The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Western Games and Highpower Matches will be held March 10-19, 2023 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Arizona. The Western CMP Games and CMP Highpower Matches present a mix of marksmanship opportunities. CMP Games events like the Garand, Springfield, Vintage Military, Modern Military, Rimfire Sporter, Carbine and Vintage Sniper will again fill the rifle competition schedule, while those wanting more educational experiences may sign up for the Pistol or Rifle Basic courses, which teach firearm fundamentals in a one-on-one classroom setting.
Registration is now open! More information about the Western CMP Games and registration forms can be found on the CMP website at CMP Western Games Webpage.
RETURNING EVENTS: The Western CMP Games include the Garand, Springfield, Vintage Military, Modern Military, Rimfire Sporter, M1 Carbine, and Vintage Sniper Match. There will also be a Rifle Marksmanship 101 with M16 EIC Match. Other clinics include the GSM New Shooter Clinic and the M1 Maintenance Clinic.
Another add-on to the Western Games schedule for 2023 is a 3×600 Rifle Match. This competition includes sighting shots, followed by three 20-shot strings for record in slow-fire prone from 600 yards. Competitors may use Match Rifle, Service Rifle, F-Open, F T/R or AR Tactical Rifles during the 3×600 event.
Pistol Bundle for Multiple Handgun Matches
A series of pistol opportunities like the Pistol 2700, .22 Rimfire Pistol, EIC Pistol, 1911 and Military & Police Service Pistol events will also resume for the second year. New for 2023, the CMP has added a Service Revolver EIC Match to the schedule.
Competitors firing in all five individual pistol matches (.22 Rimfire EIC Pistol, EIC Service Pistol, EIC Service Revolver, 1911 As-Issued Pistol and Military & Police Pistol) will be able to register for the Individual Pistol Match Bundle for a discounted price! Slightly augmented entry fees over all Western Games events for 2023 makes the Bundle even more appealing.
Highpower Aggregate Competitions and Team Matches
Outside of the Games schedule, the CMP Highpower Matches include three days of 800 Aggregate competitions with additional recognitions given for the culminating 2400 Aggregate event. The Highpower events also include 4-Man Team and Service Rifle EIC matches that create even more exciting possibilities on the firing line.
CMP Advanced Highpower Clinic
Additionally, a CMP Advanced HP Clinic (featuring live fire training and practice), will be conducted by CMP Instructors. The clinic offers lectures and demonstrations by some of the world’s leading civilian Highpower service rifle competitors. Those signed up for the course will need to bring their own shooting equipment, rifle and ammunition to participate.
To further ensure a safe environment for all competitors and spectators, trained CMP staff members will be present at every match. Both youth and adults are welcome, so join in on all the competition, new experiences and fun!
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Readers often ask us: “Is there an inexpensive way I can get started in position shooting?” The answer is “yes” — across the country CMP-affiliated clubs host Rimfire Sporter matches. You can use a wide variety of .22 LR rimfire rifles — manual actions (such as a Winchester model 52) or semi-automatics (such as a Ruger 10/22). There are prone, sitting/kneeling, and standing stages. CMP rules provide separate classifications for scoped rifles, open-sighted rifles, and aperture-sighted rifles. The matches are fun, the ammo is inexpensive, and everyone has a good time while improving their marksmanship.
Rimfire Sporter Match Basics
The CMP Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match is an inexpensive, fun-oriented competition using .22 caliber sporter rifles (plinking and small game rifles) commonly owned by most gun enthusiasts. To compete, all you need is a basic rifle, safety gear, and ammunition. No fancy, high-dollar rifles are required.
The event is shot with standard sporter-type, rimfire rifles weighing no more than 7.5 pounds, with sights and sling. Rifles may be manually-operated or semi-automatic. Rifles may be manually operated or semi-automatic, with three classes.
The three classes of competition are: 1) standard “O Class” for open-sighted rifles; 2) “T-Class” for telescope-sighted and rear aperture-sighted rifles; and 3) “Tactical Rimfire” class, which is a .22 caliber A4 or AR15 style rifle.
Firing for all classes is done at 25 and 50 yards on a target with a 1.78″ ten-ring and an 18″ outer one-ring. Even new shooters can get hits on this target, but it’s still challenging.
Rimfire Sporter Excellence
Above, young Samuel Payne won the inaugural Talladega 600 Rimfire Sporter event. In 2015, Payne became the first-ever Rimfire Sporter competitor to fire a perfect 600 x 600 score (600-50X) in a CMP-sponsored competition. Payne shot the perfect score at the CMP Eastern Games at Camp Butner, NC.
Rimfire Sporter Competition is fun for all ages — including senior shooters.
Rimfire Sporter Course of Fire
In a CMP Rimfire Sporter match, competitors will 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.
The CMP has adaptive Rimfire Sporter programs for shooters with physical impairments.
