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 Hap 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.”
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.
To 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.
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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Story based on article by Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus
Updated rules governing CMP Competitions in 2024 have been posted on the CMP website. Competitors and match officials may download these new rules for the 2024 competition season. The CMP currently produces seven different competition rulebooks. Six of these rulebooks have been revised and are now available as New Rulebooks for 2024, listed below.
Links to electronic versions of each 2024 rulebook may be uploaded onto electronic devices for everyday access, or they can be printed as hard copies to be kept in notebooks. Printed versions of these rulebooks will be published in a couple of months for those who prefer traditional rulebook hard copy formats. However the electronic version of the rule posted on the website will still be the official version of the rule.
Magazine Rule Updates for AR and M1A Rifles
The 2024 rules will permit M16/AR15-type rifles as well as M14/M1A-type rifles to have shorter 5- and 10-round magazines. This will help shooters who compete in states with restrictive magazine laws.
NOTE: Competitors who plan to take advantage of this rule change need to be aware that shorter rifle magazines must have visible, brightly colored strips on the bottom of the magazine (see photo). This is so Range Officers can readily see when these magazines are inserted or removed.
New Categories for Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Matches
One notable 2024 rule change is the addition of a new rifle category for the Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match. This will allow two-person teams to compete with sniper rifles produced between 1954 and 1976, during the Viet Nam era. See “Guidelines for Preparing Vintage Sniper Rifles that Comply with Class B Viet Nam Era Vintage Sniper Rifle Rules”, now included with the CMP Games Rulebook for the Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match.
Distinguished Marksman Program for Shooters with Disabilities
One of the newer CMP programs is the Distinguished Marksman Program that offers opportunities for competitors with disabilities to use adaptive positions and equipment to complete EIC courses of fire. Each rulebook provides specific rules for how competitors with disabilities or limitations can earn Distinguished Marksman EIC credit points. Persons with disabilities who have an interest in marksmanship should definitely consider this program. Interested persons should contact Amy Cantu at 888-267-0796 (toll-free) or via email at: acantu@thecmp.org.
All of the Range Officer scripts that were previously published in the back of the CMP rulebooks have been taken out of this year’s rulebooks. These Range Officer scripts are still accessible through the rulebook postings in the CMP website. Links to the “Range Officer Firing Procedures” for each discipline are posted with the rulebook listing. Each Range Officer script can be downloaded in a format that accommodates their use on the range. This will eliminate several dozen pages from the rulebooks while ensuring that Range Officers still have full access to the range procedures and Range Officer instructions.
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We think everyone should have a Garand in their gun collection…
Tomorrow is Christmas. In our AccurateShooter Forum, you’ll find a popular thread: “Anybody Get Gun Stuff for Christmas?”. One notable post featured a very special Christmas-week arrival — an M1 Garand barreled action. A Forum member received this CMP-sourced barreled action from a friend and then transformed it with a stunning wood stock and other components. We’d say this is a very successful and handsome holiday project. And get this — the skilled owner, who works as a volunteer armorer, assembled his new M1 Garand in record time: “Well, it took three weeks in-transit for my [Christmas] gift to myself to arrive, but I picked her up at 1400 hours yesterday. Had her built into a complete rifle by 1530….”
If you would like to put together a handsome M1 Garand like the Christmas rifle shown above, you’ll need to start with a barreled action. You can order these, as well as complete M1 Garand rifles, from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Below we explain how to order an M1 Garand from the CMP, and how to select the right grade for your needs and budget.
If you have questions about assembling a Garand, contact us and we will put you in touch with the builder of the Christmas M1 Garand rifle. He is a CMP-trained armorer who works to maintain ceremonial rifles for VFW, American Legion, and Disabled Veterans Posts throughout Kentucky.
Ordering an M1 Garand from the CMP — Qualifications
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. M1 Garands must be ordered by mail or through official CMP Auctions.
It’s not that difficult to order an M1 Garand from the CMP. Along with mail-order sales, the CMP has two stores where M1 Garands can be ordered over the counter 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.
Ordering a Barrel — If you already have an M1 Garand, but the barrel has seen better days, 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 properly headspaced by a qualified gunsmith. These Criterion .30-06 Springfield replacement barrels, priced at $295.00, are legal for use in Service Rifle and John C. Garand matches.
