October Shotgun, Rifle Weekend Events Fill Talladega Marksmanship Park
November 2, 2016
By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
TALLADEGA, Ala. – On Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama was a busy place – full of learning and competitive opportunities for marksmen of a variety of disciplines.
Supporting a growing number of shotgun events over the last year, Talladega stood as the venue for the Harvester Christian Shotgun Sporting Clays Shoot. A total of 64 marksmen from eight middle school and high school private Christian academies involved within the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association fired in the event.
Scott Cosper, a Harvester Christian member who coordinated the match, decided to hold the shoot at Talladega after taking his 14-year-old son there in the winter of 2015 to practice sporting clays. Cosper and his son, a member of the shotgun team, enjoyed their time on the shotgun fields and knew others would as well.
“We shot several clays events there, and the people were wonderful to work with. It was unheard of to shoot 100 rounds of sporting for only $25,” he said. “We really loved the setup, and each time we came the course was different, which helped in our practice.”
The Harvester Christian Shotgun Sporting Clays Shoot at Talladega featured 100 rounds of sporting clays throughout 15 stations of Talladega’s carefully designed sporting clay field – covered with details Cosper finds rare in other shotgun field arenas.
“It’s like no other in this area. It’s fun but challenging,” said Cosper.
Not only did Cosper praise the course itself, but he also went on to compliment those who run it as well.
“The people who work there are so helpful and friendly. They made us feel at home while we were there. They treated us like we own the place,” he said. “During and since our event ended, I have received nothing but great reviews about the CMP. They LOVED it and want to come back.”
“We appreciate all the hard work that was put in by the CMP,” he added. “We will make plans to host an event there again in 2017.”
The Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association holds six to eight events per season, with 18 teams throughout the state of Georgia. State finals will be held in December in Savannah.
Occupying other ranges on the grounds was Project Appleseed, a nationwide program that teaches rifle marksmanship skills that originated at the roots of America and reconnects participants with the people and events of the colonial era.
The Talladega camp focused on Known Distance – an intermediate level class for rifle shooters who have some experience but wish to learn longer distance shooting. Class time was spent less on the fundamentals of marksmanship and concentrated on more specific elements.
During Project Appleseed, students are taught accuracy out to 500 yards using a standard rifle with iron sights, known as the “Rifleman’s Quarter Mile.” The Quarter Mile is an American tradition that has been celebrated since the beginning of the nation. Participants also learn little-known Revolutionary War history and other facts about the American heritage.
Talladega Marksmanship Park is home to 500 acres of meticulously crafted ranges that cater to an endless number of rifle, pistol and shotgun opportunities. As one of the most advanced outdoor facilities in the country, the ranges hold some of the latest technological advances in the realm of marksmanship, including electronic targets and scoring monitors, and is a must-see destination for firearm supporters and other curious guests. The park is open to the public, year round (see our website for operating days and hours).
Events are held every week at the range, so check them out for yourself!
View photos from the Harvester Christian event at http://cmp1.zenfolio.com/p395643634.
View the online calendar at http://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=aWUwNGhmOTZpamdnbmxjODh0NHBkYm5ydmNAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ or the Match Schedule link at https://thecmp.org/competitions/matches/.
For more information about Talladega Marksmanship Park, visit the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/talladega-marksmanship-park/.