Team Double D Sets New Record in Fan Favored Vintage Sniper Match

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer/Editor

During this year’s popular Vintage Sniper Match, 470 individuals approached the firing line in two-person teams to compete in the event.

CAMP PERRY, OH – On July 18, neatly placed sand bags greeted hundreds of competitors at each firing point as they readied themselves to compete in the CMP Games Vintage Sniper Match. A group of 470 individuals fired in the event.

Competitors use scoped, as-issued vintage sniper rifles or replica rifles from the Korean War, World War II or earlier eras set atop provided sandbags.

Brad Sodders, 49, and his son Davis, 15, have shot the Vintage Sniper Match since it began. Last year, the pair nabbed a silver medal in the event, while taking home a bronze this year.

“We like that we get to do it together,” said Brad.

“I like the sandbag,” added Davis. “I like that you don’t have to do the different positions here like you do in other events. I enjoy it more that way.”

Some competitors, such as SFC Leslie Lewis and SSG John Arcularius Jr., USAR, dress up in outfits such as Ghillie suits or clothing from the eras their rifles were used, in order to add a little more fun to the event.

Michael Wallace, 57, of Stafford, VA, fired in the match for the first time by sheer happenstance. After Jeff Green’s partner couldn’t make it to Camp Perry as planned, Wallace was more than happy to step in.

“I’m really glad I did,” said Wallace. “This is the best.”

“This match is absolutely fantastic,” added Green, 60, of Midlothian, VA. “And the wind was really steady. I was surprised. It wasn’t too bad out there.”

For Paul Patel, 54, of Damascus, MD, the Vintage Sniper has more to offer than the usual National Match events. Having finished in third in the match, he says, here, everyone has the same chance to come out of top.

“It’s got action,” he said. “It’s more than just marksmanship, since you’re part of a team. And it’s great that all ages can come out and compete against each other. Getting to use the scope kind of evens things out for everyone, competitively.”

Marksmen fire from 300 and 600 yards during the event. Each rifle is equipped with sniper scopes to provide a more authentic feel to the match and further accuracy.

Two-person teams fire 10 rounds each from 300 and 600 yards, with scoped vintage military rifles in the prone position. Each team member alternates turns as shooter and spotter. The match requires quick accuracy and precise communication between partners.

Members of two-person teams take turns as shooter and spotter at each distance. Each member is responsible for guiding his or her teammate to achieve the optimum score.

Team Double D, consisting of Douglas Armstrong, 54, of Lexington, NC, and Glendale Rutherford, 62, of Tallapoosa, GA, fired a record-breaking score of 398-23x. Armstrong was also the individual leader of the match, cleaning each stage with perfect scores of 100 at both the 300 and 600 yard lines.

Each team chooses their unique names to stand out from the rest of the pack. Some teams even go as far as creating their own exclusive “uniforms” for the match.

In second place was Bob’s Gun and Ammo. Team members William Van Treeck, 28, of Racine, WI, and Shawn Steliga, 47, of Wauwatosa, WI, fired an impressive aggregate score of 397-19x. Rounding out the top three teams was Hard Leg #1, with a score of 392-19x. Firing members were Paul Patel and Howard Burrill, 53, of Mt. Airy, MD.

Winning the Vintage Sniper match was Team Double D – Douglas Armstrong and Glendale Rutherford, who both fired a record-breaking score of 398-23x. Armstrong was also the high individual of the match.

For more information on the Vintage Sniper Match and other National Rifle Matches, visit http://www.thecmp.org/NM/Rifle.htm. Results can be viewed at https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=match&task=edit&match=11024. Photos of the match can also be found at cmp1.zenfolio.com/.