Sign Up for the 2020 CMP Summer Junior Air Rifle Camps

Posted By on January 20, 2020

 By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

Camps are led by current NCAA rifle athletes.

Registration for the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) 2020 Air Rifle Summer Camp lineup officially opens on January 21st. Running from June to August, the vigorous 10-week schedule includes a mix of camps and clinics formatted to train high-school age (9-12 grade) junior athletes on intermediate and advanced marksmanship skills through various exercises and demonstrations.

The camps are held around the country to allow better accessibility for interested athletes in a variety of areas, using CMP’s own mobile electronic target system.

For the new decade, the 2020 Summer Camp schedule will feature not only air rifle opportunities but also a number of smallbore camps. Additionally, staff members are working to add pistol camps to the summer schedule – dates currently unknown. Classes fill quickly, so be sure to check periodically on the CMP website (https://thecmp.org/camps) for updates!

The fundamentals of the air rifle camp curriculum were originally designed by DCM Emeritus, Gary Anderson – a two-time Olympic gold medalist who is still active in developing the skills and knowledge of youth and adults in the world of marksmanship. Mr. Anderson’s teachings have been modified over the years to provide an adaptive course for the evolving generations.

Class is conducted both on and off the firing line in informal, engaging settings.

During the week-long camp sessions, juniors learn tips for both the physical and mental aspects of competition shooting. Topics to be discussed include proper positioning, goal setting, anxiety control and how to optimize equipment performance. Campers will also take a look into competition and finals performance, learn leadership roles, how to build self-confidence on the firing line, along with an assortment of skills that can be carried from the range into everyday life.

Campers are coached by qualified student athletes from the top NCAA rifle teams in the country – the majority of whom had participated in the camps themselves as juniors. These camp counselors will lead the juniors in discussions and drills during the camp in small groups where they are able to give each participant personal attention.

“My niece attended the 3P camp at Camp Perry this past July. Emily had a great experience that week and made some new friends that she is maintaining an online relationship with about shooting, upcoming matches etc. Since returning to her home range, she has been able to set new personal best scores each week including both overall and individual targets. The camp was able to jump her shooting capabilities up several notches and she continues to use the techniques she learned. We will be waiting to see the release dates of next year’s camps so she can attend once again” said Scott Marne.

Other options outside of the week-long curriculum include:

  • Advanced Standing Camps, which are designed to be a follow-up program for those who have attended one or more of the three-position camps or clinics. These camps elaborate in even more detail each individual’s strengths and weaknesses to better the athletes for future competition.
  • Condensed Outreach Clinics, using paper targets instead of the electronic targets, will also be held in Wyoming, Missouri and Texas. The instruction is nearly identical to the full-length course, with the majority of the week-long curriculum compressed into a three-day format.

Class is conducted both on and off the firing line in informal, engaging settings.

Each participating group or athlete must be accompanied by an adult leader (coach, club leader, parent, etc.) for the duration of the camp. Recent high school graduates are not eligible to partake in the air rifle activities but may attend as an adult leader. Chaperones are to provide transportation for the campers each day and are encouraged to attend the coaching sessions in order to gain a sense of the outstanding education their athletes are receiving.

For a list of dates and more detailed camp information, visit the Junior Air Rifle Camps and Clinics page on the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/camps. Be sure to register starting on January 21st.

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.

2020 CMP Competition Rulebooks Are Now Official

Posted By on January 11, 2020

By Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus

Covers of the four new CMP Competition Rulebooks that will govern CMP sponsored and sanctioned competitions in 2020.

The CMP Competition Rulebooks that will govern CMP sponsored and sanctioned Highpower Rifle, Pistol, CMP Games and Smallbore Rifle competitions in 2020 have been approved by the CMP Board’s Rules Committee and are now posted on the CMP website.  The 2020 rulebooks went into effect on the 1st of January.  All four rulebooks can be downloaded from the CMP Competition Rulebooks webpage at:  http://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-competitions-rulebooks/.

The most important changes in the 2020 Rules include a major expansion of CMP Pistol Program rules that now provide for 3-Gun Match Pistol events, the establishment of Smallbore Rifle Distinguished Badges, a change in eye and hearing protection use in Highpower Rifle and Pistol Matches from “strongly urged” to “required,” a substantial reworking of rules for electronic scoring targets and several rule clarifications in each of the four disciplines.  All changes from the 2019 Rules can easily be identified in the new rulebooks because they are shown in underlined, red text (printed Rulebooks will have underlined text).  A detailed summary of 2020 Rule Changes is presented at the end of this article.

The CMP rule-making process is designed to be transparent and open to inputs from competitors and match sponsors.  Major changes like the expansion of the CMP Pistol program and adding Smallbore Rifle Distinguished Badges were designed to expand and enhance the CMP Competition Program.  Most rule changes resulted from issues that came up during 2019 competitions or from recommendations submitted by competitors and match sponsors.  Drafts of the new rulebooks were posted on the CMP website in November and comments were invited.  Comments received, especially from pistol competitors and match sponsors, were very helpful in finalizing the 2020 Rulebooks.

Here are some 2020 CMP Rulebook changes that merit further explanation:

New Match Pistol Events.   The CMP has already announced that it will expand its 2020 National Matches pistol program by offering a full week of pistol events.  In addition to traditional CMP National Trophy Pistol Matches, the CMP National Matches will now include a three-day bulls-eye pistol 2700 aggregate for 22 Rimfire, Centerfire and 45 Caliber Pistols.  The 2020 CMP Pistol Rules were expanded to provide specific rules to govern these events that are categorized as “Match Pistol Events.”  The new rules establish a distinction between “National Trophy/EIC Pistol Events” for Service Pistols and 22 Rimfire Pistols with metallic sights and “CMP Match Pistol Events” for 22 Rimfire, Centerfire and 45 Caliber Pistols with any or metallic sights.  The rules also expand the CMP Classification System to provide separate classifications for competitors’ National Trophy/EIC and Match Pistol scores.  Match sponsors may now sanction competitions with CMP using the rules for either pistol discipline.

