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December 2013
New, Experienced Shooters Go Head-to-Head at 2013 Gary Anderson Invitational
The 2013 Gary Anderson Invitational (GAI) was held December 6-7 at the CMP Marksmanship Centers in Camp Perry, OH, and Anniston, AL, to a group of 415 competitors from around the country. The event is a three-position air rifle tournament that follows the 3x20 course of fire. Each shooter fires 20 record shots from prone, standing and kneeling positions, with the top eight shooters from each relay advancing to a 10-shot final. Winners are determined overall, from scores comprised from the CMP North and CMP South competitors.
Wounded Warriors Recognized at Camp Banquet
ANNISTON, AL – On Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) staff members attended a banquet honoring the 25 Wounded Warrior Marines from around the country who attended a week-long camp at the South Marksmanship Center in preparation for the next Wounded Warrior Games. The banquet was held at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Oxford-Anniston, AL.
Juniors Continue to Portray Excellence in 2013
Thousands of young shooters across the U.S. excelled as the Civilian Marksmanship Program reached out to them with numerous firearm safety and marksmanship clinics, camps and competitions over the past year.
Hannah and Josh Black’s Sibling Riflery: Black Belts, Ballet and Beyond
Hannah and Josh Black are your typical brother and sister. From the words of their mom and dad, “older sister ignores, little brother annoys.” But outside of their societal act, the two are actually extremely supportive of each other and share a unique common interest – both are accomplished junior shooters.
CMP CLUB NEWS: Pennsylvania Hosts First-Ever State Rifle Championship
On Sept. 7, 2013, a group of 31 competitors approached the firing line at Reade Range in Allemans, PA, to fire in the first Pennsylvania State Championship for M1 Garand, 1903 Springfield and Vintage Military Rifles.
CMP Recognizes 10-Year Club Loyalty
Celebrating its 17th year as a non-profit organization, the CMP has prepared an ever-growing number of shooters with firearm safety and marksmanship skills. Because of the success of its programs and sales, other organizations have decided to join CMP in its efforts by creating their own hometown clubs – some having been affiliated with CMP for over a decade.
Cutting-Edge Techniques Displayed at CMP North During Canadian Airgun Camp
Occasionally, the CMP North Marksmanship Center is rented out to teams and clubs hoping to better hone their shooting skills. On November 23 and 24, the air gun range, currently undergoing a million-dollar renovation, housed a group of shooters from Canada who brought their skills, as well as the snow.
Rare Opportunity to Compete in Public as CMP Fires the 2nd Annual Bass Pro 600
The 2nd Annual Bass Pro 600 will be fired Jan. 4-5, 2014 at the Bass Pro Shop in Leeds, AL. Just as it sounds, the event will take place in the middle of the Bass Pro store, as shoppers pass by and observe. Events for shooters include an international air rifle and a three-position air rifle competition. The match is open to men and women of all ages and is fired upon the world-class electronic targets of CMP’s innovative Mobile Range.
CMP CLUB NEWS: Cumberland Riflemen in NJ hold CMP Weekend Matches
On Sept. 14 and 15, 2013, Cumberland Riflemen, Millville, NJ, sponsored its third New Jersey State CMP Championship. Sunny Skies brought a beautiful day for Randy Ent from Pennsylvania who bested a field of 40 entries to win the Garand A Match (284-5), the Springfield Match (286-6) and the Aggregate (840-16).
November 2013
New CMP Custom Shop Already Fixing to Help Gun Enthusiasts Everywhere
After a month of business, the CMP Custom Shop is already stacked to the ceiling with rifles needing customization and repair. With nearly 200 rifles already through its threshold, the gunsmiths running the operation only anticipate more to come in the future. “Things are going great,” said John McLean, CMP Custom Shop manager. “We’re learning how to do everything we need to do in order to get things done as quickly for customers as we can, as well as do a good job.”
Civilians Stay at the Heels of AMU Shooters During 2013 Dixie Double
ANNISTON, AL – The 5th Annual CMP Dixie Double was held in Anniston, AL, November 8-10 to a group of 88 air rifle and pistol shooters. New, experienced and junior shooters fired shoulder-to-shoulder alongside some of the best shooters in the country, including members of the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), Paralympic team and even those from the 2012 London Olympic trials.
Stonecipher Wins GSMM Four-Gun Aggregate at Western CMP Games
PHOENIX, AZ – Kent Stonecipher, 61, of Ada, OK, demonstrated once again at the 2013 Western CMP Games that you don’t have to sweep all the matches in the Garand-Springfield-Vintage Military Bolt-Modern Military aggregate to be the top four-gun competitor, but you need to be consistent.
PHOENIX, AZ – Dennis DeMille, 48, of Anniston, AL, dropped just seven points overall in winning the John C. Garand Match at the 2013 Western CMP Games, recording a 293-7X aggregate score. DeMille also led all shooters in the Springfield Match with a score of 288-6X.
