NATIONAL MATCH YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

Civilian Marksmanship Program▸Youth▸NATIONAL MATCH YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

The National Matches is a venue that offers several options suitable for junior marksmen. A variety of matches and clinics (each cautiously observed by CMP trained professionals and staff members) are available to young rifle, pistol and air gun supporters, based on safety guidelines. A list of opportunities include:

  • National Rimfire Sporter Match – Rimfire Sporter is the perfect entry-level competition. Using .22 caliber rifles, Rimfire Sporter is separated into three classes: O-Class (open-sighted), T-Class (telescopic sights) and TU-Class (A4- or AR15-style). The course of fire is conducted from 25 yards and from 50 yards at various positions, including standing, sitting and prone, within slow-fire and rapid-fire stages.
  • Smallbore and Air Gun Matches – Since 2018, CMP’s Smallbore lineup has evolved to feature both three-position and prone (iron sight/any sight) events. In 2023, the Smallbore series debuted its state-of-the-art electronic scoring, now utilized in every smallbore match at Camp Perry. The Air Gun Nationals run simultaneously to allow participation in both events. Social events, like a beach party and movie night, are also held during the event.
  • National Matches Clinics and Schools – full of smallbore, rifle and pistol educational possibilities for youth at entry and advanced levels.
  • National Air Gun Events – fired at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry (where the National Matches are located), offering a mix of simple, fixed-position matches and Open Public opportunities to accommodate young competitors in finding marksmanship and competition fundamentals in a controlled setting.
  • National Trophy Pistol Matches – The National Matches Pistol series allows juniors to compete within some of the most celebrated marksmanship competitions in the country, using .22-caliber rimfire pistols. Along with several individual matches, the Pistol series offers two-person and four-person junior team opportunities.
  • GSSF CMP National Challenge – Competitors will have the opportunity to fire in this exciting match. Competitors may choose to fire multiple times in each class. The first set of scores will count for awards.  The competition at Camp Perry is a GSSF Indoor League match which will be shot outdoors using one of the Indoor League courses of fire and is only shot in one match instead of three.
  • Highpower Rifle Championship (KTS Electronic Targets) – The Highpower Rifle Championships use highpower service rifles in 4-Man team, Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) and Aggregate matches. The series is fired on CMP’s outdoor electronic target line, powered by Kongsberg Target System technology.
  • National Trophy Rifle Matches – Like Pistol, juniors have several options for competing in Rifle competition in traditional events that have spanned decades. Juniors may choose between vintage rifle or service rifle matches, using the same calibers as adult competitors.
  • National Match Games Matches – The CMP Games Matches are a variety of vintage rifle and pistol competitions like the M1 Carbine, John C. Garand, Modern Military, Springfield, Vintage Sniper Team, Military & Police Pistol and As-Issued 1911 Pistol. These matches offer unique challenges and are a fun way to partake in marksmanship competition while celebrating its history.
  • Simulator Pistol and Rifle Steel Challenge – CMP’s Laser Shot simulators within the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center will be showcasing Steel Challenge matches for rifle and pistol. The Steel Challenge is a virtual match where competitors use a modified rifle or pistol (equipped with Co2 gas) to fire upon simulated targets. Individuals entered in either Challenge will be given three attempts to complete their respective course.
  • National Mid- and Long Range Matches – CMP’s Long Range matches are fired at 1,000 yards. An additional Mid Range match offers the same opportunity to fire long range rifles, but from half the distance. Long range categories include Match (Any and Iron Sights), Service, Palma, AR Tactical, F-Open and F T/R.