Smallbore Rifle Distinguished Badges.  The Distinguished Badge Program, which dates back to the first Distinguished Marksman Badges awarded by the Army in 1884, is being further expanded in 2020 to award two new badges for excellence in Smallbore Rifle competitions.  Gold Distinguished Badges are the highest individual awards authorized by the U. S. Government for excellence in marksmanship competitions. The CMP administers this program under authority granted to it by federal law (36 USC §40722).  The new Distinguished Smallbore Rifle Three-Position Badge can be earned with top ten percent place finishes in 120-shot three-position EIC Matches shot with metallic sights on ISSF targets.  The new Distinguished Smallbore Rifle Prone Badge can be earned with top ten percent place finishes in 160-shot prone EIC Matches shot with metallic or any sights on 50-yard, 50m and 100-yard national targets. To be awarded a badge, competitors must earn the traditional 30 EIC points by winning 10, 8 or 6 point “legs” in CMP sanctioned EIC matches.  The CMP National Smallbore Rifle Championship that will take place at Camp Perry in July will include Smallbore Rifle EIC Matches.  Match sponsors that would like to conduct CMP-sanctioned Smallbore Rifle EIC Matches should contact:  bdonoho@thecmp.org.

Mandatory Eye and Hearing Protection for Highpower Rifle and Pistol.  The overwhelming majority of highpower rifle and pistol competitors already wear eye and hearing protection while shooting.  Earlier in 2019, a competitor at the CMP Marksmanship Park near Talladega had a catastrophic rifle failure that likely would have resulted in severe eye injury had they not been wearing shooting glasses. There are also many shooting clubs that now require eye and hearing protection on their ranges, plus virtually all military ranges, including some where the CMP conducts its matches, require eye and hearing protection.  The CMP conducted an extensive legal and operational evaluation of this situation and concluded that in highpower rifle and pistol shooting the possibility of serious eye injury, while very rare, warrants the CMP taking the additional precautionary step of requiring all competitors in these events to wear eye and hearing protection.  The 2020 CMP Highpower Rifle, Pistol and CMP Games Rulebooks all contain this new rule:

Resting the entire bottom of an M16/AR magazine on the jacket elbow pad or sleeve as shown in this photo is an illegal prone position under the 2020 rules.

All competitors and competition officials are required to wear appropriate eye and hearing protection when on shooting range firing lines during highpower rifle or pistol firing.  All competitors must comply with this requirement before they can participate in a CMP sponsored or sanctioned competition.  Competitors are responsible for selecting their eyewear and hearing protection.

The CMP is establishing a minimum standard that all highpower rifle and pistol competitors must wear some type of eye protection, but it is not mandating that competitors must wear any particular type of shooting glasses.  The new rule states, “competitors are responsible for selecting their eyewear and hearing protection.”  This means that while all competitors must wear some form of eyewear and hearing protections when on the firing line, it is up to them to decide what type of eyewear will provide adequate protection for them.  Most competitors already use shooting glasses with hardened lenses, but others may decide that their prescription eyeglasses or special shooting glasses are most appropriate for them.

The CMP and its sanctioned match sponsors will actively enforce this rule in 2020.  The CMP respectfully asks any highpower rifle or pistol competitors who are not already wearing eye protection while shooting to acquire a good pair of shooting glasses and to wear them at all times while they are shooting.

Approved Service Pistols.  When the CMP opened its Service Pistol events to more than M1911 or M9 type pistols in 2015, it provided a list of “Approved Service Pistols” that could be fired in these events.  This list identified specific pistol models and model variations that could be used in Service Pistol Matches, if those pistols complied with the Service Pistol requirements in Rules 4.1.1 and 4.1.2.  Those requirements include having a 4.0 lb. trigger pull, a barrel length of 5.4” or less, standard symmetrical grips and several other less common restrictions.  Unfortunately, keeping this list current with all of the variations of basic models that manufacturers were introducing proved to be nearly impossible.  Starting in 2020, the list of model variations is being pared down so that in most cases only basic, generic models will be listed, with the intent that all pistol variations of a basic model that fulfill Rule 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 requirements will be approved.

Prone Position, Highpower Rifle.  Concerns came up during the past year because a few competitors were resting M14 or M16/AR magazines on their left arms or shooting jacket sleeves.  The prone position rule has been strengthened to state that while “a magazine may touch the shooting jacket sleeve,..it may not rest on the jacket sleeve, jacket elbow pad, arm or ground.”  There is a pretty clear difference between touching and resting.  Competitors must control their prone positions to make sure the bottom of the magazine does not rest on their jacket sleeve, elbow pad, arm or ground.  Competitors can make sure their prone positions are not questioned by keeping the bottoms of rifle magazines visibly clear of their sleeves or arms.

Electronic Scoring Target (EST) Rules.  With the development of new types of electronic scoring targets that use technology other than traditional acoustical sensing systems, CMP EST Rules needed to be more inclusive.  Electronic target rules in the 2020 CMP Rulebooks were amended to authorize a wider variety of electronic targets.  The rules for resolving E-target scoring issues like excessive shots (usually crossfires), missing shots (usually crossfires) and score protests (occasional target malfunctions, but usually shooter error) were clarified but remain essentially unchanged.  A key to satisfactorily resolving missing shot complaints and score protests is to use backer targets or a secondary verification system.

The CMP also uses scoring ring overlays with its highpower electronic targets so competitors who use optical sights can use them as aiming reference points.  A new rule makes it clear that when scoring ring overlays are provided, they are there as reference points only and that scoring ring overlays cannot be used to rescore shots scored by electronic targets.

