CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Whether you’re an experienced shooter or a beginner who’s never shot before, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)’s wide variety of programs offers something for everyone year-round on the grounds of Camp Perry, located in the northern ohio. Utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and qualified professionals for indoor and outdoor air rifle and pistol events, there is no shortage of marksmanship opportunities to enjoy in 2023.
- Monthly Air Pistol Matches – Gary Anderson CMP Competency Center:
Each month, the CMP hosts monthly air rifle and air pistol meets within the 80 point electronic air gun range of the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. The event includes Junior 3×10, 60 Shot Air Rifle Standing and 60 Shot Air Pistol, as well as 3×20 Three-Position Air Rifle competitions for adult and junior athletes.
The 2023 monthly matches are scheduled for March 11, April 29, September 16, October 14, and November 18.
Outside of the monthly matches, the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center features authentic Olympic memorabilia and other items from the career of renowned American shooter, Gary Anderson. The shooting range is open for public use Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and by appointment Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
No team? No problem. Those new to the sport or without an air pistol can rent one at the CMP during their visit. For more information on the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, visit http://thecmp.org/air/cmp-competition-centers/.
- Camp Perry Outdoor Gun Event – Gary Anderson CMP Competency Center:
The annual Camp Perry Open is scheduled for May 19-22. The event offers a youth 3×20 air rifle competition and adult and youth 60-shot air rifle and air pistol competitions, along with a 3×20 small-bore rifle competition that will take place on the range Petrarch shooting range from Camp Perry. Both matches will use electronic dartboards. Adding even more excitement to the Camp Perry Open will be the celebrated Super Final, highlighted by costumes, music and other eye-catching effects that add fun to the match.
To register for the Camp Perry Open or learn more, visit https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/camp-perry-open/.
- GSMM Rifle Matches, EIC Events – Petrarca Range, Viale Range:
Camp Perry’s outdoor Petrarca Range is home to 10 electronic rifle targets set at 100 yards (which can be simulated up to 600 yards) and five cardboard gun targets at 50 feet or 25 to 50 yards. The range occasionally hosts vintage and modern rifle competitions such as the Garand/Springfield/Modern Military/Vintage Military (GSMM) matches. The next GSMM events will be on April 15, June 24 and September 23.
The weekend of June 24 and 25 It also includes 800 Aggregate, EIC Rifle and 3×600 competitions, all held at Viale Range, just a few hundred meters from Petrarca.
Beginning March 20, Campo de Petrarca will be open to the public on Mondays from 8 am to 4 pm and other designated times. View the full open schedule and learn more at https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-targets-at-petrarca-range/.
Various opportunities for both novice and experienced shooters are available during the historic Camp Perry national games scheduled for this year. July 10-Aug. 5.
The National Matches are a major marksmanship event made up of rifle, pistol and air pistol competitions and clinics during the summer months. Held at Camp Perry since 1907, the event is marked by timeless and distinguished matches that have been held for more than 100 years, as well as modern events to attract the next shooters to the sport.
Offered for rifles, pistols, and Rimfire Sporter and .22 Smallbore rifles, small arms shooting schools are a combination of classroom education and hands-on instruction in fundamentals, competition basics, and safety. Both new and experienced individuals can attend these valuable courses, led by members of military marksmanship teams as well as certified CMP instructors. This is a great class for beginners as equipment and ammunition are provided for the class.
National Matches is also home to Commercial Row, where industry vendors provide a variety of supplies and other necessities, available for purchase.
Read about all of the 2023 national matches by visiting the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/cmp-national-matches/.
While at Camp Perry, guests can visit the CMP North Store, attached to the CMP headquarters building on base. The store offers sales of firearms, marksmanship equipment, CMP souvenir needs and much more. The CMP North store is open Thursday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ready to start? Visit the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/ to view all available programs offered throughout the year. Trained CMP staff members are always on site to ensure safety and welcome everyone to the sport. If you have any questions, please call us at (419) 635-2141.
— By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
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.
Restricted to those 18 and older in CA pursuant to CA State Assembly Bill 2571 prohibiting the sale of firearms to minors in the State of CA.