CMP CLUB NEWS: 2013 Texas Garand Championship
Our annual Texas State Garand Championship is planned every year for October to take advantage of the warm 70’s temperatures. This year we received a surprise: a cold front came through Saturday morning and with it a very significant threat of rain. The weatherman had been predicting terrible conditions for days.
CMP CLUB NEWS: Michigan State University hosts CMP Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match
LANSING, MI – Michigan State University hosted a CMP Rimfire Sporter Rifle Sanctioned Match on October 16 at their Demmer Shooting Sports Education & Training Center. Winning the Gold Pin in the telescopic class was Sean Barrett as he fired a 551-12X. Claiming the Silver Pin was Craig Shepard with a 542-5X, while Paula Warren earned the Bronze Pin with a score of 472-2X.
Calling all Junior Air Rifle Shooters – Enter the CMP National Postal Championship Today!
Registration for the nation-wide CMP National Postal Championship continues until 31 January 2014. This is a 3x10 air rifle match and is open to all junior programs, including all JROTC, 4-H, Boy Scouts and junior clubs. The competition is meant for those juniors interested in testing their skills against some of the top shooters in the country, from the convenience of their home ranges.
PHOENIX, AZ – Johnny Fisher, 38, of N. Hollywood, CA, was the overall winner of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Small Arms Firing School M16 Excellence-In-Competition Match at the 2013 Western CMP Games in October. He fired an aggregate score of 378-8X in the four-stage event shot at 200 yards at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility.
Juniors Take Advantage of Small Arms Firing School Experience
CAMP PERRY, OH – Junior rifle enthusiasts from across the country came out in record numbers for the rifle Small Arms Firing School during the 2013 National Matches, and for many it was their first competitive experience. Of the nearly 800 attendees who participated in the SAFS basic and advanced classes, 649 returned the second day to fire the Excellence-In-Competition match, taking home a wealth of experience.
October 2013
2013 Montgomery Bell Academy Rifle Classic
The Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA) in Nashville, TN, kicked off the 2013 high school air rifle season with their annual Rifle Classic. Over 350 competitors traveled to the prestigious all-boys school to compete during the October 18-19 weekend. A total of 217 sporter competitors and 141 precision shooters, representing 21 different states, fired in the Three-Position Air Rifle event.
2013 Eastern Smallbore and Air Rifle Championships Weekend Shooting Extravaganza
The Mass Rifle Rebels (Woburn, MA), with the aid and support of Woburn Sportsman Association (Bedford, MA), will be hosting their second annual Eastern Championships in both air and smallbore rifle. The weekend will start on Friday, November 8, with presentations by members of the Army Marksmanship Unit from 6 to 9 p.m. The presentation will be especially helpful for beginning junior shooters as well as for advanced, parents, coaches and fellow marksmen. The event is open for all to attend.
CMP Unveils New Custom Shop for USGI Firearms in Anniston
ANNISTON, AL – Over the years, many Civilian Marksmanship Program firearms purchasers have asked if the CMP would consider offering reliable, reasonably-priced and prompt maintenance, repair and upgrade of USGI-issue rifles. The CMP has responded and the answer is “YES” we will. Effective October 1, 2013, the CMP Custom Shop will open for business, providing a wide variety of repair, upgrade and custom services for a wide range of U.S. Military rifles, specifically those issued in early eras.
The 2013-2014 JROTC Postal Competition
The 2013-2014 JROTC Postal Competition will officially open on Oct. 1, 2013 for young cadets in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force JROTC programs who would like to go score-to-score with other talented shooters across the nation. New this year, Midway USA will be a prominent sponsor of the 2013-2014 JROTC Championships. Midway USA has agreed to donate $454,000 in endowments awarded to the top teams in all three phases of the JROTC Championships. To compete, registered participants will each receive three targets and instructions for recording scores. Shooters will fire in each of the three positions at their home ranges – using one target for each position. Once record shots are fired, shooters will return the targets to CMP for scoring.
CODY, WYOMING – Under mostly sunny skies, a variable breeze, a few light sprinkles and the backdrop of Heart Mountain in the distance, the Vintage Sniper Rifle Match team of Brian Dobish and John Stare emerged victorious, firing a team score of 372-7X. Dobish, 38, of Oshkosh, WI, and Stare, 63, of York, PA, were one of 23 vintage sniper rifle teams who participated in the Civilian Marksmanship Program – Garand Collectors Association Wyoming Games at the Cody Shooting Complex on 5 September. The event, held in conjunction with the GCA’s national convention, also included a 100-yard reduced John C. Garand rifle match fired the next morning.
CMP North Marksmanship Center Expansion Underway
CAMP PERRY, OH – The $1.1 million dollar expansion of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Marksmanship Center at Camp Perry is underway as construction crews tirelessly work to even further improve the already world-class air gun range for shooters and spectators. The range expansion was approved by the CMP Board of Directors after the space within the building for guests and competitors to walk, change and otherwise function was deemed inadequate. After bids were placed, the CMP hired Studer-Obringer from New Washington, OH, as general contractors to oversee the project.
