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March 14th, 2024

CMP Will Offer Surplus Ammo at Matches Nationwide

CMP Civilian marksmanship programs surplus military ammunition M2 Ball M1 Carbine .30 Caliber .22 LR

CMP Acquires Surplus Ammunition with Upcoming Sales at Matches
In early 2023, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) announced the acquisition of vast quantities of surplus ammunition. Over the past year, this surplus ammunition was available to CMP customers, and available to competitors during our matches.

The CMP intends on maintaining a surplus ammo inventory large enough to support CMP Matches for the next several years and to provide discounted surplus ammo to competitors attending CMP events. All sales will include set limits to remain in compliance with guidelines specified in the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of the Army and the CMP. The CMP’s current ammunition available for purchase may be viewed on the CMP eStore.

“CMP continues to fulfill its vision to lead the nation in marksmanship excellence providing safe, high quality, and innovative programs with a focus on youth”, said Christie Sewell, CMP’s Chief Programs Officer. “CMP continues to set purchase limits and restrictions to ensure that our competitors will have access to the surplus ammunition.”

CMP Civilian marksmanship programs surplus military ammunition M2 Ball M1 Carbine .30 Caliber .22 LR


NOTE: This video shows an M1 Garand shooting modern CMP M2 Ball ammo NOT older surplus. The surplus M2 Ball ammo obtained by the CMP is older, but should have similar velocities with 150gr bullets.

CMP Civilian marksmanship programs surplus military ammunition M2 Ball M1 Carbine .30 Caliber .22 LR

Commercial and surplus ammunition sales are currently available on the CMP E-Store to qualified individuals. Register for an account or browse the CMP E-Store at https://shop.thecmp.org/browse/Ammo.

CMP Civilian marksmanship programs surplus military ammunition M2 Ball M1 Carbine .30 Caliber .22 LR

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March 10th, 2024

Sunday GunDay: 2024 Camp Perry Nat’l Matches — Registration

Camp Perry 2024 registration matches rimfire centerfire longrange smallbore air rifle

Register Now for the 2024 National Matches at Camp Perry
Article based on Report by Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
Registration for the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) 2024 National Trophy Rifle and Pistol Matches is officially open. The National Matches include a huge variety of competitions for rimfire and centerfire rifles, pistols, and airguns. The annual event, held at the Camp Perry National Guard Training Base since 1907, is conducted via a partnership between the CMP and the Ohio National Guard. The month-long series showcases a variety of indoor and outdoor events for both adults and juniors, with spectators welcome. The CMP National Matches offer something for all target shooters — both novices and seasoned competitors. Our friend Dennis Santiago, who has competed at Camp Perry many times, offers five good reasons to attend the CMP National Matches:

dennis santiago camp perry cmpTop 5 Reasons to Go to Camp Perry
1. It’s the Nationals. A thousand competitors on the line. You get to be a player in the Super Bowl of marksmanship.

2. The President’s Hundred Match. Camp Perry is the only place you can earn the right to wear this prestigious tab on your shoulder.

3. Rattle Battle. Also known as the Infantry Trophy, this fast-paced match is a bucket list experience.

4. Making friends. Camp Perry is where you will meet and get to know shooters from all across the USA who share your passion. They will become lifelong friends.

5. It will make you a better shooter. The exposure to the level of competition will ooze into your soul. You will pick up knowledge about technique, equipment, and discipline that will amplify your skills and raise your performance level.

CLICK HERE for CMP Camp Perry National Matches INFO PAGE »

High Power Rifle Registration Page

Smallbore Prone & 3P Rifle Registration Page

Rimfire Sporter Registration Page
Airgun Registration Page

Pistol Registration Page

Nat’l Matches Info Page

2024 CMP Nat’l Matches Program | 2024 Nat’l Matches Calendar

SEE the full 2024 National Matches schedule and other event info on the CMP website.

The National Matches is comprised of the CMP National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches, National Games Matches, National Smallbore Matches, National Air Gun Championships, and the National Mid-Range and Long Range Matches. Along with the competitions, the National Matches includes a variety of training clinics for all experience levels. The CMP will also run a sales center where accessories and ammo can be purchased. CLICK HERE to review the 2024 National Matches schedule and event info on the CMP website.

Camp Perry 2024 registration smallbore

Garand and Vintage Military Rifle Matches

Garand match vintage Camp Perry CMP championship

Among the most popular events at the Camp Perry National Matches are the Garand and Vintage Military Rifle matches. This summer, classic military rifles will fill the firing lines at Camp Perry. The Garand, Springfield, Vintage and Modern Military Match (GSMM) is set to start on Thursday, August 1, 2024 with the one-day M1A Match on Sunday, August 3, 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. The Vintage Sniper Match, set for August 4th, will include a new category — Vietnam Era. NOTE: the Springfield Armory M1A event is now the McKee Memorial Match (M14 Heritage Match), sponsored by Fulton Armory.

Garand match vintage Camp Perry CMP championship

Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match

One of the most popular events of the National Games events, the Rimfire Sporter Rifle match features .22 caliber competition at 25 and 50 yards. There are three (3) classes: open sights (O-Class), telescopic (T-Class) and tactical/unlimited (TU) classes, fired at 50 and 25 yards. The event is perfect both for novice shooters and for experienced competitors who want to compete with a simple, affordable .22 LR rifle.

2024 CMP National Matches Camp Perry July rimfire sporter
2024 CMP National Matches Camp Perry July rimfire sporter
2024 CMP National Matches Camp Perry July rimfire sporter

Smallbore Rifle Matches on Electronic Targets

Like last year, all National Smallbore (rimfire) events will be fired on electronic targets on Petrarca Range. The schedule includes three-position and prone events. In addition, rimfire F-Class will run concurrently with the smallbore prone matches.

