NRA has announced that the 2025 National High Power Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, and Pistol Championships — the NRA National Matches — are leaving Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and will be held at different clubs around the country in 2025. (Upper photo by John Parker, SSUSA.org.)
After significant internal discussion and involvement with key NRA Competitive Shooting Board Member stakeholders and committee members from each discipline, the National Rifle Association (NRA) has determined that beginning in 2025, the NRA National Matches for High Power Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, and Precision Pistol will take place at different clubs throughout the United States.
These matches will be managed by selected match directors and staff who possess the necessary expertise to deliver an exceptional NRA National Championship experience under current NRA Rules. The NRA will continue to base its competitive shooting operations at Camp Atterbury and will conduct several annual championships and competitions at Camp Atterbury, such as the NRA World Shooting Championship and the America’s Rifle Challenge Championships.
“At the request of the committee leaders and appropriate NRA board members, the National Matches going to the clubs will ensure NRA rules continue to govern NRA Championships,” said NRA’s Director of Competitive Shooting Cole McCulloch. “The clubs are also in a position to hire experienced staff and match directors, which is what our competitors require.”
The venue changes for NRA National Matches should be a positive development for competitive shooters in the view of some leaders. Patti Clark, NRA director and chairperson of NRA’s Smallbore Rifle Committee commented: “This opportunity gives the chance to bring the Matches closer to the Smallbore community. It also allows us to keep our autonomy while providing matches to our Smallbore shooters. As soon as we have dates and locations, we will update the competitors as soon as possible. I look forward to the 2025 awards ceremony, where we will be surrounded by NRA’s historic Smallbore legacy.”
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.
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.
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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Today is the final day of competition at the 2024 NRA National Smallbore Prone Championships at Camp Atterbury. Many of the nation’s top rimfire prone position shooters are on the firing line competition for the national title. In addition there is a division for .22 LR rimfire F-Class shooters (see bottom photo). For regular update on NRA events, check out the NRA Facebook Page. In today’s story we’ve also included the calendar for NRA Camp Atterbury events this summer.
Along with the classic rimfire prone competition with competitors using slings and shooting coats, there is a division for .22 LR rimfire F-Class shooters. These rimfire F-Class rifles resemble their centerfire cousins, with 3″ wide forearms and high-magnification riflescopes. Shooters can use font rests (such as the Mini-X) or stable, wide-base bipods, typically with ski-type feet.
2024 NRA National Matches Schedule
Smallbore Rifle Prone and F-Class (July 28 – August 1)
July 28 – Squadded practice, Metallic Sights Day One
July 29 – Metallic Sights Day Two
July 30 – Randle, Dewar, Team Matches
July 31 – Any Sights Day One
August 1 – Any Sights Day Two, Awards Ceremony
Smallbore Rifle Three-Position (August 2 – 4)
August 2 – Metallic Sights
August 3 – Drew Cup Team Match, Team Matches
August 4 – Any Sights, Awards Ceremony
High Power Rifle OTC (August 5 – 10)
August 6 – Member’s Trophy, Scott Trophy, Coast Artillery Trophy Matches
August 7 – Navy Cup, Army Cup, Coast Guard Trophy Matches
August 8 – Appreciation Cup, Marine Corps Cup, Air Force Cup Matches
August 9 – Crescent Cup, Cavalry Cup, Crowell Trophy Matches, Awards Ceremony
August 10 – EIC Leg Match
High Power Rifle Mid-Range (August 11 – 14)
August 11 – 300, 500, 600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 12 – 3×600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 13 – 300, 500, 600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 14 – 3×600 yards, Awards Ceremony
High Power Rifle Long-Range (August 16 – 19)
August 16 – Wimbledon Cup, Rem Trophy, Porter Trophy, Andrus Trophy, Herrick Trophy Team Matches
August 17 – Leech Cup, Mustin Trophy, Farr Trophy, Aitken Trophy, Roumanian Team Trophy Matches
August 18 – Palma Individual Match, Awards Ceremony
August 19 – Palma Team Matches, Awards Ceremony
2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury Calendar
The 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury commenced Monday, July 22, with the First Shot Ceremony and the start of the NRA National Precision Pistol Championships. Now in its fourth year at Camp Atterbury, the 2024 NRA National Matches will continue until the close of the NRA High Power Long-Range National Championships on Monday, August 19. Camp Atterbury is a National Guard training facility in Indiana located about 37 miles south of Indianapolis.
