Props to you, CMP

April 10, 2013

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸Props to you, CMP

Last year, OKC-CMP ’12, I had the opportunity to be a spectator, as well as a supporter of my husband, as he shot his first CMP games. He had entered in a few of the events, shooting his M14 and M1 Garand.

As I watched the events unfold, I told my husband, my plan was to return with him in 2013, and shoot these events along side he. He smiled, and said, “okay,” as he knew that I had only shot pistols, but did not much experience with rifles.

From that moment of time, I purchased my own Garand, from the CMP; a 1903A3, and RRA NM M16. Hubby and I have separate gun accounts, he did not even know I had purchased a Garand, until I had it in hand.

My husband with great wisdom enrolled me in the marksmanship program, Project Appleseed, so i could learn the fundamentals of marksmanship. I might add, I had to purchase another rifle a 10/22 and mount techsites to replicate military sights. The added confidence of Project Appleseed, and the earning of my rifleman’s patch, made me eagerly anticipate getting to shoot the games in OKC.

The moment we arrived to OKC, the CMP Staff were so amazing and friendly, especially for a first time participant of this event. And yes, they were quick to discovered, I was enrolled with my last name hyphenated, even though hubby forgot. The answers to all our inquiries were always met with positive responses, and warm smiles. It’s also nice that they remembered our names, each time we visited for another scorecard.

The SAFS, was so helpful. The instructors were terrific! I was able to glean some wonderful insight and concepts to improve my shooting technique, and am hopeful to enhance my scores in the future.

I did not shoot my Garand this year, but had an absolute “blast” shooting my 1903A3. Having such a exhilarating time, I told my husband I would be re-entering the event again the next day. After all, the competition was the first time I had actually shot this rifle, other than to zero it from a bench.

As a first time CMP event shooter, who is also female, I can honestly say that this is one of the best times that I have had shooting. I may not have shot as well, as I believe I can shoot, but I had so much fun. Fact is, I could not think of a better way to spend time with my husband, this would also include pulling targets in the pits.(I appreciate how everyone made me feel welcome in the pit, and teaching me the ropes of pulling targets, that was a first as well.)

So, I say props to you CMP, I am hopeful to not only shoot more events, but to encourage other shooters male and female to attend these event, that being said, it would be awesome to see some more female shooters as well as some younger shooters, it would be discouraging to not see greater growth to such a wonderful program.

Lastly, I was able to obtain a M1 Carbine and a CMP Garand .308 for future event shooting. I am aware the I may not be able to shoot the .308 in any of the events, but would rather have it than not. I was just blessed to have a friend who had a Winchester M1 Carbine, he was selling at Wanamaker. Now to find a Vintage Sniper Rifle, I would be set!

Thanks again to all the women and men who helped make this event special.