BUTNER, NC – Register now for the 2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Eastern CMP Games and High Powered Rifle Matches! The recreation-oriented event will take place from April 28 to May 7, at the Camp Butner training facility in North Carolina, and features a series of rifle and pistol competitions for enthusiasts to enjoy.
Educational offerings throughout the week include an M1 Maintenance Clinic, a GSMM Master Instructor Course and a GSMM New Shooter Clinic, each led by qualified CMP staff members. New for 2023, the basic rifle and pistol classes will also take place inside the classroom.
The basic pistol and rifle classes offer an excellent introduction to marksmanship. A competitor last year recounted: “My experience was excellent just like last year. The courses are highly educational and informative, I am always learning new material. The trainers were friendly and the courts were clean, what more can I ask for?
Eastern Games, part of CMP’s Travel Games series, is packed with events that are designed to be challenging enough for experienced competitors and gentle enough to ease those new to the sport. The Eastern Games schedule features a variety of CMP’s own vintage and modern military rifle competitions such as John C. Garand, Springfield, Rimfire Sporter, Carbine and Vintage Sniper Matches. A 3×600 mid-range event will also be part of the 2023 calendar to allow for even more competitive challenges on the range.
All matches shot at the Highpower Range will use the KTS electronic aiming system. Last year, a competitor stated, “It’s been a few years since I attended the Eastern Games and I found the electronic goal system to be very easy to use and it definitely sped up the matches. I liked the ability to see squad and target positions with the competition information posted to the spreadsheets prior to the event, which helped with planning, etc.”
As with other Travel Games events, those who compete in the John C. Garand Match using M1 rifles as issued at CMP Travel Games will have the chance to win a GCA (Garand Collectors Association) Marksman’s Medal, Introduced in 2023. The GCA Marksmanship Medal works on an Achievement Award point system, based on performance in designated events.
Additionally, Eastern Games introduces the growing field of CMP pistol opportunities such as the Centerfire, .45 and .22 Pistol 900 Aggregates, along with the addition of Service Revolver EIC Match. The updated pistol series will join CMP’s already popular pistol events such as the 1911 As-Issued, Military & Police, Service Pistol and .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC matches.
Following the CMP Games events will be CMP High Power (HP) Rifle matches, comprised of 4-man, 80-shot teams and EIC rifle competitions. CMP HP Matches are ideal for those seeking a Distinguished Rifleman Badge or those looking to compete against some of the best marksmen in the country, although everyone is welcome to participate.
Quonset shelters located at Camp Butner will be available during games. It costs $5.00 per night for a bed and use of a shower. If you wish to stay at Quonset Huts, you must contact Christina Roguski at 419-635-2141 ext. 714 or croguski@thecmp.org to be added to the housing list. SPACE IS LIMITED.
For more information on CMP Eastern Games and HP Rifle Matches, please visit the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/eastern-cmp-games-cmp-hp-rifle-matches/. We hope to see you there!
CMP CLUB RETURN PROGRAM: Again this year, the CMP will have its Club Rebate Program, where $5.00 per competitor will be awarded to any CMP affiliated club that has 5 or more of its members attending and participating in CMP Eastern Games and HP CMP Rifle matches. Club members must present their club identification card at the event. To add pride to the matches, attendees can show their colors by bringing club flags to fly on the pitch throughout the event. If you would like to take advantage of this new program, please include the name of your CMP Club when you register online. Reminder, each club member must show a club ID card at the event, with 5 club members/minimum $25 prize from the same club for the club.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearms safety and marksmanship training and the promotion of marksmanship competition for United States citizens. To learn more about the CMP and its programs, log on to www.TheCMP.org.