Rimfire Sporter Local Matches with Modified Rules
One great thing about the rimfire shooting discipline is that you can start with a very inexpensive rifle and still be competitive and have fun. The matches involve multiple stages including standing, kneeling/sitting, and prone. There are classes for both scoped rifles and iron-sights rifles.
Our friend Dennis Santiago helps run CMP Rimfire Sporter Matches in Southern California. Dennis observes: “You want something challenging? Well that X-Ring 50 yards away is the diameter of a 50 cent piece, and there are people out there that can womp that thing with iron sights.”
Dennis notes: “There are six (6) stages of fire on a tough little target. Notice the rifles that can be used run the gamut from pump and bolt actions to variations on the semi-auto theme. All still require a good eye and a steady hold to earn one’s bragging rights for the day. A match takes about an hour and a half per relay. The slowest part of the match is initial sighting in. It’ll take longer than the allocated 5 minutes for the typical first timer coming to a club match.”
At Dennis’s Burbank Rifle & Revolver Club (BRRC), procedures are modified a little bit: “What we typically do at BRRC is run two relays. Experienced competitors shoot per the full rulebook. New shooters are afforded a bit more relaxed environment to make the experience more fun and inviting. We do the same thing in our M-1 Garand Clinic/Match series.”
Official CMP Guide to Rimfire Sporter Competition
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has a CMP Guide to Rimfire Sporter Shooting. This FREE, 50-page digital publication covers equipment, positions, course of fire, rules, scoring and much more. You’ll find helpful “how-to” sections on aiming, sight picture, hold control, and trigger control. Reading these instructional sections can benefit any prone or three-position competitive shooter.
Rimfire Sporter competitors should read Gary Anderson’s Rimfire Sporter Guide Part II. This well-illustrated, 8-page, 2014 publication covers shooting positions, sling use, sight picture, trigger technique and more.
Highlights from the 2016 National Rimfire Sporter Match at Camp Perry:
* Shooting Sports USA notes: “Samuel Payne had an unforgettable 2015. At just 16, he dominated the Rimfire Sporter events at the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Eastern Games, National Matches, Western Games and the Talladega 600, while also setting two new National Records during the year. Sam’s photo also graced the cover of the 10th Edition of the CMP Guide to Rimfire Sporter Shooting — and rightfully so. He proved his undeniable talent at every event he entered, not only winning the matches, but also setting the bar high for competitors in the future.”
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Article based on report by Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
Harry Gaunt turned 91 on October 2, 2022. This year Harry decided to spend his latest birthday along the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio. Harry visited the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Headquarters at the Camp Perry National Guard Facility in Ohio, and, on his 91st birthday, shot at Camp Perry’s Petrarca Range.
Harry had never been to Camp Perry before but had heard about it from CMP publications and other marksmanship organizations. It became a destination during a family road trip when his daughter, Stephanie Vanderwilt, and her husband Stewart drove from their Colorado home to pick up Harry at his home in Indianapolis. The trio then made the trek to Camp Perry. “We stayed in a townhouse on base, and it was perfect,” Stephanie said. “We plan to come back!”
During the trip, Harry, Stephanie, and Stewart fired their M1 Garands on the Petrarca Range at Camp Perry. This features a modern outdoor electronic target line. While at Camp Perry, Harry also browsed the assorted merchandise at the CMP North Store.
Petrarca Range is home to 10 electronic rifle targets, enhanced by Kongsberg Target System (KTS) technology and set up at 100 yards. The targets work through the power of acoustics — “hearing” the shot and accurately determining its location. The range also holds five cardboard pistol targets capable of being set up at 50 feet or 25/50 yards. The range is open to the public every Monday through November 14, when it closes for the season. It will return to a regular schedule in the spring.
Born in a small town called Dunkirk, Indiana, in 1931, Harry always loved guns. His grandfather taught him how to use a firearm when he was eight years old using a .22, and he grew up shooting with his dad, Ralph. Harry eventually gifted the original .22 rifle he used with his grandfather to his own grandson, Alex, who became a Cavalry Scout 19 Delta after he was inspired by Harry’s service and the tragedy of 9/11.
Harry joined the Marines in 1951, during the Korean War, and was deployed three times. He wanted to be a Scout Sniper and could have qualified but was assigned to computers instead. Though he was placed in a technological specialty, he has personally never owned a computer! After his career in the Marines, the jeweler and watchmaker (trained by his father who was also a jeweler) started his own line of successful stores around 1956, designing his own custom pieces.
Previous Visit to Talladega in 2020 Harry Gaunt also visited the Talladega Marksmanship Park in September 2020.
In September 2020, Harry, daughter Stephanie, and her husband Stewart headed south to the CMP’s Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. There the trio shot long distance on Talladega’s 600-yard range. And during that trip Harry bought his own M1 at Talladega’s Pro Shop. He used that M1 rifle on his 2022 trip to Ohio.
