William “Frank” Starr

SUMMERDALE, ALABAMA

State Director Info

Background

I began coaching marksmanship in the summer of 2014 when I arrived in Georgia. There I coached not only NJROTC Sporter Class and Precision Class teams, but also Georgia High School Athletic Association Precision Class teams. In the summer of 2018, I returned home to Alabama to continue teaching NJROTC. Upon arrival I created a Sporter Class team and in 2022, we added a Precision Class team.

Awards

I have been very fortunate to have great facilities, school support, and shooters over the years. As a result, our teams in Georgia were always in the top five within our NJROTC Area and we always had at least one shooter qualify to participate in the NJROTC National Championship and the JROTC National Championship. Multiple individual marksmen finished in the top ten nationally including one who finished ranked number two. As a varsity sport within GHSAA, we were in the state playoffs each year with a highest ranking of 4th place although we were also undefeated in the regular season in a different year. In Alabama, we have had an individual or team in the NJROTC National Championship every year since school year 2019-20; the year after the team was formed. In the past three years, the team has been ninth, fifth, and fourth nationally at the NJROTC National Championship; tenth and fourteenth at the JROTC National Championship; and tenth, tenth, and fourth at the CMP National Championship. The team also boasts three members who shot at the USA Shooting Junior Olympics. At the state level the team is currently back-to-back state champions and finished second the year before those. Over the past several years, Robertsdale HS NJROTC marksmen have shot in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Utah.

Personal Info

I retired from the Navy in 2001 after having spent 22 years in the Navy; 11 as an enlisted Sailor and 11 as an officer. Since earning my Master of Science in Education Degree in 1999, I have been in the education field at various levels including being in charge of three military Joint Service schools, working as a contractor for the Chief of Naval Education and Training, serving as the Assistant Commandant of Cadets at Marion Military Institute, and I am in my 20th year in a high school classroom. I am married with five children and a nephew who we are raising. I enjoy carpentry and yard work, and tinkering with my cars. Over the past 30+ years I have been very active in the campaign to prevent highway traffic fatalities, focusing primarily on anti-DUI.

Reasons

I know the outgoing state director and I have seen the effort he put in trying to grow competitive shooting in our state. We have quite possibly the premiere air rifle range in the U.S. here in Alabama and I want to build upon the former director’s work. We are a rural state where a large portion of our youth are shooters already and are very comfortable handling rifles. Unfortunately, many of our youths are not involved in shooting sports for a number of reasons including a lack of equipment or facilities, coaches not knowing the details of the sport, seemingly a lack of training opportunities, and financial challenges. I want to see the state’s programs grow not only in size, but in number, as well. Gun safety, along with a healthy dose of respect for them, is more important than ever. Competitive shooting, perhaps more so than any other youth sport, requires discipline, tremendous focus, and a level of athleticism unobserved by most non-shooters. I want to ensure we are teaching all ages about gun safety and gun use while providing competitive opportunities.

Goals/Hopes

(1) Marksmanship is an underrepresented sport in the state. More teams need to get involved. Even JROTC units in the Anniston area do not shoot at the state championship. Participation must increase, especially since perhaps the premiere air rifle range in the country is located in the state. (2) The CMP hosts monthy matches in Anniston, but some schools are 300 miles away, making it impractical to frequent the range. Local or regional matches must be established to make travel costs more affordable in an effort to get more athletes involved. (3) More opportunites should be sought for minority athletes, a group which seems to be underrepresented. (4) Interested athletes and coaches should be connected with support groups such as the CMP, the NRA, MidwayUSA, 4-H Clubs, local gun clubs, and other individuals who want to help. (5) Marksmanship affiliation included under AHSAA auspices as a varsity sport should be explored. Georgia could serve as a good model, although unlike there, perhaps both Precision and Sporter Class levels could be created. (6) Regional matches should be set up throughout the state to encourage the sport in communities where historically there has been little interest or resources. (7) Work in conjunction with the Alagames (Alabama Games) to increase participation at their event.