Recent complaints reaching the CMP questioned whether the rule that prohibits protesting 9s, 10s and Xs is fair.  The reason that rule is there is because there is no fair, practical or accurate way to rescore a shot indicated as a close 9 (9.9) to determine if it might be a 10.  Even a clean backing target cannot be used to make a determination that precise.  To reverse plot three or four other shots in a series so the radius of a protested shot could be measured would take 15 or 20 minutes per protested shot to recover a backer and make these calculations.  Moreover, even this plotting and measuring technique has its own inaccuracies and is not an acceptable way to rescore close shots.  The scoring ring overlays now used on CMP E-target aiming bulls cannot be used to rescore selected shots because to be fair all competitors’ shots must be scored using the same scoring system.  “All shots fired in one competition must be scored with only one method of scoring” Rules H3.10.1, G3.8.1, P3.10.1, S8.1.2).

Resting the entire bottom of an M16/AR magazine on the jacket elbow pad or sleeve as shown in this photo is an illegal prone position under the 2020 rules.

The motivation for competitors wanting to rescore, challenge or protest selected close shots is debatable anyway.  When challenges of close shots are permitted on paper targets, the only shots that are ever challenged are the shots that are just out.  Shots that are just in are never challenged.  Unless all close shots of all competitors are rescored in the same way, whether just out or just in, allowing selective challenges is fundamentally unfair.  Shots that are obvious errors are another matter; competitors have a right to ask match officials to remark an obvious error on paper targets or to examine a questioned E-target under Rule 6.6.6 a).

When E-targets are used, the answer to these concerns is to make sure all targets on a range are scoring accurately and that any claims of inaccurate scoring are promptly checked out and, when necessary, corrected.  The CMP goes to great lengths to make sure its E-targets are in good condition and are scoring accurately and it hopes all shooting clubs that use E-targets are doing the same thing.

Rimfire Sporter Rifle Classification.  The use of rifles with special features not authorized on T and O-Class Rifles (i.e. thumbhole stocks, adjustable butt-plates and cheekpieces, orthopedic pistol grips, etc.) was addressed in the 2019 Rules with a rule change that placed rifles having those special features into an expanded “Tactical or Unlimited Class.”  The problem encountered in enforcing this rule was how to properly distinguish those TU-Class Rifles from T and O-Class Rifles that must be “standard sporter-type rifles of conventional appearance.”  The 2020 CMP Games Rimfire Sporter Rules include additional guidelines for doing this.  The new Rulebook also includes a chart designed to assist match officials in making decisions regarding Rimfire Sporter Rifle classification decisions.

Summary of 2020 Changes in CMP Competition Rules

HIGHPOWER RIFLE RULES:

  • Rule H2.11.  Open Category Teams.  Events for open teams where there are no specific eligibility requirements may be included in competitions that use CMP Cup Match Rules.
  • Rule H3.2.6.  Scorers Duties.  An expanded list of Scorer responsibilities is provided.
  • Rule H3.2.7.  Verifiers Duties.  Responsibilities for verifying rifle checks and standing rapid-fire starts (when required) were added.
  • Rule H3.6.2.  Eye and Hearing Protection.  The CMP now requires the wearing of eye and hearing protection during highpower rifle and pistol firing.
  • Rule H3.10.12.  Tie-Breaking.  Added a shot-by-shot count-back rule for breaking ties in slow-fire events that cannot be broken by using Xs or stage scores.
  • Rule H4.1.1 b).  Ambidextrous Features.  Ambidextrous safeties, magazine releases and charging handles are now permitted; the Armed Services are now using them.
  • Rule H4.1.1 e). Rifle Handguard.  The requirement that handguards must have Picatinny rail sections was deleted.
  • Rule H4.1.3 l).  Optical Sights on M14/M1A Rifles.  Optical sights will now be permitted on these rifles.  Note:  M14/M1A rifles fired as Standard Modern Military Rifles must have “standard issue-type metallic front and rear sights” (Rule G5.2.4 b).
  • Rule H5.1.3.  Prone Position.  Added language that explicitly prohibits resting the magazine on the arm or on the jacket elbow pad.
  • Rule H5.2.2.  Sighting Shots.  Clarified that when sighting shots are authorized by the Match Program, the competitor can elect not to fire them.
  • Rule H5.2.7.  Refires.  Refires authorized for a range alibi or an excessive hit target must be conducted before the concerned competitor leaves the firing line and immediately after the scoring period for other targets on that relay.

CMP GAMES RULES:

  • Rule G1.7.6. Scorer.  Same as H3.2.6.
  • Rule G1.7.7. Verifier.  Same as H3.2.7.
  • Rule G3.1.2.  Eye and Hearing Protection.  The CMP now requires the wearing of eye and hearing protection during highpower rifle and pistol firing.
  • Rule G3.3.3.  Prone Position.  See H5.1.3.
  • Rule G5.2.1 h).  Carbine Rear Apertures.  Authorized alterations of internal diameters of rear sight apertures if the alterations do not change the external profile of the disc.
  • Rule G5.2.4 d).  Standard M1A Rifles.  The weight limit was increased from 9.0 to 9.4 lbs.  The FN SCAR 17S was added to the list of Class B Modern Military Rifles.
  • Rule G8.2.2.  Rimfire Sporter Rifle Classification.  Criteria for classifying a Rimfire Sporter Rifle as either a “Standard Rimfire Sporter Rifle” or as a Tactical or Unlimited Rimfire Sporter Rifle were strengthened.  A chart showing rifle classification guidelines was added.
  • Annex G. Achievement Award scores were updated.  Most changes increased or decreased cut scores by only one or two points, except for significant increases in Vintage Sniper and Unlimited Garand cut scores.

Covers of the four new CMP Competition Rulebooks that will govern CMP sponsored and sanctioned competitions in 2020.

