CMP Update: October 2023
October 3, 2023
By Gerald O’Keefe, CMP Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
A key role for any CEO is to communicate with customers – to have an open dialogue, get feedback and continue to foster organizational improvement based on a variety of inputs. I’ve met many of you at our events in AL, OH and around the country and I very much appreciate your support and your passion. As I complete my first year in this role, I thought it would be useful to reach out via this website to the literally hundreds of thousands of CMP customers and competitors to keep you better informed. The narrative that follows includes an update of CMP’s existing operations, planned projects, events and future endeavors. I plan to provide these updates going forward on semi-annual basis.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program has had a busy and successful FY23 thanks to our hardworking staff members, our many partnerships with prominent organizations in the field, and, of course, our dedicated supporters. Thank you to all of you as you participate and support CMP’s efforts to promote marksmanship and to be the Home of Marksmanship.
Fiscal Year 2023 Summary.
Sales. Our sales program remained strong. We received approximately 5,000 M1 Garands from the Government of Turkey, 10,000 surplus M1911s from the Army and a significant quantity of surplus ammunition from the Army. These assets on top of our existing inventory allowed for a full year of rifle and pistol sales both online and in our three physical stores. These assets are critical to our mission and business as the proceeds fund our many programs and also the general expenses to run the CMP.
Programs/Mission. Also, a strong year. Some highlights follow, but my ask here is for those of you who come to our matches to spread the word about the great experience and to get that word out especially to younger and junior competitors. At the CMP, we are working hard to further our mission of “promoting marksmanship” and are diligently working to get more competitors to our events. We appreciate your support – let’s work together to grow and sustain the sport.
National Matches. The CMP saw encouraging signs over the month-long event, with increases in participation in pistol, smallbore rifle and highpower events. We’d like to thank all those who made the trip out to Camp Perry this year as well as those sponsors and vendors who helped give our guests an overall rewarding experience. The 2023 First Shot Ceremony kicked off the month-long event – if you didn’t get a chance to attend, check out the video recap. The National Matches are the CMP’s premier annual event and we’ll continue to resource them and improve them.
CMP Bianchi Cup. This past year, CMP conducted our first “CMP” Bianchi Cup action pistol championship in Hallsville MO. The competition was professionally conducted in a joint effort by CMP staff and the local Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club. We are very excited to continue the CMP Bianchi Cup – Mark your calendars for May 21-24, 2024.
Talladega Marksmanship Park. Our operations at the TMP continue to thrive. It is increasingly a destination venue and we are holding more competitions. We will continue to operate and sustain the Park as the premier shooting destination in the United States. This year we made several upgrades to the Park to include new, covered shotgun stands, more steel targets on the pistol range and we’ve begun work to add five new action pistol bays which when complete, will give us 20 bays.
Smallbore Electronic Targets. The addition of the Smallbore Electronic Targets has been a game changer for match officials and competitors alike. The 2023 National Smallbore Matches welcomed 246 individuals to Camp Perry in July, making it the largest Smallbore competition held in the United States this year. Five competitions have already been conducted on the new targets. The CMP will also host the first Dixie Double 3×20 Smallbore competition at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in November 2023.
JROTC Air Rifle Postal. Last year’s JROTC air rifle series of events and National Championship was extremely successful. This Fall’s JROTC Postal Competition is officially open for registration. This competition is open to all High School JROTC Programs at no cost to the schools or cadets. Over the next two months, the CMP will print and mail over 20,000 paper targets to thousands of students across the country. Each school will shoot the targets at their home range and return them to the CMP. The best teams and individuals from each JROTC service will be selected to attend the second stage of this competition series, the JROTC Service Championship.
Laser Shot Simulation Systems. The CMP continues to invest in technology. We feel this is critical to the future of the sport and also critical to attracting junior competitors. The CMP has acquired two laser shot simulation systems, which are now operational at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry. Many competitors from the National Matches and many of our air gun athletes were able to give the simulators a try, and the systems continue to be available to guests of the air range throughout the year. These systems are great for experienced and new competitors, hosting military marksmanship instruction, offer significant law enforcement applications and are also frankly, just a lot of fun. For FY24 we are considering adding more simulation systems to our facilities in Anniston and Talladega AL.
