CMP Western Games Return to Arizona Heat in October

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer/Editor

PHOENIX, AZ – The 10th Annual Western Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Games and Creedmoor Cup Matches will return to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility Oct. 11-20, 2013 to a growing crowd of rugged and determined competitors. New and experienced shooters are welcome to participate in the recreation-oriented, national-level competitions.

Last year, 521 entries – an increase from the year before – hauled their equipment to the desert landscaping of Ben Avery. The same level of participation is expected to endure the sweltering Arizona heat at this year’s Games.

The 2013 Western Games will be held at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, AZ. The 1650-acre facility earned a Five Star Rating from the National Association of Shooting Ranges and averages more than 120,000 shooters per year.

Match events to be held during the CMP Games include the Garand & Springfield, Vintage Military, Rimfire Sporter, Carbine and Vintage Sniper. In addition to the usual Garand, Springfield and Vintage Military categories, a Modern Military Rifle section has also been added to the Games. With the addition, shooters are now able to fire in up to four separate events during the week.

Events scheduled for the Western Games include Rimfire Sporter, M1 Carbine, GSMM and the growing Vintage Sniper Match.

The Western Games are perfect for shooters unfamiliar with competition shooting to gain a hands-on introduction to the sport. Unlike other competitions, coaches or helpers are allowed on the firing line to assist new shooters with slings, positions and loading.

One of the draws of the Western Games is that is allows outside assistance on the line from coaches and helpers for shooters new to the sport.

Another opportunity for new shooters is the Small Arms Firing School and an M16 EIC Match, featured this year for the first time at Western Games. For more experienced shooters, the Remington Highpower Shooting Clinic has been extended from one day to two days so advanced riflemen and women may further hone their skills.

Also, returning to Phoenix after a brief hiatus, a Garand-Springfield-Military Rifle Master Instructor Clinic will also be held during the week. Two-time gold medalist and DCM Emeritus Gary Anderson will lead the clinic. 

A CMP sales tent will be on hand all four days of the Western Games for those interested in shopping around before hitting the firing line. Each day will end with a casual reception and an opportunity for fellowship with other competitors and CMP staff members. 

Besides the challenge of competing against many talented shooters, many visitors of the Western Games also find themselves challenged by the intense desert sun. But, it’s all a part of the experience of one of CMP’s most anticipated events of the year.

The Creedmoor Cup Matches will include a 4-Man Team Match, High Power Rifle Clinic, Creedmoor EIC Match and the Creedmoor Cup Match. The Creedmoor Cup Matches will begin on October 16 and conclude on October 20.

Join us for a week of competition, new experiences and fun! More information about the Western CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup Matches and registration forms can be found by visiting http://thecmp.org/Competitions/WesternGames.htm.