PISTOL RULES:

  • Rule P1.4, Table 1.  CMP Recognized Pistol Events.  A distinction is made between “National Trophy/EIC Pistol Events” and new “Match Pistol Events.”  900 aggregates for 22 Rimfire, Centerfire and 45 Caliber Pistol are added.  There is also a new 2700 aggregate for all three events combined.
  • Rule P2.6.3.  Grand Senior.  A Grand Senior category for competitors 70 years of age or older was added as an option for match sponsors to use.
  • Rule P2.11.  Open Teams.  An Open Team category can be used in competitions that use Match Pistol Rules.  Open Teams are not permitted in competitions that use National Trophy/EIC Rules.
  • Rule P3.2.6.  Verifier.  Responsibility for verifying pistol checks was added.
  • Rule P3.6.2.  Eye and Hearing Protection.  The CMP will now require the wearing of eye and hearing protection during highpower rifle and pistol firing.
  • Rule P3.7.5.  Firing Times.  A firing time definition is provided that allows for conducting many pistol events on turning or fixed targets.  EIC Matches must be fired on turning targets.
  • Rule P3.11.4.  Classification System.  The system is expanded to provide classifications for the new 2700 Match Pistol events.
  • Rule P4.1.3 a).  M1911 Service Pistols.  Clarified that M1911 Service Pistols must have single-stack magazines.
  • Rule P4.1.3 c).  Approved Service Pistols.  Confirmed that new Armed Services M17 and M18 pistols are approved for use in CMP Service Pistol Matches and that they can be accurized in conformance with Rule P4.1.2.
  • Rule P4.1.4.  Other Approved Service Pistols.  The list is being modified to identify basic models, with the intent that all pistol variations of a particular model that comply with Rules P4.1.1 and P4.1.2 (4.0 trigger pull, 5.4” maximum barrel length, metallic sights only, no weighted grips, etc.) will be accepted. Smith & Wesson M10 and M15 revolvers were added to the list (Revolvers must have a 2.5 lb. minimum trigger pull).
  • Rule P4.2.  General Rules for Match Pistols.  This new rule provides basic standards for pistols that are fired in 2700 aggregate matches and specific rules for 22 Rimfire, Centerfire and 45 Caliber Pistols that are used in these matches.
  • Rule P4.7.2.  Pistol Targets.  A 25-yard slow-fire target was added.
  • Rule P5.1.1 b).  22 Rimfire Pistol Ready Position.  An illustration of the 45-degree arm angle ready position was added.  The rules clarify that this position must be used when 22 Rimfire EIC Matches are fired.  The pistol and arm must be down at a 45-degree angle when the RO commands READY ON THE FIRING LINE and cannot start up until targets start to turn.  Arms lowered to 20 or 30 degrees are not legal.
  • Rules P5.2.3-5.2.5.  Pistol Event Courses of Fire.  These rules provide new 900 aggregates for 22 Rimfire, Centerfire and 45 Caliber pistols.
  • Rule P5.2.6.  Service Pistol Match.  This rule creates a 900 aggregate for Service Pistols.
  • Rule P5.3.3.  Match Pistol Three-Gun Aggregate.  This rule creates a new 2700 Three-Gun Pistol Aggregate.
  • Rule P7.4.2.  National Trophy Individual Pistol Match.  Provides that juniors who fire this match with 22 Rimfire Pistols may now earn 22 Rimfire Pistol EIC credit points.
  • Rule P7.5.  CMP National Championship Pistol Events.  This rule lists new CMP National Championship Pistol events as follows (the final list depends upon the actual NM program):
    • 22 Rimfire Pistol 900
    • Center-Fire Pistol 900
    • 45 Caliber Pistol 900
    • 2700 Any Sight Aggregate Championship
    • 2700 Metallic Sight Aggregate Championship
  • Rule P10.3.  National Records.  This provides for the expansion of the record list to include the new Match Pistol events.

SMALLBORE RIFLE RULES

  • S3.5.4.  Club Teams.  A requirement to have been a member for “at least 30 days” was added to prevent pick-up teams.
  • S3.7.3 Distinguished Marksman Authorization.  This allows competitors with disabilities to earn the Distinguished Marksman Badge by competing in smallbore rifle EIC Matches.
  • S5.5.10.  Bipods.  Allows bipods to remain on rifles in prone events only.
  • S11.1.  CMP Achievement Pins.  Added Achievement Pin cut scores for position and prone events.
  • S11.3.  Smallbore Rifle Distinguished Badges.  Provides rules for the awarding of Distinguished Badges for Smallbore Rifle Three-Position and Smallbore Rifle Prone.  EIC Matches must be 3×40 3-position or 4×40 prone (1600) events.

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.

Gun Skins

Posted By on January 6, 2020

By: Brody Loftin(13)

Check out their website by clicking the link at the end of this article.

Nothing like going a little crazy with a changeable design on your gun.” GunSkins have great benefits for the consumer, environmental blending without reflection, protecting your gun, makes your gun more personalized and is easy to install or remove product. I would like to show you how easy this product is to use. I am using the AR-15/M4 skin with a skull design. When you shop for the perfect skin for you, there are all types of designs for different rifles, pistols and accessories for your gun. It is best for you to take the rifle apart to smaller pieces for easier handling.

Before you begin make sure you go to the website youtube.com/gunskins and watch the video prior to any installation. Make sure you have a couple hours of uninterrupted time to complete your project.  You will need to purchase the correct GunSkins for your product you will be covering, your weapon, you may also need: a sharp hobby knife, a heat gun (or hair dryer), a gun-specific degreaser, gloves and towel.

Step 1: Clean the Gun Thoroughly

It is not required to strip your firearm, but cleaning your weapon is pertinent for the easy installation to begin. The most important thing you can do is preparing the surface by degreasing the gun. We do not recommend using rubbing alcohol alone, as this will not cut through gun oil. Make sure to be thorough in cleaning every area you intend to wrap. Use a small brush to ensure detail part areas, like ribs or texture, get properly cleaned. Wearing gloves will keep body oil off weapon.

Getting the gun ready to apply the GunSkins.

Step 2: Peel & Stick

Preheating the weapon area slightly prior to applying product make this process easier. Pay close attention to each section and where the template fits on weapon. The wonders start to happen when you use the heat gun to apply heat to the GunSkins. Doing this activates it and allows for greater flexibility and form. The vinyl will relax and take shape of whatever is on the surface. Press in with your fingers and bring out the detail on the butt stock receiver, for end, and barrel. The end is tricky because of the round shape at the front end.

To achieve a wrinkle-free for end, middle piece along the bottom and work you’re way outward, creating tension as you heat the material and pull tightly. When you get to the front, it will require more heat and pulling as you work the material outward along the round edges, working away wrinkles outward as you go. Wrinkles are caused by an excess of material and not enough surfaces to lay it on. 

Step 3: Trim Excess Material

Every rifle is unique and will require trimming away of the material to make fit your specific model. GunSkins have tried their best to design each template to cover as much surface area as possible, because it’s better to trim away excess material than to come up short. 

A variety of available color mixes GunSkins has for Modern Sporting Rilfes(MSR(ARs))

Step 4: Heating things up

During the repetitive installation process of peeling, placing, and trimming, it’s true heat that helps the material to conform around edges and difficult corners. The more heat you apply to the material, the more flexible it becomes. However, heat also plays a role in achieving a long lasting bond between the vinyl and the surface. After installing the entire Rifle Skin, it is required to hit the entire thing once more with heat in the final step: the post heat.

Tips & Tricks:

  • Complete a small project first to get familiar with product.
  • Have room temperature to comfortable level, less time to heat weapon.
  • Turn off ceiling fans to prevent dust from landing on clean surface.
  • Apply heat to the surface of the gun prior to placing the pieces.
  • If there is air trapped underneath the material after being set in place, it can be easily fixed by pulling up gently on product and rework material, may need to apply additional heat.
  • You will need a needle or tip of hobby knife to relieve any air bubbles that may occur at the edges of the hexagons
  • Use degreasers, such as Froglube solvent or Gun Scrubber. Use a small brush and scrub it well, especially in the recessed edges, pins, grooves, and other areas where buildup is likely to form.
  • A typical install requires at least three or four blades for your hobby knife. Change blades frequently.
  • Hold the vinyl into place after heating it (using a towel or foam to protect your hand) and letting it cool completely. This hardens the vinyl, locks it into place, and allows it to be cut away without tearing or stretching.

As per GunSkins policy, If you are unhappy with your installation or finished result for any reason within the first 60 Days of purchase, please contact GunSkins right away for a refund with original receipt.

GunSkins website link.

Registration Now Open for 2020 Camp Perry Open Air Gun Event

Posted By on January 6, 2020

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

Athletes and guests alike are encouraged to dress up for the Camp Perry Open Super Final.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio –  Take a break from the cold of the winter months and participate in a little competition and fun as the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) conducts its annual Camp Perry Open – an air rifle and air pistol event held each winter as part of the competition season.

Featuring a variety of 3×20 and 60 Shot categories, the Camp Perry Open is set to fire Jan. 17-19, 2020, for adult and junior competitors of all experience levels. An adaptive shooting category is also offered under the World Shooting Para Sport classification system to provide competitive opportunities to athletes of all types.

Athletes of all abilities are welcome to compete in the Camp Perry Open.

Outside of regular competition, the Camp Perry Open Super Finals, one of the most awaited highlights of the Camp Perry Open, merges skill and creativity as costumes, music, noisemakers and other colorful elements echo throughout the range during an elimination final. Competitors as well as spectators are encouraged to participate in the action by dressing in store-bought or homemade attire (though eye-catching outfits are not required to be a part of the amusement) and imaginative ways of causing light-hearted commotion behind the firing line.

Guests who have never seen the Super Finals are welcome to watch the spectacle take place on Saturday, Jan. 18. Come and see the festivity unfold or join in on the excitement!

Along with real competition experience, those participating in the Camp Perry Open will be given the rare occasion to compete alongside some of the most talented marksmen in the country, including members of the Army Marksmanship Unit, the USA Shooting team and other talented upcoming junior competitors who are leading the next generation of excellence.

Competitors fire on CMP’s electronic targets for fast and accurate shot scores.

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 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.

Both air rifle and air pistol events are offered at the Camp Perry Open.

Matches scheduled to be fired during the competition include the Men’s and Women’s 60 Shot Air Rifle and Pistol matches and the 3×20 Junior Air Rifle individual and team events. Informal awards ceremonies will follow both the 3×20 and the 60 Shot Matches each day. A junior clinic will also be held at the conclusion of the Super Final for athletes, coaches and guests wanting to learn more about advancing their marksmanship abilities.

With free admission and ample parking, the Camp Perry Open is open to the public throughout the entire 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, visit http://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 onto www.TheCMP.org.

SKB’s RS 400 is a WINNER!

Posted By on December 9, 2019

Ashley with her first turkey.

By Ashley Rumble

Hunting can be tricky. Many things have to go the way of the hunter in order to harvest an animal. This is especially true with turkey. They are known for being intelligent birds and are hard to bring in.

So, when I was asked to take the new SKB semi-auto shotgun with me on my first turkey hunt, I was not sure if it would be the best choice. However, it turned out to be just what I needed.

When I first received the shotgun, I noticed many nice key features about it. The adjustable buttstock and cheek rest really stood out to me. Anyone who has spent time shooting a lot of rounds through a 12-gauge knows that the fit is very important. Having a bruised shoulder is no fun. Having the ability to adjust the shotgun to the user is always a welcome addition.

A closer look at the checkering grip of this excellent shotgun.

Next up was the ease of use. Some semi-auto shotguns can be a little difficult to use at first. Their features may differ from one brand to another. Having one that is easy to get used to is important. I have used and written about another model from SKB and had a good idea what I was getting into.

After setting up the shotgun in order for it to be at least in the ballpark of comfortable, I was off to the hunt. Because of other demands on my time (school), I wasn’t able to shoot the gun beforehand, so despite the quality, I was still unsure of how it would shoot. With that in mind, I took along a basic over/under shotgun that we had. I knew, if nothing else, that the over/under was simple and I would not be unsure of it when the shot counted. I’d also shot the over/under in the past.

The adjustable butt stock and cheek hold stood out to me.

