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June 27th, 2014
 After seven months of hard work and concentration, over 300 sporter and precision air rifle juniors are competing this week at the 2014 CMP National Three Position Air Rifle Championship. The event runs June 23 through 28 at the new Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center in Camp Perry, Ohio.
Junior marksmen participating in the CMP National Championship will also be competing in the USA Shooting National 3P Junior Olympics. Sporter competitors will fire on Tuesday, June 24, while precision competitors will follow on Friday, June 27. The National Junior Olympics will also be held in the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center.
Big money is at stake for the teams. First place teams in the sporter and precision competitions will receive $10,000 towards their team’s MidwayUSA endowment, while second and third place teams will earn $7,500 and $5,000, respectively. MidwayUSA contributed over $460,000 towards the competition.
The event is free and open to the public. The world-class Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center boasts 80 firing points with state-of-the-art electronic targets. Spectators are able to observe each competitor’s shot via large, 90-inch overhead monitors. CLICK HERE for more info on the CMP National Three Position Air Rifle Championship.
June 19th, 2014
Phase I Nearing Completion at CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park
By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
Construction continues at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park as Phase I has reached 95% completion. The first phase is expected to be complete in September 2014. Clearing of brush, trees and other natural foliage is 100% complete, with 95% of the 600,000 cubic yards of dirt moved. The only earth that remains to be moved is in the action pistol bay areas. The second phase of the project is expected to be complete in March 2015, with the range’s official opening to the public in April 2015.
Berms have taken shape as 95% of the 600,000 cubic yards of crimson Alabama dirt has been moved.
This concrete slab will be home to the CMP Clubhouse. The building will overlook the 600-yard range.
Phase II of the project is around 10% finished, with pavement down on the main entrance road and the concrete foundation for the main building complete. It may be another month before workers begin to stand steel and pour concrete slabs for the other buildings on the property. Workers are also preparing to place footings on the 600-yard range.
The 600-yard and 300-yard ranges will be equipped with state-of-the-art, all-weather electronic targets.
 Electronic Targets at Talladega
Back at CMP’s south offices, the state-of-the-art electronic targets that will be featured at the new park have been under construction. The wooden frames for the 600-yard range are already complete, while construction on the 300-yard frames will soon be underway.
The electronically-powered target lifters are being crafted in Ohio. Once completed, the frames and the lifters will be attached to rubber-faced targets that will be able to withstand all weather conditions and multiple shots. The targets resemble the electronic targets used at CMP’s air gun ranges, only on a much, much larger scale.
An aerial view shows the trees that will serve as natural dividers between each range.
The main goal of the new park will be to provide a place where beginning and experienced marksmen can practice firearm safety through clinics and courses, as well as participate in CMP Games matches. The park will also be open for year-round open public shooting. Mark Johnson, Deputy Chief Operating Officer, reports: “It’s impressive. It’s going to be a lot more impressive looking with the grass, the woods and the rolling hills. People are going to really like it.”
June 5th, 2014
Looking for an authentic M1 Garand? Well, here’s your opportunity. The CMP Stores (North and South) opened this morning with a limited stock of IHC (International Harvester) Garand Rifles. Some buyers camped out yesterday to get the “pick of the litter”. It wasn’t exactly a “feeding frenzy” but there certainly was a lot of buying activity in a short span of time. It’s nice to see these old battle rifles acquired by Americans who appreciate the legacy of the M1 Garand. The CMP noted: “We expect the next partial IHC release to be in November, 2014, but it may be sooner.”
Rifles on Display — The Calm Before the Storm
Here Come the Buyers
Doing the Paperwork
A Classic M1 Garand Is Going to a New Home
And Here is How an IHC M1 Garand Shoots, Off-Hand, Rapid-Fire:
June 4th, 2014
Report based on story by Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer/Editor
Would you like to learn AR marksmanship under the tutelage of world-class USAMU team members? Then consider attending the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Rifle Small Arms Firing School (SAFS), held Wednesday, July 16-17, during the National Rifle and Pistol Matches at historic Camp Perry. SAFS courses have been conducted at the National Matches since 1918. Hundreds of rifle participants are expected this year.