2023 NRA National Matches First Shot. (Photo by Cole McCulloch).
During the opening ceremony at Camp Atterbury, Indiana Congressman Greg Pence gave the keynote address. NRA Board Member and Indiana State Representative Craig Haggard (shown above) also spoke and then fired the ceremonial First Shot to commence the event.
Greg Pence is the U.S. representative for Indiana’s sixth congressional district and lives in Columbus, Indiana, located about 14 miles from Camp Atterbury. “Camp Atterbury is in my district,” Pence said. “[As a representative in Congress], I plan to maintain the support and advocacy for the Second Amendment, as well as for the NRA.”
Precision Pistol shooters on the firing line at Camp Atterbury during the practice session for the 2024 NRA Precision Pistol Nationals on the first day of the 2024 NRA National Matches. (Photo by Cole McCulloch)
NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, Indiana
The NRA first moved its National High Power Rifle Championships to Camp Atterbury in 2017, with the National Precision Pistol Championships and National Smallbore Rifle Championships making their home at the National Guard base two years later. Now the NRA National matches represent one of the two biggest summer shooting events of the year, along with along with the CMP National Matches at Camp Perry. For more information, click the links below.
The 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury — including the Precision Pistol, Smallbore Rifle, and High Power Rifle National Championships — begin Monday, July 22, and conclude Monday, August 19. The 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury will begin with the Precision Pistol Nationals, followed by the Smallbore Rifle Nationals, and then the High Power Rifle Nationals.
2024 NRA National Matches Schedule
Precision Pistol (July 22 – 25)
July 22 – Opening Ceremony, Practice, Prelim Match, Harry Reeves Match
July 23 – .22 Championship, .22 EIC
July 24 – Centerfire Championship, Service Pistol EIC
July 25 – .45 Championship, Distinguished Revolver, Awards Ceremony
Smallbore Rifle Prone and F-Class (July 28 – August 1)
July 28 – Squadded practice, Metallic Sights Day One
July 29 – Metallic Sights Day Two
July 30 – Randle, Dewar, Team Matches
July 31 – Any Sights Day One
August 1 – Any Sights Day Two, Awards Ceremony
Smallbore Rifle Three-Position (August 2 – 4)
August 2 – Metallic Sights
August 3 – Drew Cup Team Match, Team Matches
August 4 – Any Sights, Awards Ceremony
High Power Rifle OTC (August 5 – 10)
August 6 – Member’s Trophy, Scott Trophy, Coast Artillery Trophy Matches
August 7 – Navy Cup, Army Cup, Coast Guard Trophy Matches
August 8 – Appreciation Cup, Marine Corps Cup, Air Force Cup Matches
August 9 – Crescent Cup, Cavalry Cup, Crowell Trophy Matches, Awards Ceremony
August 10 – EIC Leg Match
High Power Rifle Mid-Range (August 11 – 14)
August 11 – 300, 500, 600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 12 – 3×600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 13 – 300, 500, 600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 14 – 3×600 yards, Awards Ceremony
High Power Rifle Long-Range (August 16 – 19)
August 16 – Wimbledon Cup, Rem Trophy, Porter Trophy, Andrus Trophy, Herrick Trophy Team Matches
August 17 – Leech Cup, Mustin Trophy, Farr Trophy, Aitken Trophy, Roumanian Team Trophy Matches
August 18 – Palma Individual Match, Awards Ceremony
August 19 – Palma Team Matches, Awards Ceremony
2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury Calendar
View the full program for this year’s National Precision Pistol, High Power Rifle, and Smallbore Rifle championships at Camp Atterbury via the NRA National Matches website. There are links to the 2024 NRA National Matches calendar and downloadable Match Program (PDF). You can also keep track of all the competitive shooting action at Camp Atterbury by subscribing to the Shooting Sports USA Newsletter.
