Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)

Timeline showing the evolution from military lessons learned to modern civilian marksmanship organization

Early Military Preparedness Efforts

The National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice (NBPRP) was created in 1903 by the Efficiency of Militia Act (also known as the Dick Act), marking the first formal government organization dedicated to civilian marksmanship training. The NBPRP was subsequently expanded and reorganized under the National Defense Act of 1916. This board operated under various military branches for eight decades, providing training programs and surplus equipment to civilian shooting clubs and organizations.

Modern CMP Establishment

The modern Civilian Marksmanship Program was established in 1996 through federal legislation that created the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety. This transition moved the program from direct military oversight to an independent federal charter, allowing greater operational flexibility while maintaining its public service mission. The reorganization reflected changing defense needs and a desire to operate the program more efficiently outside direct government administration.

Service Rifle stays truest to the military roots--AR-15 or M1 Garand variants with iron sights. Match Rifle lets you run low-power scopes, which helps if your eyes aren't what they used to be.

Service Rifle stays truest to the military roots--skills that transfer directly to serious applications without the equipment arms race.

Match Format and Timing

A standard match fires three 10-shot strings. Slow fire gives you basically unlimited time (though practically 60-90 seconds per shot). Timed fire gives you 20 seconds to fire two 5-shot strings. Rapid fire cuts that to 10 seconds. Maximum score is 300 points.