The school is structured toward teaching new shooters, so no past firearm experience is required. Intermediate shooters are also welcome to participate. Students will learn basic firing practices and competition skills. In addition to the live fire practice, students will compete in an EIC Match. All participants will be instructed by members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) and coached by Military Rifle Team Members or CMP Rifle Master Instructors.
CLICK HERE for Small Arms Firing Schools INFO | CLICK HERE for Rifle SAFS Registration.
For those already familiar with rifle shooting, an Advanced Rifle Course will also be held to provide additional class instruction and the chance to fire in a special Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) Match. Whether an experience shooter or picking up a firearm for the first time, come enjoy a day of fellowship and fun in one of America’s oldest pastimes with the security and knowledge of some of the best marksmen in the country!
May 15th, 2014
 Each summer the Civilian Marksmanship Program sponsors a popular series of Junior Air Rifle Camps and Clinics to teach intermediate and advanced marksmanship skills to junior shooters. All camps are one-week-long, three-position air rifle camps, with the exception of the Outreach Clinics and the Advanced Standing Camp.
The CMP’s summer Rifle Training Camps are filling up fast. Many camps are now posted as full, and several more will be full soon. If you want to help a Junior get involved, act soon. Interested Juniors should sign-up today for one of the remaining CMP Camps or Clinics. These are great training options for the summer. For more information, visit: http://thecmp.org/3p/camp.htm.
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Camp
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Location
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Camp Dates
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1
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Anniston, AL- CMP South
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2-6 June
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Progresso, TX (Outreach Clinic)
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2-4 June
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2
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Anniston, AL- CMP South
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9-13 June
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3
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Camp Perry, OH- CMP North
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9-13 June
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Clinic 1
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Willard, MO- Springfield Area (Outreach Clinic) **FULL**
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16-18 June
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4
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Anniston, AL- CMP South **FULL**
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16-20 June
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5
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Camp Perry, OH- CMP North **FULL**
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16-20 June
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Stand A
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30 June-2 July
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Clinic 2
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Port Orchard, WA- Seattle Area (Outreach Clinic)
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7-9 July
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Clinic 3
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Bozeman, MT (Outreach Clinic)
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7-9 July |
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Stand 1
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Phoenix, AZ- Ben Avery (Advanced Standing Camp)
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10-12 July
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6
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Anniston, AL- CMP South **FULL**
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14-18 July
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7
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Phoenix, AZ- Ben Avery **FULL**
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14-18 July
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8
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Anniston, AL- CMP South **FULL**
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21-25 July
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9
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Kerrville, TX **FULL**
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21-25 July
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10
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Anniston, AL- CMP South – **FULL**
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28 July-1 Aug
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11
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Fountain, CO **FULL**
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28 July-1 Aug
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Stand 2
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Anniston, AL- CMP South (Advanced Standing Camp)
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4-6 Aug
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May 5th, 2014
The 2014 Eastern CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup Matches are underway at Camp Butner, NC. This popular event, held May 2-11, offers a wide variety of shooting competitions, including: Rimfire Sporter Match, M16 Match, M1 Garand Match, Springfield Match, M1-Carbine Match, Vintage Military Match, Modern Military Match, Vintage Sniper Match, Pistol Matches and more. The Eastern CMP Games kicked off Friday, May 2nd. Set for the next two days are the Garand/Springfield/Vintage & Modern Military Match (two days), Carbine Match (Monday), and Vintage Sniper Team Match (Tuesday). The Creedmoor Cup Matches segment commences on May 7th with a Highpower Clinic and 4-man Team Match.
CLICK HERE for Complete CMP Eastern Game Results
CLICK HERE for Complete Creedmoor Cup Matches Results
View Eastern Games Booklet With Event Info, Match Schedule, and Rules
March 10th, 2014
At the 2013 Western CMP Games, SGT Robert Evans attained what many shooters seek their entire shooting careers — a Distinguished Rifleman’s Badge. Evans earned his DR badge with just one hand, after losing his right hand while serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army.