Camp Perry Smallbore electronic target registration
Camp Perry Smallbore electronic target registration
Camp perry smallbore

National Air Gun Matches

For air rifle and air pistol competitors, the National Air Gun Matches will be held on the electronic target range within the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. The air rifle series features training and an elimination two-team member match, two days of 60-shot competitions and an accompanying four-member team event. NOTE: The Air Pistol Championships will be held in the evenings to allow competitors to take part in the Match Pistol 2700 during the day.

Camp Perry Air Rifle and Air Pistol Gary Anderson
cmp competition center camp perry laser simulator

High Power, Service Rifle, and Vintage Rifle Matches

camp perry highpower ar15 junion team match 2024 registration

The National Trophy Rifle series includes prestigious matches like the President’s Rifle, Hearst Doubles, Rattle Battle, National Trophy Individual and National Trophy Team events. A paired Junior Team Match is also on the schedule for young competitors, along with an assortment of vintage and modern military rifle events like the John C. Garand, Springfield and Vintage Sniper matches for individuals at every stage of their marksmanship abilities. A 4-man team event and three 80-shot matches will appeal to those looking for more high power rifle events, each fired on CMP’s line of outdoor electronic targets.

Mid-Range and Long Range Rifle Matches

CMP Camp perry long range mid-Range 600 yard

The CMP’s National Long Range series features 10 individual and team competitions. Returning in 2024 is the Mid-Range event (with a course of fire consisting of three rounds of 20 shots slow prone at 600 yards), along with Long Range matches. These are all open to Match Rifle, Service Rifle, Palma Rifle, F-Open, F-TR or AR Tactical categories. Long Range Matches are fired on Camp Perry’s 1000-yard Viale Range.

CMP Camp perry long range mid-Range 600 yard
600 yard cmp camp perry registration 2024

Pistol Events — Centerfire and Rimfire

The National Pistol events include a mix of traditional matches like the President’s Pistol (President’s 100), National Trophy Individual and Team events, alongside a series of 900 Aggregate matches for .22 LR, .45 ACP, and other Centerfire Pistol. The fan-favorite GSSF GLOCK National Challenge will be returning to the schedule in 2024, while the Service Revolver EIC Match has been renamed the Philip Hemphill Memorial Service Revolver EIC Match in honor of Philip Hemphill — a repeat national champion lost in late 2023.


CMP camp perry registrations 2024 pistol handgun

Pistol Practice will be available on July 15 and 16, 2024 (cost: $5.00 per practice time). Competitors will receive a Pistol Practice card at check-in, with additional practice time open for purchase (if available).

Marksmanship Clinics and Small Arms Firing Schools

Camp Perry 2024 registration matches rimfire centerfire small arms firing schools safs
Image shows 2023 National High Power Rifle Champion Amanda Elsenboss (left) providing instruction. Amanda was a member of the USAMU Team for many years and now serves in the National Guard.

Small Arms Firing Schools (SAFS) will be held for centerfire rifle, smallbore rifle, and pistol. Participants in SAFS are instructed by some of the top military instructors in the country on firearm safety and competition basics. All firearms and ammo are provided for the live-fire portion of the clinic. Other clinics during the National Matches include a Rimfire Sporter Rifle Clinic, the CMP/USMC Junior Rifle Clinic, and the CMP Advanced High Power Clinic, for more experienced competitors. Most clinics include both classroom and live-fire training on the range.

camp perry clinic 2024 safs

More Camp Perry Summer Services — Sales and Housing

Sales: Behind the range, Commercial Row offers a variety of items for spectators and competitors – with an array of manufacturers selling used firearms, ammunition, competition gear, accessories, apparel and much more. The CMP North Store, located on the grounds of Camp Perry, allows even more buying opportunities at the Matches with a selection of military surplus rifles, memorabilia and equipment needs.

Housing: Housing for the National Matches is currently available on the grounds of Camp Perry. Accommodations include four-person huts, cottages, barracks, RV spaces, and camp sites. Camp Perry housing info posted at CPLCC.com/national-matches. If base housing is full, numerous hotels are available in the surrounding Port Clinton, Fremont, and Sandusky areas. CLICK HERE for information on local hotels and tourism resources.

Camp Perry 2024
CLICK PHOTO for article on after-match activities in the Camp Perry region.

More Info: All events are open to the public, free for viewing. Spectators are welcome to observe firing on the Camp Perry ranges at any time, with ample parking on-site. Guests are encouraged to participate in the many exciting activities and visual attractions offered during the National Matches season.

Directions to Camp Perry:

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs visit www.TheCMP.org.

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March 7th, 2024

Shooting Sports History — The Term “Maggie’s Drawers”

CMP Maggie's Drawers Camp Perry AccurateShooter.com

Ever wonder what “Maggie’s Drawers” means? Well, in the shooting community it means a complete miss on the target, as originally indicated by a large red flag. In this 1957 photo, the U.S. Army brought the targets to the students at the annual Small Arms Firing School. Wheeled carts with “demo” targets were positioned at the firing line, between shooting stations, so trainees could better see the procedures. Soldiers demonstrated firing a shot, scoring the target and scorecard on the Camp Perry firing line. Targets in use at the time were the “V” type.

In this demonstration shot, the pit worker waves a red flag, known as “Maggie’s Drawers”, signifying a miss. This old photo comes from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Archives.

If you click the gray tab to view the photo full-screen, you can see something extra. Look carefully at the horizon below the muzzle of the M1 Garand held by the shooter in the foreground. If you look carefully, you can see a crane being used to erect the beach tower that now watches over Lake Erie and the ranges when they are “hot”.

Origin of ‘Maggie’s Drawers’ Term
CMP Maggie's Drawers Camp Perry AccurateShooter.comHap Rocketto, noted shooting historian, has explained the etymology of “Maggie’s Drawers”. This term “refers to the red flag waved vigorously across the face of the target to signify a complete miss of the target during practice”. The term came in use in the early 20th Century (prior to WWI) when flags were used to signal shot locations on long-range rifle targets.

