camp Perry

Brian Williams M1 Carbine CMP Modern Military 4-Gun 3-Gun

Brian Williams M1 Carbine CMP Modern Military 4-Gun 3-GunToday, .30-06 M1 Garands and classic military rifles will fill the firing lines at Camp Perry. The National John C. Garand, Springfield, Vintage and Modern Military Match (GSMM) concludes today, Sunday, August 4, 2024. (See CMP Camp Perry 2024 Calendar.) Some participants will shoot just one rifle type, but there is also a combined GSMM 4-Gun Aggregate. This GSSM Agg encompasses a series of position shooting matches on NRA SR targets at the CMP Nationals. Match scores will be posted on the CMP National Matches Results Page.

M1 Garand Match Camp Perry

This video shows the Garand Match at Camp Perry. The rifles are still the same a decade later…

The annual GSMM event is one of the most popular events at Camp Perry, drawing participants from around the nation. One of America’s top GSSM shooters is Brian Williams, who was profiled in our Daily Bulletin. The 4-gun Aggregate includes Garand, 1903 Springfield/1917 Enfield (or similar bolt rifle), M1 Carbine, and AR-type rifle for “Modern Military”. Remarkably, Brian won the GSMM 4-Gun at the CMP National Matches in Camp Perry three years in a row — the inaugural 2017 4-Gun Agg, plus 2018 and 2019. Below, Brian offers some thoughts on the classic wood-stocked rifles used in GSMM competition: M1 Garand, 1903 Springfield, and M1 Carbine.

Brian Williams M1 Garand M1903 springfield .30-06 M1 Carbine CMP Modern Military 4-Gun 3-Gun

M1 Garand Service and Maintenance

cmp m1 garand manual service

Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) published an excellent article on Service and Maintenance of M1 Garand Rifles. This offers some smart tricks, such as using smoke from burning masking tape to darken the front sight post. There is also an older SSUSA article that covers basic cleaning and servicing and also explains how to upgrade the performance of your Garands. READ Article HERE.

M1 Garand maintenance procedures

M1 Garand Disassembly, Cleaning, and Lubrication


This Brownells video shows how to disassemble your M1 Garand.


This TekMat video explains how to clean and lubricate your M1 Garand.

Recommended M1 Garand Service Manuals

Among the many M1 Garand manuals available, we recommend the CMP’s U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1: ‘Read This First’ Manual. This booklet covers take-down, reassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and operation. The manual comes with CMP rifles or can be purchased for $3.25 from the CMP eStore. The author of Garand Tips & Tricks says: “It’s one of the best firearms manuals I’ve seen and I highly recommend it.”

M1 Garand match instruction video War Department

The Classic Wood Guns of CMP 4-Gun Competition

M1 Garand M1903 springfield .30-06 CMP Modern Military 4-Gunn

Perspectives on M1 Garand, M1903A3, M1917, and M1 Carbine
CMP 4-Gun ace Brian Williams provides perspectives on the “Wood Gun” game, with suggestions on how to improve your performance with the M1 Garand, M1903 Springfield, M1917 Enfield, M1 Carbine, and other 20th Century military rifles. Brian explains what to look for…

Q: What should one look for when acquiring older rifles for CMP 4-Gun Games — M1 Garand, M1903/1903A3, M1917, M1 Carbine? What are realistic budgets for these firearms? What kind of accuracy can one expect? What upgrades are important?

Brian: All of these military surplus rifles are out there, but they are getting harder to get your hands on. And, just like everything else, the prices continue to rise. Not that long ago you could get your hands on a M1 Garand for four or five hundred dollars. In today’s market they are usually about double that price. But understand that these rifles are all unique and all have a story to tell. No two are alike, or have the same story. Just like the guns themselves, there are fewer and fewer dedicated gunsmiths for these vintage rifles. But I promise if you look for a good smith, they are out there and they are some of the most interesting people you will ever meet.

M1 Garand — Of the four (4) centerfire guns I shoot in the CMP games, my favorite has to be the M1 Garand. There were over 6 million of them produced in a very short time period, and every single one has its own unique story, and that is just cool. M1 Garands are capable of good accuracy. I believe that a well-maintained M1 with at least a replacement barrel is capable of shooting between 1 and 1.5 MOA.

Brian Williams M1 Carbine CMP Modern Military 4-Gun 3-Gun

M1903A3 Springfield — I find that the sights on a M1903A3 are a little easier to see than the sights of the M1903, but both are very accurate rifles. Like most military rifles in the current climate the prices have risen dramatically, but there are some gems out there that can be had for far less than $1000. The nice thing about the Springfield rifle is that almost all of the accuracy than you would want can come from just replacing a worn out 80-year-old barrel. In terms of accuracy, I think a good M1903A3 can shoot 1 MOA most of the time.

Brian Williams M1 Carbine CMP Modern Military 4-Gun 3-Gun

M1917 Enfield — This rifle is the newest of my collection and it shoots very well, with just a new Criterion barrel — again about 1 MOA with iron sights. These rifles are very close in price to the M1903 Springfield. But if you do your homework and keep your eyes open, there are always great deals to be found. I actually prefer shooting the M1917 to my M1903A3, due primarily to the M1917’s cock-on-close bolt which allows smoother cycling.

Brian Williams M1 Carbine CMP Modern Military 4-Gun 3-Gun
Public domain photo from Armémuseum (The Swedish Army Museum).

M1 Carbine — By 1945 there had been more M1 Carbines built than Garands. Today the Carbine can be harder to find, and due to the scarcity the price has shot up and most military M1 Carbines are going for more than $1000 at this point. The great thing about the M1 Carbine is that as long as you have a good ammo supply this rifle can shoot. Honest. I have had countless numbers of people that tell me that there is not an M1 carbine that will shoot. I can tell you from experience that they will, but you are going to have to put in some time with one to learn how to get it to shoot where you want it.

Brian Williams M1 Carbine CMP Modern Military 4-Gun 3-Gun
The M1 Carbine shoots the .30 Carbine round, with 110gr bullet going about 1990 FPS. In comparison, the .30-06 Springfield round used in the M1 Garand is almost three times more powerful than the .30 Carbine.

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