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The 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, Indiana commence next week on July 22, 2024, and then run through August 19, 2024. Top rifle competitors will be looking to have their names associated with famous NRA perpetual trophies. This article covers the history of notable trophies including the Leech Cup, the Wimbledon Cup, and the Palma Team Trophy.
Shooting Sports USA has a fascinating article about the Perpetual Trophies awarded in national-level NRA matches. The story recounts the history behind the elaborate trophies, some from the 1870s. SSUSA’s Jennifer Pearsall writes: “The pieces of wood, stone and precious metal … are more than just instant recognition of achievement. They are the link of the American shooter’s present to his or her patriotic past. As you read this legacy of the NRA ranges, their founders, and the long list of cups, bowls, and plaques, realize that the history of competitive shooting is undeniably a significant part of the foundation of this country”. Read Full Trophy Story HERE.
The NRA was co-founded by Col. William Church and Gen. George Wood Wingate (ranked Captain at the time). Both Church and Wingate hoped to improved the marksmanship skills of American soldiers. One of the newly-formed NRA’s first actions was to issue: “An Act to Establish a Rifle Range and Promote Skill in Marksmanship”. That led to the opening of the famed Creedmoor Range, with a special inaugural match in June of 1873.
Many of the awards presented in the first NRA matches were cash or firearms. Some of these firearms were heavily embellished works of art. In the very first match, a member of the 22nd New York Regiment took home a gold-mounted Winchester Model 1866 valued at $100 — big money for the time.
In the 1870s shooting competitions were social as well as sporting events. Ladies and gentlemen came to watch and cheer the winners. This illustration, originally from Harpers Weekly, portrays the shooters and the viewing gallery at the 1876 Grand Centennial Championship—the “Palma” Match.
The Leech Cup — A Gift from Ireland
The Leech Cup was created for the first meeting of the American and Irish shooting teams. The elaborate cup was presented by Major Arthur Leech, captain of the the Irish team, to the Amateur Rifle Club of New York. This masterpiece of Irish silversmithing was later given to the NRA in 1901 by the New York Club. Today, the Leech Cup is the oldest trophy offered in overall NRA competitive target shooting, awarded through the National High Power Long Range Championships.
Michelle Gallagher with Leech Cup in 2013.
The Wimbledon Cup
The Wimbledon Trophy was a gift from the NRA of Great Britain. It was given, as a gesture of sportsmanship, after the the U.S. Team was denied the ability to compete in England’s Elcho Shield match, then limited to Britain, Scotland, and Ireland. To maintain friendly competitive relations, the British presented the Americans with a large, engraved, lion-footed tankard trophy to be awarded each year to the Champion U.S. long-distance rifleman.
The Palma Team Trophy
Originally named the Centennial Trophy, in honor of the Centennial celebration of the independence of the United States of America, the Palma Trophy was commissioned from Tiffany’s at a cost of $1,500. The trophy was a full-sized replica of a Roman Legion standard, executed in bronze with silver and gold inlay. On the banner of the standard was the legend, “In the name of the United States of America to the Riflemen of the world”. Above the banner was an eagle, bearing in its talons a wreath of palm leaves and a plaque on which was the single word, “PALMA”, the Latin word for palm tree, which was used by the Romans to signify victory, or the ultimate in excellence.
Because the word Palma was so easily seen, the trophy soon became known as the “Palma Trophy”, and by 1878 was referred to officially by that name. The original seven and one-half foot trophy is now lost, having not been seen since at least 1954. Serving in its place is a copy which was commissioned by Dr. Herbert M. Aitken of Eau Claire, WI. The copy was made from the original Tiffany blue-prints at a cost of $32,500. Dr. Aitken has given this copy of the Palma Trophy to the NRA for use in the Palma Match. The trophy is retained by the winning team until the next Palma Match.
In 2008, the Palma Trophy was returned to the NRA, and it was decided that the trophy, once refurbished, will travel to the host nation for the match every four years, then returned to the NRA for safekeeping.
The first competition for the Palma Team was a challenge match for which the British Commonwealth nations were invited. The match was fired in 1876 at the old Creedmoor Range on Long Island as part of the Centennial celebration of the United States. Teams representing Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the United States took part. The match is currently fired on a four-year interval.
