Ready to try something new? Planning your next family or friend group get-together? Look no further than the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s public events!

With its headquarters and facilities located on the grounds of the Camp Perry National Guard Training Facility, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) offers marksmanship prospects not only to the those around the country but within the Port Clinton area as well. The wide variety of programs provide something for everyone! Whether an experienced marksman or a beginner who has never fired before, CMP’s educated staff members are always on-site to ensure safety and to welcome those to a sport that’s accessible right in Ohio’s own backyard.

Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center:

The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center features authentic Olympic memorabilia and other items from the career of celebrated American marksman, Gary Anderson, for observers to enjoy as well as an 80-point indoor electronic air gun range. The climate-controlled facility hosts Open Public Nights every week, where individuals of all ages are welcome to bring their own air rifle or air pistol to fire for practice or fun. Those who are new to the sport and may not own an air gun are welcome to rent one from the CMP during their visit. The air guns use pellets for firing and are easy to handle – no noise or kickback!

The range is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests may also visit by appointment Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. And don’t forget, the CMP hosts Monthly Matches for those who are ready for competition! To learn more about the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, visit https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/.

Petrarca Range:

For the more experienced, Petrarca is home to 10 electronic rifle targets set at 100 yards and five cardboard pistol targets at 50 feet or 25 to 50 yards! Those interested in short-range zeroing may use the targets to accurately simulate 200, 300 and 600 yards. Benches are also available for those wishing to have extra support while firing. The CMP Bench Match is available for those marksmen interested in competing. Guests to Petrarca must provide his/her own equipment and ammo. The range is open to the public every Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and other designated timeslots. Learn more at https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-targets-at-petrarca-range/.

National Matches:

The annual National Matches, a staple at Camp Perry since 1907, is a major marksmanship event that features rifle, pistol and air gun competitions and clinics throughout the summer months. 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.

Several opportunities for novice marksmen are available during the Matches, scheduled this year from July 12-Aug. 12, 2022. Along with numerous courses and competitions suitable for beginners, those looking to try something new or to polish their skills should sign up for the Small Arms Firing School – a combination of classroom education and hands-on instruction on fundamentals, competition basics and safety. Training is led by members of military marksmanship teams as well as certified CMP instructors. At the conclusion of the course, students fire real competitions on the range, with instructors nearby. Equipment is provided by the CMP, with participants only needing a willingness to learn in order to attend. Currently, the CMP offers Small Arms Firing Schools for M16 Rifle, M9 Pistol, and .22 caliber Rimfire Sporter and Smallbore rifles.

Read about all the 2022 National Matches by visiting the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/cmp-national-matches/.

CMP North Store:

While at Camp Perry, guests may visit the CMP North Store – attached to CMP’s long headquarters office building, Building 3, on base. The store offers firearm sales, ammo, marksmanship equipment and CMP memorabilia needs.

Ready to learn more? Visit the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/ to view all the available programs offered throughout the year!

About the CMP:

The CMP is a federally chartered non-profit corporation dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training as well as the promotion of marksmanship competition across the United States. Though the CMP places an emphasis on youth, the organization strives to provide both competitive and learning opportunities for all ages.

-- By Ashley Brugnone, 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.