After several hours of sitting in a turkey blind and waiting for the calls to bring in a bird, the moment of truth arrived. As I brought up the over/under and fired at a turkey about 30 yards away, he took off. Next shot, the same result. My dad had the SKB and handed it over. By that time, the bird was on full sprint and moving away. With the first try, a hit and a kill. Whew! All was well. There was still one tom out there and one shot left in the SKB. My dad took the shotgun, did a quick aim, fired, and down went bird number two.

As it turned out, the SKB semi-auto was just what we needed. The longer barrel and an action that is dependable saved the day. Being able to take a shotgun that has never had a round fired through it and make two high-stress hits shows a lot. I was able to take the gun, throw it to my shoulder, do a quick aim, fire one shot, and hit a running bird at 30+ yards. Then, to simply hand it to my dad with circumstances that were not any better, hit his bird, too.

Obviously, the overall performance of the shotgun was spot on. The action was smooth and nothing about the gun really surprised me. Loading it was a simple task and everything needed was easy to access.

Federal Game Loads worked well in the RS 400 and cycled flawlessly.

The fit also played into it all, too. Even though we didn’t do anything more then a simple fitting at home, I was able to easily take aim and hit with it. I love having the ability to fit a shotgun to myself because they tend to beat up a person after a while if not. But, it also allows the shooter to settle into their aim and hit accurately with confidence.

I really can’t say enough about how happy I am with the performance of this shotgun. It was my first turkey hunt, first kill, and it was a fresh-out-of-the-box shotgun. What more can a person ask for? Thank you SKB for building such a dependable shotgun!

North Carolina Junior Feature: Katie Ezell

Posted By on November 25, 2019

By Serena Juchnowski, CMP Feature Writer

Katie Ezell poses in front of a sign at her first visit to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center in 2018 for Winter Air Gun.

Hard work and tenacity pay off.

Hailing from Denver, N.C., Katie Ezell, 18, has been one to watch. At the age of 10, Katie’s parents introduced her to marksmanship, wanting their daughter to have hands-on instruction in firearm safety. Thus began a love affair that has only evolved since then.

“The first time I ever went shooting, I knew this was something that I would want to continue to do,” Katie said.

Since she was so young and unable to join the teenage pistol team at her club, Katie applied to the women’s team, which had no specific age restrictions, and proceeded to compete with those far older and more experienced. Katie accredits much of her competitive drive and how she handles match pressure to pursuing the competition venture at such a young age.

After pistol came skeet, in which Katie traveled to national and international competitions. Thinking about the future, Katie soon realized that a shooting scholarship would allow her to continue in the shooting sports while funding her education. Precision rifle appeared to be the best avenue for this, leading Ezell to move into rimfire sporter for four months before making the jump into precision air rifle.

Ezell cites her greatest accomplishment as “getting accepted to be on The Ohio State [University’s] rifle team after shooting for a year and a half.” While Ezell had been shooting for eight years, she had only been training and competing in precision rifle for 18 months when she was accepted onto the team, where she made her dream a reality.

Ezell competes in the standing position in the 2018 Nationals at Fort Benning, GA.

After signing on, Katie’s first competition was the Junior Olympics, which added some extra pressure to the already prestigious event. This was not the only special part of the occasion. Katie’s father, a deployed military member, was in town, and this was the first time he would watch her compete in person, since his deployment makes attending matches difficult.

Katie notes that after she set the nervousness aside, she found herself excited and shot a personal best in smallbore. She had hoped to shoot better with her air rifle, but she knows that being part of a college team will help her to improve her skills.

Katie is nearing the end of her first semester at Ohio State and has surpassed her previous bests in smallbore and air rifle. Her coach has changed some of Katie’s positions, and she is improving.

This fall has been quite the change for Katie, who previously had to drive three hours to get to the range, with coaching only available once or twice a month. Thrilled to have people to coach her regularly and to practice with, she is appreciative of the support and challenges they offer.

Katie Ezell graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2019 and is attending Ohio State University. Ezell is a member of the OSU Rifle Team.

“Marksmanship has taught me a lot about self-control. If the shot does not look right, then I reject it and try again. I have learned that failure is okay, that it is actually encouraged,” she said.

Katie recognizes that failure can inspire one to do better and to learn. She advises competitors “to not be afraid to fail.” Katie started into precision shooting at a much later age than most, especially those who end up with a college shooting career. Though it took time, she learned to appreciate the experience and to not bury herself in expectations.

“I use[d] to be afraid at failing at things that really mattered to me, but now the only thing I’m scared of is only succeeding at things that do not matter to me,” she said

Great Gifts from Champion

Posted By on November 13, 2019

Champion has some great gifts at reasonable prices. Clays can be fount at Walmart for under $10. They have a variety of paper, duraseal, and steel targets and an excellent selection of hearing protection head sets. They also have some excellent rifle rests. Check them out at your local sporting goods store or online.
http://www.championtarget.com/

 

Creedmoor Sports: 40 Day Giveaway to Celebrate 40 Years in Business!

Posted By on October 23, 2019

October 11, 2019 (Immediate Release)

Creedmoor Sports is excited to begin their 40 Day Giveaway to celebrate 40 Years in Business. You can sign up once a day for 40 chances to win! With daily prize packages worth up to $500 in products from your favorite reloading, components, and shooting sports companies, you want to be sure to sign up and not miss out on these great giveaways!

“We wanted to do something HUGE to celebrate and thank our customers and partners for all of their support over the years. Jim Hill started Creedmoor Armory (now Sports) in 1979 and when you see all of our gear at the National Matches in Camp Perry, OH, it’s awesome to see how far we’ve come. We couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our customers and suppliers. We’re excited to continue to innovate the shooting sports and help shooters hit the 10-ring for another 40 years.” -Brent Books GM

How to Sign Up:

Starting October 15, 2019, go to the www.creedmoorsports.com and click on the 40 Day Giveaway Banner. Click on the current day to see the prizes and sign up. It’s that easy!

