The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Travel Games are regional shooting competitions designed to offer participants the experience of national-level matches in a more accessible, local format. For over a decade, these games have been a staple in the CMP schedule, providing a fantastic opportunity for shooters of all levels to engage in popular CMP events without needing to travel to the National Matches.
CMP Travel Games bring the thrill of Camp Perry to various locations, featuring a diverse array of shooting disciplines. These events are perfect for those looking to test their skills, enjoy competitive shooting, and be part of a vibrant community of marksmanship enthusiasts.
The events at CMP Travel Games include a variety of rifle and pistol matches, catering to different interests and firearms:
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Garand-Springfield-Vintage-Modern Military Matches: These matches celebrate the history of military rifles, allowing competitors to use classic firearms like the M1 Garand, M1903 Springfield, and other vintage and modern military rifles in a competitive setting. It’s a nod to the heritage of marksmanship and military firearms.
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Vintage Sniper Match: This event tests the precision and skill of shooters using vintage sniper rifles. Competitors engage targets at varying distances, requiring accuracy and expertise with these historical firearms.
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Carbine Match: Focusing on carbine rifles, this match offers a dynamic and engaging shooting experience. Carbines, known for their shorter barrels and maneuverability, provide a different challenge compared to full-length rifles.
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Rimfire Sporter Match: A fun and accessible entry point into competitive shooting, the Rimfire Sporter Match is ideal for shooters of all ages and skill levels. It utilizes .22 caliber rifles, making it more affordable and less recoil-intensive, perfect for introducing new shooters to the sport.
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Cup Matches (Highpower Rifle Individual and Team Matches): These matches represent the pinnacle of highpower rifle competition at the Travel Games. Individual and team events challenge shooters with demanding courses of fire, testing their precision, consistency, and teamwork.
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Pistol Individual and Team Matches: Expanding beyond rifle events, CMP Travel Games also feature a growing program of pistol matches. These events include individual and team competitions, allowing pistol shooters to showcase their skills in various disciplines.
Competitors participating in Highpower Rifle Matches at CMP Games
To further enhance the experience for both newcomers and seasoned marksmen, CMP Travel Games offer educational opportunities such as the Rifle Marksmanship 101 and Pistol Marksmanship 101 courses. These clinics provide valuable instruction and hands-on training from qualified CMP staff, helping participants improve their shooting skills and knowledge. Throughout the Games, additional informative clinics are conducted, covering various aspects of marksmanship and competitive shooting.
For those aiming for the top, CMP Games also maintain National Record scores. Competitors can strive to achieve these records, adding an extra layer of challenge and recognition to their participation. You can explore the CMP Games National Record Scores here.
A significant feature of the CMP Travel Games rifle events is the use of KTS Electronic Targets, powered by Kongsberg Technology Systems. These advanced systems display instant shot scores on monitors next to each shooter. This technology not only provides immediate feedback but also eliminates the need for manual pit duty, resulting in faster match completion times and reduced physical strain for competitors. Participants can also access the KTS Journal for detailed performance analysis.
The popularity of CMP Games events extends beyond these regional competitions. Select Games events are also integrated into other CMP matches held throughout the year, including the Talladega D-Day Matches and Talladega 600 at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama, known as the “Home of Marksmanship” – Talladega Marksmanship Park. Additionally, competitors can participate in Games Events during the prestigious National Rifle Matches, annually hosted at Camp Perry, Ohio, a historic landmark in American shooting sports.
To support local shooting clubs, the CMP offers a Club Pay Back Program. CMP-affiliated clubs with five or more members participating in Travel Games marksmanship competitions are eligible to receive $5.00 per participating member. Club members simply need to present their club ID card at the Games to qualify for this benefit, encouraging club participation and development within the shooting sports community.
Important logistical information for participants includes the cancellation policy. Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to [email protected]. Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 30 days before the first event. Cancellations between 29 days and one day prior to the event receive a 50% refund. No refunds are issued for no-shows or cancellations on or after the day of the match. It’s important to note that no refunds are given if a match is canceled due to severe weather conditions.
Firearm inspections are a mandatory safety measure at all CMP Games and CMP Service Rifle events. Before any live firing, all firearms must be inspected by a CMP-sanctioned armorer at each event. Competitors are required to present their scorecards to the armorer for inspection. To streamline the process, competitors are asked to apply competitor labels to scorecards and include the last four digits of the firearm’s serial number. Upon successful inspection, the armorer stamps the scorecard, indicating compliance and safety at the time of inspection, and attaches an inspection tag to the rifle. Scorecards without the armorer’s stamp are considered “Out-of-Competition.” A 30-minute post-firing window is provided for inspection in unforeseen circumstances. While armorers play an advisory role, ensuring firearm safety and rule compliance remains the responsibility of each competitor.
New CMP Sand Bags for Vintage Sniper Match
For Vintage Sniper Team Matches, CMP provides specialized shooting bags. These bags, designed with competitor feedback in mind, are made from durable materials and filled with granulated plastic pellets, offering a stable and consistent shooting platform.
While CMP policy restricts endorsements, the CMP Travel Games are supported by various sponsors who provide awards to top shooters. A list of CMP Travel Games sponsors can be found here. Organizations interested in becoming sponsors can find more information on the CMP Sponsorship web page.
CMP Travel Games offer a fantastic blend of competition, education, and community within the realm of shooting sports. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or new to marksmanship, these games provide an engaging and rewarding experience.