How to Maintain the M1 Garand
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. If you need spare parts for your M1 Garand, we recommend visiting Garand Gear which carries many key items.
M1 Garand 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.
M1 Garand Disassembly, Cleaning, and Lubrication
This Brownells video shows how to disassemble your M1 Garand.
This TekMat video explains how to clean and lubricate your M1 Garand.
Recommended M1 Garand Service Manuals
Among the many M1 Garand manuals available, we recommend the CMP’s U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1: ‘Read This First’ Manual. This booklet covers take-down, reassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and operation. The manual comes with CMP rifles or can be purchased for $3.25 from the CMP eStore. The author of Garand Tips & Tricks says: “It’s one of the best firearms manuals I’ve seen and I highly recommend it.” The CMP also offers many other M1 Garand print resources including:
Do you own an M1 Garand, or have you always wanted to acquire one of these legendary semi-auto battle rifles? Well then here is a valuable new resource: The Essential M1 Garand: A Practical and Historical Guide for Shooters and Collectors. This new book by Jim Thompson covers the history of the M1 Garand, and offers practical advice for Garand owners, along with complete parts lists. The book includes annotated military and National Match manuals, a troubleshooting chart, and a section on hand-loading for the Garand. The final Section addresses common questions about the rifle and offers detailed instructions for maintaining this wartime classic. First published in February, 2020, The Essential M1 Garand is available in Print Paperback and Kindle eBook versions. View Table of Contents.
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The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) offers a CMP Affiliate Program that provides special benefits to marksmanship organizations and clubs. For just $35 a year per club, CMP-Affiliated Clubs and their members get many benefits, including access to training, facilities, equipment, and competitions. Clubs are also eligible to receive marksmanship grants and access to sales promotions. Learn more about the CMP Affiliate Program on the CMP website: https://thecmp.org/clubs/affiliate/.
CMP-Affiliated Clubs are eligible to host their own local CMP sanctioned matches — from smallbore rifle to CMP Games rifle and pistol events, highpower and more. The CMP’s Affiliated Club network now boasts over 2700 affiliated clubs nationwide. To find an Affiliated Club in your area, visit TheCMP.org/clubs.
Marksmanship clubs or organizations may affiliate as one of the following club/team categories: Junior Club, Senior Club, Senior Club with Junior Division, Youth Camp, School Team (High School, Middle School, JROTC Unit, etc.), or College Shooting Team.
Eligibility Requirements for CMP-Affiliated Clubs
Senior Club
Minimum of 10 adult members who are U. S. citizens
Junior Club
Minimum of 10 junior members, age 20 and below
Senior Club with Junior Division
Minimum of 10 adult and 10 junior members, age 20 and below
Youth Camps
Minimum of 10 participants in camp riflery program
School Shooting Team
Minimum of 10 participants in team program
College Shooting Teams
Minimum of 10 team members, age 27 and below
CMP-Affiliated Clubs Get Discounts on Rifles and Targets
Affiliated Clubs receive a discounted price on certain firearms, such Savage .22 LR rifles. The CMP is also contracted with Crosman, Daisy, and Walther, offering each company’s line of quality air rifles, including Crosman Challenger (CH2021S) air rifles. Additionally, the CMP offers a sales program for air rifle and smallbore targets.
M1 Garand Raffle Options
State associations within the Affiliated Club program are able to hold a raffle once a year for an M1 Garand rifle (purchasing an M1 Field Grade from the CMP for a much discounted $200). Clubs not part of a State Association are still able to get a 10 percent discount on M1s for use within their own ranges.
Insurance Options for CMP-Affiliated Clubs
Through a new partnership with Lockton Affinity Outdoor, clubs and members of the CMP community may now access a wide range of affordable insurance solutions to protect themselves and their firearm property. Starting as low as $50 per year, coverage with Lockton Affinity Outdoor helps protect against loss to personal items, property damage, third-party injuries and more.
How to Apply to Affiliate with the CMP
Download and fill out the CMP Affiliation Application PDF form or use the Online CMP Affiliation Form. Get copies of key documents for your organization (such as its constitution, by-laws, articles of incorporation or other governing rules) and attach to your application.