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The 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury commence Monday, July 22, and conclude Monday, August 19, 2024. You can register now for pistol, smallbore rifle, and centerfire (High Power) rifle matches via the NRA Competitive Shooting website. Click the link below to REGISTER for the 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury.
15 Ruger Guns as Prize Awards: Ruger, the Title Sponsor of the NRA National Matches, has donated 15 firearms to the competitors’ prize tables at the 2024 NRA National Matches.
This year’s calendar returns to the traditional National Matches schedule, starting with the Precision Pistol National Championships, followed by the Smallbore Rifle National Championships and ending with the High Power Rifle Nationals, specifically the Long-Range and Palma Championships. The 2024 NRA High Power National Championships will be fired on electronic targets.
Precision Pistol (July 22 – 25)
July 22 –Opening Ceremony, Practice, Preliminary Match (no awards), Harry Reeves Match
July 23 – .22 Championship, .22 EIC
July 24 – Centerfire Championship, Service Pistol EIC
July 25 – .45 Championship, Distinguished Revolver, Awards Ceremony
Smallbore Rifle Prone and F-Class (July 28 – August 1)
July 28 – Squadded practice, Metallic Sights Day One
July 29 – Metallic Sights Day Two
July 30 – Randle, Dewar, Team Matches
July 31 – Any Sights Day One
August 1 – Any Sights Day Two, Awards Ceremony
Smallbore Rifle Three-Position (August 2 – 4)
August 2 – Metallic Sights
August 3 – Drew Cup Team Match, Team Matches
August 4 – Any Sights, Awards Ceremony
High Power Rifle Across the Course (August 5 – 10)
August 5 – Seeding Match
August 6 – Member’s Trophy, Scott Trophy, Coast Artillery Trophy Matches
August 7 – Navy Cup, Army Cup, Coast Guard Trophy Matches
August 8 – Appreciation Cup, Marine Corps Cup, Air Force Cup Matches
August 9 – Crescent Cup, Cavalry Cup, Crowell Trophy Matches, Awards Ceremony
August 10 – EIC Leg Match
High Power Rifle Mid-Range (August 11 – 14)
August 11 – 300-, 500-, 600-yards, 600-yard Teams
August 12 – 3×600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 13 – 300-, 500-, 600-yards, 600-yard Teams
August 14 – 3×600 yards, Awards Ceremony
High Power Rifle Long-Range (August 16 – 19)
August 16 – Wimbledon Cup, Rem Trophy, Porter Trophy, Andrus Trophy, Herrick Trophy Team Matches
August 17 – Leech Cup, Mustin Trophy, Farr Trophy, Aitken Trophy, Roumanian Team Trophy Matches
August 18 – Palma Individual Match, Awards Ceremony
August 19 – Palma Team Matches, Awards Ceremony
2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury Calendar
Camp Atterbury is a National Guard training facility located in Edinburgh, Indiana, which is about 37 miles south of Indianapolis.
The NRA National High Power Championships will be fired on advanced Silver Mountain electronic targets. Another other nice feature of Camp Atterbury is the large, modern covered range. This is used for smallbore and pistol competitions.
Shooting USA TV will broadcast a great show tomorrow, 5/22/24. Shooting USA’s Wednesday Night episode features the NRA World Shooting Championship held last month at Camp Atterbury. This unique competition features multiple disciplines shot with firearms supplied by sponsors. All of the guns are provided and once the match is over the stage firearms become prizes. There are also cash prize awards for the top Pro Class competitors. SEE NRA World Championship Program.
Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
The NRA World Shooting Championship was held April 3-6, 2024 at Camp Atterbury, Edinburgh, Indiana. Presented by Walther, this challenging event involved rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooting with a dozen disciplines — from short-range action pistol to long-range rifle. Topping the field among lady shooters was the talented Lanny Barnes, a 3-Time Olympic biathlete and professional 3-Gun competitor. We congratulate Lanny for her great 2024 performance at the NRA Championship, which earned Lanny the title of NRA World Shooting Lady Champion!
