Restricted 18+ in CA in compliance with CA State Assembly Bill 2571 prohibiting the marketing of firearms to minors in the State of CA.

Skip to content

Civilian Marksmanship Program

  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • MeWe
  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos
  • Home
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • NM SUPPORT TEAM – NEW MEMBER FORM
    • RETURNING NM SUPPORT TEAM FORM
    • Privacy Policy
    End of Navigation Section
  • About
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Director Emeritus
    • Director of Civilian Marksmanship
    • Board of Directors
    • Programs Chief
    End of Navigation Section
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Matches
    • College Resources
    • Aces Postal
    • American Legion Junior 3PAR Tournament
    • JROTC 3PAR Matches
      • National JROTC Air Rifle Championship History
    • Junior Rifle Camps and Clinics
      • Junior Air Rifle Camp Counselors
      • Application to Host a CMP Summer Camp
      • Junior Rifle Camp Counselor Resources
    • Junior Distinguished Badge
    • Postal and Regional 3PAR CMP Matches
      • CMP 3PAR Regional Championships
      • CMP 3PAR State Championships
    • CMP National 3PAR Championship
      • State 3PAR Junior Olympic Championships
      • CMP National 3PAR Championship History
    • National Trophy Junior Team Match
    • 3PAR Shooting information
      • 3PAR FAQs
      • Sanctioning 3PAR Matches
      • National 3PAR Council
      • 3PAR Forms
      • 3PAR National Records
      • National Standard 3PAR Rules
    • CMP Scholarship Program
    • CMP-USMC Highpower Rifle Clinic
    End of Navigation Section
  • Clubs
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Club-Related Forms
    • CMP Affiliate Rifle Purchase Program
    • Club News
    • Become Affiliated with CMP
      • CMP Affiliation Application Form
      • Benefits of Club Affiliation
    • CMP MOU's
    • CMP-Affiliated State Associations
      • M1 Garand Fund Development Program
    • Club-Sanctioned Clinics and Matches
    • Find a CMP-Affiliated Club Near You
    • Form a CMP Marksmanship Club
    End of Navigation Section
  • Compete
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • ACES POSTAL COMPETITION
    • CMP National Records
    • CMP Smallbore Program
      • CMP Smallbore Postal Program
    • CMP Air Rifle and Air Pistol Program
    • CMP League Matches
    • Get Started
    • Matches
      • Air Gun Matches
      • CMP Match Award Donors
      • Talladega Matches
      • Camp Perry Matches
      • Military Matches
      • Rimfire Sporter Rifle Matches
      • All Upcoming Matches
    • Register for a CT Number
    • Distinguished Badge Program
      • Distinguished Marksman Badge
    • Competition Rulebooks
    • Forms
    • CMP Pistol Program
      • CMP Bianchi Cup
    • CMP Live Target Images
    • CMP Travel Games
    • Marksmanship Forums
    • Junior Highpower Support Program
    • CMP Rifle Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • National Matches
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • CMP Industry Day
    • National Smallbore Matches
    • National Air Gun Matches
    • National Matches Junior Camp
    • National Matches Support Team
    • Long Range Matches
    • National Trophy Pistol Matches
    • Awards & Trophies
      • Vintage Sniper Match
      • CMP Game Events Awards
      • Long Range Awards
      • Individual Pistol Awards
      • National Trophies
      • National Trophy Individual and Aggregate Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Team Rifle Awards
      • National Trophy Infantry Team Rifle Awards
      • Team and Special Aggregate Pistol Awards
    • National Matches First Shot Ceremony speakers
    • National Matches Air Gun Events
    • National Matches Welcome Center Information
    • National Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match
    • National Matches Spectator Events
    • National Matches Camps, Clinics, and Schools
    • National Trophy Rifle Matches
    • Directions to Camp Perry
    • Area Lodging Info
    • CMP National Championship Matches
    • National CMP Games Events
    • National Matches Archive project
    • Commercial Row Information
    End of Navigation Section
  • Education
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Basic Archery Course
    • Advanced Maintenance Class
    • Basic Pistol Course
    • Advanced Highpower Clinic
    • GSMM Master Instructor Training and Certification
      • GSM Master Instructor Resources
    • Armorer's Corner
    • Clinics
    • NM COLLECTOR SOFTWARE - CMP EDITION
    • Other Resources
    • Range Officer Training Course
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Rifle
      • Range Officer Training Course: Level II Pistol
    • Shooting Tips from the USAMU Service Rifle Team
      • USAMU FAQs: Equipment and Ammunition
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Positions
      • USAMU FAQs: Shooting Techniques and Tactics
    • Information on CMP Target Systems
    • Basic Rifle Class
    • Introduction to Shotgun Class
    • JROTC Marksmanship Instructor Course
      • JMIC- Master Instructor Resources
    • State Directors
      • CMP State Director News Submission Form
      • CMP State Director Application
    • Small Arms Firing Schools at the National Matches
    • Rifle and Pistol Training
    • Coaching Resources
      • Air Rifle Target Stand Plans
    End of Navigation Section
  • News & Media
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • National Matches Results Bulletins
    • CMP Podcasts
    • CMP Media Kit
    • ON THE MARK Newsletter
      • An On the Mark Series by: Gary Anderson
    • Customer Comments/Feedback
    • CMP Publications and Training Materials
    • The First Shot
    • CMP Shooting News Archives
      • Join Our Email List
    End of Navigation Section
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Ordering Information
    • CMP Program & Sales Specials
    • Rifle Sales
    • Creedmoor Rifles & Accessories
    • CMP Gift Certificates
    • 1911 Sales Information
    • Videos - M1 Garand
    • CMP Purchase Eligibility Requirements
    • Club Sales Index
    • Custom Gunsmithing
    • Firearm and Parts Sales Links
    • Guns on Auction
    • How CMP Supports Veteran Organizations
    • Visit CMP Stores
    • CMP Target Sales Program
    End of Navigation Section
  • Ranges
    Skip This Navigation Section
    • Air Gun Competition Centers
      • Anniston, Alabama Lodging
      • CMP Monthly Match Program
      • Open Marksmanship
    • CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park
      • Talladega Matches & Events
      • CMP Talladega Pro Shop
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Shotgun Events
      • 5K Range Run & 1K Fun Run
      • 3D Archery Range
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park Sponsorships
      • Paver Project
      • Talladega Marksmanship Park area lodging info
    • CMP Targets at Petrarca Range
      • CMP Petrarca Monthly .22 Bench League
    End of Navigation Section