Hap writes: “Since [the early 20th Century] the target has changed to the decimal bull and the marking system has been revised several times. Flags are no longer used, being replaced by value panels and chalk boards. However, one term from the flag days has held on with a tenacity that is indicative of the strong traditions of the high power community. If a shooter had the misfortune of firing a miss a red flag was waved across the front of the target. The flag is commonly known as ‘Maggie’s Drawers’ giving us the term now generally used to refer to a miss. The term ‘Maggie’s Drawers’ seems to be based on, as many things are in the military, a bawdy song. Prior to The Great War there was an old music hall song entitled The Old Red Flannel Drawers That Maggie Wore which [was creatively altered], as things tend to be by the troops, into something less delicate than might have been sung in vaudeville in the United States or in British music halls of the day.”

Visit Southwest Rifle Shooting Blog, to read the full story about the origin of Maggie’s Drawers. Hap even includes the naughty lyrics of the old music hall song that gave rise to the expression.

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March 6th, 2024

How to Shoot Standing — Nat’l Champ Carl Bernosky Explains

Carl Bernosky High Power

Some folks say you haven’t really mastered marksmanship unless you can hit a target when standing tall ‘on your own hind legs’. Of all the shooting positions, standing can be the most challenging because you have no horizontally-solid resting point for your forward arm/elbow. Here 10-time National High Power Champion Carl Bernosky explains how to make the standing shot.

Carl Bernosky is one of the greatest marksmen in history. A multi-time National High Power Champion, Carl has won ten (10) National High Power Championships in his storied shooting career, most recently in 2012. In this article, Carl provides step-by-step strategies to help High Power shooters improve their standing scores. When Carl talks about standing techniques, shooters should listen. Among his peers, Carl is regard as one of the very best standing shooters in the history of High Power shooting. Carl rarely puts pen to paper, but he was kind enough to share his techniques with AccurateShooter.com’s readers.

If you are position shooter, or aspire to be one some day, read this article word for word, and then read it again. We guarantee you’ll learn some techniques (and strategies) that can improve your shooting and boost your scores. This stuff is gold folks, read and learn…


Carl Bernosky High PowerHow to Shoot Standing
by Carl Bernosky

Shooting consistently good standing stages is a matter of getting rounds down range, with thoughtfully-executed goals. But first, your hold will determine the success you will have.

1. Your hold has to be 10 Ring to shoot 10s. This means that there should be a reasonable amount of time (enough to get a shot off) that your sights are within your best hold. No attention should be paid to the sights when they are not in the middle — that’s wasted energy. My best hold is within 5 seconds after I first look though my sights. I’m ready to shoot the shot at that time. If the gun doesn’t stop, I don’t shoot. I start over.

2. The shot has to be executed with the gun sitting still within your hold. If the gun is moving, it’s most likely moving out, and you’ve missed the best part of your hold.

3. Recognizing that the gun is sitting still and within your hold will initiate you firing the shot. Lots of dry fire or live fire training will help you acquire awareness of the gun sitting still. It’s not subconscious to me, but it’s close.

4. Don’t disturb the gun when you shoot the shot. That being said, I don’t believe in using ball or dummy rounds with the object of being surprised when the shot goes off. I consciously shoot every shot. Sometimes there is a mistake and I over-hold. But the more I train the less of these I get. If I get a dud round my gun will dip.* I don’t believe you can learn to ignore recoil. You must be consistent in your reaction to it.

Carl Bernosky High Power5. Know your hold and shoot within it. The best part of my hold is about 4 inches. When I get things rolling, I recognize a still gun within my hold and execute the shot. I train to do this every shot. Close 10s are acceptable. Mid-ring 10s are not. If my hold was 8 inches I would train the same way. Shoot the shot when it is still within the hold, and accept the occasional 9. But don’t accept the shots out of the hold.

6. Practice makes perfect. The number of rounds you put down range matter. I shudder to think the amount of rounds I’ve fired standing in my life, and it still takes a month of shooting standing before Perry to be in my comfort zone. That month before Perry I shoot about 2000 rounds standing, 22 shots at a time. It peaks me at just about the right time.

This summarizes what I believe it takes to shoot good standing stages. I hope it provides some insight, understanding, and a roadmap to your own success shooting standing.

Good Shooting, Carl

For more markmanship tips from Carl Bernosky, read the Q&A with Carl Bernosky on the Hornady Blog.


* This is very noticeable to me when shooting pistol. I can shoot bullet holes at 25 yards, but if I’ve miscounted the rounds I’ve fired out of my magazine, my pistol will dip noticeably. So do the pistols of the best pistol shooters I’ve watched and shot with. One might call this a “jerk”, I call it “controlled aggressive execution”, executed consistently.

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February 9th, 2024

CMP Purple Heart and Veterans Discounts and Awards in 2024

Cmp veteran purple heart discount benefits 2024 marksmanship program

Report by Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced redesigned discounts for Purple Heart recipients and Veterans at select competitions throughout the year.

Those who earned a Purple Heart during their military service will receive 50 percent off CMP administered events like the CMP Travel Games, CMP Highpower Warm-Up Events and the National Matches, while Veterans will receive 10 percent off entry fees.

To receive a discount, individuals must provide a one-time verification such as a Veteran (Retired) Military I.D. or a copy of military records. Once proof is given, the CMP will update each individual’s file for future reference. Those eligible for a discount may register for applicable events online through Competition Tracker but must call the office to apply payment information. Refunds for discounts will not be issued after registration and payment has been made.

Cmp veteran purple heart discount benefits 2024 marksmanship program

Cmp veteran purple heart discount benefits 2024 marksmanship programTo further express gratitude toward those with military backgrounds, the CMP has added new Veteran awards to the National Matches within the 2400 Rifle Aggregate, M1 Garand Match, National Trophy Individual Match for rifle and pistol along with the 2700 Pistol Aggregate — with the highest scoring veteran in each match earning special recognition.