Now “91 Years Young”, Harry Enjoys Shooting Every Sunday
At age 85, Harry retired. He now spends his days enjoying his favorite hobbies, like going to Camp Atterbury in Indiana every Sunday to shoot on the 100-yard range. He mostly uses rifles and .45s, though he’s been known to shoot a Thompson machine gun as well. No matter how he fills him time, he’ll remain, as Stephanie refers to him, “91 years young” – full of spunk, a little quirkiness and a zest for life.
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Rainy September Days in Vermont
The Civilian Marksmanship Program’s New England Games Matches, held September 18-25, 2022, at the Camp Ethan Allen National Guard Training Site in Vermont, can be described in one word: WET.
Though suffering one of the toughest weather weeks in the event’s history through cold temperatures and steady rainfall, Pistol and Rifle competitors still managed to give outstanding performances on the firing line, with some new record scores being set.
The New England Games event features CMP’s full lineup of vintage and modern military rifle and pistol competitions. These matches are suitable for those just beginning in the sport of marksmanship while offering significant challenges for more experienced marksmen and markswomen.
Notable 2022 New England Games Results and New Records
In CMP Games rifle events, Brian Williams, 48, who is a current New England Games record holder in several events, set yet another record with a 383-6X in the Carbine Match. This topped the previous score he had set himself in 2016. Williams was also only two points away from setting a new record in the Modern Military event — he holds the current record in the match from his 2018 performance.
Maisey Loucks, 28, showed great talent in the Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match, finishing with 579-26X, just three points from the current TU class record. Earlier this year, at the Camp Perry National Matches in July, Maisey earned the High Woman title in the National Carbine Match, setting a record in the process.
Reaching a new New England Games record in the Vintage Sniper Match was Hard Leg #2 (James Horton, Jack Chomko), who beat the previous record set in 2018 by one x-shot, with a score of 397-16X.
Setting a New England Games record in the Vintage Sniper Match was team Hard Leg #2 (James Horton, Jack Chomko), who beat the previous record set in 2018 by one X, with a score of 397-16X.
Bettering a record in the EIC Match by X-Count was SSG Verne Conant, 26, who accumulated a score of 497-26X in his impressive win. Top competitors of the match earned EIC (Excellence-In-Competition) points toward a Distinguished Badge, including two junior athletes: Jack Marshall, 20, and Shannon Moriarty, 14. Marshall finished the match fourth overall while Shannon Moriarty took fifth.
Outside of the recreational Games Matches, the CMP hosted a series of High Power matches that included a team event, three days of 800 Aggregate shooting, and a culminating 2400 Aggregate. Individuals were recognized for their Service or Match Rifle use, scores at each position and Civilian or Military status.
Along with the matches, a Rifle Marksmanship 101 clinic was held at Camp Ethan Allen.
Want to learn the basics of position shooting? Then you should check out an article by Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus, in On the Mark digital magazine (Summer 2014, pp. 6-13). This article covers all the key elements: body position (prone, sitting, standing), sling use/adjustment, sight picture, aiming process, and trigger control. While this 8-page article was specifically written for Rimfire Sporter shooters, the techniques described by Anderson apply to all types of position shooting, whether you shoot air rifles, smallbore rifles, or centerfire rifles.
Here’s what Anderson says about aiming — how to keep your sights steady and get them centered on the middle of the target:
Trigger Contact and Center As soon as aiming at the target begins, the index finger must move from the trigger-guard to contact the trigger. It is important to get initial pressure on the trigger as soon as aiming begins. Then the shooter must focus on the sight picture and centering the sight picture movements over the aiming point. No one, not even champion shooters, can hold the aligned sights perfectly still. The sights are going to move a little bit or a lot, depending on the shooter’s skill level. The secret is to center those sight picture movements over the aiming point on the target (see trace illustration) before pulling the trigger.
When the sight picture movements on the target are centered, the last step in firing the shot is to add… smooth pressure on the trigger until the shot breaks.
Anderson also discusses the 5 Basics of Shot Technique:
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Late last week, the CMP announced that it has cancelled the 2022 Oklahoma CMP Games and Highpower Rifle & Pistol Matches slated for October 16-23, 2022. We were informed that there were less than 50 competitor registrations, so the CMP decided to cancel the event. All those who have registered and paid match fees will receive a full refund. Here is the statement from the CMP:
OKLAHOMA CMP GAMES & CMP HP RIFLE MATCHES
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
OCTOBER 16-23, 2022 – CANCELLED
Dear CMP Oklahoma Games Competitors,
Although we were hopeful for yet another return to the Oklahoma City Gun Club for the 2022 CMP Oklahoma Games, we have made the difficult decision to announce the cancellation of the event. We are certain there are many reasons that play into participants’ decisions not to participate this year. With a participant count that is less than half of the minimum we’d require to make the trip, it’s simply not financially or practically viable to conduct the event.
If you have already registered and paid for your match events, you will receive a full refund. The CMP sincerely thanks all who have participated in past CMP Oklahoma Games, and we hope to serve your marksmanship needs in some way in the future.