List of Creedmoor Sports’ partners who donated AWESOME prizes:

  • Anschutz
  • Berger Bullets
  • Civilian Marksmanship Program
  • Dewey Manufacturing
  • Dillon Precision
  • Fields Slings
  • Forster Products
  • Hornady
  • ITC Marksmanship
  • Kelbly’s
  • LabRadar
  • LAM Firearms
  • Lanny Basham/Mental Management
  • Lapua
  • Lyman
  • MISO
  • Redding
  • RFP Sports
  • Ron Brown Slings
  • Shooter’s Puzzle Book
  • SK
  • Tec-Hro
  • Technical Marketing
  • VihtaVuori
  • Whidden Gunworks
  • Zanders Sporting Goods

Since 1979, Creedmoor Sports has been serving the precision rifle shooting community. Over that time, we have dedicated ourselves to manufacturing only the best products to give the shooter the confidence needed to win at every level of competition.

For more information, please visit our website, www.creedmoorsports.com and like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CreedmoorSports/.

JROTC Three-Position Air Rifle Postal Competition Now Open

Posted By on October 7, 2019

  By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer

The 2019-2020 JROTC Three-Position Postal Competition officially opened Sept. 25, 2019, for young cadets in Army, Navy, Marine Corps     and Air Force JROTC programs who are interested in competing in a three-position air rifle match with other talented juniors across the  nation. The Postal event is the first stage of the JROTC Nationals series of matches, continuing on with the Regional Service Championships before concluding with the National competition for qualifying athletes.

The JROTC National event is conducted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) using the organization’s own electronic targets installed on ranges stationed in Ohio and Alabama, as well as on a mobile electronic range capable of being assembled at locations around the country.

Athletes fire on official CMP targets and mail them back to Headquarters for scoring.

To compete, registered sporter and precision air rifle participants will each receive three targets and instructions for recording scores. Shooters will fire in each of the three positions (prone, standing, kneeling) at their home ranges – using one target for each position. Once record shots are fired, shooters will return the targets to CMP for scoring.

Cadets in high school JROTC programs are welcome to compete in this at-home competition.

CMP staff members will verify scores using the Orion Visual Image Scoring system. Results will be posted within Competition Tracker (https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php) for teams and individuals to check during the postal season.

Dates to note for the 2019-2020 JROTC Postal Competition:

  • Sept. 25, 2019 – Online Registration Opens
  • Nov. 14, 2019 – Online Registration Ends
  • Dec. 11, 2019 – Targets must be received by CMP for scoring

            (Late targets will not be scored.)

  • Dec. 15, 2019 – Preliminary Results Posted
  • Dec. 17, 2019 – All scores final (Protests cannot be made after 8 a.m.)

Top scorers of the Postal competition will qualify for Regionals, which will be held in February at three locations: Anniston, Ala.; Camp Perry, Ohio; and Chandler, Ariz. Nationals will follow in March at Camp Perry, Ohio, for all service branches.

For more information, visit http://thecmp.org/air/jrotc-air-rifle-national-championship/.

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.

CZ’s Drake 28-Gauge O/U

Posted By on September 25, 2019

(Originally printed in Volume 34 Spring 2019)
As I have made the transition to hunting after competing for a few years, I have found that there are a never-ending amount of lessons to be learned in the hunting game. My experiences with hunting deer and elk have not yet been successful, and as those seasons came to a close, I thought that game birds would be a good way to branch out.

My dad happened to know a couple of people that love to pheasant hunt. So, it seemed like a good opportunity to try it. Jim Nelson and Mike Stone, two men that my dad hadn’t seen since high school, volunteered to take us out and show us the game of pheasant hunting. They have very well-trained dogs and knew where Fish and Game released the birds.

Before that though, I was asked to try out a CZ 28-gauge over/under shotgun. CZ happens to be one of my more favorite brands after getting to try out the All-American trap gun a few years ago. The 28-gauge took me by surprise, because it is a pretty small gauge. Not much bigger than a .410, but I was willing to give it a whirl.

Looking it over for the first time, I saw that it is as well built as the other CZ firearms I’ve seen and used. It’s balanced and comes up to the shoulder well. Something I prefer is that it isn’t the lightest gun out there, but is balanced to feel light. The weight cuts down on the kick a bit and the balance helps with fatigue. I hate dragging around a heavy shotgun, so this was a nice change from a bulky 12-gauge.

I did not think that a 28-gauge would be up to the task of taking down a game bird, but my dad’s friend said it would, though I’d have to be accurate. There are obviously not as many BBs in a 28-gauge vs. a 12-gauge, so making them count was important.

Now, off to the frozen field in the hope of seeing some pheasants. As reported earlier, our hunting luck has held out … as bad luck. We were really hoping that would change by being with people who knew the game.

The area we were in is a Wildlife Management Area near Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. It gets hunted pretty heavily by a lot of regulars, but we are optimists, and after hearing a few shots, our hopes were high. It turns out that our bad luck held. Our “guide” Jim said that it was one of the few times he had not seen anything out there. You can’t win them all, but you’d think something would have come through for us by now.

A bonus was watching the dogs work in the field. I always find it fascinating to watch a dog work. These were well trained and never stopped looking or sniffing in the field. They were so happy to be out there doing their part – tails wagging and sniffers going.

As for the shotgun, I did get a few test shots off and it was a pleasant gun to shoot. It was also a gauge that I had not used in the past, so a learning experience, too. Trying out new things is always an adventure.

Records and Junior Success Mark 2019 National Rimfire Sporter Match

Posted By on September 6, 2019

By Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer 

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Fresh faces, returning supporters and new National records all made appearances on the firing line during the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) National Rimfire Sporter match, fired on Sunday, July 21, 2019. Over 350 entries spread over the range throughout the day, with individuals from as far as Ireland competing in one of the most diverse events fired during the National Matches season.

The Rimfire Sporter event is designed to be an introduction to competition shooting – gathering both adults and juniors on the firing line with .22 rifles and a simple Course of Fire from 50 and 25 yards. Three separate classes of rifle are held during the event, including the O-Class (open-sighted rifles), T-Class (telescopic rifles) and TU-Class (tactical and unlimited rifles, any sights).