Fiscal Year 2024. This next year will be another exciting one for the CMP. Some highlights:
Sales:
Surplus Rifles. We project a full year of sales for M1 Garands. In addition to the Garands we will be releasing a small quantity of M1917 rifles. You’ll see these on our website and in our stores. Also, effective October 1, 2023, the CMP’s new yearly limit on M1 Garands will be 6 per calendar year. If you have already purchased 6-8 M1 Garands in calendar year 2023, you will not be allowed to purchase more M1 Garands until January 2024. While a relatively minor change, the rationale here is to spread these amazing, historic and increasingly scarce guns to a larger number of customers. We’ll relook at this limit again next year.
Surplus Pistols. As mentioned earlier, the CMP received 10,000 surplus M1911 pistols at the beginning of the summer in 2023 and will continue selling through next year. Round 4 of the CMP 1911 Pistol Program is currently open for orders and we’ve upped the quantity that an individual can buy to two (per lifetime)! The yearly limit is one per calendar year until you’ve reached your lifetime limit. More information on these firearms and how to purchase them is available through our website: https://thecmp.org/sales-and-service/1911-information/.
Surplus Ammo. As mentioned earlier we received a significant quantity in Jan 2023. We intentionally set aside some to sell in FY24. And as we did in FY23, we’ll reserve a subset of the ammunition for CMP competitors at an additional discount.
Stores. All three of our home stores will be open this year to include Anniston. Anniston re-opened in January 2023 and has seen all of our faithful customers back and so many new faces ready to support CMP.
Programs/Mission/Other Events. We will conduct the full suite of competitions in FY24 and hope to see you and any new competitors you can bring along! Please see the list of events at the bottom of this message or visit the CMP website for additional information.
Garand Collectors Association (GCA) Conference. This year’s GCA Conference will be held at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama from 6-8 October. We look forward to accommodating the GCA, which has always been a generous contributor to CMP programs, including the CMP Scholarship program.
CMP Premier Shooting Expo. The CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park will also be hosting the CMP’s Inaugural Premier Shooting Expo on Oct. 18 – a tradeshow for marksmanship and non-marksmanship vendors, spread across the 500 acres of the facility. The event is open to the public, with several hands-on opportunities and exclusive insights into the latest products available today. Visit https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/cmp-premier-shooting-expo/ to register or for more information on how to become a vendor.
New CMP Board Members. The CMP Board provides strategic guidance and oversight to the company. At our recent Board meeting in Boise ID, we added two new members: Mr. Fabian Lobera and Mr. Mark House. Both bring significant competencies to the board. Please visit https://thecmp.org/about/board/ to read their short bios. And speaking of the board meeting, while in Idaho the Board took some time to visit the Parma Rod and Gun Club for some recreational shooting and to gain insights from a well respected club and cadre. It was a great day – some pictures are below.
Advanced Maintenance Class (AMC). We are bringing this fan favorite back for FY24. The Custom Shop will be hosting 8 AMCs. Be on the lookout for the announcement coming soon. Our all-time favorite buddy class is back on the roster too!
CMP E-Store Update. The CMP E-Store is currently down for maintenance. A new look and upgrade are underway to improve your shopping experience – look for more details mid-October. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working hard to get this capability restored as soon as possible.
New CMP Coin. Below is the new CMP Coin. They highlight the four pillars of our mission (Safety, Competitions, Training and a Youth Focus) and also our “Home of Marksmanship” motto. While very different to include being a slightly bit larger than the previous coin they maintain the lineage of the “eagle” on the front side of the coin and have various representations of our CMP history. The new CMP Coin will be available on the E-Store along with various CMP Memorabilia items.