Swearingens Make National Trophy Matches a Family Affair
CAMP PERRY, OH – Lila, Don and Eric Swearingen are familiar faces at the National Matches. Lila can be heard talking from the tower, Don can be seen out maintaining the range and Eric can be found breaking records on the firing line, as he did at the 2013 Matches. After speaking with them, their loyalty, playfulness and strong connection quickly becomes apparent, making it seem only natural that they would all find themselves wrapped up together in the same pastime.
September 2013
CMP Western Games Return to Arizona Heat in October
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.
Applications for $1,000 CMP Scholarships Now Available
CAMP PERRY, OH – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released applications for its annual scholarship program for the 2014-2015 Freshman college year. The CMP offers $1,000 one-year scholarships based on merit and rifle or pistol marksmanship affiliation to current high school seniors.
Talented Live Bugler Brings New Sound to Opening Morning Rituals at National Matches
CAMP PERRY, OH – It’s a familiar routine to regular National Match goers. The dew lingers on the blades of grass as light from the barely-risen sun cascades across the targets in the distance. A silence, then, promptly at 6:55 a.m., an exploding boom resonates through the thick morning air as the cannon is fired to start the day. Softly and strongly, the sound of the National Anthem begins to play across the ranges. But this year, to the surprise of many, it wasn’t a recording being played, but a live trumpeter from the tower.
Training Courses Teach Rifle Counselors on Rifle Instruction
The Camp Riflery programs have become some of the most popular activities during the summer months for young shooters. There, boys and girls are shown how to master gun handling and safety, marksmanship skills and Olympic Target shooting. Additionally, in order to give campers the best training possible, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) also trains camp counselors themselves on how best to accurately teach others how to become proper marksmen and women.
August 2013
Shooter Donates Organ to Save Hearst Doubles Partner
CAMP PERRY, OH – Tim Boyle and Mark Schoess had been to Camp Perry before, but the 2013 National Matches was different. For them, it was more than just about the shooting – it was the pinnacle point in a long journey the two had taken over the past year. Standing on the firing line for the Hearst Doubles Match, the pair gazed downrange at the target, thinking of all of the things that had made that moment possible.
Junior Rifle Camp at Camp Perry Prepares Juniors for the Future
CAMP PERRY, OH – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Marksmanship Center at Camp Perry was host to a nearly packed building at the CMP Junior Rifle Camp, held June 24-28. A group of 76 participants filled the 80-point range, along with their adult chaperones and coaches. The Junior Air Rifle Camp is a summer program conducted each year around the country to teach intermediate and advanced rifle marksmanship skills to high school junior shooters through exercises and demonstrations. Camps are one week long, highlighting the three positions used during air rifle competitions, and are headed by counselors from some of the top NCAA rifle teams in the country.
USAMU Wins “Rattle Battle” for Fourth Consecutive Year
CAMP PERRY, OH – A crowd of spectators gathered with cameras and phones in hand, like paparazzi stalking a group of celebrities. Nearly stumbling over one another, they pointed the devices toward the line of shooters on the ground, who were waiting to fire their first round in their prone positions. Those watching knew they were witnessing one of the most precise teams in the country with a reputation of being the best. That day, they lived up to the hype.
National Matches Air Gun Events Return Despite Renovations at CMP Marksmanship Center
CAMP PERRY, OH – The 6th annual National Matches Air Gun Events were held at a disheveled CMP Marksmanship Center at Camp Perry July 8 through August 3. Construction equipment, mounds of dirt and building materials surrounded the center as a renovation project, expected to be finished in 2014, left half of the building unusable for match goers. Fortunately, the air gun range within was still able to house the popular National Match air pistol and rifle events.
CMP Games Matches Continue to Stir Fun at National Matches
CAMP PERRY, OH – The birth of the CMP Games Matches began 14 years ago, when the John C. Garand Match was introduced. The match was meant to attract the “average” shooter to competition target shooting – and it did.
Hornady Gang, Ghillie Suits Cover Vintage Sniper Match Shooters
CAMP PERRY, OH – The Hornady Over the Hill Gang outshot the rest of the competitors to take the first place spot in the Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match, held July 31 during the 2013 National Matches. Robert Schanen, 64, of Brookfield, WI, and Jerome Van Treeck, 66, of Racine, WI, shot a combined score of 394-13x to claim the honor.
USAMU Narrowly Wins National Trophy Team Match, ‘Heidi’s Dream’ Comes True at Junior Team Match
CAMP PERRY, OH – The six-man United States Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) Praslick team took the role of overall champion in the National Trophy Rifle Team Match, fired on August 1 on Viale Range at Camp Perry, with a score of 2936-88x. The USAMU team outshot the All Guard Gold team by only one point in the competition, serving as a reminder of the amount of talent on the line that day.
