CAMP BUTNER, N.C. – Those wanting to enhance or even begin their pistol skills should mark their calendars for April and May as the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) hosts an educational Pistol Marksmanship 101 Course at the 2023 Eastern CMP Rifle and Pistol Matches as well as at the CMP’s Talladega Quarterly Matches. The hands-on pistol course is designed for those familiar with marksmanship as well as those completely new to the sport – meaning no previous knowledge or experience is required.
The annual Eastern Matches will be held April 28 to May 7 at the Camp Butner National Guard Training Facility in North Carolina, with the Marksmanship 101 Course set on the opening day. Likewise, a Pistol Marksmanship 101 will be conducted during the CMP’s Talladega Quarterly Matches, held at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama, on May 13 and Aug. 26.
The CMP’s Marksmanship 101 Courses are designed to train individuals on firearm essentials and competition basics in a closely monitored setting. Utilizing the talents of qualified CMP staff and world-class instructors, participants learn safety, positioning, how to load and clear a pistol and more through classroom discussion and active training on the range. Near the conclusion of the course, students apply all they have learned in a true Excellence-In-Competition match.
Pistols and ammo will be provided by the CMP. Hearing and eye protection are required during live firing. Juniors must be at least 14 years old to participate.
The Travel Games are regional competitions held throughout the year, featuring CMP’s own rifle and pistol outdoor events. A common part of the CMP schedule for the last decade, the Games are centered around recreation-oriented competition and educational activities that are designed to accommodate experienced marksmen as well as those hoping to learn more about the sport. See CMP’s full lineup of Travel Games at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-travel-games/.
Talladega Quarterly Matches:
Those searching for more competitive opportunities should look to the CMP’s Talladega Quarterly Matches, held at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. The Quarterly Matches feature both rifle and pistol outdoor events, with Rifle competitions held on CMP’s electronic target and scoring system and pistol fired on paper turning targets. Events include: 800 Aggregate Rifle, Mid-Range 3×600 Rifle, EIC Service Rifle, EIC Service Pistol, .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC and EIC Service Revolver. The next Quarterly Matches are set for May 13-14 and August 25-27.
About the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park:
Aptly named “The Home of Marksmanship,” the park is a worthy destination for firearm supporters and guests looking for practice, competition and mindful learning opportunities. Featuring CMP electronic targets and scoring monitors that can only be found at the 500-acre facility, the park regularly hosts rifle, pistol and shotgun events all year long. The CMP’s Unknown Distance Range at Talladega also allows guests to practice their skills in the field of over 100 steel targets, out to 625 yards, while the 20-lane life-size 3D target Archery Range provides even more marksmanship fun at the Park.
The public is welcome daily to test out their firearms or to simply take a tour of the grounds. Off the firing line, the Club House holds a fully stocked Pro Shop that includes a collection of rifles, ammunition, marksmanship accessories and CMP memorabilia that is open during park hours. Learn more about Talladega Marksmanship Park at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/.
— 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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