Yesterday (August 10th), the California Assembly, on a 44-31 vote, approved SB 374, which bans the sale (or transfer) of ALL semi-automatic centerfire rifles that can accept a detachable magazine of any kind (no matter what the capacity). Californians who possess such rifles would be required to register them with the State, for a fee, prior to January 1, 2015. Since SB 374 has already passed the California State Senate, this bill, after conforming amendments in the Senate, is expected to go to Governor Jerry Brown for signature within a few weeks.
The scope of SB 374 is sweeping. It bans all self-loading centerfire rifles capable of using a detachable magazine, regardless of magazine capacity (or placement). The operative language of SB 374 with respect to magazines is an awkward double-negative. But the intent is clear — if a semi-auto centerfire rifle can accept a detachable magazine AT ALL, it is banned:
SECTION 1. Section 30515 of the Penal Code is amended to read:
30515. (a) Notwithstanding Section 30510, “assault weapon” also means any of the following:
(1) A semiautomatic centerfire rifle that does not have a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept no more than 10 rounds.
The way we interpret this, a semi-automatic with ANY kind of detachable magazine (even a one-rounder) would be banned. This would outlaw a wide variety of commonly-used hunting rifles fitted with flush-mounted 3-, and 4-round ‘pop-out’ magazines. This would outlaw the classic Remington 750 deer rifle, for example. It would outlaw M1 Garands which have an 8-round en bloc clip. And if you already own an M1 Garand, you would have to register it with the state government. (Under other legislation in the works in Sacramento, all ‘bullet button’ ARs would also be banned.)
Other observers read SB 374 the way we do — that it bans any and all centerfire rifles that can take a detachable magazine (of any capacity). Ammoland states that SB 374 will “eliminate the future sale, purchase, manufacture, importation and possession of semi-automatic rifles that can accept detachable magazines. No more mini-14s, no more ARs, no more M1s, and say goodbye to your Remington 750 for deer hunting. [T]he goal is clear – if it is a rifle and has a detachable magazine, then forget about owning one.”
California Legislative Counsel’s Digest
SB 374, as amended, Steinberg. Firearms: assault weapons.
Existing law regulates the sale, carrying, and control of firearms, including assault weapons, and requires assault weapons to be registered with the Department of Justice. Violation of these provisions is a crime. Existing law defines a semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and other specified features and a semiautomatic weapon that has a fixed magazine with a capacity to accept 10 or more rounds as an assault weapon.
This bill would, instead, classify a semiautomatic centerfire rifle that does not have a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept no more than 10 rounds as an assault weapon. The bill would require a person who, between Jan. 1, 2001, and Dec. 31, 2013, inclusive, lawfully possessed an assault weapon that does not have a fixed magazine, including those weapons with an ammunition feeding device that can be removed readily from the firearm with the use of a tool, and who, on or after Januarry 1, 2014, possesses that firearm, to register the firearm by July 1, 2015. By expanding the definition of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
On August 29, 2013, the Obama administration announced two Executive Orders that will restrict the importation and domestic transfers of certain classes of firearms. These two Executive Orders operate as law by fiat, not subject to Congressional concurrence.
One Executive Order bans the re-importation of surplus U.S.-made rifles, including M1 Garands and M1 Carbines. Such rifles are used in Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) competitions. For decades the CMP has sold M1 Garands and M1 Carbines, many re-imported from arsenals overseas, to qualified American shooters. The White House stated: “Today, the Administration is announcing a new policy of denying requests to bring military-grade firearms back into the United States to private entities, with only a few exceptions such as for museums.”
It is unclear how this Executive Order will enhance public safety, since FBI crime statistics show that such vintage arms are virtually never employed in the commission of crimes. Professor John R. Lott Jr., former chief economist at the United States Sentencing Commission, observes: “Despite the scary rhetoric, the White House is leaving out one important point: it isn’t pointing to any cases where imported U.S.-made military weapons have been used in a crime. And the reason is obvious: there probably aren’t any.”