2026 Alabama CMP 3PAR Air Rifle Championship

The CMP and Robertsdale NJROTC invite you to participate in the 2026 Alabama CMP 3PAR State Championship.  This will be a dual match in which Alabama resident athletes are eligible to qualify for the CMP 3PAR National Championship.  Non-Alabama residents are permitted to participate in the match but are ineligible for qualifying scores or awards.

Questions? Contact Frank Starr, [email protected], 678-519-8114


Coaches and Stakeholders,

Please share this information with your units, schools, and teams.

Following required documents for this year’s Alabama CMP 3PAR State Championship:

  • The first document outlines details and expectations for the 2026 Alabama State Championship.
  • The second document is to be used to register teams and athletes.  Please return this form as an Excel Spreadsheet so that I can cut and paste your information into a master worksheet.
  • The W9 is for your bookkeeper’s use, as necessary.
  • The CMP Affidavit form is required for athletes who are 18 years old or older and must be signed and submitted in 2026.  This should be brought to the range and submitted during check-in.
  • The 2026 CMP Parent Consent Form is required for athletes who 17 years old or younger and must be submitted in 2026.  This should be brought to the range and submitted during check-in.

Please familiarize your team members with all applicable rules.  Specifically, Sporter class athletes cannot wear footwear that covers their ankles.   

Feel free to pass this invitation to all who may be interested in participating.  However, only Alabama teams and residents will be allowed to win or qualify for the CMP National Championship.

Don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you have questions.  My cell is 678-519-8114.  Let me know if you have a preference for relay assignment (i.e., 1st or 2nd).  Thanks, safe travels, and good luck.

Very respectfully,
Frank Starr
Lieutenant Commander, USN Ret.
Robertsdale HS
NJROTC SNSI
Robertsdale, AL

Alabama State Director
Civilian Marksmanship Program 

CMP Now Accepting Vendors for 2026 Premier Shooting Expo in Alabama

TALLADEGA, Ala. – Calling all businesses! The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) needs your help in conducting the 2026 Premier Shooting Expo – the foremost gathering of industrial professionals in the South!

Open to the public, the trade event will be held June 27, 2026, across the 500 acres of CMP’s Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. The Expo showcases exhibitors from marksmanship, outdoor sports and other domains, each demonstrating their most popular inventory available on the market today.


Talladega Expo 2026 Vendors

Not only will each vendor of the Premier Shooting Expo have the opportunity to display their products, they’ll also be presented the rare opportunity to allow guests to handle and even test products on our many ranges suitable for rifle, pistol, shotgun and archery.

Vendors of the CMP Premier Shooting Expo are provided direct exposure with the consumer base, local and national media coverage as well as sponsorship at Talladega Marksmanship Park for an entire year (with signage reaching over 2,500 park visitors a month)!

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting commercial event!

Find more information on CMP’s Premier Shooting Expo at https://tmp.thecmp.org/cmp-premier-shooting-expo/. Questions may be directed to CMP’s Antonio Davis at 256-835-8455 ext. 520 or [email protected] or Greg Raines at 256-622-4222 or [email protected].


Talladega Expo 2026 Graphic

About the CMP and Talladega Marksmanship Park:

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is a national organization dedicated to training and educating U.S. citizens in responsible uses of firearms and air guns through gun safety training, marksmanship training and competitions.

Talladega Marksmanship Park, located in Talladega, Ala., has been CMP’s premier “Home of Marksmanship” for the last decade. With 500 acres of public outdoor space facilitating rifle, pistol, archery, shotgun and even an unknown distance range, the park is suited for those experienced within the sport as well as those just beginning. Talladega is open daily, all year long, and hosts local, regional and national competitions along with safety and fundamental courses for individuals eager to learn more about firearms.

The CMP’s dedication to staying at the forefront of marksmanship advancements provides guests to Talladega’s 600-yard outdoor range the ability to enjoy a full line of outdoor eTargets, powered by Kongsberg Target Systems (KTS) technology. Bridging accuracy and convenience, the range includes personal tablets at each firing point that allows users to change yard lines with the push of a button while instantly displaying shot placement in real-time – all without ever having to leave the comfort of the covered firing line.