Closing Remarks. I’ve had a great first year in leading this top notch and professional organization. I’m honored to have this job and I look forward to many great things ahead. I want to thank you again for your commitment and passion to the CMP and to shooting sports. The CMP will continue to actively advance our mission to promote marksmanship with a focus on junior competitors and as always on safety. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our events and I know you’ll continue to let us know how we are doing. Your feedback is critical as we continue to improve and evolve as an organization. Feel free to share you feedback with me at [email protected].
As always, the CMP has several upcoming indoor air gun and outdoor rifle and pistol events to enjoy throughout the fall months. CMP’s facilities also host public events on a daily and weekly basis, so be sure to keep an eye on our social media pages and our website for all the latest news.
The CMP — The Home of Marksmanship!
CMP Upcoming Events:
We hope you will continue to help CMP fulfill its mission and help to grow the sport of marksmanship. We encourage you to introduce a friend to marksmanship or bring them along with you to a CMP event.
| DATE | EVENT | LOCATION |
| Through December 14 | American Legion Postal | Official targets sent to participants |
| Through 13 November | JROTC Postal Air Rifle Competition | Official targets sent to JROTC units |
| Through November 15 | CMP Aces Postal | Official targets sent to participants or electronic scores are submitted |
| 5-15 October | IDPA Nationals | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 6 – 7 October | GCA Convention & Matches | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 7-8 October | Archery Tournament | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 10-15 October | Western Games – Fall Classic | Ben Avery Shooting Facility – Phoenix, AZ |
| 14 October | CMP Monthly Air Gun Matches 60 Shot Standing – Rifle & Pistol 3-Position Air Rifle | Anniston, AL – Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center and Camp Perry, OH – Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center |
| 14-15 October | Sporting Clays Monthly Registered Target Shoot | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 15 October – 15 Jan | CMP Postal | Official targets sent to participants |
| 18 October | CMP Premier Shooting Expo | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 21 October | USPSA | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 21 October | Rimfire Sporter Match | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 28 October | 3-Gun Match | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 2-5 November | Dixie Doubles – Air Rifle & Smallbore Match | Anniston, AL – Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center and Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 4 November | Match Tracker Steel Challenge | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 6-12 November | Talladega 600 | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 7 November | CMP Range Officer Level II – Highpower Rifle/Bulls Eye Pistol | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 18 November | CMP Monthly Air Gun Matches 60 Shot Standing – Rifle & Pistol 3-Position Air Rifle | Anniston, AL – Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center and Camp Perry, OH – Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center |
| 18 November | Women’s Defensive Pistol Class | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 18-19 November | Sporting Clays Monthly Registered Target Shoot | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 25 November | 3-Gun Match | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 1-2 December | Gary Anderson Invitational | Anniston, AL – Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center and Camp Perry, OH – Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center |
| 2 December | Match Tracker Steel Challenge | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 2 December | Lincoln High School Athletics Fundraiser | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 8-10 December | Winter Airgun | Camp Perry, OH – Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center |
| 9 December | Practical Defensive Handgun | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 16 December | USPSA | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 23 December | 3-Gun Match | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 5-7 January | Air Gun Olympic Trials, Part 3 | Anniston, AL – Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center |
| 6 January | Match Tracker Steel Challenge | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 20 January | USPSA | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 20 January | CMP Monthly Air Gun Matches 60 Shot Standing – Rifle & Pistol 3-Position Air Rifle | Anniston, AL – Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center and Camp Perry, OH – Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center |
| 27 January | 3-Gun | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 3 February | Match Tracker Steel Challenge | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 8-10 February | JROTC Regional Championships | Sandy, Utah and Anniston, AL |
| 15-17 February | JROTC Regional Championships | Anniston, AL and Camp Perry, OH |
| 17 February | USPSA | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 24 February | 3-Gun | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 2 March | Match Tracker Steel Challenge | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 2 March | Dovetail Landing Pulling for Patriot Sporting Clays Event | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 8-10 March | SSSF (Scholastic Sport Shooting Foundation) | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 12-17 March | Talladega Spring Classic | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 16 March | CMP Monthly Air Gun Matches 60 Shot Standing – Rifle & Pistol 3-Position Air Rifle | Anniston, AL – Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center and Camp Perry, OH – Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center |
| 16 March | USPSA | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
| 21-23 March | JROTC National Championship | Camp Perry, OH – Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center |
| 23 March | 3-Gun | Talladega Marksmanship Park, AL |
Check out CMP Sanctioned Matches & Clinics on our website at https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=matchRegistrationListUpcoming.