The second Executive Order changes the rules on acquisition and transfers of National Fireams Act (NFA) firearms (such as machine guns) and other NFA items (such as sound moderators) through Corporations and Firearms Trusts. When sold to individuals, such items do require background checks. However, the White House claimed: “At present, when the weapon is registered to a trust or corporation, no background check is run. ATF reports that last year alone, it received more than 39,000 requests for transfers of these restricted firearms to trusts or corporations.” It is the intent of this Executive Order to block a significant number of NFA transfers to Firearms Trusts and Corporations. Again, it is unclear how the new restrictions on NFA transfers will reduce crime. In fact, BearingArms.com asserts that: “Only two [registered] NFA machine guns — neither of which were acquired via gun trusts — have been used in murders in 79 years.”
Professor Lott challenges the need for changes to the NFA Laws as they pertain to corporations: “Again, the Obama administration doesn’t provide examples of people using a corporation to register handguns or semi-automatic rifles as a way to bypass criminal background checks. More importantly, it fails to point to any cases where such guns have been used in crimes. Yes, when registered to a corporation, any officer is allowed to possess the machine gun, but [the transfer] still requires a NICS check for the person actually picking up the gun.” READ Lott Commentary.
Thoughts On Executive Orders — by Tony Chow It’s important to realize that the anti-gun people aren’t interested in gun control as a practical measure to combat “gun violence” or achieve “gun safety”. They are animated above all by a reflexive dislike of guns, and an abhorrence of the very notion of an armed citizenry. Their motives are ideological, rather than practical. To them, it doesn’t matter whether a type of firearm is used in crimes or not; the only good gun is a banned gun. This explains why the efforts in the 70s and 80s to restrict handguns, which still account for the vast majority of gun crimes, were abandoned in favor of an assault on “assault weapons”, .50-caliber rifles, and now, vintage “military-style” rifles and already heavily-restricted NFA weapons — firearms that, though used infrequently or not at all in crimes, are easy to describe in scary terms to the general public.
Tony Chow is a target shooter who competes in smallbore and 300-meter disciplines.
Update August 20, 2013: The Class is full. The CMP states: “If you applied and did not get accepted, the CMP plans to hold additional classes next year in Anniston. Dates will be announced at a later date and an email announcement will be sent out.”
This fall, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will offer a 3-day, Advanced Maintenance Class (AMC) for students with strong mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn how to work on M1 Garand rifles. The first AMC class starts Friday, November 1st at the CMP Custom Shop in Anniston, Alabama. The course fee is $1,400.00. This includes a CMP Special Rifle that each student will build (as his own “keeper”) and three lunches. Students must provide their own accommodations in Anniston.
The 3-day class is intended for individuals interested in learning how the M1 Garand rifle functions and how to perform advanced maintenance procedures to their personal rifle(s). The class involves classroom lecture as well as hands-on shop time. Tools will be provided.
NOTE: This class is not intended for gunsmiths or students with advanced knowledge of the M1 rifle. No prior armorer or shooting experience is required. Students will each assemble their own CMP Special rifle from components included in the AMC fee.
CMP M1 Garand AMC Course Topics
Component purpose and function
Commercial barrel installation, chambering and headspace; use of gauges
Component selection and inspection
Fitting and proper assembly of a complete CMP Special rifle
Some discussion of malfunctions and their remedies
Accurizing techniques for the M1
How to Apply for M1 Garand Class
To apply for the CMP AMC, complete the online APPLICATION FORM (You can fill this out online or download the PDF file and email completed application to armorers@thecmp.org.) The class is expected to fill quickly. Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more info, email John McLean via email at jmclean@thecmp.org or call the CMP Custom Shop at (256) 835-8455, ext. 2114. The November AMC class is the first of its kind. However, the CMP hopes to offer similar classes quarterly at the Anniston Custom Shop.
Here’s a good deal for you vintage military rifle shooters. For a limited time, Creedmoor Sports and Midsouth Shooters Supply are offering Hornady .30-06 Springfield M1 Garand Ammunition at special sale prices. Midsouth has this ammo for $27.38 per 20rd box — that’s 38% off the regular $44.33 MSRP. Creedmoor Sports offers Hornady’s .30-06 M1 Garand Ammo for $32.95 per 20rd box.
This ammo is favored by many CMP Garand match shooters. It is loaded with accurate, poly-tip A-Max bullets. The M1 Garand uses a gas port system to cycle the action, but existing .30-06 ammunition can burn too slow, causing the operating system to be driven harder and faster than intended. This new offering from Hornady is purpose-built to provide accurate, safe and reliable functioning for the M1 Garand. While optimized for M1 Garands, this ammunition also shoots well in 1903 Springfield rifles and other bolt-guns chambered for the .30-06 Springfield cartridge.
