|
|
July 29th, 2009
 Headed to Camp Perry this summer? Take the “Bernosky Challenge” while you’re there and compete for over $1000 in cash prizes. The “Bernosky Challenge” is being conducted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program in cooperation with Creedmoor Sports.
Competitors in the Bernosky Challenge will fire the National Match Air Rifle Standing Course with the new Creedmoor-Anschütz NMAR air rifles and compete against the current Camp Perry High Power champion, Carl Bernosky. One of America’s all-time great target rifle shooters, Carl won his 9th NRA National High Power Rifle Championship in 2008. This year, Bernosky will seek his 10th Championship using a Creedmoor CSR-1 Match Rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.
ANYONE who can beat Carl Bernosky in this air rifle challenge will receive $100. (See challenge rules for details.) Go to www.creedmoorsports.com or CLICK HERE for more details.
The new National Match Air Rifle discipline was developed by the CMP to simulate High Power rifle across-the-course shooting and provide adults with an air rifle discipline that builds on the popular junior three-position air rifle program. This NMAR discipline gives High Power competitors off-season shooting opportunities. One of three NMAR equipment classes is for air rifles configured like M16/AR-type rifles.The Creedmoor-Anschütz NMAR rifle is one of these rifles. NMAR targets are scaled down High Power SR and MR targets. Courses of fire are closely related to current High Power courses.
Thirty-five (35) Creedmoor NMAR rifles are available for anyone for use during this competition. CLICK HERE for more details!
July 12th, 2009
 The 2009 NRA National Championships at Camp Perry, Ohio kick off tomorrow, July 13th.13th with the First Shot Ceremony. This week, pistol competitors vie for top honors, and then smallbore matches begin on July 22. Our Daily Bulletin will report on highlights of the rifle matches. In addition, the NRA Blog has sent reporters to Ohio to provide regular, day-by-day Blog coverage of the National Matches, from start to finish. Here is a schedule of major events:
- July 13: First Shot Ceremony
- July 14-18: NRA Pistol Matches
- July 22-25: NRA Smallbore 3-Position Matches
- July 26-30: NRA Prone Smallbore Matches
- August 9: Whistler Boy High Power Rifle Match & NRA/Springfield M1A Match
- August 10-14: NRA National High Power Rifle Matches
- August 15-19: NRA Long Range Matches
The National Matches, considered America’s “World Series of the Shooting Sports”, have been a tradition at Camp Perry, Ohio since 1907. Each summer, the nation’s finest civilian and military marksmen and women square off for five weeks of rifle and handgun competition in a variety of formats and events. For complete match results, visit the NRA National Championships webpage. You’ll also find lots of helpful information on the CMP National Match Index Page. This includes a detailed calendar, Match Rules, and Online Event Registration.
June 9th, 2009
Gary Anderson, Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM), has authored an excellent primer on the use of plug gauges to score targets. Anderson reviews the different types and sizes of gauges and explains the sometimes confusing rules for there use. CLICK HERE to read the whole article in the First Shot, the CMP Online Magazine.
 Anderson writes: “A frequently asked question at CMP concerns what are the correct gauges to use for scoring different targets and where can they be obtained. This is not a simple question to answer. There are inward gauges and outward gauges for most 10 meter and 50 foot targets and when each must be used varies from target to target. There are actually three different smallbore or .22 caliber inward gauges. And in High Power rifle matches governed by NRA Rules, the gauge used depends upon the caliber of the rifle being fired at each target. Moreover, ISSF and USA Shooting Rules give legal gauge dimensions in millimeters and NRA Rules use inches, while National Three-Position Air Rifle Council gives both. With so many rulebook variations, it is not difficult to understand why questions about scoring gauges are commonplace.
Scoring Gauge
A scoring gauge is a precision metal instrument with a spindle sized to fit into the shot hole and a flange or “measuring diameter” turned to a precise size that is specified in a competition rulebook. The gauge, which is often called a “plug,” is inserted into a doubtful shot hole. The scorer then examines or “reads” the edge of the flange to determine whether the doubtful shot is “in” (receives the higher value) or “out” (receives the lower value). A magnifying glass is usually used to aid the scorer in accurately reading where the edge of the flange lies. Scoring gauges come with various types of handles that are used to gently hold the gauge while inserting it in a doubtful shot hole. Scoring gauges available in the USA vary in cost from $4.00 to $15.00.
 Inward or Outward Gauges
A first step in sorting out this question requires an understanding of the difference between inward and outward gauges. An inward gauge is read on the inside or side of the gauge that is closest to the target center. An outward gauge is read on the outside or side of the gauge that is away from the target center.