The NRA World Shooting Championship
This championship is designed to test individuals through multiple different disciplines over a period of three days of shooting. Competitors compete in Professional and Amateur categories for cash and prizes of over $250,000. Walther and other sponsors supplied ALL firearms equipment and ammunition required for the 12 stages of competition.
To do well, competitors must be highly proficient in all shooting skills — rifle, pistol, shotgun, both rapid fire and precision. The stages were: Sporting Clays, Precision Standing Air Gun, NRA Americas Rifle Challenge, NRA Precision Pistol, FITASC, 3-Gun, Mid-Range AR-Tactical, Biathlon, SASS (Cowboy Action), PRS, Scholastic Action Shooting, and USPSA.
Image from 2021 when Amanda was serving with the USAMU.
Amanda Elsenboss has won the 2023 NRA National High Power Rifle (Mumma Trophy) and Service Rifle (Dupont Trophy) Championships with a Grand Aggregate score of 2387-113X. Shooting at Camp Atterbury in Indiana, Elsenboss set a new Service Rifle record and also earned High Woman and High National Guard honors. Amanda was a member of the USAMU Team for many years and now serves in the National Guard. This is not Amanda’s first trip to the podium — she also won the NRA High Power Championship in 2021 shooting a service rifle in all matches (Read More HERE). And last year, Amanda won the prestigious President’s 100 Match at Camp Perry, the first woman in history to do so.
At the 2023 NRA National High Power Rifle Championships, held July 8-14th at Camp Atterbury Elsenboss triumphed over a strong field of 54 of the nation’s top service rifle competitors.
Here are Elsenboss’s individual 2023 Championship scores, event by event:
Grand Aggregate — 2387-113X
Erdman Trophy – 594-21X
Centenary Trophy – 596-28X
Nevada Trophy – 795-34X
Scott Trophy – 200-15X
Crescent Cup – 199-5X
Crowell Trophy – 199-11X
Marine Gunner DI Boyd II Memorial Trophy – 1190-49X
Vandenberg Cup – 796-40X
Clarke Trophy – 796-39X
In addition, Elsenboss, who shoots with Team Berger, was a member of the Veteran’s Family Brigade Anderson team, who won the RNDC Trophy team match with a 1985-93X score. Team members included: Samuel Freeman, Hugo Adelson, Julia Carlson, James Mauer (Captain), and Norman Anderson (Coach).
For her service rifle, Elsenboss used Berger .22 Cal 80.5gr Fullbore Target Rifle bullets and 77gr OTM Tactical Rifle bullets. Elsenboss will also be competing at the 2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) National Rifle Matches at Camp Perry.
About Berger and Capstone Precision Group
Berger manufactures precision projectiles and match-grade ammunition for Target, Hunting, and Tactical applications in Mesa, Arizona. Berger is part of the Capstone Precision Group, the exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Bergerbullets.com.
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After a successful first year at the 2022 NRA National Matches, electronic targets are returning to Camp Atterbury for the 2023 Rifle Matches. Shooting Sports USA reports that: “Last year at the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, the High Power Rifle Nationals were fired on electronic targets from Silver Mountain Targets. The e-targets that made their debut last summer … will be returning for use again in competition this year at Camp Atterbury during the High Power … National Championships.”
Cole McCulloch, NRA’s Director of Competitive Shooting explained: “For 2023, we are continuing with range improvements, including 50 Silver Mountain electronic targets to support High Power Rifle and F-Class. We will have these targets in place for the 2023 National Matches.” (NOTE: The 2023 F-Class National Championships will be held Oct. 29 through Nov. 6 at the Ben Avery Range in Arizona.)
The e-targets on Camp Atterbury’s Range Six at Camp Atterbury last summer eliminated pit duty last summer and, importantly, allowed real-time scoring. Competitors could immediately see their shot placements and scores using mobile devices (such as iPads) connected via WiFi to the e-targets. Shooting Sports USA noted that: “After a few hiccups on day one of the 2023 NRA High Power Nationals, which were quickly rectified, the Silver Mountain electronic targets performed without any major issues for the duration of the championship.”
