The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released its 2023 Travel Games schedule. The Travel Games are regional competitions that give competitors the chance to participate in notable CMP events found at the National Matches, but on a smaller scale. The CMP Games feature rifle and pistol matches designed for experienced competitors as well those who are new to the shooting sports. Along with shooting matches, each of the five scheduled 2023 Travel Games events will include Basic Rifle and Pistol Training Courses.

CMP Travel Games scheduled for 2023:

November 6-12, 2023 – Talladega 600, Talladega, Alabama.

For rifle shooters, the CMP Travel Games include a wide variety of modern and vintage rifle events including John C. Garand, Springfield, Rimfire Sporter, M1 Carbine, and Vintage Sniper Matches. The CMP High Power Matches offer more competitive possibilities such as the 4-Man Team Match, EIC Rifle Match, and three days of 80-Shot events. Pistol events include the CMP Match Pistol 2700, EIC Service Pistol, .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC, Military & Police Service Pistol, and 1911 As-Issued Pistol matches.

M1 Carbine Match at Western CMP Games

Electronic Targets for Rifle Events at CMP Travel Games

All CMP Travel Games rifle competitions will be fired on CMP Targets, a user-friendly electronic target system that instantly displays shot placement. The electronic targets also eliminate the need for pit duty. This helps matches run more quickly and efficiently with less physical strain for older shooters.

Training Programs at CMP Travel Games

In addition to competitions, educational opportunities such as the GSMM New Shooter Clinic, Basic Rifle and Pistol Courses and M1 Maintenance Clinics provide valuable experiences off the firing line. CMP-sanctioned GSMM (Garand-Springfield-Modern Military) rifle clinics teach basic and intermediate rifle marksmanship skills to new and beginning shooters. For newer shooters, the Basic Rifle and Basic Pistol Courses provide a solid introduction to firearm safety along with basic marksmanship skills and fundamentals. The courses also cover preparation for competitions and much more.

Garand Collectors Association Master Marksman Medal
For the first time, in 2023, those competing in the John C. Garand Match with As-Issued M1 Rifles at CMP Travel Games will have the chance to earn a Garand Collectors Association (GCA) Master Marksman Medal. The GCA Master Marksman program is set to begin in January 2023. Like the CMP’s established Distinguished Badge Program, the GCA program will work on an Achievement Award point system, based on performance at designated CMP events.

For more information about all CMP Travel Games events, visit the CMP website at TheCMP.org/competitions/cmp-travel-games.

One of the biggest combined vintage military, service rifle, High Power, and pistol matches of the year, the CMP’s Talladega 600 takes place next week at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. The event has been designed to appeal to rifle and pistol enthusiasts alike, providing a wide variety of marksmanship opportunities for competitors from around the country. Informational clinics, including the GSM Master Instructor Course and a Rifle Marksmanship 101 (with M16 EIC Match), offer an educational experience for both new and advanced marksmen.

Talladega 600 PROGRAM | REGISTRATION | MATCH SCHEDULE

Additional events include versions of prestigious National Trophy Matches, such as the Congressional 30 (with the same Course of Fire as the President’s 100 Match) and the Dixie Double Highpower Match (mirrored off of the Hearst Doubles Match).

Online REGISTRATION Match Program Download an Entry Form

Match Schedule Live Targets Area ACCOMODATIONS

This video has interesting aerial drone footage of the Talladega Marksmanship Park

Two Benchrest matches will be held during the Talladega 600 — a Benchrest Garand Match and a new Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Match.

Pistol Matches Are Always Popular
Many participants enjoy the Talladega 600 because they can compete with pistols between rifle matches. More Guns = More Fun. The Talladega 600 includes .22 Rimfire EIC and Service Pistol EIC matches, along with As-Issued 1911 and Military & Police pistol matches.