Inside the 13,000-square-foot Club House, visitors may browse Talladega’s Pro Shop featuring equipment essentials, memorabilia, on-site commercial firearm sales and vintage rifle sales.

Learn more about Talladega Marksmanship Park at https://tmp.thecmp.org/.

CMP’s Talladega Spring Classic Returns in 2026

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer

TALLADEGA, Ala. – Mark your calendars for the 2026 Talladega Spring Classic – featuring a lineup of outdoor rifle and pistol competitions for all experience levels!

The annual event will be held March 17-22 at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. Hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), the event includes a mix of modern/vintage rifle, highpower rifle and pistol individual and team matches. A Shotgun Two-person Loop Match is also scheduled along with a Mid-Range 2×600.

Whether a seasoned competitor or just beginning, the recreational atmosphere of the Talladega Spring Classic is suited for everyone interested in marksmanship.


Talladega Spring Classic PR 26 Logo

Offered events:

  • Benchrest Vintage Military Rifle
  • Carbine
  • Garand/Springfield/Modern Rifle
  • Vintage Sniper
  • 80 Shot Service Rifle
  • EIC Service Rifle
  • .22/.45/Centerfire Pistol Aggregates
  • .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC
  • EIC Service Revolver
  • Mid-Range
  • Sporting Clays

For educational purposes, Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship 101 courses offer guests the opportunity to learn firearm basics through classroom and range training.

All events open to adults and juniors!


Talladega Spring Classic PR 26 Rifle
Rifle events of the Talladega Spring Classic are held on the park’s outdoor eTargets.

Rifle matches will be conducted on CMP’s line of Kongsberg Target Systems outdoor electronic targets, now featuring eScore and other program updates.

Off the firing line, Talladega’s Club House is home to a fully stocked Pro Shop, now featuring commercial firearms like Sig Sauer pistols and CMP’s own Tisas pistols! The Shop also holds over 200 surplus military rifles, including the M1 and M1917 bolt action guns, ammo, equipment and more.

Learn more about the 2026 Talladega Spring Classic and register at https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/talladega-spring-classic/.



About the CMP and Talladega Marksmanship Park:

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is a national organization dedicated to training and educating U.S. citizens in responsible uses of firearms and air guns through gun safety training, marksmanship training and competitions.

Talladega Marksmanship Park, located in Talladega, Ala., has been CMP’s premier “Home of Marksmanship” for the last decade. With 500 acres of public outdoor space facilitating rifle, pistol, archery, shotgun and even an unknown distance range, the park is suited for those experienced within the sport as well as those just beginning. Talladega is open daily, all year long, and hosts local, regional and national competitions along with safety and fundamental courses for individuals eager to learn more about firearms.

The CMP’s dedication to staying at the forefront of marksmanship advancements provides guests to Talladega’s 600-yard outdoor range the ability to enjoy a full line of outdoor eTargets, powered by Kongsberg Target Systems (KTS) technology. Bridging accuracy and convenience, the range includes personal tablets at each firing point that allows users to change yard lines with the push of a button while instantly displaying shot placement in real-time – all without ever having to leave the comfort of the covered firing line.

Inside the 13,000-square-foot Club House, visitors may browse Talladega’s Pro Shop featuring equipment essentials, memorabilia, on-site commercial firearm sales and vintage rifle sales.

Learn more about Talladega Marksmanship Park at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/.

CMP Announces 2025 Monthly Matches Air Gun League Results

Monthly Matches League Results 2025 Graphic

CAMP PERRY, Ohio; ANNISTON, Ala. – With the Monthly Air Gun Matches season complete for 2025, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released the results of the Monthly Matches League!

Monthly Matches are held at CMP’s Competition Centers in Ohio and Alabama throughout the year, featuring air rifle and air pistol events for a variety of ages and experience levels. The Monthly Matches League is designed for individuals who fire in four or more Monthly Matches.