Sincerely,
Christie Sewell, CMP Programs Chief
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The Civilian Marksmanship Program will have a huge new training and shooting facility thanks to Larry and Brenda Potterfield, the founders of MidwayUSA. The CMP announced that it received a massive gift from the Potterfields — a 76,800-square-foot facility along with more than five acres of land in Columbia, Missouri. Conversion/renovation of the facility to a competition center is expected to begin in early 2023.
The 76,800-square-foot MidwayUSA warehouse will be transformed into a Competition Center focused on indoor smallbore rifle and air rifle. The facility will be equipped with 100 air rifle targets and 50 smallbore targets. Programs will include coach training, monthly matches, summer camps, outreach camps, and more. Notably, on-site cameras and monitors will provide live-action viewing for up to 1,000 spectators. The Center will be open to the public year-round for shooting and training.
“On behalf of CMP, I want to thank the Potterfield family for this generous gift,” said Judy Legerski, outgoing Chairman of the CMP Board of Directors. “The timing couldn’t be better. August is National Shooting Sports month, and we look forward to developing this Competition Center to continue our support of youth shooting sports. For generations, this Competition Center will have tremendous impact on youth, families and the community. We look forward to partnering with the Potterfields in creating a site that meet the needs of both beginning marksmen and competitive shooters[.]”
When conversion of the donated warehouse is complete, the new CMP Missouri competition center will have 100 rifle target stations, with a firing hall similar to the 80-position CMP South Competition Center.
“We are fortunate and pleased to donate this building to the Civilian Marksmanship Program, an organization who shares our vision for youth shooting sports,” said Larry Potterfield, MidwayUSA Founder and Executive Chair of Board of Directors. “We’re confident the CMP will utilize the facility to develop new and existing competitive shooters and continue to add value to our local community.”
About the Civilian Marksmanship Program
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to responsible use of firearms and air guns through gun safety training, marksmanship training, and competitions. The CMP’s key mission is promoting marksmanship training and competition for citizens of the United States. For more information, visit TheCMP.org.
About Larry and Brenda Potterfield and MidwayUSA
Both country kids from Missouri, Larry and Brenda Potterfield turned their passion for shooting sports into a career by opening a small gun shop in 1977 that would eventually become MidwayUSA. They instilled family values like honesty, integrity, and respect for others into the business, and strive to maintain this culture with each new employee.
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CMP Records 580+ Entries During 2022 National Air Gun Events at Camp Perry
The 2022 National Air Gun events, held this summer as part of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s National Matches, welcomed over 580 air rifle and air pistol entries throughout July and August. The events were held at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry, Ohio.
This modern Gary Anderson Competition Center boasts a long row of indoor electronic targets, which can provide multiple target distances from fixed firing points.
Story based on Report by Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
The 2022 CMP National Air Gun events hosted both seasoned competitors and novice shooters. New to the schedule in 2022 was the 100 Shot Challenge, which consisted of 100 record shots. Winning the Air Pistol competition was Daniel Miller, of Mineola, Texas, with a score of 912-7X.
An AiR-15 Challenge Match was also on the schedule, featuring air guns that resemble AR-15 rifles and a simulated 100-yard target. Leading the event for the second consecutive year was SFC Brandon Green who finished with an impressive score of 396-19X. One of the nation’s greatest marksmen, the USAMU’s Brandon Green has won multiple High Power Rifle National Championships.
The CMP’s Bench League allows participants of any age to compete in a national-level event, even if he or she has never competed before. During the League, competitors fire air sporter, precision or AiR-15 rifles off a bench with sandbag support. Claiming the overall win in the 60 Shot Bench Air Rifle Match was Philip Edwards, of Marblehead, Ohio, with a score of 632.3.
A Center Shot contest, where participants who fire closest to target center have the chance to win money, also challenged air gun competitors in rifle and pistol categories. Leading the Rifle Center Shot contest was Scott Braun of Belvidere, Illinois, who fired the only 10.9 shot.
For a complete list of results of the 2022 National Matches Air Gun Events, visit the CMP’s Air Events Competition Tracker page. The National Match Air Gun Events will return next Summer for the 2023 CMP National Matches at Camp Perry.
Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry.
About the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center
The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center in Ohio, is open to the public, year-round. This modern facility features an 80-point range equipped with the CMP’s own electronic targets. The facility also includes a retail center for equipment and memorabilia sales.
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Jeff Hansen of Utah now holds Distinguished Rifleman Badge #2561. Jeff’s journey to Distinguished status began with a box filled with his grandfather’s old shooting medals, which led him to the Camp Perry National Matches in Ohio.
Though he had no intention of shooting competitively, only arriving to see the ghosts of his grandfather and uncles, he was so moved by the ambiance of Perry that he began his own marksmanship career — eventually leading him to a prestigious Distinguished Badge.