Team Cooper-Dunfey Sets New Record in Hearst Doubles Competition
CAMP PERRY, OH – United Stated Army Marksmanship Unit members SSG Tyrel Cooper, 28, of Fort Benning, GA, and SGT Augustus Dunfey, 29, of Phenix City, AL, set a new record and claimed the top prize in the Hearst Doubles Team Match, held July 31.
Swearingen and Others Fire Record Scores During 2013 National Trophy Individual Match
CAMP PERRY, OH – The National Trophy Individual (NTI) Rifle Match was fired on the Rodriquez and Viale ranges on Tuesday, July 30 by a group of over 1,000 hopeful shooters. The sun finally showed itself through the clouds, bringing the heat and making the day seem more like the Ohio summer days with which match goers are more familiar.
Troy Lawton Wins President’s Rifle Trophy Match in Civilian-Heavy Final
CAMP PERRY, OH – Troy Lawton fought off a determined defending champion Jared Perry to capture the 2013 President’s Rifle Trophy Match here on Monday, 29 July with a qualification-plus-final aggregate score of 395-18X. Lawton, 50, of Columbus, GA, maintained his three-point lead in the 10-shot final in front of a couple hundred spectators at the 600-yard line on Rodriguez Range. Perry, 33, of Porterville, CA, finished with an aggregate score of 392-15X. Last year Perry set the match-plus-final record with a 398-16X.
McClain Wins M16 Match Despite Wet Conditions at 2013 Small Arms Firing School
CAMP PERRY, OH – “It could be worse – it could be raining harder!” said a still dripping first time Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) participant Christine Hemmer, 42, of Castalia, OH, after the torrential downpour that soaked the SAFS shooters during their EIC match practice on Saturday, July 27 on Viale Range. More than 720 shooters participated in the SAFS class during the National Matches at Camp Perry. The school is a mix of class work and hands-on coaching by USAMU, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine and Navy Active and National Guard and Reserve instructors. Rifle students learn the fundamentals, training methods and mental approaches to competitive shooting. Participants also have the opportunity to live fire in the prone, sitting and standing positions from 200 yards.
CMP-USMC Junior Highpower Rifle Clinic Teaches Fundamentals of Shooting and Life to Junior Shooters
CAMP PERRY, OH – At the Small Arms Firing School in 2011, new shooter Matt Lovre’s dad told him that if he beat the man next to him on the line, he’d buy him his own AR. The man, though equipped with a top-of-the-line shooting jacket, head gear and all of the other gadgets and gizmos, was outshot by a newbie that day – and Matt got a new gun. “Two years later, here we are,” said Matt’s dad, Matt Sr., as he watched his son participate in the CMP-USMC Junior Highpower Rifle Clinic held July 26, 27 and 28, just prior to the start of the highpower events at the 2013 National Matches.
CAMP PERRY, OH – “When this is complete, you will be forever changed,” said retired U.S. Marine GySgt. Ken Roxburgh to a roomful of wide-eyed shooters at the start of the Advanced Remington-Bushmaster Highpower Rifle Clinic, sponsored by CMP. The clinic was held the weekend of July 26, 27 and 28 during the 110th National Matches at Camp Perry. A group of 44 adult shooters were in attendance to better their service rifle skills and knowledge from the guidance of Roxburgh and his team.
ANNISTON, AL – Walla Walla High School from Walla Walla, WA, took home the overall team trophy for the precision class in the 2013 National Junior Olympic Competition, held July 13 at the CMP Marksmanship Center. Team members Sarah Jameson, Caitlyn Lasseigne, Allison Juergensen and Andrew Jenkins fired a combined score of 2330-136x for their first place position. The team is coached by Mark Mebes. “Three years ago, we barely made it to the Army match, taking last place. That corps has come up, with this being the pinnacle of what they’ve done. It’s cool to watch. They came up as a team, so they help each other out.”
July 2013
CAMP PERRY, OH – The name “Swamp Perry” held true again at this year’s National Match Rimfire Sporter Competition, held July 21, 2013 on the soggy Viale Range, left muddied from recent rain that has drowned the Northwest Ohio area. Though veteran National Match goers generally come prepared for the wet mess that is typically expected, not all were prepared for the waterlogged conditions. “I was going to bring my Army boots this year, but I didn’t think I’d need them, so I just brought my tennis shoes. Now I’m wishing I had them,” said Jeffrey Knop, 53, of Brighton, MI, as he stood on the damp range grass during the match.
Chichkov and Zimmerman Lead Juniors as Franks and Mango Dominate Overall CMP Trophy Pistol Matches
CAMP PERRY, OH – Junior pistol shooters Alexander Chichkov and Glenn Zimmerman were tops in their age group and Patrick Franks, Jr. and Robert Mango led the overall ranks in the CMP President’s Pistol and National Trophy Individual Pistol matches fired here on 14 July. Chichkov, 19, of Tampa, FL, won the prestigious Junior President’s Pistol Match Trophy with an aggregate score of 369-4X. Zimmerman, 16, of Waterville, OH, won the G.P. Perry DeFino Trophy with a total score of 283-11X out of 300, which signifies the high scorer in the Individual Pistol match for juniors. All junior pistol matches were fired with .22 caliber pistols.
