CHAIRMAN & CEO UPDATE – FALL 2026
September 30, 2026
Opening Comments:
As many of you know, this is my last CEO Sends, and I write this with a keen awareness of how important you have all been to the powerful positive momentum we’ve achieved towards CMP’s mission and vision. Effective 1 Oct. 2026, Mr. Fabian Lobera assumes the duties of the CMP CEO, and I will remain the Chairman of the Board with a bit of a different title – Executive Chairman of the Board.
As I make this transition, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the people who have made CMP’s success possible: our customers, competitors, volunteers, supporters and countless members of the marksmanship community. In addition to our amazing, skilled and hard-working CMP staff professionals, your passion for the shooting sports, commitment to safety and excellence and unwavering support of our mission have helped preserve and strengthen America’s marksmanship tradition for future generations.
In one capacity or another, I’ve been associated with the CMP for most of the last 16 years, but as CEO these last four years, it has been my distinct honor and a privilege to serve alongside you during a period of significant growth and achievement. One of the highlights of my last four years was in getting to know so many of you. I’ve tried to make a very intentional effort to be transparent with our great customers and competitors, to be present as much as possible and to have a connection. The friendships formed, accomplishments shared and dedication demonstrated by our community have been among the most rewarding aspects of my time as CEO. I look forward to supporting and guiding the CMP in my new role as CMP’s Executive Chairman and continuing the relationships we’ve built.
And we’ve in fact made great progress on our strategic efforts to 1) solidify our surplus gun sales pipeline; 2) grow our programs and 3) modernize the CMP. The synergistic impact of these three efforts secures the CMP’s future for years to come. Together, we have expanded opportunities for competition, education and training while continuing to uphold the values of citizenship, responsibility and service that have guided this organization for more than a century. As I begin this next chapter as Executive Chairman, I do so with great confidence in CMP’s future and sincere appreciation for the trust you have placed in me and our organization. Thank you again for your passion for our mission and for all your support.
M14 Update:
As previously announced, the CMP will soon be selling converted, semi-automatic M14s. The schedule for this project is on track. We’ll begin the conversion process over the next three months and plan to initiate sales in Jan ’27. Sales will occur initially via mail order, but we’ll bring the M14s to all our physical stores in AL, OH and eventually WY as soon as possible thereafter. More details will be forthcoming later this Fall.
Stay connected to the latest updates as they come through our website at https://thecmp.org/l/m14-announcement/.
Shotgun Update:
The Civilian Marksmanship Program achieved an important legislative milestone via the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which expanded CMP’s statutory authority to receive and sell certain surplus military pump-action shotguns. This change authorizes a one-time transfer of eligible surplus shotguns from the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force to the CMP, preserving an important part of American military history while creating a new opportunity for collectors, competitors and firearms enthusiasts. The legislation specifically added pump-action shotguns to the list of firearms eligible for transfer and sale through the CMP, continuing Congress’s longstanding support of the CMP’s mission of marksmanship, firearms safety and youth development.
As implementation moves forward, the U.S. Army has identified 2,027 surplus shotguns for transfer to the CMP, consisting of 1,589 each Mossberg 500 shotguns and 438 each Winchester Model 1897 shotguns. These historic firearms represent more than a century of military service, spanning from the iconic trench-gun era of the early 20th century through modern military and security applications. We are working closely with Army officials to complete transfer requirements and develop restoration, inspection and sales plans. We look forward to making these firearms available to eligible U.S. customers while ensuring they are preserved and appreciated by future generations of Americans. Expectation management: The NDAA allows for just this one-time surplus shotgun transfer, and 438 each Winchester Model 1897 shotguns is a small quantity, given the likely demand.
Camp Perry Expansion:
The CMP’s new Competition Complex at Camp Perry represents one of the most significant investments in competitive marksmanship in our organization’s history. Currently under construction adjacent to the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, the new facility is being designed to create a premier destination for athletes, coaches, families and marksmanship enthusiasts from across the country. The project will add modern indoor competition and training space for air rifle, smallbore and pistol disciplines while enhancing spectator experiences, athlete amenities and event operations. The facility is planned to substantially increase CMP’s capacity to host national-level competitions, training camps and championship events.
When completed, the new complex will feature advanced electronic target systems, expanded retail space, athlete gathering areas, locker rooms, fitness and support facilities, improved spectator seating and dedicated areas for awards, education and historical displays celebrating the legacy of Camp Perry and the CMP. The expansion will strengthen Camp Perry’s position as the home of American marksmanship while creating new opportunities for junior athletes, collegiate programs, elite competitors and recreational shooters. Our goal is simple: provide a world-class facility that supports competition, training, education and fellowship for generations to come.