The 2012 Western CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup were held October 13-21, 2012. This combined event starts off with the CMP Games followed by the Creedmoor Cup competition. The CMP and Creedmoor matches, hosted at the Ben Avery Range near Phoenix, AZ, were well-attended this year. Competitors were treated to clear skies, and mostly favorable conditions. A highlight of the CMP season, the Western CMP Games includes numerous disciplines such as: M1 Garand Match, Springfield Match, Vintage Military Rifle Match, Vintage Sniper Rifle Match, M1 Carbine Match, and the Rimfire Sporter Match. The Creedmoor Cup is a High Power-type event, with team and individual competitions for both Service Rifles and Match Rifles.
Western CMP Games Results
The interim Western CMP Games results are found at the link below. It appears these results are incomplete, and we are still awaiting verification of the final scores (for all days). Check back here Monday and we should have the final, confirmed winner list.
Creedmoor Cup Results
In 4-Man Team Competition, the CA Killer Rabbits & One Grizzly Team won the Service rifle event with a 1895-56X score, while the Remington Roxburgh team won the 4-Man Match Rifle Competition with a 1965-73X combined score. Top Individual Match Rifle Shooter was Nick Mowrer (2376-103X) followed by Nathaniel Guernsey with 2361-89X. Scoring 2338-64X, Joel Sylvia won the Service Rifle Division, while Sagen Maddalena finished second with 2330-80X. Sagen was also High Junior (Server Rifle).
Watch 2012 Western CMP Games Slide Show (Steve Cooper Photos)
Tips for Capturing Great Images of Your CMP Match, by Steve Cooper
Photography is a lot like rifle and pistol shooting. For both disciplines you want each shot to be a winner. Here are a few tips to keep in mind next time you’re snapping photos of a match:
Get Involved – Though shooting is a pretty static sport, there’s a lot happening on the firing line. First off, let shooters know you’re there so they aren’t surprised when you walk up on their firing point. Make small talk and set the shooter’s mind at ease. When you do that you’ll be surprised how many smiling faces and enjoyment will show up in your photos.
Solid Position – Just like shooting, regardless of the type of camera you use, maintain balance and stable footing – that way you won’t bounce around and blur a good shot. Get close to the subject, whether it’s with a zoom lens or if you need to step closer, remaining in a safe position.
Anticipate – Don’t just snap random photos of a group of shooters and call it good. If you’re reading this, you’re most likely a shooter, so you know what to expect. If there’s action involved, you know what’s coming next, so be ready for it and snap the shutter when it happens or just beforehand. Wait for a reaction or catch the shooter concentrating, making equipment adjustments or maybe even catch that empty shell casing flying out of the chamber. If you’re taking snaps of a sniper match, catch the guys discussing the shot, calling wind – yelling at each other!
Be Smart – You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to capture good images, but it pays to consider the environment you’re shooting in. A cloudy bright day is perfect for photography. Harsh sun or super shady periods like early morning or dusk can be challenging. Unless a flash will disturb the shooter, using a flash most of the time is a great practice when shooting close-up photos. A flash will fill in the shadows and many times put a little needed light on the subject to improve color and tone. Don’t shoot into direct sunlight. Don’t stand so far away from the subject that you can’t identify the shooter.
Be an Artist – So what if your elementary school sculpture of your mom looked like the Creature from the Black Lagoon? That doesn’t mean your creativity hasn’t evolved. If there’s a sports photograph you really like, try to duplicate it with your camera. Try unusual angles, extreme close-us with a zoom lens – photos that show the shooter’s character, his/her ammo box, scorebook, shooting glasses – the possibilities are endless.
Shoot 10s and Xs with your gun AND your camera. With a little thought and determination, your shots will be impressive!
The CMP Online Auction Programis used to sell very rare or otherwise unique rifles, receivers, and other collectible merchandise/parts. CMP usually has only 6-10 items listed for auction at any time. Items are normally listed for 10-14 days, with the bidding set to close on Sunday afternoons.
Log on to http://cmpauction.thecmp.org to learn more about the auction process and to see the current items up for bid.