For questions on CMP Veteran and Purple Heart discounts, please contact Christina Roguski at croguski@thecmp.org or 419-635-2141 ext. 714. Learn about upcoming CMP events by visiting https://thecmp.org/competitions.

SGT Robert Evans distinguished rifleman wounded warrior
At the 2013 Western CMP Games, SGT Robert Evans attained what many shooters seek their entire shooting careers — a Distinguished Rifleman Badge. Evans earned his DR badge with just one hand, after losing his right hand while serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army.

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December 2nd, 2023

The Early History of the National Rifle Association — 1871-1907

NRA history creedmoor sea girt camp perry

With the New Year approaching, we thought our readers might enjoy some historical background on the National Rifle Association, an organization which has served American firearms owners and marksmen for over 150 years.

Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) has a good article on the origins and history of the National Rifle Association. This feature story covers the first 36 years of NRA history from 1871 to 1907. The NRA was founded in 1871, and 1907 marked the first year of Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.

READ Full NRA History Article on Shooting Sports USA »

SSUSA explains the NRA’s original mission: “The NRA’s program during its youthful years centered mainly on improving marksmanship among the military. Rifle tournaments at ranges in Creedmoor (NY), Sea Girt (NJ), and Camp Perry (OH) captured the country’s spirit of nationalism and resulted in key improvements in rifles and target scoring. NRA also set standards for military rifle training and even inspired the federal government to form its own segment within the War Department to focus on promoting rifle practice among soldiers as well as civilians.”

NRA history creedmoor sea girt camp perry

1871 — A group of New York National Guardsmen founded the National Rifle Association to promote marksmanship training. Figures such as Capt. George Wingate had called for better rifle marksmanship to support the nation’s defense.

1872 — The NRA acquires Creed’s Farm in Long Island, New York for $26,250. Renamed “Creedmoor”, this becomes the NRA’s first range. The first match was held in 1873.

1874 — The NRA hosts its first International Match, shot at the Creedmoor Range in New York.

The First-Ever Creedmoor Challenge Match in 1874
The Irish International Shooting team arrived in New York on the 16th of September and proceeded to “take in the sights”, which was understandable, before some practice at the Creedmoor range. On September 26th they presented themselves for the match with confidence and in high spirits. The crowds that day were reported to be between 5,000 and 10,000 strong, which showed the huge support already growing for the fledgling sport in America.

Arizona Ireland USA American Creedmoor Challenge Cup rifle competition

The course of fire was 15 shots to each man at 800, 900, and 1000 yards. Unfortunately, the details of each mans scores at the individual distances have been lost to time but we do know that the Americans were well ahead after the 800-yard shoot. The Irish then caught up after the 900-yard and finished the 1000-yard shoot ahead by 1 point. The Americans still had one man left to shoot and it came down to his very last shot with which he scored a 4 giving the American team the win over the Irish by 3 points.

1892 — The NRA moves its Annual Matches to the Sea Girt Range in New Jersey, which was less than 60 Miles from New York City, NY. The Sea Girt Range was maintained by the New Jersey State Rifle Association, founded in 1878.

NRA history creedmoor sea girt camp perry

1903 — The U.S. War Department sets up a National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice (NBPRP). In 1903, an amendment to the War Dept. Appropriations Bill established the NBPRP to promote both Military and Civilian marksmanship. This government advisory board became the predecessor to today’s Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety that now governs the CMP.

1907 — The NRA commences National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.

History of Camp Perry
The National Matches have been held at Camp Perry since 1907. The range is located along the shores of Lake Erie in northern Ohio near Port Clinton. The site was first acquired in 1906, in response to the need for a larger facility for military training and the NRA’s shooting programs. In 1906 Gen. Ammon B. Crichfield, Adjutant General of Ohio, ordered construction of a new shooting facility on the shores of Lake Erie, 45 miles east of Toledo, Ohio. The original land for Camp Perry was purchased in 1906, and the reservation was named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the American naval commander who won the Battle of Put-in-Bay during the War of 1812.

NRA National Matches

On August 19, 1907, Cpl. L. B. Jarrett fired the first shot at the new Camp Perry Training Site. And that year, 1907, Camp Perry held its first National Pistol and Rifle Championship events. This location has hosted the annual NRA National Matches ever since. Today, over 4,000 competitors attend the National Matches each year, making it the most popular shooting competition in the western hemisphere.

Camp Perry 1907 history

Federal legislation originally launched the National Matches. The 1903 legislation also established the National Matches, commissioned the National Trophy and provided funding to support the Matches.

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August 20th, 2023

Sunday GunDay: National Rimfire Sporter Match at Camp Perry

CMP rimfire sporter match Camp Perry 2017 smallbore rifle
The CMP National Rimfire Sporter Match is a fun competition with affordable smallbore rifles with either scopes or iron sights. All you need are a .22 LR rifle, sling, and ammo.

Each year, the Rimfire Sporter Match attracts hundreds of shooters to Camp Perry on the shores of Lake Erie. If there is a single CMP event at Camp Perry that offers the most diverse group of competitors (of all ages), and the lowest cost of entry, that would be the annual Rimfire Sporter Match.

CMP rimfire sporter match Camp Perry 2017 smallbore rifle
CMP rimfire sporter match Camp Perry 2017 smallbore rifle

This year’s summer match was held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Viale Range during the first weekend of the National Match Schedule at Camp Perry. One of the most popular annual Camp Perry events, the Rimfire Sporter Rifle match features .22 LR competition in open sights (O-Class), telescopic (T-Class) and tactical/unlimited (TU) classes, fired at 25 and 50 yards. A CMP/AMU Rimfire Sporter Small Arms Firing School was held on July 7, 2023.