CAMP PERRY, OH – As soon as the smoke cleared from the firing of Bob Gillmor’s replica War of 1812 cannon, marking the close of the First Shot Ceremony, the doors to the 2013 CMP National Trophy Matches were thrown open. LTG John Crosby, U.S. Army (ret.) fired the ceremonial first shot of the matches using a .30 caliber WWII M1 Carbine rifle after addressing a crowd of more than 400 as this year’s featured speaker. Upon Crosby’s shot, a sizable hole and smoke ring appeared on LTG Crosby’s target 600 yards away beyond the Rodriguez Range berm, compliments of Dave Rohrbacher and the Ohio National Guard.
Morales and Osborn Set New Precedent at First-Ever CMP National 3P Air Rifle Championship
ANNISTON, AL – The first-ever Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) National Air Rifle Championship for sporter and precision juniors brought the talents of individual, school, and club shooters to a realm of peak athleticism. With sweat, tears and smiles, legacies began as each winner became the first in the history of the competition. Midway USA was the official sponsor of the CMP Postal, Regional and National Championships. Throughout the competitions, Midway awarded generous endowments to first, second and third place teams. Midway USA is a leading U.S. firearms products retailer, committed to helping sustain junior shooting programs across the country.
Major Changes Set for 2014-2015 National Match Schedules
CAMP PERRY, OH – Modifications have been made to the 2014-2015 National Match schedules to prepare for the inclusion of the World PALMA Rifle Championships, being held at Camp Perry in 2015. Teams participating in the Championships will also be traveling to Camp Perry in 2014 to shoot a “rehearsal” match, causing some scheduling conflicts at the ranges.
Staff Works Behind the Scenes Towards National Match Success
The world-renowned National Pistol and Rifle Matches at Camp Perry has long been a staple of summer along the western shore of Lake Erie. To prepare for the thousands of competitors and spectators expected in attendance, those behind the scenes of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) spend countless hours preparing for the Match events ahead.
Area Youth Assemble to Prepare National Matches at Camp Perry
The world-renowned National Pistol and Rifle Matches at Camp Perry has long been a staple of summer along the western shore of Lake Erie. To prepare for the masses, the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) have for years assembled the efforts of talented area youth with the hands-on work needed to make the Matches possible. Recently praised by past and present employees for his dedication to the National Match summer crew, Joe DeCosta, now 81 years old, has run the NRA youth program for 30 years. Generally, he hires boys and girls around the ages of 14 or 15, who have the potential to return for years to come, which, more often than not, they do.
June 2013
History Comes Alive During 2013 National Matches at Camp Perry
CAMP PERRY, Ohio – History is the theme at this year’s National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches at Camp Perry, July 8-August 14. With men in uniforms, demonstrations and plenty of sizzle in the July sun, the start of the matches are sure to bring the sort of flare the swarm of crowds expect at the “World Series of Shooting Sports.” The fanfare kicks off with the First Shot Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 8, 2013. This year’s First Shot speaker will be LTG John S. Crosby, U.S. Army (ret.) and former member of the CMP Board of Directors. While in the Army, he served as the Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Training Doctrine Command, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff and Commandant for the U.S. Army Field Artillery Center and School. LTG Crosby received such awards as the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.
World-Famous National Matches Return for 2013 Season
The Pistol Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) will be the first event of the National Matches, with registration beginning on July 7 and an M9 EIC Match to be fired on July 8. Pistol SAFS will include basic instruction and firing practice for new shooters, competition instruction and competition live firing. An advanced pistol course will also be conducted on July 8 for further instruction and a question and answer panel with Pistol Champions. A Service Pistol Warm-Up Match will be fired by advanced pistol goers on July 9.
Ohio Youth Inspired by CMP Air Gun Range During JAKES Camp
CAMP PERRY, OH – On Saturday, June 22, 31 juniors and their accompanying adults from all areas of Ohio gathered at the CMP Marksmanship Center at Camp Perry to shoot during the Ohio State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) JAKES Campout. JAKES, an acronym for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship, is meant to inform and involve youth in wildlife conservation and the stewardship of natural resources. Hundreds of JAKES events are held across the United States and Canada each year, along with the Xtreme JAKES and JAKES Take Aim events. The JAKES program focuses specifically on responsible hunting techniques, ethics and safety and the principles of habitat management.
CMP Seeks Volunteers to Assist Veterans’ Organizations With Ceremonial Rifle Maintenance
ANNISTON, AL – Since early 2011, many of the rifles used to fire salutes at ceremonial events such as funerals and memorial events have been serviced and shipped to veterans’ organizations by the Civilian Marksmanship Program after being approved for use by the U.S. Army’s TACOM Life Cycle Management Command’s Static Display and Ceremonial Rifle Program.