In 2009, to raise money for its defense budget, the Korean Defense Ministry announced plans to sell 87,000 M1 Garands to American collectors. Initially, it looked like there was a “green light” for the return of these historic arms, which were originally provided to South Korea by the American government. The rifles’ return was widely anticipated by American military rifle match shooters and gun collectors.
However, in March of 2010, the State Department blocked importation of the South Korean M1 Garands based on the expressed fear that the rifles would fall into the wrong hands. According to FoxNews.com, a State Department spokesman said that: “The transfer of such a large number of weapons … could potentially be exploited by individuals seeking firearms for illicit purposes.”
State Department Apparently Will No Longer Block Return of South Korean Garands
It looks like the State Department may have reversed itself. In response to pressure from Senator Jon Tester of Montana, the State Department now says that it will allow South Korea to return the rifles, once a qualified importer is selected. Sen. Tester’s office asserts that “the rifles will be sold in the U.S. through the Civilian Marksmanship Program” (CMP), which has sold many thousands of other surplus M1 Garands.
Sen. Tester declared: “From World War II to Korea and Vietnam, M1 Garand rifles played a crucial role in history. These American-made firearms will always be valued as collector’s items, and law-abiding Americans have the right to keep them under our Constitution’s Second Amendment. I’m glad the State Department listened to my concerns and those of America’s gun collectors.”
CMP States It Will NOT Sell Commercially Imported Garands
Senator Tester’s office has said the CMP will sell the Korean Garands. However, if the South Korean Garands are imported commercially, and NOT simply returned to the U.S. Army, it appears that these rifles would not be able to be sold or distributed by the CMP. Orest Michaels, CMP Chief Operating Officer, explained that the CMP would not re-sell commercially imported rifles:
“The CMP is not a firearms importer and we would not have any involvement of any kind in anything that may happen with these Korean rifles and carbines if they were ‘sold’ to an importer. The only way any rifle or carbine from any country can find its way to the CMP is if the country returns ‘loaned’ rifles back to the U.S. Army — at no cost to the U.S.[.] When that happens, the CMP ‘may’ possibly receive some of those rifles. Korea does not plan on returning (repatriating) any rifles to the U.S. Army, but plans to ‘sell’ these rifles to an importer. According to the recent news and rumors, the U.S. State Dept. has agreed to allow Korea to sell the rifles, even though the U.S. Army claimed the rifles and carbines should be returned to the U.S. Army at no cost. CMP will not have any involvement in this.” Michaels added: “There is no need to wait for the Korean Garands to make a purchase. CMP has plenty of M1 Garands for sale now.”
We commend the State Department for reversing its misguided policy blocking return of these historic arms. We wonder if this reversal can be attributed in large part to Tester’s efforts in Washington. After the State Department blocked the rifle’s sale in 2010, Tester drafted legislation blocking Executive-branch interference with importation of American-made guns that were originally provided to a foreign government. Tester, Chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, also led efforts in the U.S. Senate to block U.S. funding to promote the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty.
NOTE: This article was released in May 2012. That is over TEN YEARS AGO. The items are no longer offered with such pricing.
M1 Garand barreled receivers (item RM1SABRWB) are now available from the CMP for $350.00 plus $12.95 shipping. Combine one of these with an $82.00 walnut M1 Garand replacement stock from Boyds’ Gunstocks and you’ll have a handsome and affordable rig. (But sights, trigger group, op rod, gas system, and other key components must still be acquired.) These are Grade B receivers with “service grade” or “high quality service grade” barrels. The CMP notes that: “Receiver may have minor pitting / frosting above and below below the wood line and has been refinished. Bolt includes: extractor, extractor spring & plunger, ejector, ejector spring and firing pin.”
The folks at the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) say that Hatcher’s Book of the Garand is a must-read for M1 Garand shooters, historians, and collectors. Available in both paperback and hardback editions, this book was written by Maj. Gen. Julian Hatcher, Technical Editor for the American Rifleman magazine. The Book of the Garand is Hatcher’s first-hand account of the U.S. War Department’s search, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of the M1 Garand.
If you purchase this book, you’ll be helping out the CMP. When ordering from the links above, which connect to the Canton Street Press website, CMP will receive 10% of book sale proceeds.
The 2011 15th Edition of the CMP Competition Rules is now available. These Rules govern Service Rifle, Service Pistol, and CMP Games shooting events. CLICK HERE to download the complete 2011 CMP Rule Book as a digital PDF file.
