John C. Garand Matches…why are they so popular?

In August 2002, the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio held its annual John C. Garand Match. In its five years this match has quadrupled in size and is serving as a gateway for a new generation of competitive shooting enthusiasts. Based on the success of the Garand Match at the national level, the CMP has committed itself to promoting events like this across the United States. This includes the introduction of new Rimfire Sporter, Springfield and Military Bolt Rifle matches this year.

But what has made the John C. Garand Match so popular? And can we take the elements that attract competitors to these matches to help clubs in their promotion of similar activities?

In June, we asked readers of The First Shot who had recently participated in the John C. Garand Match in Camp Perry or in a club Garand Match to give us their reasons for participating. 153 shooters responded to our call. Of these 153 shooters, 109 (71%) responded that they have taken part in 2 or more Garand Matches in the past three years. 81 of 153 (53%) said they plan to participate in the John C. Garand Match held at the National Matches at Camp Perry in the future.

As part of the survey, readers were asked which of nine statements were closest to the reasons for their participation in Garand Matches. Their answers are shown below:




These numbers are similar to the results of surveys the CMP conducted with participants of the John C. Garand Match at Camp Perry. It appears that friends, fun and a little bit of history make the Garand Match an attractive event. Competition may even be considered somewhat secondary. As we found at the National Matches, the Garand Match at Camp Perry drew a large number of first time competitors who were looking for an event that allowed a high level of interaction between top notch shooters and beginners without pitting them against each other (hence the introduction of a medal system based on individual scoring standards).

We also asked these readers what the biggest obstacle was to their continued participation:

The on-line survey allowed for reader comments. We always enjoy these, and often find good ideas. We’ve included a few below:

“Garand Matches are the greatest...keep em simple and friendly and they will grow...”

“Create an entry-level Garand Match video covering the very basics of competition, i.e. course of fire, sling, scoring, sight picture, etc. using the M1 as the example rifle. The current video is excellent, but above the heads of many M1 shooters; and is often considered invalid because it uses an AR15 as the example rifle. Make this video available to clubs at low/no cost, to individuals for a fee through the website. Our new JCG shooters are coming from the ranks of collectors, juniors and, for want of a better term, "wannabe" match shooters, all of whom are intimidated by their own lack of knowledge, lack of experience about match shooting and equipment use. A tall order, but once they're over the hump of the first match, they come back as enthusiastic participants.”

“One thought that came up was to dress in period uniforms and equipment. The problem would be how to get such or reproductions at reasonable cost.”

“Make the weather more pleasant.”

“Have a place on the web or newsletter listing all of the matches in the area.”

“Publish information regarding local clubs competitions. I currently have a Garand and I would enjoy shooting it in a match.”

“More assistance to local clubs who want to conduct Garand matches. More information about where & when upcoming Garand matches will be held at local clubs.”

“I think an as issue pistol match might be an idea. Use M1911 pistols, victory model .38, or M1917 Colt/S&W 45 auto revolvers in classic marksmanship style ( "duelist") as instructed in earlier Army manuals”

Editor’s Note: For shooters who are looking for listings of matches in their area, check the CMP website at http://www.odcmp.com/garand-rifle-calendar.asp for the lists of all Garand and Springfield Matches and rifle clinics sanctioned by the CMP. This list is updated weekly.

Mike Wallace is President of Spectrum Research & Consulting, and holds a PhD in Mass Communications from Florida State University. Dr. Wallace serves as editor of The First Shot. He can be reached at spectrumresearch@earthlink.net.