FREE GUIDE: 48-Page CMP Guide to Rimfire Sporter Shooting »

The Rimfire Sporter Match is for smallbore rifles that weigh 7 1/2 pounds or less with sights. Firing is done at 25 and 50 yards in prone, sitting and standing positions, in slow and rapid fire modes. The CMP has a special smart-phone App that will help speed up scoring.

rimfire sporter range camp perry lake erie overhead

Each year, the Rimfire Sporter Match attracts hundreds of shooters to the shore of Lake Erie at Camp Perry. The CMP National Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match offers shooters a recreation-oriented competition where they use affordable, smallbore sporter rifles with either scopes or iron sights. All you need are a .22 LR rifle, sling, and ammo.

rimfire sporter match Camp Perry Ohio
Hundreds of shooters compete in the Rimfire Sporter Match at Camp Perry.

National Rimfire Sporter Match Camp Perry 2016
CMP rimfire sporter match Camp Perry 2017 smallbore rifle

Prior to the match at Camp Perry, Rimfire Sporter competitors check-in, have their rifles weighed, triggers checked, and receive their squad assignments.

cmp rimfire sporter camp perry 2019
cmp rimfire sporter camp perry 2019

Rifles may be manually operated or semi-automatic, in three classes: the standard “O Class” for open-sighted rifles, “T-Class” for telescope-sighted rifles, and the “Tactical Rimfire” Class. Firing is done at 50 and 25 yards on a target with a 1.78″ ten-ring. The target is simple enough for a beginner to hit, yet challenging enough that only one competitor in the history of the match has ever fired a perfect 600 score.

Rimfire Sporter Course of Fire

At the Rimfire Sporter Match, competitors complete slow fire prone, rapid fire prone, slow fire sitting or kneeling, rapid fire sitting or kneeling, slow fire standing, and rapid fire standing shot sequences.

National Rimfire Sporter Match Camp Perry 2019

National Rimfire Sporter Match Camp Perry 2019

Rimfire Sporter Equipment

What is Required for the Camp Perry Rimfire Sporter Match

Competitors need to bring their own .22 cal. Rimfire rifle(s) and ammunition. Special target shooting equipment, shooting jackets, or shooting gloves are not permitted, but you can bring a spotting scope and ground cloth or shooting mat. The firing points have grass (sometimes a bit wet with rain). Competitors are strongly urged to wear hearing and eye protection. Assistance for disabled competitors is provided.

Rimfire sporter match 2019 Camp Perry

A free Shooters’ Clinic is usually held in connection with the Rimfire Sport match at Camp Perry. The Clinic covers Rimfire Sporter rules, safety instructions, course of fire, and competition procedures. Shooters who have not previously attended a CMP Rimfire Sporter Match are strongly encouraged to attend.

CMP rimfire sporter match Camp Perry 2017 smallbore rifle

Do you want to see more Rimfire Sporter photos? CLICK HERE to view the CMP Zenfolio Archive with 1200+ photos from Rimfire Sporter Matches at Camp Perry and elsewhere.

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August 6th, 2023

Sunday GunDay: Cecelia Ossi — Smallbore & Air Rifle Champion

cecelia ossi 2023 smallbore rimfire .22 LR 3P position air rifle champion nationals camp perry

2023 Smallbore and Air Rifle Champion: Cecelia Ossi

Story based on article by CMP’s Sheri Trusty

At the 2023 National Matches at Camp Perry this summer, 21-year-old competitor Cecelia Ossi achieved a remarkable double-discipline victory. Ossi placed first in the new Three-position (3P) Smallbore and Air Rifle Aggregate combo event. She did this shooting both outdoors and indoors. This was a great “twin win” by a very talented young lady. A member of the rifle team at the University of Nebraska, Ossi recorded a historically great performance at Camp Perry this summer. Cecelia won the 3P Smallbore and Air Rifle Aggregate with a score of 2421-60X.

For 2023, the CMP created a Three-Position Smallbore and Air Rifle Aggregate Championship for those who competed in both disciplines. Earning the inaugural win in the match was the talented Cecelia Ossi, who shoots for the University of Nebraska rifle team. The CMP had modified the match schedule to allow shooters to compete in Smallbore matches on Camp Perry’s outdoor Petrarca Range as well as in Air Gun events at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center located just next door — all during the same day.

cecelia ossi 2023 smallbore rimfire .22 LR 3P position air rifle champion nationals camp perry
cecelia ossi 2023 smallbore rimfire .22 LR 3P position air rifle champion nationals camp perry

The 2023 National Matches marked the first time Ossi shot outdoors at Camp Perry. The unique environment gave her the opportunity to test her skills: “Shooting outdoors created a lot of challenges, which is why I loved Camp Perry. You have to figure out how the wind is affecting your shooting, and it’s very rewarding when you get it right.”

Ossi has one more year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and then she plans to join the Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) in Georgia. “I trained with [the USAMU] for a week this summer. I’m really excited about joining them in 2024″, she said. Ossi labels herself a perfectionist, and marksmanship provides a venue to be the best she can be (as the Army would say).

cecelia ossi 2023 smallbore rimfire .22 LR 3P position air rifle champion nationals camp perry

“Marksmanship gives me the opportunity to be a perfectionist. It’s very interesting and mentally challenging to figure out position and challenge myself to be perfect in everything I’m doing.” — Cecelia Ossi

A former gymnastics competitor, Ossi transitioned to marksmanship in her junior year of high school. She is now at the University of Nebraska, where she competes with the rifle team. Ossi is now heading into her senior year at Nebraska. “Marksmanship taught me a lot about the mental side of competing. I think I would have done better in gymnastics had I known all that. The mental side can outweigh the physical side. That’s something that’s overlooked in a lot of sports.”