Jake Perry, 34, of Genoa, OH, led the TU-Class with a score of 592-27x. Scott Schindehette, 74, of Saginaw, MI, attained the High Senior title, as Davis Sodders, 20, of Baltimore, OH, was named High Junior for the second consecutive year.  Right: Jake Perry led the Tactical Class.

Jean Redicker, 55, of Vallonia, IN, earned High Woman,
fourth overall and also secured a new National Record score of 588-27x in the TU-Class.
Left: Jean Redicker set a new High Woman National Record in the Tactical Class, with a score of 588-27x.

Schindehette entered the record books for himself by narrowly breaking a decade-old T-Class High Senior record score of 589-21x, set back in 2009, with his score of 289-26x.

Right: Scott Schindehette set a new senior National Record in the T-Class and was also High Senior of the Tactical Class.

Overtaking the T-Class was junior Marissa Bensch, 19, of Stillwater, OK, who came out on top of over 200 other entrants with an aggregate score of 595-39x.

Left: Marissa Bensch was the overall winner of the T-Class and was also High Woman of the O-Class.

Bensch has had successful showings during the National Rimfire Sporter events, also flourishing this year in the O-Class as High Woman. In 2017, Bensch was named the High 4-H competitor of the T-Class and was the High 4-H competitor of the O-Class at last year’s National Rimfire event. This year, her brother, Brayden, 15, took her place as the High 4-H Junior competitor of the O-Class.

Regulars to the National Matches, Brayden and Marissa both said the conditions during the match were fair, with typical summer temps for the area warming up competitors as the day went on. The heat brought more challenges for participants, but the brother-sister duo relied on their experiences to help them through the match.

Left: Brayden Bensch was the High 4-H Junior in the O-Class.

“The second relay was tough because when the heat hit, you started to get the mirage,” said Brayden.

Marissa added, “But it was still pretty cool, a lot cooler than Oklahoma.”

Brayden and Marissa came with the rest of their Oklahoma 4-H Shooting Sports Club. The growing group practices .22 rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, archery and air rifle.

“Basically everything that we can,” Marissa said, with a smile.

Right: Marissa and Brayden Bensch’s 4-H team proudly represented Oklahoma at the Rimfire Match.

The 2019 National Matches was Marissa’s fourth and Brayden’s third, with many returnees from their 4-H Club and even some new faces brought into the tradition. The juniors credit their skills, both on and off the firing line, to the knowledge they’ve received from being a part of a 4-H organization.

“We have really good coaches and really good competitors,” said Brayden. “Everyone who shows up is really nice and it’s a really good program to get started into.”

The Bensch family got involved in 4-H after participating in YHEC – a Youth Hunter Education Challenge for juniors ages 9 to 19. The training they received there got them hooked on the sport and led them to discovering even more about the fundamentals of competition shooting.

“After we learned about it, we tried our best to shoot as good as we could,” said Brayden. “Then we found goals and got good coaches, good friends taught us a couple things and we just kept shooting to the best of our abilities, which we took on pretty well.”

Marissa went on, “Really, 4-H has become our second family. Everyone’s got good spirits about everything – well-trained sportsmen. It’s a great program, especially for younger youth starting out, even if it’s not in shooting sports.”

“It teaches a lot of leadership skills and just life skills starting out and continuing to go on as young adults,” she said.

“You can also get to know pretty much anyone from around the state or around the country,” Brayden added. “It’s really good people, good friends.”

In other T-Class results at the 2019 Rimfire event, Nathan Tornow, 18, of Gibsonburg, OH, earned High 4-H Junior as Rachel Slizewski, 18, of Commerce, GA, took home the High Junior title. High Woman of the T-Class was junior Brenna Steger, 17, of Sandford, NC, who landed fourth overall.

Steger went on to earn the overall win in the O-Class with a score of 590-24x. Shannon Heist, 20, of Heath, OH, was named High Junior, and Timothy Ovaert, 60, of Notre Dame, IN, finished third overall with a score of 572-15x – claiming the High Senior title. Junior Brenna Steger led the O-Class and was High Woman of the T-Class.

For a complete list of results, visit the National Rimfire Sporter page on CMP’s Competition Tracker at https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=match&task=edit&match=18059&tab=results.


Photos of the rimfire match can be found on CMP’s Zenfolio page at https://cmp1.zenfolio.com/f735407080.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

SASS 2018 Idaho State Championship

Posted By on August 3, 2019

By Macey Magoo (16)

On the first day, there were lots of side matches, but I only competed in the Wild Bunch shoot and the warmup match. It was very hot, but most definitely worth it. I loved every second of shooting those two matches. I ended up taking home first place for both Wild Bunch and the warmup match! Wild Bunch is shot using a 1911, a .45 rifle and model 12 shotgun or an 1897 Winchester pump shotgun. There are two options on how to shoot Wild Bunch: “traditional,” which is where you shoot your 1911 with one hand, or “modern” where you shoot it with both hands. I shoot lady’s modern. The warmup match was just a few simple, but still challenging stages, where I got a little more time to prepare for the next two days.

The last two days of the shoot was when the real match was held. I was really nervous going into this match because I had been out all season due to breaking my right wrist during a volleyball tournament. I had only gone to one shoot before the state match other than the warmup match. I had never faced this kind of nervousness before any kind of shoot in my life. I was really unsure if I was even going to be able to make it through the match without my wrist hurting since it had barely been out of a cast for a month, but I was dying to get back out on the range.

 I was really surprised how well my whole shoot went. I didn’t have any major mishaps that were going to set me back. I had a few errors and a procedural, which is where you shoot out of sequence, but those were my only mess-ups thankfully. My first year ever shooting state, the receiver bar in one of my pistols broke and cost me that stage, but nothing that bad happened this year!

 State is by far one of my favorite shoots of the year. I get to meet tons of different shooters from all around. I even met another Macey, although her spelling was different than mine; it was Maisie. I almost never meet other people with my same name!

This year, I ended up taking home first overall junior girls and junior girls state champion! I was so excited to even be able to shoot this summer, but the icing on the cake was being able to take home a shiny new buckle!