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July 13th, 2010
 Ohio Governor Ted Strickland Officially Opened the 2010 National Matches Monday evening at Camp Perry, Port Clinton, Ohio. Last night’s First Shot Ceremony officially kicked off the National Rifle and Pistol Matches at Camp Perry with many special guests, including Ohio National Guard parachutists, who jumped from a Blackhawk helicopter to deliver the American flag. The colors were raised by a JROTC Color Guard as the Army Band played the National Anthem.
The U.S. Congress and President Theodore Roosevelt founded the National Matches in 1903 to foster national defense preparation through marksmanship competition.
 The 2010 National Matches consist of the National Trophy Rifle and Pistol Matches and the Small Arms Firing Schools, which are mandated by federal law and governed by the CMP, together with the NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships, which are conducted by the NRA in conjunction with the National Matches. Overall, the National Matches bring over 6,000 competitors, volunteers, vendors and family members to Camp Perry each summer. All events are open to the public. NRAnews.com will be broadcasting live from Camp Perry today from 12-3 pm Eastern time.
2010 CMP National Trophy Matches Events
13 July — Warm-Up Pistol Match
18 July — National Trophy Pistol Matches
25 July — National Rimfire Sporter Match
30 July – 1 Aug — Rifle Small Arms Firing School
2-6 Aug — National Trophy Rifle Matches
5-7 Aug — CMP Games Rifle Matches |
2010 NRA Rifle and Pistol Championships
13-17 July — Nat’l Pistol Championships
21-29 July — Nat’l Smallbore Rifle Championships
8-18 Aug — Nat’l High Power Rifle Championships
August 10-13: High Power Rifle
August 14-17: Long Range Rifle |
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June 5th, 2010
Top Shot is a new 10-episode TV series premiering this Sunday, June 6 at 10 pm (9 pm Central) on the History Channel. (Top Shot repeats Tuesday, June 8 at the same hour.) Sixteen experienced shooters were chosen to compete for a $100,000 cash prize. The 16 contestants are divided into two teams. Each week the teams compete against each other, then one contestant from the week’s losing team is eliminated from the show in a head to head elimination round. We’ve previewed Top Shot’s first two episodes and we can say that Top Shot makes for good television. The cinematography and editing are first-rate, even if hard-core precision marksmen might quibble about some of the equipment used. In addition to modern rifles and pistols, contestants must master antique black-powder arms as well as crossbows, throwing knives, and even tomahawks. Hey, it’s Hollywood remember?
Among the 16 competitors is Accurateshooter.com contributor Kelly Bachand, a talented young Palma shooter from Washington state. Kelly figures prominently in episode one. The History Channel has released an extended 11-minute Series Preview you can watch now on HULU.com.
CLICK HERE to Watch TOP SHOT 11-minute Extended Preview. (Advert may load first.)
This Preview is VERY well done, and well worth watching.
CLICK HERE for Video Bios of TOP SHOT Contestants, including Kelly Bachand.
Editor’s Note: The video Bios include footage from team challenges on upcoming episodes. Watching the contestant Bios gives you a “sneak peek” at much of the future action.
March 3rd, 2010
GunsAmerica.com, a leading gun classifieds website, has launched a web magazine to complement its firearms for sale listing. Featured in the new webzine is a lengthy profile of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, authored by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO. This article is full of interesting facts, and the video below is definitely worth watching.
Located at Ft. Benning, Georgia, the USAMU includes many current world and Olympic champions. Members of the unit compete in every major international shooting competition. They very often win, and for that reason the USAMU is referred to as “The Home of the Champions.” When not training, or competing in shooting events, USAMU soldiers serve as marksmanship trainers for other U.S. Army units and even allied forces overseas. Recently, a USAMU group was deployed to Afghanistan where they worked with allied Afghan (ANA) units to improve the ANA troops’ shooting skills.
The USAMU also conducts numerous clinics throughout the year. The USAMU teaches more than a thousand novice and experienced shooters at the small-arms firing school every summer at Camp Perry, Ohio. The International Rifle, International Pistol, and Action Shooting teams all host popular youth camps each summer.
USAMU is composed of six competitive shooting sections: Service Rifle, Service Pistol, Action Shooting, International Rifle, International Pistol, and Shotgun. International Rifle, International Pistol, and Shotgun are Olympic sports. The USAMU’s world-class facilities (for both training and competition) consist of 260 acres with 7 ranges and 18 buildings.
