Those already planning to attend the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) 2023 National Matches should take note of considerable changes to the event calendar.
The annual National Matches has been a staple at Camp Perry, Ohio, since 1907. Over the years, the schedule of events has evolved to fit contemporary needs, with the addition of several competitive, educational and other enlightening experiences. The new 2023 lineup has been modified to the benefit of both competitors and guests, with overlapping disciplines allowing further competitive opportunities while on Camp Perry’s celebrated grounds.
The most significant changes to the 2023 schedule involve the National Rimfire Sporter and Smallbore events, which will now be held at the beginning of the National Matches.
“Traditions are strong here at Camp Perry,” said Brad Donoho, CMP smallbore manager. “For as long as I can remember, the Smallbore National Matches have always been between Pistol and Highpower weeks. But as the CMP continues to grow and expand on its competitions in air rifle, we feel this move gives more athletes, especially our juniors, the chance to compete at historic Camp Perry.”
With the schedule changes, those competing in the .22 caliber Rimfire Sporter Match will have the chance to sign up for or simply observe the comparable .22 caliber Smallbore matches. Likewise, the National Smallbore lineup will run parallel to the CMP’s National Air Gun Championships – introduced in 2022 – for those junior athletes looking for experience in those disciplines.
The National Pistol Matches will continue its start after the Fourth of July before moving into the CMP Highpower National Championship, National Trophy Rifle Matches and the National CMP Games events. As in past years, the National Matches will conclude with the Long Range rifle competitions.
With this updated arrangement, the CMP hopes competitors will be able to participate in even more enjoyable and challenging events during the National Matches season.
Summary of the 2023 National Matches Schedule:
Rimfire Sporter Rifle: July 7-8
Smallbore Rifle: July 7-16
Pistol: July 10-16
National Air Gun Championships: July 13-16
CMP NM Jr. Rifle Clinic: July 17-21
National Trophy and Highpower Rifle: July 17-28
CMP/USMC Highpower Clinic and CMP Advanced Highpower Clinic: July 21-23
CMP Rifle Games Matches: July 27-31
Long Range Rifle: July 31-Aug. 5
Be sure to plan your trip to this century-old marksmanship tradition! Registration will open March 1st. Personally review the new 2023 National Matches schedule and other event info on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/competitions/matches/cmp-national-matches/. Camp Perry Housing information may be found at https://cplcc.com/national-matches/. We hope to see you on the Historic firing line at Camp Perry!
About the Camp Perry National Matches:
Held each year at the Camp Perry National Guard Training Facility in Ohio, the National Matches include the CMP National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches, the Pistol, Rifle, Rimfire Sporter and Smallbore Small Arms Firing Schools, the National Games Rifle Matches, the National Smallbore Matches, National Air Gun Championships and the National Long Range Matches – conducted by a partnership between the CMP and Ohio National Guard.
Outside of competition, the event also hosts Commercial Row, where industry vendors provide a variety of supplies and other necessities, available for purchase. Competitors and guests of all ages and experience levels are welcome to attend the annual National Matches – free of charge.
— By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.
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