CMP Hosting Nationwide Smallbore Rifle Postal Competition, Open Now
January 31, 2025
Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸CMP Hosting Nationwide Smallbore Rifle Postal Competition, Open NowBy Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is excited to announce the return of our Smallbore Rifle Postal Competition! Registration is open now through April.
“We’re excited to provide a way for athletes to engage in meaningful competition from their local clubs and ranges,” said Brad Donoho, CMP smallbore manager. “The Postal Program is a great way to challenge yourself, track your progress and be part of the national shooting sports community.”

By design, the CMP Smallbore Postal offers competitors the opportunity to compete in a national-level competition from the convenience of their home ranges. The match is an excellent opportunity for juniors and adults to test their skills, build marksmanship experience and compete for recognition – all without the need for extensive travel.
How It Works:
- Participants receive official targets and instructions upon registration.
- Once targets are received, participants will fire the postal match at their home range.
- Once completed, targets will be submitted by mail for official scoring by the CMP.
- Results will be posted online, allowing competitors to see where they rank nationwide.
The Smallbore Postal features both Three-Position and Prone matches (including Sling and F-Class), fired from distances of 50 feet. All targets will be scored electronically using the Orion Scoring System.
Cost to participate in the Smallbore Postals is $5 per competitor, per event. Both individuals and teams are welcome to join.
Dates to remember for the CMP Smallbore Postal Competition include:
- Jan. 27 – Online Registration Begins
- April 30 – Online Registration Ends
- April 21 – Targets must be received by CMP
- April 25 – Preliminary Results Posted
- April 30 – All results are final
Top performers of the CMP Smallbore Postal will receive ELEY ammunition, available for purchase on through the eStore: https://shop.thecmp.org/product/Ammo/4C22ELYSTD-5000.
To register or to learn more, visit the CMP’s website at https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=match&task=edit&match=28305. Please contact Alana Kelly at akelly@thecmp.org with questions!

About CMP’s Smallbore Program:
Since 2018, the CMP has been committed to providing .22 caliber rifle opportunities for smallbore competitors. The program’s structure was carefully crafted from the minds of some of today’s top athletes and instructors from around the country to benefit both new and seasoned competitors.
Currently, the CMP Smallbore Program offers three-position, prone and team competitions – all featured each summer during the Camp Perry National Matches in Ohio. The National Matches smallbore phase also includes a Smallbore Small Arms Firing School, led by members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, which provides hands-on fundamental training on the range for athletes of all ages and experience levels.
Outside of the National Matches, the CMP offers smallbore match sanctioning for Affiliated Clubs, who may host their own matches from their home ranges throughout the year. Additionally, Smallbore Distinguished Badges are distributed to those athletes who earn consistent high scores in designated matches.
Learn more about the CMP Smallbore Program at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-smallbore-program/.
Scope or iron sights? or either?
Wait. Online Registration Ends APRIL 30?
Joe,
Yes, the registration for the Smallbore Postal Competition ends April 30th. Our registration for the National Smallbore Matches will begin March 1st and run through the events.
Thanks,
Christine
More info on classes for shooters pleasr.