At the 2022 National Matches, Jeff fired his best scores yet. In the National Trophy Individual (NTI) Match, he reached an overall score of 487-9X for 52nd overall out of nearly 790 competitors. And at the 600-yard line he shot an outstanding 199-5X out of a 200 possible.
“He was on the range with me shooting that 199″, Jeff said of his grandfather. “I felt like he was right there when I finished up. I just hope other people see this and see what I’ve tried to do – if I can do this, they can do this”, he said. “Chase that dream”.
Left to Right: Alvin Hansen, Ray Hansen, and Jeff’s Grandfather Lou Hansen at Camp Perry.
Inspired by My Grandfather to Become a Distinguished Marksman
Jeff Hansen earned his Distinguished Rifleman Badge in 2022 – a journey which began with his Grandpa’s own marksmanship tales from the 1920s and 1930s.
As early as I can remember, my grandfather, Lou, was a huge influence in my life. He was a great marksman. My dad, Ed Hansen, would tell me about the hunting trips they would go on and how Grandpa would make incredibly long shots to get an amazing bull elk or mule deer, only taking one shot to do so. He was always taking me hunting and fishing and shooting – lots of sleepovers where I didn’t actually sleep much, if any, because I would be so excited for the adventures that were going to happen with him the next day.
Whether it was hunting ducks, pheasants, chukars or just shooting, it didn’t matter. It was always an awesome experience with him. Life was great. Then, we got some tough news – my grandfather had leukemia. He fought a courageous battle with it for a couple of years, then in 1978, when I was 8, he passed away. Needless to say, I was devastated.
Inspired by Grandfather’s Shooting Medals
Not too long after he passed away, my dad brought home a box from Grandpa’s. It was full of medals. He carefully removed them and told me they were from when my grandfather competed in rifle matches with his brothers (Alvin Hansen, a U.S. Army veteran of World War I in France, Ray Hansen, and Oscar Hansen) at Camp Perry, Ohio, in the late 1920s to 1937.
Shooting medals from 1920s and 1930s with picture of Lou Hansen and his brothers.
My Grandpa was really humble – never said much about his trips to Camp Perry or his accomplishments there. Seeing the contents of the box, my grandfather became an even bigger hero to me. The medals he earned that impressed me the most were the three President’s Hundred brassards from 1935, 1936 and 1937 – along with many others.
I grew up looking at those medals thinking I wish I could do that maybe, someday. My life moved forward. My dad, a U.S Air Force veteran, and I both loved hunting, fishing, and shooting and still went as often as we could. Later, I got married and now have three daughters and one son. As my family grew up, we also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and shooting together.
Then, life threw some blows. My dad passed away suddenly in November 2014, and my mom fought a fierce battle with cancer for a few years before passing away in March 2018. Not long after she passed away, I found myself hanging [my grandpa’s] medals on the wall in my own home. Seeing them there got me thinking about how awesome it would be to go to Ohio and watch the President’s Match – not shoot, just watch.
In July 2018, I went. I’ve got to admit there were a few tears in my eyes driving between the two iconic lighthouses at the entrance to Camp Perry. I loved it.
The year I came happened to be the year SFC Brandon Green of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit cleaned the President’s Match — a record that still holds today. I got to talking to one of the Army Reserve team guys, asking him questions about competing, and he couldn’t believe I was there just to watch. I showed him some pictures of my grandfather’s medals, scorebook, and of Camp Perry in the 1930s. Matt Goad and Jon Arcularius of the Army Reserve team came over to look at them.
They said, “Hey, you can’t come all the way out here with a family history like that and not shoot here!”
They offered to sign me up for the NTI match the following day and even said they would get a rifle, ammo, and anything else I would need. That was so awesome, but I couldn’t make it work – I was flying back home the next day. Although I didn’t shoot, they did get me all the information I needed to get started.
I loved every minute of my first Camp Perry trip. It was because of the people there, showing me such kindness and taking me under their wings, that I thought, “I’ve shot all my life and hunted, and I’ve always liked marksmanship. This is something I can do.”
When I got home, I ordered a White Oak upper and started changing parts on my AR-15 to make it ready for matches. I was ready in the spring of 2019 and started shooting mostly small matches.
Grandpa Lou was humble and never talked about his achievements at Camp Perry.
At first, all I wanted to do with my rifling career was get a President’s Medal — following in my Grandpa’s footsteps. I didn’t know what “going Distinguished” was all about. I got a Silver Achievement Medal in the first match I went to, then started to go to more matches. Through that, I caught wind that winning President’s is one thing, but you’ll get to President’s if you excel your skills and go Distinguished. So, that became the new goal.
By summer, I was traveling to EIC matches and earned my first points at Nampa, Idaho, on July 21, 2019. After that, it was time to head back to Perry for the President’s and the NTI.