CLICK HERE to Read Full Story on CMP Website
Report based on story by Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer/Editor
 SGT Robert Evans: Defying the Odds, Single-Handedly
AFter joining the Army in 2003, SGT Robert Evans served two tours in Iraq, suffering a spinal injury on the first tour. On his second tour, his life changed forever. On May 31, 2007, Evans was commanding a Bradley Fighting Vehicle in Iraq. As the Bradley drove under an old Fedayeen guard shack, an IED on top of the guard shack detonated while Evans was reaching out of the turret. The blast amputated Robert’s right hand at the wrist.
Even as a young boy, Evans had always enjoyed shooting. He vowed to stay involved with the sport despite his injury: “I couldn’t give up shooting after I lost my hand. It’s always been too important to me,” he said. “No matter what is going on in my life, when the sights are aligned and the hammer is about to fall, nothing in the world matters at that second. It’s my nirvana.”
Evans worked his way back into the sport by starting in F-Class. The position allowed him to hold hard and pull the trigger, while also being able to use his optics. Then he got involved with J.J. O’Shea’s M1 for VETS Project. The project helps transition wounded combat veterans back into the world of shooting, with equipment arrangements, position training and mental preparations.
Working with the M1 for Vets group, Evans started shooting again. But there were challenges: “The first time I shot after my amputation, it was very frustrating,” he said. “I couldn’t hold still, and shooting left-handed was so foreign.” Being extremely right-eye dominant his entire life, the loss of his right hand caused him to relearn many things, including how to shoot. Learning how to reload and adjust for wind while slung up became a pain for Evans….
In 2008, after several months and rigorous hours of dry firing, Evans found himself crossing the threshold of Camp Perry — a dream he had waited to fulfill his entire life. He scored around 50 points standing, out of 100, on his first trip. Though not bad for someone with an amputation, that wasn’t enough for Evans. He wanted to become a Distinguished Rifleman.
SGT Evans during Team Match at 2013 CMP Western Games.
He began to realize his dream as he earned his first 10 points (towards Distinguished) at Camp Perry in 2012. It took him 15 months to LEG out. His next 6 points came at the 2013 Eastern Games in Camp Butner, NC, followed by 10 more points at the 2013 National Matches. There, hoping to “bronze out,” he managed to one-up himself to actually earn a silver medal.
Then came the 2013 Western Games at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, AZ. Never giving up hope and remembering his long journey from the hospital bed to the firing line, he received his final 8 points. SGT Robert Evans had become a Distinguished Rifleman.
“There was a lot of pressure, speculation and competition as to who would be the first Combat Wounded Veteran to ‘go Distinguished’ within M1 for VETS,” he said. “I’m very proud to have earned my badge, but more importantly, I hope that more wounded veterans will realize that it is within their grasp. It’s not an impossibility anymore. I hope it motivates everybody to train a little harder and hold a bit tighter – not just wounded veterans. If I can do it, anybody can.”
Posted Courtesy of the Civilian Marksmanship Program, www.TheCMP.org
Author: Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer/Editor
Commentary by German Salazar
Robert Evans’ inspirational effort is a fresh reminder of the value of marksmanship in creating a focused challenge and reward that can help our wounded warriors regain the confidence and motivation to succeed in all aspects of life.
Robert’s effort is very reminiscent of that of Karoly Takacs, a Hungarian pistol competitor who lost his right hand in a grenade accident in World War II. Determined to overcome the injury, Takacs taught himself to shoot left-handed after the war and earned gold medals in the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games. Robert brings that Old World grit and determination into the modern day and into the context of our nation’s most historic and cherished award for marksmanship. Robert’s Distinguished badge will shine brightly as a beacon to those who face challenges in their lives and can find a path to renewal in the brotherhood of marksmen. We salute him for his efforts and for the inspiration he brings to us all.
Editor’s Note: Our contributor German Salazar is a Distinguished Rifleman, Distinguished Pistol Shot, Distinguished Smallbore Rifleman (NRA) and a dedicated student of shooting history. You can find many technical and shooting history articles at his RiflemansJournal.com website.
February 19th, 2014
The 2014 National Matches Program Calendar has just been released. CLICK HERE for Calendar PDF.