The top five athletes from the Junior 3×20 Precision/Sporter and the Open 60 Shot Air Rifle/Air Pistol events earn prize money based on the number of participants. Places first through third also earn awards for their performances.

Leading Athletes of the 2025 Monthly Matches League:

3×20 Precision:

  1. Delilah Muzik, 15, Green Springs, OH
  2. Meredith Miller, 15, Green Springs, OH
  3. Owen Stauch, 16, Waterford, OH
  4. Sarah Mix, 14, Xenia, OH
  5. Natalie Welter, 15, Foxburg, PA

3×20 Sporter:

  1. Bethany Shirley, 19, Monroe, GA
  2. Ashlyn Tilley, 15, Bremen, GA
  3. Zachary Purvis, 18, Waco, GA
  4. Ellie Hull, 16, Bowdon, GA
  5. Kadyn Sanders, 14, Decatur, IN

60 Shot Rifle:

  1. Marley Bowden, 18, Harpersville, AL
  2. Delilah Muzik, 15, Green Springs, OH
  3. Natalie Welter, 15, Foxburg, PA
  4. MacKenzie Sookhoo, 18, Newnan, GA
  5. Owen Stauch, 16, Waterford, OH

60 Shot Pistol:

  1. Suman Sanghera, 20, Great Falls, VA
  2. Colin Smith, 35, Pittsburgh, PA
  3. Jorja Litwiler, 17, Benton, LA
  4. John Collin, 50, Gurnee, IL
  5. Matthew Lemmon, 40, Clyde, OH

Congratulation to all participants!


Monthly Matches League Results 25 Results

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: the 2026 Monthly Matches are set to return in February! Learn more about these matches and view a full schedule on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/monthly-match-program/.

About CMP Competition Centers:

The Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center in Alabama includes the CMP South Store, which is fully stocked with equipment and memorabilia needs. The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center in Ohio features cases of authentic Olympic and other memorabilia from the career of celebrated American marksman, Gary Anderson, for observers to enjoy.

Each of CMP’s indoor air gun facilities holds an 80-point range, equipped with innovative electronic targets. The venues regularly host local, state and national competitions as well as Open Marksmanship, which allows visitors of virtually any age and experience level to test out air rifles or air pistols with the guidance of qualified CMP staff members.

To learn more, visit https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/.

Young Morgan Duo Tops CMP’s 2025 Talladega 5K Range Run

TALLADEGA, Ala. – The 2025 Talladega 5K Range Run & 1K Fun Run, hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), saw over 80 registered runners and 10+ sponsors, including a significant number of local participants and some from neighboring Georgia (a two-hour drive)!

During the annual event, participants run through the 500 acres of CMP’s Talladega Marksmanship Park, which features paved trails and scenic views of the Alabama mountains. The course weaves through the rolling landscape of the facility, giving guests a unique tour of the many rifle, pistol and shotgun ranges located on the grounds.



This year’s weather was ideal, starting with a heavy overcast and transitioning into a beautiful fall day. The perfect amount of wind prevented runners from overheating, while the sunshine provided exemplary conditions for capturing memorable photographs.

Remarkably, leading overall was Jaxon Morgan, 11, with a time of 23:41, followed by his 9-year-old relative Easton Morgan, with a time of 23:47. Top female of the run and finishing fifth overall was Kristi Morton, 46, with a time of 23:56.

The USA Track & Field-certified event has been confirmed for next year, with a date set for Sept. 26, 2026. All proceeds benefit CMP Youth Marksmanship Programs. We hope you’ll make plans to join us!

View a complete list of results at https://www.athlinks.com/event/361159/results/Event/1123981/Course/2644057/Results?page=1.

Photos are available for free viewing and download at https://cmp1.zenfolio.com/p18447253.