Large Crowds Gather Despite Cold Weather at 2013 Eastern Games
CAMP BUTNER, NC — The Eastern Games held at Camp Butner in Butner, NC, May 3-7, 2013 grew once again this year, with a total of 428 participants — over 80 more than last year's Games. Shooters traveled from all around to compete in the many matches and clinics conducted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), including the Garand-Springfield-Vintage/Modern Military (GSMM) Match, Rimfire Sporter, Carbine Match and Vintage Sniper Match. CMP also added a Small Arms Firing School to the schedule, as well as new Pistol Matches.
New Pistol Events Bring Even More Competition to 2013 Eastern Games
CAMP BUTNER, NC — Two new Pistol Matches were added to the schedule at this year's Eastern Games at Camp Butner in Butner, NC, May 3-7. Now, pistol enthusiasts have even more opportunities to join in on the fun of the Games. The addition of the matches was met with positive feedback and ample participation by shooters.
May 2013
CMP Takes Small Arms Firing School on the Road to Regional Events
ARCADIA, Oklahoma – The CMP Games – Oklahoma marked the introduction of a few new rifle and pistol matches, but one of the most important introductions was the first CMP Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) held away from Camp Perry, Ohio. Since the SAFS program officially began at the National Matches in the summer of 1920, it has been a coordinated production of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship, then a function of the Department of the U.S. Army and more recently the Civilian Marksmanship Program in concert with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit.
CMP Awards over $150,000 in Youth Scholarships
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has presented the 2013-2014 CMP Youth Scholarships to many qualified applicants across the country. Recipients hailed from JROTC schools, 4-H groups and shooting clubs and exhibited continuing excellence in marksmanship during their shooting careers. The scholarship selection meeting was held on March 28, 2013. Eligible applicants were graduating seniors who participated in marksmanship programs and JROTC Service Championships, who also excelled academically.
April 2013
College-bound Shooters Advise Others on How To Take Rifle Competition to the Next Level
More than 3.5 million high school students participate in competition riflery throughout the United States each year. Because air rifle is a sport just beginning its appearance at the collegiate level, some high school shooters are unaware that the sport even exists there. But, the truth is, college rifle coaches are constantly in search of rifle shooters, even walk-ons. To catch the attention of these coaches, some high school shooters transition from sporter to the precision class, since that is the type of rifle shooting done on most college teams. A switch in specialty and proven talent can be just enough for some shooters to get noticed, but that’s not all it takes to make it to the college level – just ask those who have been there.
Ronald Doggett Wins 40-Shot, As-Issued 1911 and EIC Pistol Matches at CMP Games - Oklahoma
ARCADIA, Oklahoma – Ronald Doggett, 52, of Oklahoma City, swept three out of four individual pistol matches at the 2013 CMP Games – Oklahoma and placed third in a fourth match. Doggett also led his two-man pistol team to victory in the matches that were held at the Oklahoma City Gun Club pistol range. It was the second year for CMP pistol competitions as part of its regional games matches. Fellow Oklahoma pistol shooter Charles Abston, who won a pair of matches in 2012, stepped aside and served as the pistol match chief range officer this year.
Dan Arnold Wins Oklahoma Games Service Rifle Match as Four Others Pick Up EIC Leg Points
ARCADIA, Oklahoma – Distinguished rifle shooter, Dan Arnold, 47, of Norman, OK, was the overall winner of the CMP Games-Oklahoma Service Rifle EIC Match on Thursday, 4 April, with an aggregate score of 480-9X. Arnold persevered in the 500-point match, despite battling through flu-like symptoms throughout the event. Fellow Oklahoman, Kent Shomber, 53, of Edmond, finished second overall with a total score of 476-6X. Shomber is also a Distinguished rifle badge holder. Arnold strung together standing, sitting, prone rapid and prone slow stages of 97, 96, 99 and 188, respectively, in the National Match Course fired at 200, 300 and 600 yards.
Randy Ent Wins 4-Gun Championship at CMP Games-Oklahoma
ARCADIA, OK – Randy Ent, 60, of Russell, PA, placed first in the Garand match (288-2X), out of 93 competitors and the new Modern Military rifle match (291-7X), locking up the overall championship in the CMP Games-Oklahoma 4-Gun event. Ent racked up a pair of fifth place finishes in the Springfield and Vintage Military Bolt rifle matches, contributing to an aggregate score of 1132-15X for the overall victory.
CMP Announces Upgrade to Tracker’s National Matches Registration Process
CAMP PERRY, OHIO – Competitors who are registered for the 2013 National Matches will now have much greater freedom to manage the details of their registration, thanks to the latest upgrade to the CMP’s Competition Tracker data management system. “We are pleased to announce continuing improvements to our shooters’ competition experience, here at Camp Perry for the National Matches, but also for all future CMP matches and games events,” said Christie Sewell, CMP Programs General Manager.