As a veteran what do you need from me to purchase from the CMP?
I am a member of Garand Collectors.
I can send a copy of my DD214 if needed.
John, Here’s the list of items that are needed to order from the CMP – https://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/eligibility-requirements/. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to our Sales Department at (256) 835-8455.
Thanks,
Christine
How can I place my order for a 1911 historical pistol?
Paul, Please visit our CMP 1911 web page at https://thecmp.org/sales-and-service/1911-information/. You will find the instructions and order form for the 1911 program – at this time, the deadline to order is October 31st.
Thanks,
Christine
Any update on the Estore? We are beyond “mid-October” for more details.
I wish someone in the CMP had some pull with the governor of Massachusetts. Every state in the USA, except Massachusetts, lets their citizens try out for a M1911. I am a citizen of the State, been a police officer for 30 yrs, also 30 years with the Army, active, reserve, and National Guard. I hold a LTC weapons permit and a Class 3 permit (full auto). However I can not attempt to obtain a M1911. Very sad.
Bob
Bob — I’m a native of the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts but sorry to say we don’t lobby or get involved in issues like this. It’s up to all of you that vote I’m afraid. Good luck and what’s going on with the NE Patriots!!!
Many years ago the CMP sold stripped garand receivers and barreled receivers. They were great for those people who wanted to build up their own rifles. What is the chance of making these options available once again ??
Richard–Unfortunately, we do not offer receivers or barreled receivers any longer. I would suggest purchasing a rack grade rifle and build it up to your liking.
Richard — not likely. The inventory we have currently have really doesn’t support this.
Do you have any shooting competition for disabled people. Am a disabled veteran and can’t stand more than a minute or two
Billy,
Yes we have the Distinguished Marksman Program along with modified positions for our matches. Contact Amy Cantu at [email protected] or (419) 635-2141, ext. 602 for more details.
Thank you for your service,
Christine
How do we sign up for the buddy class? I’m a disabled combat veteran and would love to attend in 24.
Kristine,
We will make an announcement once the registration opens for the Advanced Maintenance classes or you can watch our website at https://thecmp.org/training-tech/advanced-maintenance-class/.
Thank you,
Christine
Thanks for the update, it’s really appreciated. I do have a question about targets at Camp Perry. What are the chances of getting electronic targets for the Games matches?
Vintage Sniper, Garand, Springfield? I think the combination of heat and pit duty may be keeping some competitors from showing up.
Thanks
Joseph G McDonald
IS IT TOO LATE TO PUT IN FOR THE 1911 DRAW? I WOULD LIKE TO BUT AM NOT TERRIBLY COMPUTER SAVVY.
John,
Round 4 for the CMP 1911 Sales is currently open until October 31, 2023. Please visit our website at https://thecmp.org/sales-and-service/1911-information/.
Thank you,
Christine
Clean, affordable M1 ammo in bulk is badly needed. Please make this a priority. Seems like quality 30.06 ammo regardless of age is a thing of the past.
Thank you for your consideration!
Thank you for update
It is so nice to see the Advanced Maintiance Class is back,But what are the limits?How many times can we take the class.I have taken it twice now the v ery first time and a se cond time just before covid closed it down.I love coming in and building my own rifle and keeping fresh on my build info. Can I take this class a third time?
Jim — we don’t plan on placing any limits or restrictions at least not initially. We’ll see what the demand is though and what capacity we have so that could change, Obviously we’d like all our interested customers who’ve never had the opportunity to do so and get some priority. But for now . . . feel free to sign up. Thank you.