Now almost two months post the 3 Aug. ceremonial groundbreaking, the construction effort is proceeding on schedule. The attached pictures provide a visual of the scope of the project which is much larger than the existing Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. The project completion date is Dec. 2027, so we still have a way to go.
See more on this project at https://thecmp.org/l/cmp-invests-in-the-future-of-marksmanship-with-camp-perry-expansion/.
Wyoming State Shooting Complex Update:
In April, we announced a major component of our Western Expansion through a $10 million challenge grant dedicated to the development of the Wyoming State Shooting Complex (WSSC) in Cody. The grant will be available for three years, with the CMP matching new private and industry donations secured by the WSSC, up to $10 million.
The complex is currently under development on 2,000 acres of state-contributed land and will aim to become one of the nation’s premier shooting sports destinations for elite competitors, recreational marksmen and women and youth programs.
In addition to the contributions to the construction of the facility and range complex, the CMP will have a permanent retail presence within the Clubhouse that is set to feature products already available within our existing stores, including access to our assortment of historic American firearms. And while details need to be worked out, the CMP would also like to both sanction and run CMP events at the WSSC upon its completion.
See more on this project at https://thecmp.org/civilian-marksmanship-program-announces-10-million-challenge-grant-for-wyoming-state-shooting-complex/.
CMP Anniston Store:
In February, we announced the temporary closing of our CMP Store in Anniston, Ala., while we underwent major construction. We’re happy to announce a new store in Anniston is currently under construction. It will be much larger than its Anniston predecessor and will be complete in the Dec. ’26 to Jan. ’27 timeframe. We will plan to sell our surplus firearms inventory in the store to include converted, semi-automatic M14s.
When completed, the CMP South Store will be only a few buildings away from its previous location within the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center. It will also include a new classroom dedicated to holding our popular series of Advanced Maintenance Classes, where participants build their own M1 Garand from hand-picked parts.
New CEO:
As you are aware, the CMP Board of Directors has named Fabian Lobera as our new CEO. A proven leader and CMP’s former Chief Operating Officer, Fabian brings over 30 years of finance, operations and business leadership experience to his new role. Fabian’s history with the CMP is also deep-rooted; he began his connection to the organization as a member of its Board of Directors, focusing on programmatic and youth development efforts. A Certified Public Accountant and graduate of George Mason University, Fabian is also a former collegiate national champion in skeet and trap.
Over the last three years, Fabian’s played a primary role in the CMP’s transformation and is the perfect choice to lead CMP into the future. Please join me in welcoming Fabian into this new role.
MR O’Keefe,
Can I pay for a search forward to see if the rifle I fired for qual in 1971 is one of the survivors? If it is a survivor, will it be possible in turn to get that rifle. I have my rifle book from Quantico listing the serial number. Probably went to Captain Crunch long ago. Keep pushing, CMP has done great progress under your guidance. Regards, John Cassady
Mr. O’Keefe
Many thanks for all you’ve done supporting us fellow shooters and collectors of the CMP.
Acquiring M-14s and shotguns for sale is an amazing and unforeseen development, and many thanks for making that happen!
As a suggestion, CMP customers who are FFL C&R licensees should be eligible for direct shipments of all C&R classified firearms. That’s the whole purpose of the license. Please do whatever you can to facilitate this change.
Kindest Regards.
Why are they guns you sel so very very expensive. Your average Joe can’t afford your prices which i think is unfair, collectors drive up the prices so if they resell they get their money back again not fair just saying , I bought my first gun from cmp back in 1988 which was a m-1 grand for $900.00 , today your selling them for $2000.00 plus same gun why the 1000 dollar mark up why ??????
$900 in 1988 is equal to $2,548 today. So they are actually selling them cheaper than they were back then. They have to pay 2026 wages and 2026 shipping costs. Times change. Most average Joe’s I know can easily afford them, $2k isn’t much money anymore.
I would think that the Trench Guns would go to Auctions, just like the collectible Garands, but with a lifetime limit of one per household.
Randall – with only 438 of the trench shotguns how we fairly distribute them for sale is certainly something we’ll need to work. Some, maybe many, will go to auction but there might be other avenues for sale as well.
And yes on the limit for sure. Thank you
Jerry
Just wondering if anything is being done to eliminate the weapons import ban (Obama) so that the many hundreds/thousands of Korean and Vietnam M1 Carbines can be received by the CMP for resale to the public.
On another note, I have to believe there are many hundreds more (if not thousands) of the Winchester trench guns that could be made available to the public via CMP.
Thanks for listening
Richard — I can tell you there is movement behind the scenes on this. As it pertains to the guns in Korea we’ve been working on this for pretty much my entire tenure as CEO. And there is some strong positive movement but nothing official yet that I can report. Hopefully we’ll have a breakthrough soon but we’ll see.