I didn’t do as well as I wanted, but it was an amazing experience to be competing where my grandfather had. I struggled the rest of the year and didn’t earn any more points until 2020. It was tough trying to find matches during COVID, but I ended up earning 12 more points by the end of the year. I missed a hard leg at Twentynine Palms, California, by X-Count, and things got tough after that.
I figured I needed to step up the way I was practicing, so I got a Shot Marker electronic target system and some wind flags so I could practice full distance. I’m very lucky that I can practice 30 minutes from home any time I want on public land.
At the 2022 National Matches, Jeff fired a superb 199-5X at the 600-yard line.
Starting in the first part of December, I had some extremely hard things going on in my personal life, and I didn’t feel like practicing. I didn’t even pick up my rifle for two months. I missed the first EIC in Phoenix in January, and before I knew it, February was half gone. Then, one of my friends talked me into going to the Western CMP Games in Phoenix in March.
Practice was tough, and sometimes I wondered why I was even trying. Tons of things were going wrong, and I was about DONE. I wanted to quit, many times. [But then] Western Games was fun, and I did well, but gained no points.
Navy Matches were coming around at the end of April, so I practiced as much as I could and made the trip. With several friends going, it would be great getting together after the matches and have a good time. I shot well the first day as well as on that Saturday. I even shot my personal best National Match Course score. Then Sunday, May 1, was the real test – the EIC match.
I struggled in standing and dropped a few more points than usual. Sitting was the same – rapid prone was good. Slow prone went well. The wind had some fairly big changes, but I worked through it and ended up with 477-11X. I figured there’s no way I’m making the cut for a hard leg this time and headed to the pits to finish out the match. We finished and waited for the results.
When the results were posted, I couldn’t believe it – I FINALLY GOT THAT HARD LEG! I did it. On top of earning my goal at last, it’s awesome to have my friend Jeff Lovat (#2383) be the one to present me with my Distinguished pin. (That President’s Hundred medal is still out there – maybe next year!)
The Honor of Earning the Distinguished Marksman Badge
Though I certainly enjoy earning my Distinguished Badge, the greatest thing I have gained from accomplishing this is without a doubt all the friends and people I have gotten to know along the way. To all my shooting friends, thanks for not letting me quit – part of this accomplishment is yours too.
To all of you that are working toward that goal, don’t ever quit. Keep practicing, and your day will come. Never quit until you reach your goals.
No matter what, I do know one thing. When I walk that stage at Perry at the 2022 National Matches and get my Distinguished Badge officially presented to me — well my father, my grandfather and his brothers will be walking it with me.
About the Distinguished Badge Program
To earn a Distinguished Badge, a competitor must earn 30 Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) points or more in a qualifying competition. Individuals earn the 6, 8 or 10 “leg” points based on score and a percentage of match participation, with at least one “hard” leg, worth 8 or 10 points. Currently, the CMP administers Distinguished Badges for:
Service Rifle
Service Pistol
.22 Rimfire Pistol
Junior Air Rifle
Smallbore Rifle
International Shooter
Distinguished Marksman Badge
Distinguished Air Rifle and Air Pistol
Distinguished Service Revolver Badge
CMP Guide to Target Shooting with Vintage Military Rifles
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released VMR: Target Shooting With Vintage Military Rifles, a detailed book by Gary Anderson, Director of Civilian Marksmanship Emeritus. Gary himself was a world-class marksman who earned two Olympic Gold medals in rifle shooting.
The CMP says this 284-page illustrated book is “likely the most comprehensive manuscript ever written about the methods of training and competing with popular American and foreign vintage military rifles.” Fans of vintage military rifles will likely find this 18-chapter book “to be the most complete coverage of the topic, from a competitor’s and historian’s point of view”, said Christie Sewell, CMP Programs Chief.
Anderson definitely has the credentials — he won Olympic Gold Medals in Tokyo and Mexico City in the 1960s. Gary also set multiple U.S. and international records. The originator of the CMP’s competitive vintage rifle program, Anderson set out to present a detailed manual covering all aspects of shooting vintage military rifles. The book covers 1903 Springfield, U.S. Krag, 1917 U.S. Enfield, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine and many more, including rifles from “across the pond.”
Target Shooting With Vintage Military Rifles Topics:
Origins and Fundamentals of Marksmanship
Operation, Cleaning, Loading & Unloading
Sight Adjustment, Zeroing & Fine Tuning
Highpower Rifle Match Procedures
Firing Rifles in Competition
Prone, Sitting and Standing Position Building
Using a Scorebook/Databook
Strategies for Improvement
Critical Value of the Sling
Rifle and Range Safety
Purchase Online at CMP E-Store
This new Gary Anderson book is sold through the CMP E-Store for $29.95. You can also print out and submit the CMP Publications order form (order item NLU # 792, $29.95). The CMP stores in Alabama and Ohio will also carry the new Gary Anderson book.
