CMP Makes History at Camp Perry During New Range Dedication
July 21, 2016
By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Since 1907, Camp Perry has been a cultivator of history. It began as the site of the largest and best equipped rifle and pistol ranges in the world, and today, it has continued that tradition as the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) and the Ohio National Guard unveiled its new groundbreaking addition.
Petrarca Range will now be home to 10 state-of-the-art outdoor electronic targets, which are at the forefront of the future of marksmanship. Capable of adapting to rifle, pistol and smallbore shooting, the target technology is provided by Kongsberg Target Systems (KTS), with equipment marketed by CMP Targets.
An official ribbon cutting ceremony was held on the morning on July 21, 2016, to celebrate the opening of the innovative range and the ongoing partnership between the CMP and the Ohio National Guard, which oversees Camp Perry operations.
The day began with comments from CMP program’s chief, Christie Sewell. Local entities such as the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Port Clinton were also present to show their support for the innovative range at Camp Perry.
“The CMP is so excited to share our latest advancement with the local community,” said Sewell. “It is our hope that this new range will positively promote marksmanship to seasoned shooters as well as those who want to learn in a safe and engaging environment.”
She and distinguished guests, including CPT Michael Yates, base operations supervisor of Camp Perry, and Fort Ohio Commander, COL Barb Herrington-Clemens, posed for photos by the ceremonial ribbon strung across the firing line of Petrarca. Then, with a smooth slice of the scissors, the range was officially opened.
Guests were treated to refreshments and were even given the opportunity to fire upon the new electronic targets. Both local residents and those here for the National Matches arrived at the ceremony to take part in the pioneering event.
“I really like them, they’re pretty cool,” said Justine Jarvis, 21, of Manchester, Conn., who is in town to shoot a few of the prestigious National Trophy rifle matches. “Maybe sometime down the road they can make all of the targets like that!”
Jarvis is a veteran of the National Matches as well as the competition shooting world. She had previously fired on air gun electronic targets, like the ones within the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry, but she believes these could be a positive step for higher caliber disciplines as well.
“With the whole idea of lining everything up, the sight alignment – out here, it’s much better. You can look down (on the monitors) and actually see what you shot. That’ll help with the mind aspect of this sport,” she said. “I think it’ll be a good thing.”
With the technology that the targets provide, participants were able to instantaneously see their shots scored on monitors beside them. CMP staff members were also next to each shooter on the firing line to offer guidance and guarantee safety for everyone in attendance.
Petrarca Range will be open throughout the National Matches (happening now through August 9) to allow competitors and visitors to take their own shots on the KTS targets for free. During this time, guests are encouraged to bring their own rifle, pistol and ammo to use at the range, as no rentals will be available.
Visit our website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-targets-at-petrarca-range/ for more information and hours of operation.
About the New Petrarca Range:
The rifle targets are located at the 100-yard line, however the changing of the target faces and the use of reduced target definitions allow shooters to practice for longer distances as well. Pistol targets are mounted in portable carriers that allow them to be set up at 25 or 50 yards.
Other improvements have been made to the covering structure of Petrarca Range as well to accommodate marksmen firing on the targets. Sound deadening material has been added to the interior ceiling of the firing line structure as well as a dividing wall to create a more controlled environment (to be used for firing line operations and as a classroom). New doors and lighting have also been added to the structure, and berm work has been constructed downrange.
The range will be open several Mondays for Open Public Shooting even after the National Matches are over, where only a small fee will be required to fire upon some of the most advanced marksmanship technology available today. Eventually, the CMP would like to have KTS targets available on all of the Camp Perry ranges.
Camp Perry Location:
Camp Perry is located on the shores of Lake Erie, only six miles west of Port Clinton on State Route 2. The entrance is marked by its signature stone towers and checkered water towers standing in the distance.
About KTS Targets:
KTS Electronic Targets work through the power of acoustics – “hearing” the shot and accurately determining its location. With extensive use by ranges in 30 nations for over 20 years by Kongsberg Target Systems and even more experience received in-house by the CMP, the accuracy of these electronic targets is unlike anything else in the United States. The CMP is proud to share with its loyal customers and competitors these targets that are certain to be known as the way of the future.