Last year, the Garand Collectors Association (GCA) and Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) launched the Master Marksman Program for CGA members. This program was created to reward participation in CMP matches with As-Issued M1 Garand rifles. To participate, a competitor must be a current member of the GCA. Garand competitors can easily obtain CGA memberships through the GCA website, and a Garand competitor can even join the GCA the day of the match.

Similar to the CMP’s Distinguished Badge Program, the CGA/CMP Master Marksman Program uses an Achievement Award point system, based on performance at CMP events (listed below). Points are awarded with Gold (10 pts), Silver (8 pts) and Bronze (6 pts) levels. Competitors must reach a total of 40 points overall, with one gold and one additional gold or silver required. All other points may be bronze or greater. In 2023, 16 GCA member competitors were awarded the GCA’S Master Marksman Award.

Only As-Issued M1 Garands may be used. Competition Rules for the John C. Garand Match (Course A: 30 rounds) will be followed as defined in the CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Competition Rulebook. Those who fire in re-entry events will only be able to use their highest score as points.

2024 CMP Events Featuring GCA Master Marksman Competitions:

2024 Talladega 600 (Alabama) November 8-14, 2024

You can find the match programs, event schedule, registration information by visiting the CMP Travel Games website. If you have questions about the CGA/CMP Master Marksman Program, contact CMP’s Christina Roguski at 419-635-2141, ext. 714 or croguski@thecmp.org.

This CMP Video Explains the Process for Ordering an M1 Garand from the CMP:

The GCA is proud of its partnership with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The CMP is a federally chartered 510(c)(3) corporation dedicated to leading the nation in marksmanship excellence providing safe, high quality and innovative programs with a focus on youth.

To acknowledge those who consistently score well in the John C. Garand Match with As-Issued M1 Rifles at designated Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) competitions, the Garand Collectors Association (GCA) has designed a new GCA Master Marksman Program.

The GCA Master Marksman Program will get underway in January 2023. Like the CMP’s established Distinguished Badge Program, the new addition will work on an Achievement Award point system, based on performance at designated CMP events. To participate, a competitor must be a current member of the GCA. Individuals may even join the day of the match through the GCA website in order to be considered a valid member. Only As-Issued M1 Garands may be used.

“The GCA is grateful to enjoy a cooperative association with the CMP, whose administrative efforts are essential in making this new award a reality,” the GCA said in a statement.

M1 Garand Springfield Armory July 1941 production. Facebook photo by Shinnosuke Tanaka.

Get Garand Master Marksman Points at Major Matches
The first Master Marksman points will be awarded at the 2023 Western Games, held in Phoenix in March.
Annual events featuring GCA point competitions currently include:

CMP Western Games (Arizona) – March 10-19, 2023
CMP Eastern Games (North Carolina) – April 28-May 7, 2023
CMP D-Day (Alabama) – June 6-11, 2023
CMP National Matches (Ohio) – July 2023
CMP New England Games (Vermont) – Sept. 16-24, 2023
CMP Talladega 600 (Alabama) – November 2023

Competition Rules for the John C. Garand Match (Course A: 30 rounds) will be followed as defined in the CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Competition Rulebook. Those who fire in re-entry events will only be able to use their highest score as points. Points will be awarded based on cut scores and presented as gold (10 pts), silver (8 pts.) and bronze (6 pts) levels. Competitors must reach a total of 40 points overall, with one gold and one additional gold or silver required. All other points may be bronze or greater.

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About the Garand Collectors Association (GCA)
Since its beginnings in 1986, the GCA and its members have worked diligently to expand knowledge on the M1 Garand, to preserve its history and to encourage and assist others in collecting the historical rifle. The GCA has also worked closely with the CMP since 2000 on sorting/grading M1 Garand rifles and encouraging competitive and recreational firearm safety. Learn more at TheGCA.org.

Outside of the Master Marksman Program, the GCA will continue to donate generous funds to the winners of the John C. Garand Matches as well as the semi-auto category of the Vintage Team Sniper Matches at major CMP competitions, regardless of GCA membership.