Ossi said her coaches played a big role in her early, rapid success: “I had phenomenal coaches that helped me progress quickly. They knew my goals and how to help me meet them. They were a huge part of this.” Ossi trained with coaches Tom Fister, Tab Rhode, and Bill Burkert in Pennsylvania and with Peter Fiori (Senior) in New Jersey. Mindy Miles is head coach and J.T. Schneiring is assistant coach at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

cecelia ossi 2023 smallbore rimfire .22 LR 3P position air rifle champion nationals camp perry

Cecelia Competes with both Air Rifles and Smallbore (.22 LR) Rifles
Ossi shot the air rifle competitions with a Walther Monotec rifle, and she shot smallbore with a Walther KK500 equipped with custom modifications. “My parts are mostly custom built by Peter Fiori, Sr. He played a big part in my marksmanship”, Ossi explained. Both her rifles have very sophisticated stocks that allow precise adjustment of cheekpiece height and buttstock height/length/angle to suit the three different positions that she shoots: standing, kneeling, and prone.

Camp Perry — Shooting Outdoors with Electronic Targets

cecelia ossi 2023 smallbore rimfire .22 LR 3P position air rifle champion nationals camp perry

Camp Perry’s unique shooting environment drew Ossi to the 2023 National Matches. “Camp Perry is the only place I’ve had the chance to shoot team matches. I had never shot team smallbore before. That was very fun. It’s fun to bring the team aspect into shooting and work together”, she said. “Each person shot a different position, so it highlighted each person’s strengths. I was nominated to shoot standing, which is my strength, so that was fun.”

Camp Perry employed electronic targets for the National smallbore matches for the first time this year. Ossi enjoyed this modern technology: “The electronic targets were a big reason why I decided to shoot smallbore at the National Matches. The electronic targets brought a bigger crowd overall for the matches and made the whole experience really great. The staff did really well making the matches run smoothly.”

Path to Success — How Young Shooters Can Win a Spot on College Teams
Ossi’s rushed entrance into competitive marksmanship gives her a unique view into the challenges young college hopefuls face, and she is open to advising young recruits as they maneuver through the college process: “I talk to a lot of recruits and young rifle shooters. The biggest thing, when you’re looking to get into college, is putting yourself out there and introducing yourself. It says a lot about you, and the coaches remember that.”

cecelia ossi 2023 smallbore rimfire .22 LR 3P position air rifle champion nationals camp perry

Ossi said college recruiting rules limit the connections between college hopefuls and coaches, so she encourages young marksmen to talk to college athletes like herself: “Don’t hesitate to reach out to college shooters. I’m always open to answer questions. You can always talk to collegiate shooters when you can’t always talk to coaches.”

From Gymnastics to Competitive Shooting
cecelia ossi 2023 smallbore rimfire .22 LR 3P position air rifle champion nationals camp perryAfter years of training as a high-level gymnast in her early teens, Cecelia transitioned to marksmanship competition in her junior year of high school. She had little time to perfect the skills necessary to earn a spot on a collegiate team, but she applied the discipline she learned as a gymnast to her new sport and achieved success. Her high school rifle match performances earned Ossie an invitation to join the University of Nebraska-Lincoln rifle team.

“In my junior year of high school, I had to retire from gymnastics due to injuries, and I felt a little lost,” she said. “I had done a lot with 4-H shooting sports — muzzleloader, shotgun, you name it. I did a lot of different disciplines, so I had a little bit of shooting experience.”

When Ossi learned a friend’s sister was a member of a collegiate rifle team, it opened her mind to new possibilities: “I dove right in. The coaches were amazing, and it brought me to the college 1 ½ years later. It was a quick transition from gymnastics to shooting.”

Ossi applied her gymnastics training to marksmanship: “I think all that training as a high-level gymnast played a part. I knew how to train for long hours every day, and I knew how to set goals. Having physical discipline and mental discipline helped. It was just a different sport.”

CMP Online Resources for Junior Competitors and Parents
The CMP has good resources for junior competitors on the CMP Website. There you will find information on youth shooting programs, along with College Connect and Guide to College Recruiting. These are excellent resources for parents and juniors.

cecelia ossi 2023 smallbore rimfire .22 LR 3P position air rifle champion nationals camp perry

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July 28th, 2023

Classic Rifles at Camp Perry this Weekend — GSMM Event

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

Now through Sunday, July 30th, 2023, classic military rifles will fill the firing lines at Camp Perry. The National John C. Garand, Springfield, Vintage and Modern Military Match (GSMM) commenced on the 26th, and will run through this upcoming Sunday the 30th, with the one-day Springfield M1A Match on Sunday only. (See CMP Camp Perry 2023 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. As the matches are completed, day by day, results 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 has 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.

The Classic Wood Guns of CMP 4-Gun Competition

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

Perspectives on M1 Garand, M1903A3, M1917, and M1 Carbine
Brian 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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July 17th, 2023

Camp Perry Smallbore Prone Matches Utilize Electronic Targets

Camp Perry smallbore rimfire prone match CMP 2023

Report based on story by Sheri Trusty, CMP Feature Writer
Major smallbore (rimfire) prone rifle competitions took place July 8-12, 2023 at the Camp Perry National matches. This year, CMP competitors had the added benefit of scoring with Kongsberg Target System (KTS) technology which employs electronic acoustic sensors to determine shot location. Scoring is instantly displayed on user-friendly, touch-screen monitors at the shooter’s side. Mark Del Cotto, a two-time NRA Smallbore Prone Champion, observed: “This is a really nice setup for electronic targets. It’s much easier to shoot the match. It’s quicker, it saves money on paper targets, and there are no rain delays. This is an absolute treat to get to shoot like this.”

Camp Perry smallbore rimfire prone match CMP 2023
Camp Perry smallbore rimfire prone match CMP 2023

The 4-Day Smallbore compeition at the Petrarca range included two days of Iron Sight Championship Matches and two days of Any Sight Matches (scope optional). “Each day, competitors shoot 160 record shots, all fired from prone position”, noted CMP Smallbore Program Manager Brad Donoho. “They do a 40-shot match at 50 meters, a 60-shot match at 50 yards, and a 60-shot match at 100 yards.”