Team of Rutherford, Armstrong Win Vintage Sniper for Third Time at 2015 National Games Matches

July 21, 2015

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸The First Shot▸Team of Rutherford, Armstrong Win Vintage Sniper for Third Time at 2015 National Games Matches

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

The Vintage Sniper Match is a team event fired from sandbags at 300 and 600 yards. Communication is key between partners is this challenging and fun match.
The Vintage Sniper Match is a team event fired from sandbags at 300 and 600 yards. Communication is key between partners is this challenging and fun match.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Winning the Vintage Sniper Team Match at the 2015 National Matches was team “Double D” – consisting of Douglas Armstrong, 55, of Lexington, NC, and Glendale “Don” Rutherford, 63, of Tallapoosa, GA. The duo fired an aggregate score of 393-19x. Armstrong finished first overall as an individual in a group of 519 competitors.

The two men are used to winning the match now – having won three of the five times its been shot at Nationals. In 2012, they set a new National Record of 398-17x. The next year, they decided to team up again and landed in second place, only to reclaim their spot at the top of the pack again in 2014, with a vengeance – setting a new National Record of 398-23x.

The way they shoot, it would seem the two have been next to each other on the firing line for decades. But, in fact, it was the Vintage Sniper Match that brought them together in the first place.

VintageSniper1
The two became Vintage Sniper partners four years ago by a chance pairing. Since then, they have one three of the four matches they’ve shot together – losing only one by one point.

Four years ago, Doug made a trip to CMP South to buy some tight-fitting Garand stocks two weeks before the National Matches at Camp Perry. Assisting Doug at the store was Don’s brother, Leon, who works for the CMP. It was there, in the CMP South Store, that one of the most significant conversations in Doug’s shooting career happened.

Leon said, “Hey, Doug – you got a partner for the sniper match?

Doug replied, “Nah, I don’t, but I’ll find someone when I get there.”

Leon went on, “Oh, why don’t you shoot with my brother, Don? He’s a good shot – All Guard guy, he’s been shooting for a long time.”

Doug, somewhat reluctantly, said, “Well, I don’t think I know him – but okay.”

Once they met up at Perry, Doug and Don realized they had actually known each other for years – recognizing the faces, just not the names. But even more so than finding a new old friend, they realized they have an incredible bond and strength as shooting partners.

“And we’ve never looked back since then,” Doug said with a smile.

During their time as partners, they’ve won three of the four years. The year they lost was by one point, partly because of one bad shot dropped at the 300 yard firing line – which Don says should always be shot clean.

This year, the duo was down four points coming off of 300 after dealing with terrible wind conditions. Don, at first, was nervous before going back to the 600 yard line for the final phase, but Doug’s reassurance and Don’s confidence in their bond as a team kept him optimistic.