Cushman and Pratt Produce Record-Breaking Performances at 2013 National JROTC Championship
ANNISTON, Ala. – Teams and individuals made the haul to the CMP South facilities in Anniston, AL to compete in the National JROTC Championships March 21-23, 2013. Over 7,300 cadets around the country participated in the CMP Postal competitions this year, with 890 moving on to their branch’s Service Competition. A total of 212 JROTC athletes competed at the National JROTC Championship, displaying the top JROTC shooters in the nation.
Ozark Fights Adversity to Win Two Straight National JROTC Precision Titles
ANNISTON, Ala. – “Honestly, winning the National Championship isn’t anything compared to the journey it took to get here,” said Makennon Doran. The Ozark High School senior from Ozark, MO, summed up his team’s experiences of winning their second JROTC National Championship precision team title after only two years of existence by saying, “We came and knocked it out.”
Mobile Range Rolls Through Early Mishaps to Consistent Success One Year After Its Conception
It’s been just over a year since the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) developed the idea to construct an air gun range with the ability to travel to venues across the United States. Since then, the mobile range has turned its wheels to destinations such as Nashville, TN; Leeds, AL; Kerrville, TX; Salt Lake City, UT, and Columbus, OH, to the praises of competitors and spectators alike.
CMP Assists with Shooting Competition at 2013 USMC Wounded Warrior Trials
CAMP PENDLETON, California – The Third Annual USMC Wounded Warrior Trials were held in Camp Pendleton, CA, just north of San Diego, March 1-6, 2013. Over 300 Marines competed in the seven-sport competition, including 130 shooters, all vying for their chance to become one of the 50 USMC athletes chosen to represent their military branch at the 2013 Warrior Games in May. This year, for the first time, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) was asked to help run the shooting portion of the trials.
Camp Perry Unveils Several Repairs and Improvements for 2013 National Match Season
CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Camp Perry has been a staple in the lives of many shooters, spectators and families over numerous generations. Since 1908, world travelers have made the small post in Northwest Ohio a destination. They have walked its paths, driven its roads and stayed in its facilities. With all of that traffic and wear over time, there are bound to be places in need of repair among the site, and the facilitators of Camp Perry have been busy over the past year restoring and improving the grounds on which so many have walked.
March 2013
Small Arms Firing School to be Featured for First Time at CMP Games in Oklahoma and North Carolina
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., CAMP BUTNER, NC – The CMP Games in Oklahoma City, OK and the Eastern Games in Camp Butner, NC will be host to many events for rifle and pistol enthusiasts of all ages to observe, participate in and enjoy. Among these events will be the Small Arms Firing School (SAFS), being held on Wednesday, April 3 during the CMP Games – Oklahoma and Friday, May 3 during the Eastern Games. This course, up to this point, has only been offered at the National Matches. Now however, thanks to its popularity, it will be making appearances at other CMP events.
CMP Regional Championship Sure to be a Prestigious Event for Junior Shooters
The CMP is gearing up for its Regional Three Position Championships, to be held at Camp Perry, OH on April 4-6 and in both Albuquerque, NM and Anniston, AL on April 11-13. This is the first year the CMP has hosted its own postal match for junior shooting clubs across the country. With high-volumes of participants and impressive scores, the match is proving to be a place for skilled junior shooters to meet.
Enhanced Competition Tracker Now Providing Greater Access to Excellence-In-Competition Information
CAMP PERRY, OHIO – As the new version of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Competition Tracker continues to unfold, competitors are gaining access to more information and utilities than ever before. Competition Tracker (CT) is a database-driven computer program that houses and maintains all of the CMP’s shooter records, including names and addresses, match results and historical information about all of CMP’s competitions including airgun, pistol and highpower matches.
The CMP Rules Committee approved the new 1st Edition CMP Rules for CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Matches and the 17th Edition of the CMP Competition Rules for Service Rifle and Service Pistol on March 6, 2013. The Committee adopted a few changes, mostly in the protest and appeals rules. The changes made to the rules are as follows:
CMP Board of Directors Approves Development of New Outdoor Marksmanship Park Near Talladega
ANNISTON, AL – The Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety, known as the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), has approved the development of the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Talladega County, Alabama, located a few miles south of the Talladega Speedway. The action was taken at a regularly scheduled meeting of the board last week.
Putting the “Ham” in Championship Shooting
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The shooters uncase their rifles. They take out their CBI’s, load their pellets and set up their line of sight downrange. They fire, check the targets, set down their rifles and adjust their . . . bunny ears? There’s no question that the air rifle athletes in the JROTC program show great commitment and dedication to the sport. Countless hours of training and perseverance bring these individuals to the highest peaks of championship shooting through postal, local, state and regional contests.
Shooters Break Nine National Records at 2013 Army & Air Force JROTC Service Championship
ANNISTON, AL, CAMP PERRY, OH & SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Records were made to be broken, and that certainly was the case at the Army & Air Force JROTC Service Championship, held Feb. 14-16 and Feb. 17-19, 2013.