Advanced Electronic Target Systems — So No Pit Duty Required

Kongsberg target systems are used at the Talladega Marksmanship Park. Each firing point of the 500-acre facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art KTS electronic target and scoring monitor. This speeds up relays and eliminates the need for competitors to do pit duty to pull and mark targets. Located beside the shooter on the firing line, each monitor allows the competitor to see his/her shot location and score immediately.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program will postpone its November Talladega 600 rifle and pistol event due to storm damage to portions of its 500-acre marksmanship park. The annual event, scheduled for November 16-22, will likely be rescheduled in January or February 2021. The new date will be set based on what works best for the 125+ competitors who had registered for the November 2020 event. Participants will be contacted by the CMP to determine the best dates to hold the event in early 2021.

The Talladega 600 features a wide variety of service rifle, vintage rifle, rimfire rifle matches, and pistol matches plus firearms training programs.

Hurricane Zeta Damaged Kongsberg Electronic Targets
“Unfortunately, our facility suffered damage to portions of our electronic targetry when Hurricane Zeta made landfall in our area,” said Mark Johnson, chief operating officer of the CMP. “Key components necessary to repair the system ship from [Kongsberg in Norway] and the timing will not allow us to complete repairs by November 16. That takes us into the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, leaving us no choice but to move the event into next year”. Organizers hope to have the big event in January or February 2021.

Talladega 600 Will Be Rescheduled
The CMP will reschedule the event as quickly as possible to best fit the schedule of more than 125 competitors who have registered for the event. “Participants can expect contact from us soon to determine the best time slot to get the competition back on track,” Johnson said. “We recently performed a number of upgrades to our High Power range, so the timing of the damaging storms is unfortunate. We look forward to providing our participants with the best experience possible.”

Yes, the Pandemic is still here, but at least we are seeing major shooting events taking place again (with health precautions). One of the most popular multi-discipline matches in the Southeast, the Talladega 600, IS going forward in 2020. The CMP’s Talladega 600 kicks off Monday, November 16. A variety of matches and training sessions will run through Sunday, November 22, at the CMP’s Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. CLICK HERE for registration info, entry forms, and complete match schedule.

The Talladega 600 will include a mix of rifle and pistol competitions for all ages and experience levels.

Matches include Garand, Springfield, and Vintage/Modern rifle events, and versions of prestigious National Trophy Rifle Matches. A rifle Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) match, a 4-Man Team match, M1A Match and the retitled Congressional 30 and Dixie Double competitions add an elite level of competition. Additionally, Carbine, .22 Rimfire Sporter, and Vintage Sniper will be held at the Talladega 600.

NEW Garand Benchrest and Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Matches
New for 2020, two test matches will also be fired at the Talladega 600: a Benchrest Garand Match and a Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Match. Competitiors at these new events can use sandbags to support/stabilize their M1 Garands and .22 caliber rimfire sporter rifles. The use of sandbags should help competitors of any age, with increased ease and safety on the firing line.

Pistol Matches Are Always Popular
Those eager for pistol events will be able to look forward to .22 Rimfire EIC and Service Pistol EIC matches, along with As-Issued 1911 and Military & Police matches.

Rifle Marksmanship 101 Class Is Open
For an educational experience, a Rifle Marksmanship 101 Class (which features an M16 EIC Match) is also open to both new and advanced individuals looking to enhance their marksmanship knowledge.

State-of-the-art Kongsberg target systems are used at the CMP’s Talladega Marksmanship Park.

About Talladega Marksmanship Park
The 500-acre CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park is one of the most advanced outdoor shooting facilities in the Western Hemisphere. The facility includes a 600-yard rifle range, a 100-yard multi-purpose range, and a 50-yard pistol range, equipped with Kongsberg electronic targets and scoring monitors. Since the 54 targets at each line register hits and calculate the scores instantly, no pit duty is required at Talladega. The park regularly hosts rifle, pistol and shotgun events throughout the year.

Safety Protocols in Effect
During the match, CMP staff will be monitoring and assuring safety guidelines are followed. Please note that Masks will be required when off of the firing line. Sanitation procedures will also be administered, along with other precautions to ensure the well-being of staff and guests.