About Talladega Marksmanship Park:

Talladega Marksmanship Park, located in Talladega, Ala., has been CMP’s premier “Home of Marksmanship” for the last decade. With 500 acres of public outdoor space facilitating rifle, pistol, archery, shotgun and even an unknown distance range, the park is suited for those experienced within the sport as well as those just beginning. Talladega is open daily, all year long, and hosts local, regional and national competitions along with safety and fundamental courses for individuals eager to learn more about firearms.

The CMP’s dedication to staying at the forefront of marksmanship advancements provides guests to Talladega’s 600-yard outdoor range the ability to enjoy a full line of outdoor eTargets, powered by Kongsberg Target Systems (KTS) technology. Bridging accuracy and convenience, the range includes personal tablets at each firing point that allows users to change yard lines with the push of a button while instantly displaying shot placement in real-time – all without ever having to leave the comfort of the covered firing line.

Inside the 13,000-square-foot Club House, visitors may browse Talladega’s Pro Shop featuring equipment essentials, memorabilia, on-site commercial firearm sales and vintage rifle sales.

Learn more at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/.

Eddy, Tobar Prado and Fiori Lead Inaugural Alabama Airgun and Smallbore Cup

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer

ANNISTON; TALLADEGA, Ala. – Formerly known as the Dixie Double, the Alabama Airgun & Smallbore Cup (AASC) was held Oct. 9-12 at the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center in Alabama, hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program. A group of over 140 adults and juniors participated in the inaugural event, which included two days of 60 Shot air rifle and air pistol competitions.

This year, the event also featured a 50-meter three-position smallbore rifle competition. The match was held just down the road from the Competition Center at the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Talladega Marksmanship Park, with nearly 70 participants overall.


AASC Results 25 Pistol Range
The Alabama Airgun and Smallbore Cup invited both air rifle and air pistol competitors for two days of 60 shot competitions.

“We’d like to thank everyone for coming out this year to the Alabama Airgun and Smallbore Cup,” said JT Schnering, Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center manager. “It was a great atmosphere with individuals from all around the U.S. and Canada. And, adding the second day of smallbore was great for our competitors, allowing even more value for their time with us in Alabama.”

Leading the air rifle competition was SPC Jared Eddy, 25, of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU). He was followed closely by USAMU teammate and two-time Olympian SSG Sagen Maddelena, 32, while Peter Fiori, 25, earned third.



Two of those athletes went on to take the top spots in the smallbore rifle match, with Fiori reaching first, USAMU’s SGT Levi Clark, 27, in second and Maddalena in third.

Marley Bowden, 17, of Harpersville, AL, was the overall winner of the junior air rifle event, with Borui Wang, 13, of Barnaby, BC, Canada, and Katelynn McEntee, 17, of Tampa, FL, respectively finding second and third.

Junior smallbore rifle winners included Logan Sanchez, 16, of Windsor, CO, in first, Cohen Ahner, 17, Los Lunas, NM, in second and Micah Waguespack, 17, of Gramercy, LA, in third.


AASC Results 25 Rifle Range
The AASC event schedule is open to adults and juniors of all experience levels.

In air pistol, Nathalia Tobar Prado, 38, Anniston, AL, earned a commanding win by a seven-point margin over second place finisher Pranav Kamath, 26, of Wichita Falls, TX. Kara Ehmer, 47, of Atlanta, GA, landed in third.

Aidan Duan, 13, of Surrey, BC, Canada, claimed a tight junior air pistol competition by only tenths of a point over Vaishnavi Bethi, 15, of Clarksville, TN, as Jorja Litwiler, 17, of Benton, LA, earned third.

For extra competitive fun, a two-person (adult and junior pair) aggregate team match was held concurrently with the open air gun matches.



Team Competition Winners:

Air Rifle: Southern Slayers (Marley Bowden, Gianluca Soldavini) – 2,497.6

Air Pistol: LOCK and LOAD (Nathalia Tobar Prado, Aidan Duan) – 1,128-28X

Outside of the Competition Center, an exciting Target Sprint (combining marksmanship and running) was also held to add even more challenges for guests to the AASC.