Charles Collins of McMichael High School in Mayodan, NC fired a 191-10 in the 20-shot kneeling position, setting a new sporter class Air Force JROTC national record at the Camp Perry location, Feb. 14-16.
Kirby, Gross Lead Precision Class at 2013 Marine Corps & Navy JROTC Service Championship
ANNISTON, AL, SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Heather Kirby of Shelby County High School in Shelbyville, KY brought home the gold in Marine Corps precision for the Marine Corps (USMC) JROTC, while Anna Craig of Gulfport High School in Gulfport, MS took home the title of overall sporter champion during the Marine Corps & Navy JROTC Service Championship, held Feb. 21-23, 2013.
New Mobile Range Right on Target for Shooters Across the Country
ANNISTON, Ala., CAMP PERRY, Ohio – In the summer of 2012, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) constructed a portable air gun range in an attempt to expand its outreach to shooters around the country. The Mobile Range brings all of the luxuries of a state-of-the-art air gun facility without forcing shooters to make the trek to CMP’s northern or southern locations. Now, air rifle enthusiasts in other regions will be able to enjoy a CMP-constructed range right in their own community. “With travel being difficult for competitors to make it to Ohio or Alabama, the idea of the mobile range arose to transport electronic targets to the shooters instead of them coming to us,” said James Hall, CMP Program Outreach Supervisor.
CMP Inducts 25 New GSM Rifle Clinic Master Instructors During February Seminar
CAMP PERRY, Ohio – On a somewhat warm Northwest Ohio winter weekend, 25 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Garand-Springfield-Military (GSM) Rifle Clinic Master Instructors were certified after a weekend of extensive training Feb. 9-10, 2013 at CMP North. The CMP Master Instructor certification program educates advanced shooters and instructors and certifies them as Master Instructors who are qualified to teach specific marksmanship instructional topics using CMP training material and curricula. Certified instructors have the tools and know-how to teach basic and intermediate rifle marksmanship skills to new and beginning shooters in their communities.
February 2013
CAMP PERRY, OH – Sonya May, 18, of Rockland, MA, fired an aggregate score of 690.7 to win the Camp Perry Open 3x20 precision air rifle class championship at the CMP Marksmanship Center on January 12. Daylin VanSteenburg, 15, of Grove City, OH, won the sporter air rifle class with an overall score of 644.6. May fired a qualification score of 589 and entered the final in second place behind Ariana Grabowski, 17, of Beaver, PA, who fired a 590 and 685.8 overall. She expanded her lead with the first three shots in the final, but May came back strong, dropping just one point in her final seven shots while the leader slumped in her fifth through eight shots. May closed the match with a 101.7 final with a 685.8 aggregate.
CAMP PERRY, OH – Elizabeth Gratz, 17, of Sigel, IL, won the junior division of the Camp Perry Open 60-shot air rifle competition with an aggregate score of 1391.6 and high final of 206.6 and Erin Coscia, 17, of Zionsville, IN, captured the junior 60-shot air pistol CPO championship with a total score of 1276.6 and high final of 193.6, at the CMP Marksmanship Center on January 13. Gratz doubled as the winner of the air rifle match open division and Lea Wachowich, 31, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, won the air pistol open division championship with an aggregate score of 1334.7 and high final of 200.3. All winners were determined using a hybrid version of the new international style scoring format effective January 1.
Registration Open for 2013 CMP Junior Rifle Camps
Each summer the Civilian Marksmanship Program sponsors a popular series of Junior Air Rifle Camps and Clinics to teach intermediate and advanced rifle marksmanship skills to junior shooters and their adult leaders. The 2013 CMP Junior Rifle Camps are posted online at http://www.thecmp.org/3P/Camp.htm and include camps in Anniston, AL, Camp Perry, OH, Phoenix, AZ, Linn, MO and Colorado Springs, CO.
Warrior Athletes Dream of Success While Training at Camp Perry
CAMP PERRY, Ohio - It appeared to be just another line of shooters at the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) airgun range. “Dream on, dream on, dream on, dream until your dreams come true …” the Aerosmith song lyrics spilled out of the loud speaker over the small pops of the NMAR-15 air rifles. The leader of the shooters spoke out, “Take a quick break, and then, keep firing.” One man set down his rifle, displaying a missing hand. Another stood and walked over to his bottle of water, adjusting his prosthetic leg. A service dog draped in a camouflage Army uniform across her back whined at the sound of the popping air guns. A man turned around and said to her, “Just relax, Koda. Daddy’s shooting.”
January 2013
MidwayUSA Joins CMP in Support of Inaugural Three-Position Air Rifle National Championship Series
CAMP PERRY, OHIO – MidwayUSA, Inc., a leading U.S. firearms products retailer, owned and operated by Larry and Brenda Potterfield, of Columbia, Missouri, has joined the Civilian Marksmanship in reaching out to a broad spectrum of junior competitors by sponsoring the new CMP National Air Rifle Championship.