CLICK HERE for Full Results » | VIEW Full Event Photo Archive »

Camp Perry smallbore rimfire prone match CMP 2023

Camp Perry smallbore rimfire prone match CMP 2023Competitor Mark Del Cotto said marksmen were disappointed when the NRA moved the National Smallbore Rifle Championship to Bristol, Indiana, so many of them asked CMP to create its own smallbore competition. “It was like moving the Masters from Augusta,” said Del Cotto. “Ninety percent of competitors wanted to come back to Camp Perry. When [the NRA] moved it, the level of participation went down and down.” Del Cotto has also shot High Power (centerfire) matches, but he prefers rimfire: “I didn’t have time to do Highpower and Smallbore, so I picked Smallbore Prone. Smallbore is a better experience for me. You get to shoot more shots in a day.”

The competitors are vying for the top score of 6,400 possible points. Due to a USCG search, the last day of the Smallbore Prone Matches was cut short and the match was condensed to a 5,200 points aggregate. “This is a big prone match”, Donoho said. “It’s like a marathon.”

Camp Perry smallbore rimfire prone match CMP 2023

Scopes were allowed for the two-day Any Sights phase of the competition.
Camp Perry smallbore rimfire prone match CMP 2023

Camp Perry’s proximity to Lake Erie can create challenging, variable wind and weather conditions. CMP Smallbore Manager Donoho noted: “We had classic Camp Perry conditions [on Day One]. It started out a little overcast, nice and warm, and then a thunderstorm rolled in. We had pretty blustery conditions and a downpour. Here at Camp Perry, we’re accustomed to 60s and chilly and 90-degree days.”

Ace marksman Kevin Nevius brought 30 years of shooting experience and six national titles to CMP’s Smallbore Prone Matches. He said Smallbore Prone competition has its own unique appeal: “The course of fire is longer. You shoot more shots per day… there’s an element of endurance.” Nevius placed second in the Smallbore Iron Sight Prone Championship and the Overall Prone Aggregate, and he had fun doing it.

Camp Perry smallbore rimfire prone match CMP 2023
Camp Perry smallbore rimfire prone match CMP 2023

Top CMP Camp Perry Smallbore Prone Match Shooters

Smallbore Prone – 5200 Aggregate Championship
Open Class Winner: SFC Shane Barnhart, 5188 – 401X
Ladies Class Winner: Abigail Donovan, 5167 – 340X
Senior Class Winner: Philip Latzgo, 5174 – 331X
Junior Class Winner: Joseph Hahn, 5159 – 289X
F-Class Winner: Daniel Pagliari, 5129 – 313X

Smallbore Team Champions
Camp Perry smallbore rimfire prone match CMP 2023

Open Team Champion: Misfit Love, 1592 – 99X
Team Members: SFC Brandon Green (USAMU), Lewis Makison, PO2 Philip Latzgo (USN), and Thomas McManus [NOTE: SFC Green (green shirt top row of podium) is a multi-time High Power Nat’l Champion and 2022 NRA Long Range Nat’l Champion. Brandon delivered the First Shot at the 2023 Camp Perry National Matches opening ceremony].
Club Team Champion: Rochester Rifle Club Team A, 1591 – 108X
Team Members: Abigail Donovan, Antonio Gross, Joseph Hahn, and Edward Hahn
State Association Champion: Ohio Rifle & Pistol Assn., 1591 – 100X
Team Members: Jeffrey Perry, Paul Gideon, Garald Wise, and Michael Naylon

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July 15th, 2023

Camp Perry — Nearby Local Sites for After-Match Tourism

Camp Perry CMP national matches tourism sights

Plan Your Visit: Top 5 Areas to Explore Near Camp Perry
Feature based on article by Ashley Dugan, CMP Writer

Camp Perry CMP national matches tourism sightsThis summer, many of our readers will visit Camp Perry, Ohio to participate in the historic CMP annual National Matches. There will be smallbore and centerfire rifle matches, along with pistol matches. And this year there will be a number of new mid-range (600-yard) rifle matches. For those competing at Camp Perry this summer, there are many interesting nearby places to visit along the shores of Lake Erie. This article covers some tourism highlights in the area — the Top 5 areas visitors can explore outside of Camp Perry this summer. Many of these tourism attractions are featured in Ohio’s useful Shores and Islands website.

Marblehead and East Harbor State Park

Camp Perry CMP national matches tourism sights

Marblehead is a small village about 18 miles east of Camp Perry. The downtown area offers a strip of quaint shops and restaurants along with an eclectic array of artist galleries and events. Here, catch the Kelleys Island ferry or drive slowly down the picturesque coastline of the peninsula to reach the Marblehead Lighthouse – a state park with the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes (since 1822). The spot has a good nautical museum on the grounds. Fish off the rocks, have a picnic or take in views of the world-famous amusement park, Cedar Point, located just across the bay. For more outdoor activities, Marblehead offers East Harbor State Park, with a public beach, a marsh pond, camping and breathtaking views.

Port Clinton, Put-In-Bay, Liberty Aviation Museum

Camp Perry CMP national matches tourism sights

Port Clinton is the city where Camp Perry is located. Nestled along the shore of Lake Erie, Port Clinton offers beaches, restaurants, festivals. and live outdoor music during the summer months. Ride the fast, Jet Express catamaran ferry to Put-In-Bay, visit the old Port Clinton Lighthouse, reserve your spot on one of the many charter fishing boats or grab a basket of fried Lake Erie perch.

Camp Perry CMP national matches tourism sights

Visitors may also visit the Liberty Aviation Museum, which showcases several authentic World War II aircraft and a fully operational Ford Tri-motor “Tin Goose” — one of only a few still flying. Learn more about Port Clinton at PortClinton.com.

