Bob S., CMP shooter, demonstrates a 30-06 (M-1).
CMP
Cost: The price for an MRC member is $5.00, if he brings his own rifle and ammo, or $35.00, if the Club supplies rifle and ammo. For non-members the cost is $7.00, if the shooter has his own rifle and ammo; if the Club supplies rifle and ammo, the cost is $40.00.
Time: Shooters should arrive at 9:00 AM to help set-up. Shooting usually begins at 10 AM or shortly thereafter. CMP shoots two relays—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. If a shooter works the targets in the morning, then he shoots in the afternoon (Work points are earned for setting-up and working the targets!)
Event Details: CMP shooters generally use .223, or 30-06 (M-1’s). In previous days shooters used the army M-1 rifle almost exclusively. At MRC, the rules have loosened-up to the point that any rifle with a military history is accepted. It’s common to see M1’s, M1A’s, AR15’s, FAL’s, Sks’s, and the occasional 03 Springfield or SMLE.
A CMP relay consists of four strings, 50 rounds total, all at 200 yards. The first string is ten rounds, single round loading, in the standing position. The second string is ten rounds, rapid fire, sitting; the third string is ten rounds, rapid fire, prone. The fourth and final string is 20 rounds, single round loading, prone. Rapid-fire strings require one reload. If you want to get a feel for life in the trenches, come out and shoot the rapid fire strings! The rapid fire strings are done in 60 seconds and 70 seconds respectively with one reload required. It is designed for semi-automatic rifles. It can be done with a bolt action with striper clips, but you have to know your rifle to get it off successfully.
History: CMP began in the early 1900’s when it was created by an act of Congress as the DCM. It continued to be known as DCM for most of its long history. The original purpose was to provide civilians an opportunity to learn and practice marksmanship skills in case they were called-on to serve the military. US Army administered CMP until 1996. Since then, the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety, Inc. (CPRPFS) has administered and promoted CMP. The CPRPFS is a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization that derives its mission from public law (similar to the Red Cross). The law establishing CMP mandates that it “shall give priority to activities that benefit firearms safety, training, and competition for youth and… reach as many youth participants as possible.”
Benefits: The CMP program offers a number of benefits to the public. In order to take advantage of these benefits, one must be a member of a CMP affiliated club, such as MRC, and must shoot 50 rounds in a CMP match. Benefits include eligibility to purchase government surplus rifles (M-1 and small-bore) and ammunition at discounted prices.
For more information about firearms and ammunition available through CMP, visit their web-site: thecmp.org.