CAMP PERRY, Ohio – If it's almost January, then it's time again for the Civilian Marksmanship Program's (CMP) annual Camp Perry Open – a staple air rifle and air pistol event held in Northwest Ohio for over a decade. Adult and junior athletes of all experience levels are welcome to come participate and experience one of the most anticipated air gun events of the year.

Featuring a variety of matches, the Camp Perry Open is set to fire Jan. 12-14, 2018. Those participating will be given the rare opportunity to compete alongside some of the most talented marksmen in the country, including members of the Army Marksmanship Unit and the USA Shooting team, along with talented upcoming junior competitors who are leading the next generation of excellence.

The Camp Perry Open is held within the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, which houses an 80-point indoor air gun range equipped with CMP's own electronic targets, powered by Kongsberg Target Systems. The targets, installed in November 2016, instantly return shot scores on an LED display monitor located next to each competitor. Monitors overhead also reveal scores to spectators in the crowd as they happen, keeping guests connected to the action on the firing line.

Matches scheduled to be fired during the competition include the Men's and Women's 60 Shot Air Rifle and Pistol matches and the 3x20 Junior Air Rifle individual and team events. Informal awards ceremonies will follow both the 3x20 and the 60 Shot Matches each day.

The Super Finals, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the Camp Perry Open, breaks from the quiet finals traditionally seen during marksmanship events by not only allowing, but encouraging loud music and crowd participation at an attempt to distract competitors from behind the firing line. Crowd members and competitors alike often dress in masks, costumes and other standout attire to add an extra element of fun.

Guests who have never seen the Super Finals are welcome to watch the spectacle unfold on Saturday, Jan. 13, when the match will be held. Come and enjoy the scenery or join in on the excitement!

With free admission and ample parking, the Camp Perry Open is open to the public any time during the event. Whether just curious about air gun or interested in stepping onto the firing line, all are welcome at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. We hope to see you there!

To register and for more info on the Camp Perry Open, visithttp://thecmp.org/air/cmp-competition-center-event-matches/camp-perry-open/.

About the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center:
The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry includes an open reception and common area, fully equipped classrooms, projection screens and flat-screen television sets, as well as authentic Olympic memorabilia and other notable items from the outstanding career of Gary Anderson.

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 ont www.TheCMP.org.

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer