Civilian Marksmanship Program

The CMP runs nationwide marksmanship training, competitions, and youth programs focused on safe gun handling and disciplined rifle skills. It operates major facilities like Camp Perry and supports thousands of affiliated clubs across the U.S. Through clinics, camps, and sanctioned matches, CMP teaches fundamentals, position building, data management, and wind reading that underpin precision rifle shooting. Its competition structure spans air rifle, smallbore, service rifle, vintage rifle, and long-range events out to 1,000 yards. CMP also funds its programs by selling surplus U.S. military firearms to qualified civilians, reinforcing a practical, skills-first culture rooted in traditional marksmanship.

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Known For

• Federally chartered nonprofit with a nationwide club and match network
• National Matches and structured service rifle / long-range rule sets
• Strong youth development and safety-first training pipeline

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Best Used For

• Shooters building fundamentals before PRS, F-Class, or ELR
• Service rifle and high-power competitors
• Military and law-enforcement shooters reinforcing positional discipline.
• Clubs seeking standardized training and sanctioned competition