Inward gauges give direct readings— does the inside edge of the flange touch or break the scoring ring in question? Outward gauges give indirect readings — does the outside edge of the flange remain inside the outer edge of a scoring ring that is usually two rings outside of the scoring ring value that is being evaluated? Some short-range targets and all targets used at distances of 25 yards or longer are scored with inward gauges. Outward gauges are used to score certain shots on 5-meter BB gun, 10-meter air rifle and pistol and some 50-foot smallbore rifle targets. Outward gauges typically are used on smaller rifle targets that have miniscule dots for 10-rings and scoring rings that are very close together because reading those gauges to the outside on larger scoring rings is more accurate.”
Official Gauge Specs and Sources
Anderson’s full article goes on to list the specific gauges (with dimensions) used for a variety of disciplines: 5-meter BB gun, 10-meter Air Rifle, 10-Meter Air Pistol, 50-Foot USAS 50 Smallbore Rifle, 50-Foot A-36 Smallbore Rifle, ISSF/USAS .22 Cal. Rifle & Pistol, NRA Smallbore Rifle & Pistol, CMP Rimfire Sporter (and Sporter rifle), CMP Games High Power Rifle, and CMP EIC and NRA Highpower Rifle. Anderson notes that NRA Smallbore Rifle and Pistol targets, as well as CMP Rimfire Sporter targets, must be scored with a .22 NRA Inward Gauge (.2225-.224”) for all rings. Anderson suggests using an Eagle Eye scoring device to detect and score double or multiple shot holes.
CLICK HERE for FULL ARTICLE with GAUGE SOURCES.
Text and photos © 2008 CMP, used with permission.
May 13th, 2009
 Dennis DeMille of Creedmoor Sports reported that the 2009 Eastern CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup was a rousing success, setting new attendance records. Over 184 shooters competed in the individual Creedmoor Cup on Saturday, May 10th. Complete Results are posted on the CMP website.
Sherri Gallagher-Hurd was the overall match winner (and match rifle class winner), firing a score of 790-34x. SFC Grant Singley of the US Army Marksmanship Unit was the high service rifle shooter with a score of 788-38x. High Senior was Doug Morrison, a former US Army Reserve service rifle shooter, who has made the transition to match rifle. Doug fired a fine score of 785-31X. CWO3 Peter Burns won the M1 Garand Match and the Vintage Military Rifle Match. The USAMU Praslick Squad won the 4-man Service Rifle Team event. William Flagg, Jr. won the Rimfire Sporter event, shooting an excellent 590-33X.
The shooter who traveled the furthest to compete in this match was William Ellis, from England. William was able to bring his rifle to shoot in the matches, but had to buy ammunition in the US upon his arrival.
Match Report courtesy the NRA Blog. Hurd file photo from NRA Media Relations
April 24th, 2009
 The 2009 update of the CMP Competition Rules for Service Pistol, Service Rifle, and As-Issued Military Rifle is now available online. The 13th edition (2009) CMP Competition Rules can be downloaded (for free) from the CMP website. Printed copies of the rulebook may also be purchased for $3.00 each from CMP Competitions, P. O. Box 576, Port Clinton, OH 43452.
CLICK HERE to download 2009 CMP Updated Rules.
In the downloadable file, all 2009 rule changes are underlined so they can be identified. The CMP has also posted an article summarizing the key 2009 rule changes.
Important CMP Rule Changes for Garands
One significant 2009 rule change stems from the CMP’s continued commitment to start rapid-fire stages from standing. Until this year, NRA range procedures could be used in CMP matches, but now that the NRA has eliminated the requirement to start rapid-fire stages from standing, NRA range procedures can no longer be used. As a result, the CMP had to develop its own rules, range procedures and commands. Thus, a foundation requirement in the CMP rifle rules (Rules 8.1.5 and 9.1.10) is that competitors must start all rapid-fire stages from standing.
There is also a new required procedure for Garand shooters in the rapid fire stage. Shooters may still load while standing. However, competitors are required to push down the rounds in the clip and CLOSE their BOLT over an empty chamber before dropping from standing to prone. When targets rise from the pits (or the command TARGETS is given), shooters must drop down into position, then cycle the bolts on their rifles to chamber their first round and begin the rapid-fire stage. The goal here is to “to completely eliminate any possibility of a shooter moving from standing to the firing position with a round in the chamber.”
 |
| NEW GARAND Rapid-Fire LOADING PROCEDURE. Competitors with M1 Garands must “close bolts on an empty chamber” by: 1) inserting the clip and 2 rounds in the magazine; 2) pressing the clip and 2 rounds all the way down to release the operating rod; and 3) allowing the bolt to over-ride the top round, so the bolt closes on an empty chamber. The bolt may not be cycled to load the first round in the chamber until after the competitor is down in position. |
The 2009 updated Rules also provide new guidelines for the Garand Unlimited class. CMP Games rifle categories (Rule 6.4.1) now include an Unlimited Garand category for shooters with National Match, .308, commercial and glass-bedded Garands. NOTE: The National John C. Garand Match at Camp Perry will have both As-Issued and Unlimited Garand categories.