Since 1956, members of the USAMU have won hundreds of individual and team national titles, more than 40 World Championships, and 23 Olympic medals. Two noncommissioned officers in the unit, Sgt. Vincent Hancock and Sgt. Glenn Eller, are current Olympic Champions. Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson is the reigning National Pistol Champion and holds countless records in service pistol shooting. Sgt. Daniel Horner is the National Multi-Gun Champion. Spc. Joe Hein is the National smallbore prone Champion.
CLICK HERE to Read the Complete Story….
September 1st, 2009
 Traditionally, a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO), holds an important leadership role for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Recently, the USAMU’s top NCO, Sgt. Major Thomas Fuller, turned over the reins to a new Senior Enlisted Advisor. Sgt. Maj. Martin Barreras assumed responsibility of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit from Sgt. Maj. Fuller at an August 28 ceremony in Fort Benning, Georgia.
Barreras becomes the 23rd Senior Enlisted Advisor at the “Home of Champions.” He arrives from the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he served for more than 20 years. He served with distinction in all three Ranger battalions as well as the regimental headquarters.
“Sgt. Maj. Barreras arrives to the USAMU with a tremendous reputation—one of inspiring leadership, extreme competence, and extraordinary professionalism,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne, commander, USAMU. “I eagerly anticipate continuing the forward momentum and building upon the tremendous achievements and initiatives of this unit with the benefit of the counsel and leadership of Sgt. Maj. Barreras.”
Fuller is retiring after 21 years in the Army. Under Fuller’s mentorship the USAMU had some of its most successful years, which included seeing two of his soldiers capture Olympic Gold medals in 2008 as well as numerous international, national and interservice championships.
Fuller put an emphasis on training that contributed to measured progress on the USAMU’s marksmanship training programs, Hodne remarked. He also developed a concept to field a paralympic shooting team at the USAMU for wounded warriors, as well as institute an installation-wide program for all Command Sergeants Major that provides a venue to share marksmanship training techniques for dissemination throughout the Army.
July 30th, 2009
Dennis DeMille is a past Camp Perry National Champion, and one of the nation’s top High Power shooters. Since retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps, Dennis has served as the General Manager of Creedmoor Sports in Oceanside, California. We recently had the chance to interview Dennis at the Creedmoor offices. With his decades of competitive experience, Dennis has a wealth of knowledge. In this 3-minute interview, Dennis shares insights into the High Power shooting game. He discusses the most effective ways to train for competition, the fundamentals of good marksmanship, and how to recognize and perfect your natural point of aim. Dennis also offers solid advice on how to get the best “bang for your buck” when choosing shooting accessories for High Power and Across the Course competition.
CLICK HERE to WATCH DeMille Interview VIDEO
During our visit to Oceanside, Dennis gave us a tour of the facility. Dennis also explained the manufacturing process for Creedmoor’s popular shooting coats. All these shooting jackets are hand-crafted in Oceanside by experts with years of experience. Special templates are used to ensure each coat perfectly fits its new owner.
6.5 Creedmoor Ammo and Components
Today, 7/30/2009, we asked Creedmoor Sports to check its inventories of 6.5 Creedmoor components. Plenty of 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge brass is in stock. There is a good supply of 120gr A-Max bullets, but no 140s. As for 6.5 Creedmoor loaded ammo, a couple hundred 20-rd boxes of Hornady ammo is on the shelves as of 7/30/2009. A handful of die sets are in stock, with more on order. 6.5 Creedmoor case reamers are in stock.
June 23rd, 2009
 The NRA has released the latest edition of the Club Connection, a publication aimed at helping shooting club managers run their programs more effectively. This issue of the Club Connection, available as a free, downloadable .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) file, has many useful articles. Highlights include:
– Answers to Common Club Range Liability Insurance Questions.
– An NRA-endorsed Credit Card program that can reduce processing fees by 30%.
– Guide to the NRA/Winchester Marksmanship Qualification Program.
– Explanation of how to apply for the NRA Range Grant Program which offers qualifying clubs up to $5000.00 per year in direct funding.
– NRA Business Alliance programs (Fedex shipping etc.).
If you are involved in running a shooting club or gun range, you should definitely download the Club Connection. The information in this issue could save your clubs hundreds of dollars annually, and improve your insurance coverage for club members and guest.
This report courtesy the NRA Blog. Forum member Tim B. notes that: “I just wanted to brag a little. That fine-looking young man on the cover of the Club Connection online magazine is my son Carl. PHoto taken last year at the Camp Perry Junior Pistol Camp.”
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.
September 21st, 2008
Earlier this summer, Marine Corps instructors tutored 146 junior shooters at the Annual Camp Perry USMC Junior High Power Clinic. Retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Ken Roxburgh and his cadre of Marine and Team Bushmaster shooting instructors held forth in proper Marine fashion. As the clinic began, Gunny Roxburg barked: “You will not disrespect your instructors or your classmates by closing your eyes during this clinic.”