Concerning the trench shotguns, I’m not aware of others. The Army is keeping a small number for their museum system but we’ll be getting the rest. If you know of something specific please provide the details and we’ll follow up. We’d certainly love to get more. Thank you.
Thank you for your leadership Sir! If that isn’t a record of accomplishments I don’t know what is. Kudos on a job so very well done!
Mark — thank you very much. We have a great team at the CMP. They’ve been just incredible these past four years and we are all excited about the CMP’s future.
The CMP is a Foundation Cornerstone in our 2A structure. Everything that you do is First Class. Thank you for your ongoing support of responsible 2A policies and activities.
Ken – thank you. We agree. The CMP fills an important role here. it’s evolved some since the CMP’s establishment in 1903 but maybe as important as ever.
Jerry
Thanks for your efforts. I am yet to make to the shooting range but I will. Also I plan to be in line for a converted M-14
Can I now get on a list for the M14’s & the Model 1897 shotgun?
Regards, James R. Via
James – more info on the M14s will be published later this Fall.
Same for the shotguns but for everyone please remember there aren’t going to be many of the model 1897 shotguns, 438 of them but given the demand they will not go far.
Will the CMP be selling ammo that is compatible with the M-14?
Calvin — we are looking into it. We generally do like to sell ammunition for the guns we sell so probably but this is still a bit of a work in progress.
Many thanks to Gerald in guiding the CMP. His leadership in restoring its focus on competition, education, and training ensures the CMP with thrive for years to come.
Jim — thank you very much. It’s been an honor to serve in this capacity and with all the great folks we have on the CMP staff who are the ones who make it happen.
Greetings
Thank you all for everything you do!
mike
Welcome Fabian and Thank You Gerald:
I would like to suggest, on the initial M14 rollout. Veterans who carried the M14 in Vietnam be given a “priority”.
It should be easy enough to apply, through our Weapons Firing Record and the DD214.
Would also suggest that maybe it be considered, a Veterans Discount on the purchase of the M14.
It was more than just a rifle to us …
Thanks
Agreed
Great news all around. Thank you. Congratulations to Fabian.
Thank you Mr. Sousa. This is the honor of a lifetime to both serve CMP’s mission for competitors and customers and to work alongside the amazing team that CMP has assembled.
Mr. O’Keefe, allow me to congratulate you on your transition out of the role of CEO and into that of Executive Chairman. I think it was two years ago when I met you at Camp Perry during the National Matches and spoke with you briefly (at the North Store). As a CMP competitor and customer, I appreciate the several changes and improvements in CMP programs and operations under your tenure; the electronic targets at Camp Perry and the various sales-related initiatives come to mind, but there are also many others as well. Your CEO updates have been VERY informative, and I hope that your successor (Fabian Lobera) will continue to build on the precedent you have set. Best wishes to you Sir.
I’ll work towards that goal Mr Vieg. I’m fortunate to have learned from the best.
Clayton – thank you. Your comments are very kind and much appreciated.
Mr. O’Keefe, thanks for the great update. It’s exciting to see solid progress on the many improvements that keep the CMP at the forefront of marksmanship. Congratulations and best wishes for your new role as Executive Chairman!
How can I get my name on the list for the Winchester Trench Guns and the M14’s? I recently came to Anniston and Talladega, and was very impressed with everything and everyone! Thank you , Pat.
Congratulations and thank you for your good direction of the CMP to outgoing CEO Gerald O’Keefe.
What a great time to be a CMP competitor and customer! Since I “tuned in” in 2010, the CMP has gotten bigger and better.
Are membership cards or membership numbers being processed and what is the normal wait time? Just wanted to make sure my dues and application had reached the proper office. I am anxious to become a full member and participate in the 2027 M14 sale. Please advise on this issue, thank you.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication
WELL DONE…..!
Thanks for great service and significant accomplishments.
Cris Stone
Former Vice Chairman, CMP
Cris – thank you for all your leadership with the CMP over the years!
I live in Oak Harbor not far from Camp Perry. I have shot in the CMP matches and games. I have ALWAYS found the matches have run smoothly and it has been fun and an honor to shoot them. As I get to a point where age will force me to stop shooting, I know that the CMP organization will do the very best to bring new shooters in to the sport.
Is any thought being given to increasing the lifetime limit of 4 on 1911A1 pistols?
William — I mentioned this on a video clip with Shooting USA a couple of months ago but effective on 1 Jan ’27 the lifetime limit will sunset and the new limit going forward (effective 1 Jan) will be two M1911s per person per year. More info on this will be forthcoming before the new year.