Here are highlights of the Rule changes:
NEW Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Matches
Rules for the new Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match for two-person teams are now available in the 2011 edition of the CMP Competition Rules. This year, Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Matches will be fired at the Eastern CMP Games on 10 May, the National Matches on 3 August and the Western CMP Games on 18 October. In addition, any CMP-affiliated club that has 300- and 600-yard firing distances on their club range may now apply to conduct a Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match as a CMP-sanctioned competition.
This match is for two-person teams. One team member shoots while the other serves as a spotter. After ten shots at either the 300- or 600-yard distance, the two change roles for another ten shots. Each shooter fires a total of 20 shots and team rankings are based on their 40-shot totals.
All teams are required to use as-issued rifles employed for military sniping purposes in 1953 or earlier. The M1903A4, the M1C, M1D and many foreign military sniper rifles are legal for this match. Rule 6.4.3 includes a Table with a complete list of the permitted rifles, which may be either originals or replica rifles. The Table also lists the allowed original scopes and permitted replica (non-issue) optics such as the Lyman Alaskan, Weaver K2.5 and K4 and Stith-Kollmorgen.
Service Rifle Rear Sight Inserts, Rule 6.1.2 (3)
The CMP approved two commercial rear sight inserts that serve as visual aids especially for older shooters for use in Service Rifle competitions. The rectangular rear aperture insert produced by ShootingSight LLC and the SR MicroSight produced by Stallings Machine are both now legal for use in CMP-sanctioned Service Rifle matches.
Bullet Button Magazine Locks, Rule 6.2.3 (15)
California residents only are now authorized to use AR-type service rifles equipped with Bullet Button or similar magazine locks that replace the standard magazine catch.
Quad Rails on M16/ARs, Rule 6.2.3 (14)
Service Rifle competitors must use rifles similar to weapons issued to military personnel. Since quad rails are now common on M16s used by military personnel, M16/AR competition rifles will also be allowed to have quad rails. This authorization is limited to the standard 12-inch military quad rail or its commercial equivalent. NOTE: the front sling swivel must still be attached to the front of the hand guard.
Repaired Stocks, Rule 6.3.1 (11)
Shooters of As-Issued Military Rifles frequently have to deal with cracked or broken stocks. Under previous rules no glue, epoxy or synthetic substances could be used anywhere in the stock due to concerns over the use of epoxy or fiberglass for bedding. This restriction has now been modified so that shooters can use “epoxies or other chemical adhesives” to repair cracked or broken stocks as long as this material is not used to bed the action or barrel.
How to Get 2011 CMP Rulebook
Download the new CMP Rulebook at http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Rulebook.pdf. You can also order printed copies ($3.00 each) from the CMP E-Store or contact: CMP Competitions Department, P.O. Box 576, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452, phone (419) 635-2141, ext. 1122.
On August 29, 2013, the Obama administration announced two 
It’s important to realize that the anti-gun people aren’t interested in gun control as a practical measure to combat “gun violence” or achieve “gun safety”. They are animated above all by a reflexive dislike of guns, and an abhorrence of the very notion of an armed citizenry. Their motives are ideological, rather than practical. To them, it doesn’t matter whether a type of firearm is used in crimes or not; the only good gun is a banned gun. This explains why the efforts in the 70s and 80s to restrict handguns, which still account for the vast majority of gun crimes, were abandoned in favor of an assault on “assault weapons”, .50-caliber rifles, and now, vintage “military-style” rifles and already heavily-restricted NFA weapons — firearms that, though used infrequently or not at all in crimes, are easy to describe in scary terms to the general public.
Anticipate – Don’t just snap random photos of a group of shooters and call it good. If you’re reading this, you’re most likely a shooter, so you know what to expect. If there’s action involved, you know what’s coming next, so be ready for it and snap the shutter when it happens or just beforehand. Wait for a reaction or catch the shooter concentrating, making equipment adjustments or maybe even catch that empty shell casing flying out of the chamber. If you’re taking snaps of a sniper match, catch the guys discussing the shot, calling wind – yelling at each other!
The 
The 2011 15th Edition of the CMP Competition Rules is now available. These Rules govern Service Rifle, Service Pistol, and CMP Games shooting events. 
Service Rifle Rear Sight Inserts, Rule 6.1.2 (3)