The clinic ran Friday, 25 July, through Sunday, 27 July, and focused on the key elements of range safety and etiquette, shooting position, aiming, sling skills, trigger control, zeroing, effects of weather and proper use of the data book. Roxburgh emphasized the science of shooting, spending considerable time explaining the physiology of sight and the physical requirements of successful marksmanship. At one point Roxburg chided: “If a shooter is having difficulty acquiring proper eye relief, perhaps he spent a little too much time with his good friend Jose Cuervo the night before.” Days two and three were spent shooting on the range firing at 200, 300 and 600 yards.
Roxburgh’s style of instruction combines education, discipline, humor, and mutual respect –- all key elements needed to communicate with young adults. Roxburg notes: “What we really try to teach is safe weapons handling as it relates to fundamental marksmanship and match participation. We have to have a great measure of self-discipline and the ability to follow appropriate orders and regulations given by the people that run these matches.” Roxburgh has been a lead instructor in the USMC HP Junior Clinic many different years. A member of the USMC rifle and pistol teams, Roxburg retired from active duty in 2005 after 30 years of service to the Corps — most notably as a sniper instructor.
You can learn more about the USMC Junior Clinic at Camp Perry, and read comments from students, in the The First Shot, the CMP’s Online Newletter.
Photos copyright ODCMP.com, used with permission.
June 19th, 2008
Dennis DeMille is a past Camp Perry National Champion, and one of the nation’s top High Power shooters. Since retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps, Dennis has served as the General Manager of Creedmoor Sports in Oceanside, California. We recently had the chance to interview Dennis at the Creedmoor offices. With his decades of competitive experience, Dennis has a wealth of knowledge. In this 3-minute interview, Dennis shares insights into the High Power shooting game. He discusses the most effective ways to train for competition, the fundamentals of good marksmanship, and how to recognize and perfect your natural point of aim. Dennis also offers solid advice on how to get the best “bang for your buck” when choosing shooting accessories for High Power and Across the Course competition.
CLICK HERE to WATCH DeMille Interview VIDEO
During our visit to Oceanside, Dennis gave us a tour of the Creedmoor facility. He confirmed that all the new Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor components are in stock: dies, bullets, brass, and loaded ammunition.
Dennis also explained the manufacturing process for Creedmoor’s popular shooting coats. All these shooting jackets are hand-crafted in Oceanside by experts with years of experience. Special templates are used to ensure each coat perfectly fits its new owner.
May 12th, 2008
 Over the past two weekends, concluding on May 11th, hundreds of shooters participated in the 2008 Eastern CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup at Camp Butner, NC. Some 398 shooters took part in the CMP Games on the first weekend. That makes the Games one of the most popular shooting events of any kind hosted in North America. Importantly, at a time when match attendance is shrinking for many other disciplines, CMP Games participant numbers were up dramatically since last year’s inaugural event. This reflects the growing interest in traditional, military-style firearms.
CLICK HERE for Complete Match Results
 SFC Singley Wins Creedmoor Overall
The CMP has posted complete CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup Results online. The Creedmoor Cup Overall Champion was SFC Grant Singley, with a 790-31X score. A service rifle shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU), SFC Singley was the Military Marksmanship Association (MMA) Soldier of the Year in 2007 and 1996. Taking second in Service Rifle was Singley’s USAMU team-mate Tyrell Cooper, with a 787-26X. First in Match Rifle Class was Troy Lawton, who posted a 787-25X.
CMP Games Popular
Warm Carolina spring temperatures, light winds and only one brief spell of rain created ideal shooting condition. As a result there were 12 Garand-Springfield-Vintage Military Rifle scores in the 280s. Sean Leighton (287-5X) won the Eastern Games Garand Match, while Robert Churchill (281-5X) won the 1903 Springfield Match. Churchill was also High Senior among Springfield shooters.
The best score of the CMP Games was a 288-6X fired by CWO2 Peter Burns, USMC, in the Vintage Military Rifle Match. Burns is now the OIC of the Marine Corps Rifle Team, but he competed in the Camp Butner As-Issued Military Rifle Matches to “just shoot for fun.” He fired a Swiss Schmidt-Rubin M1911 rifle in 7.5mm Swiss caliber. The Schmidt-Rubin has a barrel-mounted open rear sight. Burns’ winning performance demonstrates that peep (aperture) sights are not essential to shoot great scores. Burns also placed sixth in the Garand Match, third in the Springfield Match, and first overall in the As-Issued M1 Garand EIC Match.
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