Target Sprint Adults (18+):

  1. Bernardo Tobar, 47, Phenix City, AL
  2. Clay Sell, 20, Winner, SD
  3. Hank Gray, 46, Anniston, AL


Target Sprint Juniors:

  1. Nathaniel Kauffman, 17, of York, PA
  2. Ethan Erwin, 16, of Granbury, TX
  3. James Tucker, 14, of Edgewood, NM


Find a complete list of results of the 2025 Alabama Airgun and Smallbore Cup at https://ct.thecmp.org/AASC25Results. Photos of the event may be found on the CMP’s Zenfolio page at https://cmp1.zenfolio.com/f20535099.

CMP Adds Smallbore Event to Alabama Monthly Matches Schedule

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is excited to announce the addition of three-position smallbore to Alabama’s Monthly Matches schedule!

Hosted six times during the year, Monthly Matches are open to adult and junior competitors of all skill levels and offer a variety of events, including 3×20 precision and sporter air rifle competitions and 60-shot standing air rifle and air pistol competitions. Monthly Matches are held at CMP’s Competition Centers in Ohio and Alabama, though smallbore will only be included at the Alabama location.



All smallbore events will be conducted at CMP’s Talladega Marksmanship Park, just a short drive from the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center, where the air gun matches take place. The first smallbore match will be fired Nov. 16 on CMP’s own electronic targets and will be a USA Shooting ranking match.

“Smallbore rifle is growing in popularity, and there are few places in the U.S. offering quality matches,” explained Brad Donoho, CMP smallbore manager. “By adding smallbore to our monthly events in Alabama, we’re giving competitors more opportunities to train and compete at a high level.”

More About CMP’s Monthly Matches:

Monthly Matches are held within CMP’s state-of-the-art Competition Center air ranges, equipped with 80 electronic targets.

Three Monthly Matches remain for 2025:

  • September 20 (Both locations)
  • October 11 (Ohio)
  • October 18 (Alabama)
  • November 15 (Both locations)

For more information on the Monthly Matches and registration info, visit https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/monthly-match-program/.

About CMP Competition Centers:

The Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center in Alabama includes the CMP South Store, which is fully stocked with equipment and memorabilia needs. The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center in Ohio features cases of authentic Olympic and other memorabilia from the career of celebrated American marksman, Gary Anderson, for observers to enjoy.

Each of CMP’s indoor air gun facilities holds an 80-point range, equipped with innovative electronic targets, as well as Laser Shot Simulators capable of facilitating rifle, pistol and shotgun scenarios. The venues regularly host local, state and national competitions as well as Open Marksmanship, which allows visitors ages 8 and up with any experience level to test out air rifles or air pistols with the guidance of qualified CMP staff members.

To learn more, visit https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/.

CMP Installs New Megalink Air Gun Targets at Ohio, Alabama Ranges

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is excited to announce the installation of new electronic air gun targets at its indoor air gun ranges in Ohio and Alabama!

A timelapse video of the target installation at Camp Perry is available on our YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/z5b6J_0u6Jo?si=lM3cBGxQRWxwHi_U.

All 80 firing points at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry, Ohio, and the 80 points at the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center in Anniston, Ala., will now be equipped with Megalink 3D-Score targets. Installation on targets at Camp Perry was completed in November, while assembly is in progress in Anniston.

The Megalink targets boast some of the latest technological advancements in accuracy, including crossfire recognition and pellet speed measurement, using optical detection – all under the blanket of Megalink’s reputation of dependable, world-class products that are used by several of today’s leading national and international entities. 

Megalink Target at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center
The CMP installed new Megalink air gun targets in November and December.

“We chose to go back to Megalink targets so that we may once again partner events with USA Shooting, with the possibility of also accommodating the NCAA and beyond,” said Dana Lynd, CMP’s Deputy Chief Programs Officer. “These targets are ISSF (International Sport Shooting Federation) approved and have a witness strip, allowing us to host more elite competitions in our facilities that require a specific level of precision technology.”