The National Matches were first held in 1903, moved to Camp Perry, Ohio, in 1907 and continue to take place every summer at Camp Perry. The National Matches have become a huge, national shooting sports festival with well over 6,000 annual participants.
The National Matches include the CMP National Trophy Rifle and Pistol Matches, the Pistol and Rifle Small Arms Firing Schools, CMP Games rifle events, and the NRA National Pistol Championships, High Power Rifle Championships, Long Range High Power Championships, and Smallbore Championships. NOTE: For the next two (2) years, the Smallbore Championships will be held at the Chief Wa-Ke-De Range in Bristol, Indiana instead of Camp Perry, Ohio.
January 25th, 2014
Here’a a new twist. Earlier this month a CMP Air Rifle match, the Bass Pro 600, was held inside a shopping mall. This match featured a junior 3×20 match, as well as a 60-shot standing competition. The Tracker Boat section of the Bass Pro Shop of Leeds, Alabama was adapted to hold the CMP’s mobile range, so the young shooters could showcase their air rifle skills indoors. Some 24 electronic targets were set up in the boat garage, between permanent artificial swamp trees that decorate the area. Competitors traveled from several states to shoot in this unique indoor match, held January 4th and 5th. “The Bass Pro 600 is such a unique idea that many competitors travel to shoot in the event just for the novelty of the venue,” said James Hall, CMP program outreach supervisor.
Shoppers at the store could actually watch the young competitors in action. On Saturday, 42 junior competitors fired in a three-position match, while the store’s music played and shoppers stopped by to watch. Spectators were drawn over to the boating area, with 60-inch big-screen TVs displaying the scores in real-time.
Bass Pro patrons were also allowed to try their hand at air rifle shooting using a SCATT electronic training system, right beside competitors on the line. The photo below shows the trace captured by the SCATT machine. This tracks muzzle movement, helping shooters to steady their aim and chose the right moment to break the shot.
This is the second year the Bass Pro Shop in Leeds has opened its boating area for a CMP match. The success of these events have inspired many young shooters to attend the open range nights at the CMP Marksmanship Center in nearby Anniston, Alabama.
January 9th, 2014
Experienced rifle marksmanship instructors and shooters who would like to receive advanced training and be certified as “Master Instructors” to teach CMP-sanctioned Clinics are invited to apply to attend a CMP Master Instructor Training Workshop. Workshops are periodically held at CMP North (Camp Perry, OH) and CMP South (Anniston, AL) and in conjunction with the Eastern CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup Matches at Camp Butner, NC. CMP-sanctioned rifle clinics teach basic and intermediate rifle marksmanship skills to novice shooters. If you are interested in becoming a Master Instructor, you can apply to attend a two-day Master Instructor Training Workshop.
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Instructor Training INFO
Instructor Training Application
Clinic Dates for 2014:
February 8-9, Camp Perry, OH
March 15-16, Anniston, AL
May 2-3, Camp Butner, NC
July 15, Camp Perry, OH
October 10-11, Phoenix, AZ |
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WHO CAN ATTEND
Attendance at a Master Instructor Training Workshop is usually limited to 30 students per class. This is to ensure that all attendees have sufficient practical opportunities to work with workshop leaders and to practice what is taught. GSM Master Instructor students should possess these qualifications:
- Association with a shooting club or shooting range where the Master Instructor will have opportunities to teach Sanctioned Rifle Clinics.
- Experience teaching rifle marksmanship as a coach or instructor.
- Experience competing in John C. Garand, Springfield or Rimfire Sporter matches at national and club levels.
- Experience as a competitive service rifle shooter (desired, not required).
- Desire to teach marksmanship to new shooters and to help them get a good start.
HOW TO REGISTER
To register for the CMP GSM Master Instructor Training Workshop, complete the APPLICATION FORM. Please submit the completed form on-line, fax it to 419-635-2573, or mail it to: CMP, Attn: Shannon Hand, P. O. Box 576, Port Clinton, OH 43452. There is a $135.00 registration fee, which includes notebook of material, CD, sling, 10 M1 Clips, 20 dummy rounds, and a CMP Rifle Scorebook.
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