April 12th, 2009
 The 2008 Eastern CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup Matches will be held from May 2nd through May 10th at Camp Butner in Stem, NC. Three days of Garand, Springfield and Vintage Military Rifle Matches take place on 2, 4 & 5 May. The CMP Games Matches also include an “As-Issued” M1 Garand EIC Match on May 3rd, a Rimfire Sporter Match and As-Issued Military Pistol Match on 3 May 3rd, and an M1 Carbine Match on 4 May. Following that, the Creedmoor Cup Matches begin on Wednesday, May 6th, with an advanced clinic. The Creedmoor Cup Matches include a Practice Match, a NMC team match, the 80-shot Creedmoor Cup Match and an EIC service rifle-NMC match rifle event.
Both events feature special hospitality events and prize awards. All interested shooters, whether new shooters or experienced competitors, recreation-oriented shooters or national championship contenders, are invited to participate in these unique, national-level competitions. For more info, contact Laurie Mandell, (419) 635-2141 x1107.
CLICK HERE for CMP Games/Creedmoor Cup INFO Page.
February 17th, 2009
A new study by Target Sports Marketing, based on surveys of Camp Perry competitors, provides some interesting facts. First, and this is no surprise, more than 80 percent of competitive shooters reload their own ammunition. The majority of these shooters (60 percent) compete year-round while a larger percentage (70 percent) practice year-round.
Shooters in 50s and 60s Outnumber Younger Participants
Interestingly, there is a significant “generation gap” among shooters. According to the survey, shooters in their 50s compose the largest segment of competitive rifle shooters. And, the combined number of rifle shooters in their 50s and 60s exceeds all other age categories combined. Keep in mind, Camp Perry focuses on traditional NRA High Power, Palma, and long-range events. Were you to survey other disciplines (such as 3-Gun Matches), you’d likely find a different age distribution. Nonetheless, the numbers do demonstrate the need to increase the number of younger rifle competitors. Unless there is a major effort to attract new, younger shooters, it appears that competitive rifle shooting could decline in popularity dramatically in a decade or so, as the Age 50s cohort gets older.
The findings are based on the feedback of nearly 400 rifle and pistol competitors at the 2008 U.S. National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio, hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The study focuses on individual competitor demographics, shooting sports engagement and brand preferences for firearms, ammunition, components and accessories. An animated, narrated summary of the report is available at css.targetsportsmarketing.com. Definitely click the link — many interesting facts are revealed. This particular presentation focused on 186 CMP competitors, two-thirds of whom were rifle shooters.
Graphs and data created by Target Sports Marketing for the CMP.
May 18th, 2008
The May 2008 issue of On The Mark, the CMP’s newsletter for junior shooters, has a feature by Gary Anderson on building the proper standing position. Though focused primarily on juniors, all 3P High Power, Service Rifle, and Silhouette shooters can benefit from this article.
CLICK HERE to Download Newsletter as .pdf file
Tips on Hand Position
Here is sample of Gary’s advice: “It is critical not to force the rifle up or down to get the sights pointing at the target. The correct way to do this is to select a left hand-wrist position that fills the support gap between the left hip and the rifle fore-end. A good mid-range starting position is to keep the wrist straight and either set the rifle on top of a closed fit or support the rifle between the thumb and the first knuckle.
Either of these options will work well for most shooters. However, shooters with proportionately longer arms and shorter torsos will have rifle sights pointing high with either of these hand positions. By breaking the wrist and resting the rifle in the flat of the hand or by keeping the wrist straight and dropping the rifle down into the fork of the hand they should be able to comfortably bring the sights down to the target.
Conversely, shooters with proportionately shorter arms and longer torsos need a wrist-hand position that adds more length to the support column. They can achieve this by resting the rifle between the spit fingers and thumb, up on the second knuckles or, highest of all, on the thumb and fingertips.”
In his article, Anderson also explains how to correct the most common mistakes in the standing position:
“1. Incorrect body turn—too little or too much body turn makes it impossible to have a straight column of support under the rifle and upper body and difficult to balance[.]
2. Left elbow not under rifle—incorrect elbow positioning misaligns the column of support.
3. Left hip not under rifle—incorrect hip position misaligns the support column and makes good balance more difficult.
4. Butt too low in shoulder—when the head is tipped down too far to see through the sights comfortably, the butt must be raised in the shoulder and a higher left hand-wrist position must be selected.
5. Left arm not relaxed down onto side or hip—this means the rifle is being supported with muscles instead of bones—relax the arm down onto the side or hip and, if necessary, select a higher hand position.”
The May Issue of On The Mark contains many other useful articles, including a feature on Aerobic Fitness by 2003 Smallbore (3P) National Champion Amber Darland.
(Photos © Copyright 2008 CMP, used by permission.)
|