With the latest installation of Megalink targets, the CMP is already scheduled to hold the 2023 USA Shooting Winter Airgun Championships at Camp Perry in December as well as Part 3 of the Olympic Trials in Anniston in January 2024.

Megalink target monitor
Updated monitors instantaneously show competitors each shot placement.
Target line at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center
The new target line will be displayed at both of CMP’s air gun facilities (Ohio and Alabama).

“We’re looking forward to welcoming these talented athletes to our facilities as we broaden our scope in the air gun community, and we look forward to creating partnerships with groups who share the same mission,” Lynd added.

The CMP is currently in discussions for the fate of the previous line of Kongsberg Target System (KTS) air gun targets, with 100 set to be stored out west for CMP Junior Camps and three-position competitions. The CMP’s line of outdoor KTS electronic targets will continue to be used at travel events, Alabama’s Talladega Marksmanship Park as well as at Camp Perry’s Petrarca Range.

The CMP Competition Centers are open for public use every Tuesday evening from 5-8 p.m. EST in Ohio and 4-7 p.m. CST in Alabama. The ranges are also open by appointment during the week, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Ohio and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Alabama. Individuals may bring their own equipment or may rent from the CMP. Learn more about the CMP’s Competition Centers at https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/.

Megalink target install
CMP staff member gives a thumbs up during the installation process at the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center.

CMP Set to Host New Public Premier Shooting Expo at Talladega in October

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer

TALLADEGA, Ala. – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) invites guests to Talladega Marksmanship Park on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, as it hosts the inaugural Premier Shooting Expo – the foremost gathering of firearm industry professionals in the south! Open to the public, the event will feature several exhibitors from the marksmanship and shooting sports communities, all showcasing a variety of products available on the market today.

The CMP Premier Shooting Expo will take place at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park.

Journeying from booth to booth, visitors will be able to personally interact with vendors and experience hands-on access to their current product lines while touring the 500 acres of Talladega’s Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Action Bay and Unknown Distance areas. Food vendors will also be onsite throughout the day.

Discounted tickets for the event go on sale Aug. 1, 2023 ($75 if purchased before Sept. 1 and $100 after that date). Please email Antonio Davis to purchase your tickets at [email protected]. Don’t miss out on this fun and exciting event for both businesses and consumers!

For more information, visit https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/cmp-premier-shooting-expo/ or contact CMP’s Antonio Davis at 256-835-8455 ext. 520 or [email protected].  

About the CMP and Talladega Marksmanship Park:

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a national organization dedicated to training and educating U.S. citizens in responsible uses of firearms and air guns through gun safety training, marksmanship training and competitions.

Talladega Marksmanship Park, “The Home of Marksmanship,” is a worthy destination for firearm supporters and guests looking for practice, competition and mindful learning opportunities. Featuring CMP electronic targets and scoring monitors that can only be found at the 500-acre facility, the park regularly hosts rifle, pistol and shotgun events all year long. The CMP’s Unknown Distance Range at Talladega also allows guests to practice their skills in the field of over 100 steel targets, out to 625 yards, while the 20-lane life-size 3D target Archery Range provides even more marksmanship fun at the Park.

The public is welcome daily, all year long, to test out their firearms or to simply explore the grounds. Off the firing line, the Club House holds a fully stocked Pro Shop that includes an exclusive collection of rifles, ammunition, marksmanship accessories and CMP memorabilia that is always open during park hours. Learn more about Talladega Marksmanship Park at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/.

Turner Obtains Multiple Pistol EIC Wins at May Talladega Quarterly Matches

By Ashley Dugan, CMP Writer

On the weekend of May 13-14, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) hosted the second installment of the new Talladega Quarterly Matches, with over 60 competitors attending the event.