Camp Atterbury competitors last summer were generally impressed with the electronic targets: “E-targets were a godsend, as they totally eliminated the need to pull in the pits, which was especially valuable this summer in the scorching Indiana heat,” Charles Rowe, a longtime NRA High Power shooter, said.
At the 2023 NRA Nationals at Camp Atterbury, the High Power Rifle matches (Over the Course (OTC), Mid-Range, Long-Range) will have electronic targets. That means faster relays, quicker scoring, and NO PIT DUTY! Relays can proceed much more quickly and efficiently, so matches can be completed in significantly shorter time-spans.
Silver Mountain Targets Electronic Targets at Camp Atterbury
The Silver Mountain Targets (SMT) electronic target system is an OPEN SENSOR system fitted to conventional wood target frames. It uses four sensors to plot shot location (and score value) with great precision. Scores are transmitted via a WiFi network to mobile devices placed at each shooting station. Along with shot location, the score values are listed and recorded on the receiving devices.
The electronic target systems from Silver Mountain Targets provide instantaneous scoring, with scores instantly transmitted to WiFi monitors at each station on the firing lines. This shows competitors their shot locations immediately. That helps with wind calls. For the most part, the system worked very well in 2022 after some glitches on Day One.
Silver Mountain Target’s David Schnelle explained “The system is designed to be easily expandable and provide a high level of reliability. System components are battery-powered to simplify deployment on a military range and allows the system to even operate if there is a power outage. Communications between targets and the firing line is via a highly reliable WiFi connection, utilizing any WiFi-capable device to display competitors’ shots.”
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Online registration for the 2023 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury is open now at the NRA Competitive Shooting web portal. If you want to shoot at Camp Atterbury this summer, register soon.
The 2023 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury will run July 8 and conclude August 6, 2023. The Nationals will include the High Power Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, and Precision Pistol National Championships.
2023 NRA National Matches schedule:
National High Power Rifle Championships: July 8-28
National Precision Pistol Championships: July 18-22
National Smallbore Rifle Championships: July 25-August 6
An active National Guard facility, Indiana’s Camp Atterbury has served as the home of the NRA National Matches since 2021 and the High Power Rifle Nationals since 2017. CLICK HERE to view the official program for the 2023 NRA National Matches in printable PDF format.
2023 NRA National Matches Apparel Available
If you register for the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury by June 14, you can order a T-shirt, polo shirt, or hooded sweatshirt sporting the NRA National Matches logo, with discipline-specific highlights.
The official 2023 Matches polo shirt runs $45, the hooded sweatshirt is $40, and the T-shirt costs $20.
Register for the 2023 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury at the NRA Competitive Shooting Division website: competitor.nra.org.
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Will you compete at this year’s NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, Indiana? Then there’s an excellent digital magazine you should read. Shooting Sports USA has a guide to the 2022 NRA National Matches with great photos, match results, and interviews with top shooters. Featuring complete coverage of last year’s competitions at Camp Atterbury, including the High Power Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, and Precision Pistol National Championships, the recap can be viewed for free online. CLICK HERE to READ.
2022 NRA National Matches — Full Report
At the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, high-level competitive shooters from around the nation can test their skills and celebrate their achievements with medals and trophies. The 2022 NRA National Matches special edition magazine, published digitally by Shooting Sports USA, celebrates the 2022 NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
SSUSA’s 2022 digital recap begins with the opening day festivities, including the First Shot Ceremony with Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb, and goes on to cover the three different phases of the NRA National Matches. Plus, there is special coverage of the 2022 Pershing International Trophy Match, where the U.S. smallbore rifle team recorded a historic victory over Great Britain.
The home of the NRA National Matches since 2021, Camp Atterbury is an active National Guard training facility located south of Indianapolis, near Edinburgh, Indiana. For the 2022 National Matches, Camp Atterbury employed 30 Silver Mountain electronic targets for the Rifle Range Six. The moder e-targets allow faster, more efficient matches, with no pit duties for competitors.
The USAMU’s SFC Brandon Green shot superbly last year at Camp Atterbury. Green won numerous matches, capturing the Long Range Rifle Championship and many other honors. Here’s Brandon with his trophies from 2022.