Provide a check, money order, or credit card information to pay the first annual dues of $35.00 (Note: JROTC units, 4-H Shooting Sports Clubs and BSA organizations may affiliate at no cost). Send all the application materials (with payment) to:
CMP Affiliate Relations
P.O. Box 576
Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
Some Clubs May Already Be Affiliated
Some established clubs earn automatic affiliation through the CMP Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). Entities such as the JROTC commands from each military branch, 4-H and Boy Scouts are automatically affiliated at no cost. Though automatic, clubs must enroll with the CMP in order to become officially associated.
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The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has approved new divisions for adults and juniors that will be implemented at the 2024 CMP Bianchi Cup and added to the CMP’s Action Pistol Program. The major development is the approval of a new Rimfire Division. That’s a very big deal that makes the Cup competition much more affordable. We applaud this move by the CMP.
Along with the new Rimfire Division, the CMP will add new “Provisional Divisions” for Production and Production Optics. CLICK HERE to learn more about the new Bianchi Cup Rimfire and Provisional Divisions.
The 2024 CMP Bianchi Cup is set for May 21-24, 2024 at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri. This prestigious 40-year-old action pistol match includes four featured events: Practical, Barricade, Falling Plate, and Moving Target. Hundreds of competitors from around the world compete in the event each year.
New Competition Classes: Rimfire, Provisional Production and Production Optics
In 2024, Bianchi Cup participation should increase significantly as the CMP is introducing new competition classes. Awards will be presented for all three new divisions: Rimfire, Production, Production Optics. The biggest change is the inclusion of a Rimfire Division. This division will encompass the same basic rules for each of the current setups — Open, Production/Production Optics, Metallic and Revolver.
The Rimfire Division is designed to encourage participation from juniors not shooting centerfire pistols as well as adults who want to warm up for the Bianchi Cup in a less expensive manner.
Provisional Divisions for Production and Production Optics will also be added to action pistol (with current Production and Production Optics divisions remaining unchanged). The rules for the new Provisional Divisions will be derived form USPSA rules.
Competitors will be divided into their divisions — Metallic, Production, Open, Production Optic, Provisional Production, Provisional Production Optic, or .22 Rimfire — per current CMP Action Pistol Rules.
Handguns for Bianchi Cup’s New Rimfire Division
If you’re looking for a reasonably-priced semi-auto .22 LR pistol for the new Rimfire Division, we recommend the Browning Buck Mark series. Buck Marks are accurate and very reliable. This rimfire pistol is available in a variety of models starting at under $370.00. A good Buck Mark will serve you for a lifetime.
For Rimfire Revolver competition we recommend the 10-shot Smith & Wesson 617 and the relatively new 10-shot Colt King Cobra Target .22 LR, both with available 6-inch barrel lengths. CLICK HERE for a good, side-by-side video review of these two rimfire revolvers by popular YouTube host Hickok45.
These German-language video (with English subtitles), showcases Bianchi Cup Revolver Class guns, and explains how to clean and maintain these high-tech wheelguns.
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After a long hiatus, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Advanced Maintenance Classes (AMC) will return in 2024. These clinics, run by expert instructors, show students how to assemble vintage rifles. Those interested in the AMC may register through the CMP website. Registering for multiple classes is permitted, but no applicant will be selected for more than one slot.
The Advanced Maintenance Class (AMC) is a three-day course in Anniston, Alabama with training from the CMP Custom Shop staff. Topics such as head space, barrel installation, component purpose/function, general rifle assembly, rifle/component maintenance and various accuracy techniques will be covered using instructional videos and visual presentations. Along with classes for individuals, the Custom Shop will host four “Buddy Class” dates — reserved for applicants wishing to attend with a designated partner.
This is not an inexpensive program. Total cost for the 3-day 2024 AMC sessions will be $2,350 ($1,200 for tuition + $1,150 for Expert rifle). The $1,200 tuition fee will be billed immediately after purchasing the course from the CMP eStore (with $150 of class tuition fee considered as a nonrefundable “registration fee”).
CMP Advanced Maintenance Clinics 2024 Class Dates:
Class 1: February 27 – 29, 2024
Class 2: March 1 – 3, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
Class 3: June 25 – 27, 2024
Class 4: June 28 – 30, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
Class 5: August 20 – 22, 2024
Class 6: August 23 – 25, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
Class 7: October 22 – 24, 2024
Class 8: October 25 – 27, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
In conjunction with the classroom sessions, students will receive individualized instruction and assistance from Custom Shop staff. Students will also visit Talladega Marksmanship Park to view the grounds and test-fire their personally-crafted rifles.