Awards
Team “Double D,” consisting of Douglas Armstrong, 55, of Lexington, NC, and Glendale “Don” Rutherford, 63, of Tallapoosa, GA, was the overall team in the Vintage Sniper Match.

Don explained, with his low Southern drawl, “I thought we were done, momentarily, but then I turned back and looked at the 600, and I said, ‘The only hope we got is to go back there and shoot the eyes out of it’ – and we had a 99 and a 98.”

With that, the two squeaked out their third win – and only by two “x” shots.

So, with so many victories under their belts, what’s their secret?

According to Don, it’s, “Doug Armstrong,” he said with a laugh.

“I’m bleeding from the heart,” Don said. “I can put a steel plate out at 300 and lay it flat, and I can tell Doug Armstrong, ‘Doug, hit that steel plate on the left side, and we’re going to skip it into the x-ring at 300 yards,’ and he’ll do it for me. That’s how much confidence I have in him. He’s amazing.”

Doug had a different theory. “There’s really no secret. But to get the rifle to shoot really well, the stock has to fit really well.”

One of the rifle’s the men use during the Vintage Sniper is Doug’s own creation – a sort of Frankenstein monster out on the firing line – constructed from many different rifle parts and obviously capable of some devastation.

When figuring out a new rifle to build, Doug just happened to have an old 1940 Springfield C Stock – a real 1940 C Stock – that fit his action perfectly. The action itself is from another rifle, and the barrel is an old Palma barrel that had been re-chambered by a gunsmith friend of Doug’s to fit .30-06 ammo. In addition to that, Doug purchased the scope off of eBay.

With his rifle finally together, all that was left was to find a sufficient load – a task that became a difficult one for Doug.

“I couldn’t figure it out,” he said. “It was a month before the Eastern Games, and I still had no load that would shoot.”

Match-Tshirts
With natural chemistry and an ability to understand the other’s strengths and weaknesses, they’ve been able to become successful marksmen as well as good friends.

During that time, he happened to be ordering some new M1903 Springfield parts from a gentleman in California. Through a series of email conversations, the man suggested creating a hand load that might work. Luckily enough for Doug, after trying it out, it did.

“And that’s what we’ve been using ever since,” said Doug. “A lot of weird things came together like that.”

Along with their equipment, the two credit each other and their performances behind the rifle for their accomplishments. They just can’t seem to give one another enough compliments.

“Our success is right here – seriously,” said Don, pointing to Doug. “He does so much.”

Turning that finger around, Doug pointed to Don. “Don’s very modest. He’s a master wind reader – one of the best I’ve ever seen at reading the conditions. He’s way better at it than I am, and he communicates really well.”

Don continued on about Doug’s talent as a marksman, saying, “He does the homework on the range with our load and our plan. He’s a machinist by trade, so he’s very detailed – a perfectionist, and it pays off.”

Another thing Don credits is their ability to interact with each other. Both men constantly talk, discussing every key element – right down to the target number. The two also alternate between using each other’s rifles for different reasons, with each having its own strengths at different yard lines.

Don added, “It is a combination of both of us, but Doug does the real legwork. He really does. I’m telling you like it is.”

With custom equipment, precise communication and two extremely gifted marksmen pulling the triggers, Don and Doug make winning look easy. But now that the match is close to reaching its peak in popularity – nearly filled to capacity at this year’s Matches – the members of “Double D” know they’ll have their work cut out for them in the future.

“This match is getting harder and harder to win every year,” said Doug, speaking of the other talent alongside him on the firing line. “You’ve got to pick up your game every year.”

“It’s a lot of hard work,” Don said.

“That’s all there is to it,” Doug added.

For a complete list of results of the Vintage Sniper and other National Match events, visit http://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=match&task=edit&match=12504.

krieger

Special thanks to Krieger Barrels, who provided a new barrel for both Don and Doug for their win in the Vintage Sniper Match.

Tweet
Share
Pin
Share
0 Shares

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Auction
  • Competition Tracker
  • E-Store
  • Forum
  • Join Our Email List
  • Live Targets
  • Photos

Civilian Marksmanship Program

Mission – Promote marksmanship through firearms training, safety, competitions and youth programs.
Vision – To lead the nation in marksmanship excellence providing safe, high quality and innovative programs with a focus on youth.

If you need assistance accessing any of our content or would like it in an alternative format you can contact us via our contact form, click here.

  • Calendar
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • MeWe
  • Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Donate
  • Sponsorship
  • Contact
  • Search
  • Youth
  • Clubs
  • Compete
  • National Matches
  • Education
  • News & Media
  • Safety
  • Sales & Services
  • Ranges
  • Privacy Policy

©2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program. All rights reserved.
Site by West Edge Collective.