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Stunners in silver. Above are the NRA Leech Cup (left) and Wimbledon Cup (right).
Shooting Sports USA has a fascinating article about the Perpetual Trophies awarded in national-level NRA matches. The story recounts the history behind the elaborate trophies, some from the 1870s. SSUSA’s Jennifer Pearsall writes: “The pieces of wood, stone and precious metal … are more than just instant recognition of achievement. They are the link of the American shooter’s present to his or her patriotic past. As you read this legacy of the NRA ranges, their founders, and the long list of cups, bowls, and plaques, realize that the history of competitive shooting is undeniably a significant part of the foundation of this country”. Read Full Trophy Story HERE.
The NRA was co-founded by Col. William Church and Gen. George Wood Wingate (ranked Captain at the time). Both Church and Wingate hoped to improved the marksmanship skills of American soldiers. One of the newly-formed NRA’s first actions was to issue: “An Act to Establish a Rifle Range and Promote Skill in Marksmanship”. That led to the opening of the famed Creedmoor Range, with a special inaugural match in June of 1873.
Many of the awards presented in the first NRA matches were cash or firearms. Some of these firearms were heavily embellished works of art. In the very first match, a member of the 22nd New York Regiment took home a gold-mounted Winchester Model 1866 valued at $100 — big money for the time.
In the 1870s shooting competitions were social as well as sporting events. Ladies and gentlemen came to watch and cheer the winners. This illustration, originally from Harpers Weekly, portrays the shooters and the viewing gallery at the 1876 Grand Centennial Championship—the “Palma” Match.
The Leech Cup — A Gift from Ireland
The Leech Cup was created for the first meeting of the American and Irish shooting teams. The elaborate cup was presented by Major Arthur Leech, captain of the the Irish team, to the Amateur Rifle Club of New York. This masterpiece of Irish silversmithing was later given to the NRA in 1901 by the New York Club. Today, the Leech Cup is the oldest trophy offered in overall NRA competitive target shooting, awarded through the National High Power Long Range Championships.
Michelle Gallagher with Leech Cup in 2013.
The Wimbledon Cup
The Wimbledon Trophy was a gift from the NRA of Great Britain. It was given, as a gesture of sportsmanship, after the the U.S. Team was denied the ability to compete in England’s Elcho Shield match, then limited to Britain, Scotland, and Ireland. To maintain friendly competitive relations, the British presented the Americans with a large, engraved, lion-footed tankard trophy to be awarded each year to the Champion U.S. long-distance rifleman.
The Palma Team Trophy
Originally named the Centennial Trophy, in honor of the Centennial celebration of the independence of the United States of America, the Palma Trophy was commissioned from Tiffany’s at a cost of $1,500. The trophy was a full-sized replica of a Roman Legion standard, executed in bronze with silver and gold inlay. On the banner of the standard was the legend, “In the name of the United States of America to the Riflemen of the world”. Above the banner was an eagle, bearing in its talons a wreath of palm leaves and a plaque on which was the single word, “PALMA”, the Latin word for palm tree, which was used by the Romans to signify victory, or the ultimate in excellence.
Because the word Palma was so easily seen, the trophy soon became known as the “Palma Trophy”, and by 1878 was referred to officially by that name. The original seven and one-half foot trophy is now lost, having not been seen since at least 1954. Serving in its place is a copy which was commissioned by Dr. Herbert M. Aitken of Eau Claire, WI. The copy was made from the original Tiffany blue-prints at a cost of $32,500. Dr. Aitken has given this copy of the Palma Trophy to the NRA for use in the Palma Match. The trophy is retained by the winning team until the next Palma Match.
In 2008, the Palma Trophy was returned to the NRA, and it was decided that the trophy, once refurbished, will travel to the host nation for the match every four years, then returned to the NRA for safekeeping.
The first competition for the Palma Team was a challenge match for which the British Commonwealth nations were invited. The match was fired in 1876 at the old Creedmoor Range on Long Island as part of the Centennial celebration of the United States. Teams representing Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the United States took part. The match is currently fired on a four-year interval.
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The Palma Team Trophy