NOTE: As the classes are very popular, registration will be based on a lottery system. Registration for the lottery will open November 27 and run through December 22, 2023.
The Fine Print:
Total cost for the 2024 AMC will be $2,350 ($1,200 for tuition + $1,150 for Expert rifle). The $1,200 tuition fee will be billed immediately after purchasing the course from the eStore ($150 of the class tuition fee is a nonrefundable “registration fee”). Late cancellations, made within 30 days of the class start date, will be subject to forfeiture of an additional $300. Deadline for class payment is 2/16/2024.
Registration Lottery:
Registrants will become part of an electronic lottery used to randomly assign the 20 available seats for each class date. An additional 20 participants will be assigned to a stand-by list for each date. These stand by lists have been established due to a historically high cancellation rate.
Questions:
For any questions regarding the 2024 AMC or for online registration questions, please contact Hector Lopez-Perez in the Custom Shop at hlopez.perez@thecmp.org or call (256) 835-8455, ext. 513.
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To succeed in long-range shooting matches, given the high level of competition these days, you’ll need solid wind-reading abilities. We’ve found an article by SFC Emil Praslick III, retired USAMU Service Rifle coach and U.S. Palma Team Coach, that can help you make better wind calls in competition.
Emil Praslick, now retired from the U.S. Army, is considered one of the best wind gurus in the United States, if not the world. During his service with the USAMU he authored an excellent two-part article on wind reading that is available on the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) website. Both articles contain helpful illustrations, and are “must-read” resources for any long-range shooter–not just Service Rifle and Highpower competitors.
Part One covers basic principles, tactics, and strategies, with a focus on the 200-yard stages. Emil writes: “There are as many dimensions to ‘wind reading’ as there are stages to High Power competition. Your tactical mindset, or philosophy, must be different for the 200 and 300 yard rapid-fire stages than it would be for the 600 yard slow-fire. In the slow-fire stages you have the ability to adjust windage from shot to shot, utilizing the location of the previous shot as an indicator. Additionally, a change to the existing conditions can be identified and adjusted for prior to shooting the next shot.”
In Part Two, Praslick provides more detailed explanations of the key principles of wind zeros, wind reading, and the Clock System for determining wind values: “The Value of the wind is as important as its speed when deciding the proper windage to place on the rifle. A 10 MPH wind from ’12 o-clock’ has No Value, hence it will not effect the flight of the bullet. A 10 MPH wind from ‘3 o’clock’, however, would be classified as Full Value. Failure to correct for a Full Value wind will surely result in a less than desirable result.”
Praslick also explains how to identify and evaluate MIRAGE:
Determine the accuracy of the mirage. Mirage is the reflection of light through layers of air that have different temperatures than the ground. These layers are blown by the wind and can be monitored to detect wind direction and speed.
Focus your scope midway between yourself and the target, this will make mirage appear more prominent. I must emphasize the importance of experience when using mirage as a wind-reading tool. The best way to become proficient in the use of mirage is to correlate its appearance to a known condition. Using this as a baseline, changes in mirage can be equated to changes in the value of the wind. Above all, you must practice this skill!
Click HERE for more excellent instructional articles by Emil Praslick and other USAMU Coaches and shooters.
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Earlier this month, gunmaker GLOCK Inc. presented a $50,000 check to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama during the GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) Annual Match. GLOCK has been a generous sponsor and supporter of the CMP and Talladega Marksmanship Park throughout its existence, dedicating thousands to the organization each year to be used toward programs and initiatives.
GLOCK Inc. V.P. Josh Dorsey and Nat’l Sales Manager Bob Radecki presented the $50,000 check to the CMP’s acting park manager Bret Lankford and Business Development Exec. Stefanie Teaford.
“We’re always so grateful to GSSF and GLOCK, Inc. for supporting the CMP,” said Teaford. “We’ve been able to use their substantial contributions to enhance our impact in the marksmanship community through organized opportunities and through the distribution of fundamental and safety instruction to countless individuals across the country.”
About the CMP’s Talladega Marksmanship Park
Since 2015, Talladega Marksmanship Park, “The Home of Marksmanship,” has been a worthy destination for firearm supporters and guests looking for practice, competition and mindful learning opportunities. Featuring CMP electronic targets and scoring monitors that can only be found at the 500-acre facility, the park regularly hosts rifle, pistol, shotgun and archery events all year long. The CMP’s Unknown Distance Range at Talladega also allows guests to practice their skills in the field of over 100 steel targets, out to 625 yards, and provides even more marksmanship fun at the Park.