Thanks to the CMP for everything it does for the public, especially for our younger generation. I am appreciative of the opening up for a 2nd M1911 pistol (per lifetime) I plan to get to the TMP sometime next year just to see it and to enter a match.
Cadilla, Can’t wait to see you at the range next year! Thank you for the positive response.
Thank you for this update. I do hope to be able to purchase some of the ammo in the next round of offering. Missed out on the last ammo sale. Great newsletter!
Hi Gary, Thank you for your feedback and support!
Sir, you submitted a round 3 order packet at the end of August, on our website and in the instructions it is clearly stated; Customers will be notified of their RGN number within approx. 90 days of orders closing and that it may take up to 2 years before a customer is contacted. It has not been 90 days yet. The receipt of your RGN number is the only notification a customer will receive until their packet is ready to be processed. Customers will be contacted in the sequence provided by the Random Number Generator. If you followed the instructions and included the required paperwork, you will be contacted and offered the chance to purchase a pistol. If there is problem with your order packet, you will be notified as to what the issue is. Since round 3 has just closed and you submitted your packet so late, you will probably receive a call before you would an RGN number. We are a small staff and are processing orders as fast as we can. Grab a cold beverage, sit back in your recliner, put a good John Wayne movie on and relax. If you have any other questions, just send an email to [email protected].
Thanks for sending out this messaging system to all M-1 Garand Owners .Since you are a major corporation and
have sold over 200,000 M-1’s do you think the owners would like to shoot them more often. I’m betting that most
shooters are between 60 & 85 years old. Did it ever occur to the CMP that 40.00 to 48.00 dollars a box of ammo
is way to expensive. I would suggest you contract with Remington or Winchester for a run of 500 Million rounds
of M-1 ammo with 1945 specs. so that we can shoot our rifles now and into the next decade. $2.00 a round is
keeping most Garand owners from shooting year round. Please advise. Thanks Gary
Any update on Columbia Missouri location’s construction and possible opening date?
Christopher — not yet. We are still finalizing designs and related costs. More to follow probably by Christmas.
Thanks for an excellent update. And thanks for years of personal shooting enjoyment because of CMP!
I bought my first Garand in the early 1980s from the former DCM, luck of the draw. Since then I’ve purchased, shopped and shot a number of these magnificent firearms. Now in my 80s, physically limited because of an auto accident four years ago, I can no longer shoot much. I’ve introduced my grandson to ‘America’s rifle’, and he has taken to it as I’d hoped he would, and as General Patton would have approved! He will now receive my match-conditioned Garand, rebuilt from an old Greek “return”, and all my gear that goes with it. In that way I can help CMP “Charley-Mike”, and perhaps create a committed new patron to pay it forward.
Thank you for the excellent update. Count me as another who is very pleased you will be bringing back the advanced maintenance class and buddy classes. I have heard great things about them and am eager to sign up!
Rick
Richard when your ready to sign up for the Buddy class lets take it together, This is your Pal Jim in Florida! It would be cool to take it together with you. But I need to find out if there is a limit on how many times you can take this class as I took it the Very first time it was offered then a couple years later.So I have taken it twi ce,Buit Would take it a third time if allowed!
I applied for a 1911 in round 3 and round 4. What are the deadlines for notification? How am I supposed to know why I didn’t get selected if that was the case? Does CMP not send messages to people who weren’t selected, and why? Link incomplete application versus I didn’t get a number generated? It’s frustrating not hearing anything. Please let me know when I should know yes or no whether I was selected.
Robert,
I’ll forward your contact details to our 1911 Customer Service Department and they can reach out to you.
Thanks,
Christine
I have had great success with the Guns I ve purchased from the CMP. Further, I have had outstanding help from Chis And Luke from the Custom Shop; Bob too at the CMP north as well.
Shooting and speaking as one who is disabled I can explain clearly some of the obstacles we face.
If you have 5 extra minutes I would like to speak to you directly.