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Tomorrow is July 4th, our nation’s birthday. To mark this important day in American history, we are featuring a great American military rifle, the M1 Garand, a rifle General George S. Patton called: “the greatest battle implement ever devised”. We think every serious vintage rifle collector should acquire an M1 Garand at some point.
The CMP has, in the past couple of years, received over 90,000 Garands from overseas arsenals, so there are plenty to be had currently. This article explains how to order an M1 Garand from the CMP, and how to select the right grade for your needs and budget.
How to Order an M1 Garand from the CMP
To purchase an M1 Garand through the CMP, you must be an adult U.S. Citizen, and a member of an affiliated organization who has participated in a “Marksmanship Activity”. This basically means you need to join a gun club and participate in a clinic or match. Proof of club membership and citizenship is mandatory for all ages. However, the marksmanship requirement is waived for those over 60 years of age. Garands must be ordered by mail or through official CMP Auctions. CLICK HERE to Start Order.
Here are two videos that explain the procedure for ordering an M1 Garand from the CMP. Along with mail-order sales, the CMP has brick-and-mortar stores where M1 Garands can be inspected and purchased and then transferred via your FFL (in compliance with state law). The three CMP stores are located in Anniston, Alabama; Talladega, Alabama; and Port Clinton (Camp Perry), Ohio.
M1 Garand Barreled Actions and Aftermarket Barrels
Along with complete M1 Garand rifles, the CMP also offers barreled actions. This can save you money, and also makes sense if you are looking to create a rifle with high-grade wood, or you want to bed the action for improved accuracy. You can order an M1 Garand barreled action, as well as complete M1 Garand rifles, from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The eligibility requirements and ordering process will be the same for a barreled action as for a complete rifle.
If you already have an M1 Garand, but need a new barrel, you can order a pre-chambered Criterion barrel in .30-06 Springfield. Criterion tell us: “This is a direct replacement barrel for the M1 Garand rifle, manufactured to Mil-spec print #6535448. It has the original G.I. contour and Parkerized finish. Receiver threads are timed, all milling cuts are made, and all M1 Garand barrels are hand-lapped.” NOTE: Each barrel is .010 short-chambered and should be headspaced by a qualified gunsmith. These Criterion .30-06 replacement barrels, priced at $295.00, are legal for use in Service Rifle and John C. Garand matches.
How to Maintain the M1 Garand Rifle
Once you have an M1 Garand in your collection, you’ll want to keep it in tip-top condition so it works flawlessly for vintage military matches and fun shooting. Below we’ve linked two good SSUSA articles on M1 Garand maintenance. Following that you’ll find two excellent videos covering M1 Garand Disassembly, Cleaning, and Lubrication. Finally there are links to recommended print manuals for the M1 Garand.
M1 Service and Maintenance Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) published an excellent article on Service and Maintenance of M1 Garand Rifles. This offers some smart tricks, such as using smoke from burning masking tape to darken the front sight post. There is also an older SSUSA article that covers basic cleaning and servicing and also explains how to upgrade the performance of your Garands. READ Article HERE.
As a resource for Garand owners, SSUSA recommends GarandGear.com: “[At] Garand Gear you’ll find USGI spec parts, tools, gauges, clips and a few Garand accessories. They also have some interesting freebies, most notably a direct analysis of M1 gas port pressures produced by different brands of commercial .30-06 ammunition, showing which ones exceed M2 Ball pressure, as well as the pressures produced by ammo manufactured specifically for the M1 Garand, such as Hornady’s M1 Garand Match and Federal’s American Eagle M1 Garand. Here you’ll also find free, downloadable and printable PDF copies of War Department M1 Garand maintenance manuals TM9-1275 and TM9-1005.”
M1 Garand Disassembly, Cleaning, and Lubrication
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After the Opening Ceremony, the 2022 National Matches at Camp Perry officially commence on July 12th with the handgun Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) followed by M9 Pistol Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) pistol matches. The SAFS will be led by USAMU, Military Team, and CMP instructors. Following classroom instruction and practice on the range, SAFS participants will fire an M9 EIC Match with the goal of earning points towards the prestigious Distinguished Badge.
On July 13th, the .22 Rimfire 900 Aggregate, Team Matches, and Rimfire EIC matches will be held. In the past, these matches have been hugely popular — with 480+ Rimfire competitors from novices to experts.
Following the rimfire pistol matches, there will be centerfire Pistol Aggregate and Team Matches on July 14, followed by .45 Pistol Aggregate and Team matches the July 15. Then, on Saturday the 16th, the big President’s 100 Pistol Match, National Trophy Individual Match, National Trophy Pistol Team Matches, and GSSF Glock National Challenge will be held. There will be plenty of talent on the firing line. In recent years, over 90% of the top 50 Service Pistol shooters were Distinguished. The last pistol matches run on Sunday the 17th, with Pistol Games Awards at the end of the day.