The public is welcome, all year long, to test out their firearms or to simply take a tour of the grounds. Off the firing line, the Club House holds a fully stocked Pro Shop that includes an exclusive collection of rifles, ammunition, marksmanship accessories and CMP memorabilia that is always open during park hours. Learn more at the CMP Talladega Park webpage.
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 more information, visit TheCMP.org.
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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:
BONUS: Olympic Gold Medalist Jamie Gray
Here’s an interesting video about three-position shooting. Produced by GOnra Media, this video demonstrates rifle hold and body alignment for prone, standing, sitting, and kneeling positions. Olympic Gold Medalist Jamie Gray demonstrates the proper stance and position of arms and legs for each of the positions. Ideally, in all of the shooting positions, the shooter takes advantage of skeletal support. The shooter should align the bones of his/her arms and legs to provide a solid foundation. A shooter’s legs and arms form vertical planes helping the body remain stable in the shooting position.
M1 Garand Springfield Armory July 1941 production. Facebook photo by Shinnosuke Tanaka.
Want an authentic surplus M1 Garand? You can get these classic battle rifles from the Civilian Marksmaship Program (CMP) through direct sales as well as online auctions. If you are looking to obtain an authentic, safe-to-shoot M1 Garand, the CMP is your best bet. Each M1 Garand rifle sold by the CMP is an genuine U.S. Government rifle that has been inspected, head-spaced, repaired if necessary, and test fired for function. Each rifle is shipped with safety manual, one 8-round clip, and chamber safety flag.
This CMP Video Explains the Process for Ordering an M1 Garand from the CMP:
M1 Garand Manufacturer Codes: SA (Springfield Armory), HRA (Harrington & Richardson Arms), IHC (International Harvester Co.), WRA (Winchester Repeating Arms)
The federal law that established the new CMP authorizes the Corporation to sell surplus .30 and .22 caliber military rifles, parts and ammunition to qualified U.S. citizens “for marksmanship”. Accordingly, the CMP sells government-surplus M1 Garands, .22 caliber target rifles, and small quantities of other rifles to qualified purchasers. CMP operations, warehousing, inspection, repair, test firing, sales order processing and distribution activities are headquartered in Anniston, Alabama.
M1 Garands at CMP Retail Store in Anniston, Alabama.
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, who is a member of an affiliated organization, and who has participated in a “Marksmanship Activity”*. This basically means you need to join a 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. Garands must be ordered by mail or through official CMP Auctions. Orders are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Rifles of all grades are packed for shipment purely by “luck of the draw”. Most orders ship within 2-4 weeks. If price has changed after an order has been received, customers will be notified before new prices are charged. CLICK HERE for ordering information.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Hundreds of shooters compete in the Rimfire Sporter Match at Camp Perry.
Prior to the match at Camp Perry, Rimfire Sporter competitors check-in, have their rifles weighed, triggers checked, and receive their squad assignments.
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.
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.
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.
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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Hap 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.
To 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.
Magazine Rule Updates for AR and M1A Rifles
The Fine Print:
To succeed in long-range shooting matches, given the high level of competition these days, you’ll need solid wind-reading abilities. We’ve found an article by SFC Emil Praslick III, retired USAMU Service Rifle coach and U.S. Palma Team Coach, that can help you make better wind calls in competition.
Part One covers basic principles, tactics, and strategies, with a focus on the 200-yard stages. Emil writes: “There are as many dimensions to ‘wind reading’ as there are stages to High Power competition. Your tactical mindset, or philosophy, must be different for the 200 and 300 yard rapid-fire stages than it would be for the 600 yard slow-fire. In the slow-fire stages you have the ability to adjust windage from shot to shot, utilizing the location of the previous shot as an indicator. Additionally, a change to the existing conditions can be identified and adjusted for prior to shooting the next shot.”
Earlier this month, gunmaker GLOCK Inc. presented a $50,000 check to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama during the GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) Annual Match. GLOCK has been a generous sponsor and supporter of the CMP and Talladega Marksmanship Park throughout its existence, dedicating thousands to the organization each year to be used toward programs and initiatives.
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.
