By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
CAMP PERRY, Ohio –The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced the enhancement of numerous events scheduled during the prestigious National Pistol and Rifle Matches, held throughout the month of July and early August 2019. Striving to the organization’s mission of advancing the realm of marksmanship, the recent developments of the National Matches will provide guests with more opportunities to compete, improve and take part in the World Series of Shooting Sports that has inhabited the Lake Erie summer shore since 1907.
Two juniors learn the fundamentals of competitive shooting from Marine Corps instructors.
Pistol:
New for pistol matches, competitors will be able to use their personal pistol and ammo while participating in the Small Arms Firing School (SAFS), though CMP-issued equipment must be used during the accompanying M9 EIC Match if they wish to earn the Excellence In Competition points towards a Distinguished Badge. Also, the popular Glock GSSF National Challenge Match will be returning in 2019. The event is perfect for marksmen just beginning in competitive shooting, only firing from distances of 5, 7, 10, 15 and 25 yards at 15 seconds each. Competitors may enter this match more than once, if they choose.
All CMP pistol competitors who register before June 24thwill receive a free CMP Pistol t-shirt. Register Today! Competitors who register after June 24thwill have an opportunity to purchase t-shirts for $19.95 at the NM Welcome Center.
Focus is critical in the standing position – resting between each shot is paramount to good scores.
Smallbore:
With a successful first year in 2018, the National Matches Smallbore program has expanded in order to allow guests even more time on the firing line. A new Smallbore SAFS class has been designed for use at Camp Perry this summer to allow interested marksmen a more in-depth look at the discipline. Rental rifles from the CMP will be available for those wanting to give the sport a try but lack the equipment.
The growing schedule also now includes two more days of Prone and the addition of the Freedoms Fire three-position junior team event. Scoring will be administered in collaboration with Shooters Technology, using a mobile application that will transmit target images via cell phone to the Orion scoring system and allows scores to be compiled before competitors even return from hanging targets down range.
Like last year’s events, the 2019 Long Range competitions will be fired from 800, 900 and 1,000 yards.
Long Range:
Along with other disciplines, the 2019 Long Range schedule of events has received its own extension, with updated matches for both teams and individuals. The McMaken & Speaks Memorial and Baesel Memorial Matches feature 20 record shots in 30 minutes at 1,000 yards with Match Rifle/Iron Sights, Service or Palma rifles, while the Winder Memorial Team Match gives four members 20 record shots at the same yard line.
Mariah Flint of West Virginia works on her sitting position during the 2018 Rifle Small Arms Firing School.
Rifle:
Like pistol, those participating in the rifle SAFS program will be able to use their own rifle and ammo during the practice period but must switch to a CMP-issued rifle for the EIC match. Along with its lineup of usual CMP Games events like the John C. Garand and Springfield matches, new to rifle in 2019 will be an Unlimited Class in the Modern Military event.
The National Rimfire Sporter event, which is an excellent introductory match using .22 rifles, will now include a Tactical/Unlimited class. Other classes in the event include the O-Class for open sights and the T-Class for telescopic sights.
Outside of matches, the CMP Advanced Highpower Rifle Clinic gives participants an excelled rifle instruction program. The course is taught by members of the CMP Rifle Team and includes both classroom and dry-fire practice on the range. Students in the clinic use their own rifles and equipment, with one-on-one instruction every day of the three-day course.
Everything kicks off July 8 with the captivating First Shot Ceremony on the Camp Perry Ranges – a must-see theatrical event for history enthusiasts! For more on the National Matches, including a complete schedule of events, visit http://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-national-matches/.
About the National Matches:
The annual event, held at the Camp Perry National Guard Training Base since 1907, is a four-week long mix of original CMP matches along with traditional pistol, smallbore, highpower rifle and long range rifle competitions and clinics. Off the firing line, Commercial Row features dozens of vendors suited to an assortment of marksmanship material needs.
All events are free and open to the public. Spectators are welcome to observe firing on the Camp Perry ranges at any time, with ample parking on-site. Guests are encouraged to participate in the many exciting activities and visual attractions offered during the Match season. Whether competing for the first time, a seasoned athlete or simply coming to see what’s happening, the National Matches has something for everyone.
About Camp Perry:
Camp Perry is located six miles west of Port Clinton. For those looking for lodging, housing is available on base on a first-come, first-serve basis, and a campground is also located onsite. Other area accommodations are only a short drive away and only minutes to beautiful Lake Erie.
4 Responses