Catawba Island

Camp Perry CMP national matches tourism sights

No more than a 10-minute drive from downtown Port Clinton is Catawba Island, which offers several fun options. The Gideon Owen Wine Company serves up local wines, with roots dating back to the 1870s. Just down the road, The Orchard restaurant offers farm-to-table options in an upscale atmosphere. Try fresh seafood or Wagyu beef, and listen to the live entertainment. Visit the farm stand next door for a salad or hot honey & whipped feta dip, or simply sip on some wine in the garden area. Later you can watch the sunset over the lake at Catawba Island State Park, find yet another ferry to Put-In-Bay, play putt-putt or maybe even take a tour of African Safari Wildlife Park, a member of the Zoological Association of America and home to many exotic animals and drive-through encounters.

Sandusky and Cedar Point

Camp Perry CMP national matches tourism sights

Just a short drive across the bay, you’ll find Sandusky, which is home to Cedar Point, a large amusement park opened in 1870 that now has over 70 thrill rides, including 18 roller coasters. The park is built within its own peninsula and holds a mile-long sandy beach and water park. Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, located in Sandusky, is Ohio’s largest indoor water park. Buy a day pass to the many pools and water slides. This is the USA’s #1 indoor water park according to USA Today. Other Sandusky amenities include the Sandusky Mall, a Merry-Go-Round Museum, a speakeasy bar, and the Jackson Street Pier with a variety of restaurants to enjoy. Learn more about Sandusky at CityofSandusky.com.

Lake Erie Islands

Camp Perry CMP national matches tourism sights

The Western Basin of Lake Erie, where Camp Perry is located, is home to several unique islands. Just a short ferry ride away, guests may rent golf carts, bikes, or take their own transportation. Such islands include South Bass, home to Put-In-Bay. The island is also home to Heineman Winery, founded in 1888. While at the winery, explore Crystal Cave, one of the largest geodes in the world, and Perry’s Cave, a limestone cavern discovered in 1813. Families may also visit the Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, at 352 feet, one of the tallest monuments in the USA.

Viewable from South Bass is Kelleys Island, another fun destination in Lake Erie. The island offers historic homes, bed & breakfasts, and a State Park where you can camp, sunbathe, swim, or rent kayaks. Next to the beach is the Glacial Grooves, a natural phenomenon created when a massive glacier moved through the area millions of years ago, forming the Great Lakes.

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July 12th, 2023

SFC Brandon Green Delivers First Shot at Camp Perry Matches

SFC brandon green usamu camp perry first shot 2023 national matches

SFC Brandon Green Fires 2023 First Shot at Camp Perry Matches
The First Shot Ceremony for the 2023 Camp Perry National Matches took place July 10, 2023. The star of the show was Sergeant First Class (SFC) Brandon Green of the USAMU, one of the greatest marksmen in American history. Brandon delivered a speech and kicked off the competition with the First Shot (see above), taken with a famed Winchester Model 70 used by Gary Anderson 51 years ago.

SFC Green is truly one of the greatest shooters on the planet. His record in major competitions is truly remarkable. Green has won three NRA National High Power Championships, and in winning the 2022 NRA Long Range Championship, Brandon became the first person in history to win all four individual matches in the series: the Wimbledon Cup, the Mustin Trophy, the Leech Cup, and the Remington Band of Brothers Trophy. Green, from Box Springs, Georgia, is the first shooter to accomplish this feat in the history of the National Trophies, spanning more than a century of championship rifle competition. In addition, Green has won the Interservice Long Range championships five times and the Interservice Individual Championship four times.

SFC Brandon Green Fires Cannon at Conclusion of First Shot Ceremony
SFC brandon green usamu camp perry first shot 2023 national matches

CLICK HERE for gallery of photos from 2023 First Shot Ceremony at Camp Perry.

Green has had a stellar marksmanship career. First Shot Ceremony Emcee and CMP Programs Chief, Christie Sewell noted: “His historic 2018 shooting season finished with Brandon earning four individual national records, capturing his first President’s 100 Match win in dramatic fashion. He set a new national record – a perfect score of 400, with a 20 ‘X’ count. That year he also won his third National Trophy Individual championship and third Mountain Man Trophy, setting a new national record.”

Green Fires First Shot with Gary Anderson’s Famed Winchester Model 70
SFC brandon green usamu camp perry first shot 2023 national matches

Green was given the opportunity to choose his gun for the ceremonial first shot, so he chose the bolt-action Winchester Model 70 that Director Emeritus of Civilian Marksmanship, Gary Anderson, used in 1972 to set the only perfect 200-yard standing slow-fire score at the National Matches. “To shoot it was absolutely a huge honor,” Green said. “I was shooting a piece of history.”

The gun’s story begins long before that historic shot. “This gun plays a special role in the history of marksmanship,” said Anderson. “It started as my dad’s rifle and was converted to a match rifle. In 2019, I used it to shoot the first shot, so it’s been here at the First Shot Ceremony a couple times.”

Brandon Green Joins Rimfire Match before First Shot Ceremony
Green, a 20-year member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship unit, arrived at Camp Perry a few days ahead of the rest of his USAMU teammates. SFC Green wanted a few days, he said, to collect his thoughts and prepare the First Shot Ceremony speech he would deliver to the hundreds of people attending the event. But he got sidetracked. As he walked across the Petrarca Range parking lot, he stopped to watch men and women compete in the Smallbore Prone Iron Sight Championship and to talk to CMP Smallbore Program Manager Brad Donoho.

“I told Brad it looked fun and said I’ll have to find a rifle,” Green said. “Brad said I’ve got a guy who has an extra rifle. I borrowed a gun and borrowed ammo and had a lot of fun.”

Members of Congress and CMP Chairman/CEO Attend First Shot Ceremony
The July 10 First Shot ceremony was attended by hundreds of marksmen, National Matches competitors, and dignitaries in the legislative, marksmanship, and military worlds. Guest speakers were Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (Ohio); Congressman Bob Latta (Ohio); Major General John C. Harris Jr.; and Gerald O’Keefe, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Civilian Marksmanship Program. O’Keefe talked about the impact the National Matches’ long history has made on marksmanship, and he said the CMP is committed to carrying that impact into the future.

SFC brandon green usamu camp perry first shot 2023 national matches

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