Register Now for CMP’s 2026 Smallbore Rifle Postal Competition
January 30, 2026
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is excited to announce the return of our Smallbore Rifle Postal Competition! Registration is open now through April 13.
By design, the CMP Smallbore Postal offers competitors the opportunity to compete in a national-level competition from the convenience of their home ranges. The match is an excellent opportunity for juniors and adults to test their skills, build marksmanship experience and compete for recognition – all without the need for extensive travel.
How It Works:
- Participants receive official targets and instructions upon registration.
- Once targets are received, participants will fire the postal match at their home range.
- Once completed, targets will be submitted by mail for official scoring by the CMP.
- Results will be posted online, allowing competitors to see where they rank nationwide.
The Smallbore Postal features both Three-Position and Prone matches (including Sling and F-Class), fired from distances of 50 feet. All targets will be scored electronically using the Orion Scoring System except for those locations utilizing CMP-approved electronic target technology.
Cost to participate in the Smallbore Postals is $5 per competitor, per event. Both individuals and teams are welcome to join.
Dates to remember for the CMP Smallbore Postal Competition include:
- Jan. 30 – Online Registration Begins
- April 13 – Online Registration Ends
- April 28 – Targets must be received by CMP
- May 8 – Preliminary Results Posted
- May 12 – All results are final
To register or to learn more, visit the CMP’s website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-smallbore-program/.
About CMP’s Smallbore Program:
Since 2018, the CMP has been committed to providing .22 caliber rifle opportunities for smallbore competitors. The program’s structure was carefully crafted from the minds of some of today’s top athletes and instructors from around the country to benefit both new and seasoned competitors.
Currently, the CMP Smallbore Program offers three-position, prone and team competitions – all featured each summer during the Camp Perry National Matches in Ohio. The National Matches smallbore phase also includes a Smallbore Small Arms Firing School, led by members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, which provides hands-on fundamental training on the range for athletes of all ages and experience levels.
Outside of the National Matches, the CMP offers smallbore match sanctioning for Affiliated Clubs, who may host their own matches from their home ranges throughout the year. Additionally, Smallbore Distinguished Badges are distributed to those athletes who earn consistent high scores in designated matches.