How’d you like a memorable shooting experience at America’s most famous shooting range? Then register now to compete at the CMP National Matches, held at Camp Perry, on the shores of Lake Erie near Port Clinton, Ohio. Registration is still open for popular centerfire and rimfire competitions. While many of America’s best marksmen will be at Perry this summer, there are programs, such as the Rimfire Sporter series, for shooters of all experience levels. There is still time to register for pistol and rifle matches.
The CMP National Matches will run from July 10 to August 13, 2022 at Camp Perry, Ohio. This major event attracts thousands of shooters over the course of the summer. The 2022 National Matches start with pistol competition and conclude with Long Range Rifle. The Full 2022 Nat’l Matches Calendar is available online.
Held annually at Camp Perry, the CMP National Matches include the CMP National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches, the Pistol and Rifle Small Arms Firing Schools, the National Games Rifle Matches, the National Smallbore Matches, and the National Long Range Matches. These matches are conducted by a partnership of the CMP and Ohio National Guard. Since their inception, the National Matches have become a huge, national shooting sports festival with well over 4,500 annual participants. Competitors range from beginners to many of the world’s best.
Good Gear for Camp Perry Competition — High Power and Smallbore
Here are some items that can benefit High Power and Smallbore shooters at the National Matches. All these items are available from Creedmoor Sports, which also sells excellent, customizable shooting coats. Through 11:59 pm on June 20th, FREE Shipping is available for $149+ orders with code DAD22.
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In January 2022, the CMP noted that the ISSF was changing its 3×40 three-position event to a 3×20 course of fire and that three-position and air gun finals were also being changed. There has been uncertainty as to what the final version of these rules will be. Since CMP competitors need to know what the CMP rules are going to be this year, the CMP has decided to finalize its 2022 CMP Smallbore Rifle Competition Rules based on what is now known, namely that the 60-shot 3×20 course of fire is likely to stay, while ISSF rules for finals have just seen yet another change.
The updated CMP Smallbore Rifle Rules adopt the 60-shot 3×20 course of fire as the standard three-position event but leave previous finals rules in place until there is more clarity regarding whether the new 2024 Olympic finals rules can or should be adopted for CMP smallbore competitions.
The major change in this Smallbore Rules update is the recognition of the 3×20 course of fire as the standard 3-position event. All smallbore position EIC matches where competitors can earn credit points for the new Distinguished Smallbore Position Badge must be 3×20, not 3×40, events.
Smallbore position tie-breaking has also changed. Three-position ties will be broken according to the highest standing score, then the highest kneeling score. Inner tens will not be used unless two competitors are tied in all three positions. Smallbore prone competitors are NOTE affected by these latest rule changes except that new rules for conducting 40-shot prone events on electronic targets have been added.
Given the uncertainty regarding ISSF finals rules, this edition of the CMP Smallbore Rifle Rules will still include the 45-shot progressive elimination final that the ISSF previously used (Rule SB10.4) and a 24-shot prone final that was previously used by the ISSF.
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Registration is Now Open for National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio
Held annually at Camp Perry, the National Matches include the CMP National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches, the Pistol and Rifle Small Arms Firing Schools, the National Games Rifle Matches, the National Smallbore Matches, and the National Long Range Matches. These matches are conducted by a partnership of the CMP and Ohio National Guard. Registration for the 2022 National Matches opened March 1st, 2022. Click the links below to register for particular disciplines. You can register online, or with a mail-in form.
The CMP National Matches have become a huge, national shooting sports festival with well over 4,500 annual participants. Competitors range from beginners to world and Olympic champions. There are a huge variety of events — from indoor air rifle matches, to long-range high power competitions.
How to Learn More about the CMP National Matches
CMP’s National Matches are open to the public and the CMPs encourages all marksman to participate in the Historic National Matches at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio. Watch the video below or contact the CMP staff with any questions you may have. Call (419) 635-2141 or email competitions@thecmp.org. Registration opens March 1, 2022.
The National Matches offers several options suitable for junior marksmen. A variety of matches and clinics (each supervised by CMP-trained professionals and staff members) are available to young rifle, pistol and air gun shooters, with safety guidelines. 2022 Camp Perry NM programs will include:
National Air Gun Events — fired at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry, Ohio, offering a mix of simple, fixed-position matches and open opportunities to accommodate young competitors learning marksmanship fundamentals in a controlled setting.
Each event of the National Matches is open to competitors of all ages, meaning with proper training, supervision and safety, juniors will gain the chance to compete on the firing line at a national level — next to some of the best marksmen in the world.
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As soon as aiming at the target begins, the index finger must move from the trigger-guard to contact the trigger. It is important to get initial pressure on the trigger as soon as aiming begins. Then the shooter must focus on the sight picture and centering the sight picture movements over the aiming point. No one, not even champion shooters, can hold the aligned sights perfectly still. The sights are going to move a little bit or a lot, depending on the shooter’s skill level. The secret is to center those sight picture movements over the aiming point on the target (see trace illustration) before pulling the trigger.