The Talladega Quarterly lineup allows ample opportunities to earn Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) points on the way to earning a Distinguished Badge – a prestigious honor in the marksmanship community. Comprised of such competitions as Service Pistol, .22 Rimfire and Service Revolver Pistol EIC, Service Rifle EIC matches as well as 80-Shot and Mid-Range rifle matches, there are several opportunities for guests to find fun challenges on the range.

A Pistol Marksmanship 101 Course was held during the May Talladega Quarterly Matches.
A Pistol Marksmanship 101 Course was held during the May Talladega Quarterly Matches.

For educational purposes, a Pistol Marksmanship 101 training class was held during the Talladega Quarterly event in May and included an accompanying M9 EIC Rifle match. Members of the USAMU Pistol Team taught the Pistol Marksmanship 101. Winning overall was John O’Donnell, 65, of St. Louis, MO, with a score of 263-3X, as CPT Jennifer Creasy, 44, of Montgomery, AL, reached the non-distinguished high score of 216-2X for fourth place overall.

The final set of the Talladega Quarterly Matches will take place on Aug. 25-27. Alongside the same lineup of rifle and pistol competitions, the August event will include a Rifle Marksmanship 101 (with an M16 EIC Match) and a Pistol Marksmanship 101 (with an M9 EIC Match). A Rimfire Sporter Match will also take place on Sunday, August 27. Members of the USAMU Rifle and Pistol Teams will teach the Marksmanship 101 classes. Come learn from the some of the best marksmen! Online registration is available at https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=match&task=edit&match=24353.

Pistol events at the Talladega Quarterly Matches include Service, .22 and Revolver.
Pistol events at the Talladega Quarterly Matches include Service, .22 and Revolver.

Overall Winners of the May Talladega Quarterly Matches:

M9 EIC Pistol:

Overall: John O’Donnell, 65, of St. Louis, MO – 263-3X

Non-Distinguished: CPT Jennifer Creasy, 44, of Montgomery, AL – 216-2X

Service Pistol EIC:

Chase Turner, 46, of Atlanta, GA – 274-6X

Making an impression was Chase Turner, 46, of Atlanta, GA, who claimed both the Service Pistol and .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC events, while Keith Schachle, 64, of Jasper, GA, led the 50-Shot Rifle Match. John O’Donnell returned to fire the top score in the Service Revolver Match, which he had previously won during the February Talladega Quarterly Matches.

.22 Rimfire Pistol EIC: 

Chase Turner, 46, of Atlanta, GA – 280-5X

Service Revolver:

John O’Donnell, 65, of St. Louis, MO – 343-4X

Rifle competitions are held on Talladega’s outdoor electronic target line.
Rifle competitions are held on Talladega’s outdoor electronic target line.

80-Shot Rifle:

2nd Lt Elijah Edwards, 23, of Columbus, MS – 789-24X

Mid-Range 3×600 Rifle:

Service Rifle: Walter Anderson, 70, of Birmingham, AL – 589-20X

F-Open: Brett Collins, 59, of Montevallo, AL – 594-28X

EIC 50-Shot Rifle:

Keith Schachle, 64, of Jasper, GA – 489-16X

For a complete list of results of the May Talladega Quarterly Matches, visit the CMP’s Competition Tracker page at https://ct.thecmp.org/23MayTQMresults. Photos of the event may be viewed and downloaded at https://cmp1.zenfolio.com/p623423287.

Registration for the August Talladega Quarterly Matches and more is now available online at https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/talladega-quarterly-matches/. Questions or registration help may be directed to CMP’s Christina Roguski at [email protected] or 419-635-2141 ext. 714.

New LEOSA Firearms Qualification now held at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park.

NEW TRAINING AT TALLADEGA:

Retired law enforcement visiting Talladega Marksmanship Park should consider the latest training offered at the facility – LEOSA Firearms Qualifications (Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act, HR218). Any qualified retired individuals who want to earn their annual qualifications may contact CMP’s Bret Lankford at [email protected] or 256-474-4408 ext. 453 to schedule time on the range, any time throughout the year. Fees to take the course include an hour of range time for $12.50. See all Talladega Marksmanship Park has to offer at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/.