By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The 15th annual Western Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Travel Games is set to bring another round of marksmanship events to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Oct. 16-22, 2018, with a fresh lineup of challenging competitions.
The week-long series of vintage and service rifle recreational matches is open to competitors of all ages and experience levels. New this year, the CMP will be adding a series of smallbore competitions, as well as the CMP Cup Matches, to the event schedule for even more individual and team marksmanship opportunities.
The 2018 Western Games will be fired at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Arizona.
Popular CMP Games matches will return to the Western Games in October, including the Garand, Springfield, Vintage Military, Modern Military, Rimfire Sporter, Carbine and Vintage Sniper matches.
The new smallbore regional championship will feature two days of conventional prone competition – 1600 Iron Sight and 1600 Any Sight. Both junior and adult competitors are welcome to participate. The matches will be scored using the new Orion Scoring System electronic app, designed in collaboration with the CMP for the events.
The series of CMP Cup Matches will include two days of 80 Shot Aggregate competitions, a 4-Man Team event and a Service Rifle EIC Match.
First fired at the 2018 National Matches in Ohio in July, Western Games will feature two days of smallbore prone competition.
Competitors at Ben Avery will also have the opportunity to fire on the CMP’s highpower electronic target system during all matches. The targets are programmed with precision software and are equipped with an LED monitor beside each competitor on the firing line. The well-lit screens have been extensively tested in the field by an assortment of competitors for readability as well as for ease of use, with positive feedback.
The elimination of pit duty allowed by the target system means shorter competition days, more opportunities to fire additional relays for those who want to prolong the fun and the alleviation of physical daily wear on competitors.
For beginners and enthusiasts wanting to sharpen their marksmanship skills, a rifle Small Arms Firing School will give participants insight into the fundamentals of safety and competition shooting. Participants work one-on-one with experienced CMP Rifle Master Instructors for classroom and hands-on training. Rifles and ammunition will be provided for the class. At the conclusion of training, students in the school will fire in a true M16 EIC Match, observed by instructors on the line.
A CMP Advanced Highpower Shooting Clinic will also be held for those who would like a closer, more detailed look at the sport – conducted by some of the nation’s leading highpower rifle competitors.
A series of CMP Cup Matches will also be offered, with aggregate and team events.
Additionally, the CMP will also conduct Level II Range Officer classes for Highpower Rifle and Pistol while at Ben Avery. Those interested in becoming a CMP-Certified Range Officer must begin the process by taking our online Level I course from home prior to the Level II classes at Western Games. For more information, go http://thecmp.org/training-tech/range-officer-training-course/to learn more.
Match equipment and memorabilia will be available for purchase during the Western Games event. Be sure to check out the on-site store as early as possible, as items tend to sell quickly!
Trained CMP staff members will be present at all times to ensure safety and a great experience for all who attend the event. Join us for a week of competition, new experiences and fun!
More information about the Western CMP Games and registration forms can be found by on the CMP website at http://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-travel-games/western-games/. For CMP smallbore events and registration details, visit http://thecmp.org/competitions/smallbore/.
