Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)
01 // ABOUT
History & Founding
CMP — overview
The origins of civilian marksmanship programs in the United States trace back to the late 19th century, when military and political leaders recognized the need to improve the nation's defense capabilities through better-trained civilian shooters. The formal predecessor to the modern CMP was established in 1903 as part of broader military preparedness efforts following lessons learned from the Spanish-American War.
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.
| Year | Organization | Legislation/Event | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1903 | National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice (NBPRP) | Efficiency of Militia Act (Dick Act) | First formal government marksmanship organization |
| 1916 | NBPRP (reorganized) | National Defense Act of 1916 | Expanded scope and military integration |
| 1996 | Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety | Federal legislation creating CMP | Transitioned from military oversight to independent federal charter |
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.
02 // HIGH POWER
About High Power
High Power
| Variation | Description | Equipment Rules | Typical Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Rifle | AR-15 or M1 Garand, military specs, iron sights only | No modifications beyond basic accuracy work | 200-600 yards |
| Match Rifle | Precision rifles with scopes up to 4.5x | Specialized stocks and triggers allowed | 200-600 yards |
| F-Class Open | Any caliber, bipods and rear bags, high-power scopes | Equipment race--bring your wallet | 300-1000 yards |
| F-Class TR | .223 or .308 only, bipods allowed, weight limits | More reasonable equipment costs | 300-1000 yards |
| Palma | 800, 900, 1000 yards with iron sights | International competition format | 800-1000 yards |
| Long Range | 800-1000 yard matches | Specialized for extreme distance | 800-1000 yards |
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.
Types & Variations
What Does High Power Cost?
$800-1,500
Basic equipment to begin
$2,500-5,000+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Note: A quality AR-15 with proper barrel is the best starting investment. Add shooting coat and mat as budget allows.
High Power Rifle Categories
Service Rifle
AR-15/M16 pattern, 4.5x max optics, 2-stage trigger minimum pull.
Most accessible starting point; uses common AR platformMatch Rifle
Any bolt action, free rifle stocks, unlimited optics.
Maximum accuracy potential; higher equipment investmentCMP/Vintage
M1 Garand, M1A, other military rifles. Historical categories.
History enthusiasts; CMP sells surplus rifles to membersPro Tips for Beginners
- Start with Service Rifle; the AR platform is affordable and accessible
- A shooting coat is essential for standing stage
- Learn the sling; it is your only support device
- Dry fire extensively for position practice
- Consider CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) matches as entry point
Also in This Guide
03 // BULLSEYE
About Bullseye
Bullseye
Bullseye pistol has been around since the late 1800s, back when competitive shooting meant standing still and hitting your target instead of spraying and praying. The format crystallized around military and police training needs -- if you couldn't hit a stationary target with unlimited time, you had no business carrying a gun.
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.
Types & Variations
What Does Bullseye Cost?
$500-1,000
Basic equipment to begin
$2,000-5,000+
Quality gear for serious shooters
Note: Start with a quality .22 pistol (Ruger Mark IV, S&W Victory). Add centerfire and .45 as skills develop.
Bullseye Pistol Choices
.22 Rimfire
Required gun. S&W Model 41, Ruger Mark IV, High Standard common choices.
Learning fundamentals, required for all three-gun matchesCenterfire
.32 caliber minimum. .38 Special wadcutter or .38 Super popular.
Middle leg of three-gun aggregate.45 ACP
1911 variants dominate. Colt, Kimber, Les Baer, Wilson Combat popular.
Final leg of three-gun, highest prestigePro Tips for Beginners
- Start with a reliable .22 pistol - you can compete in .22-only matches
- Focus on trigger control; this is 90% of the game
- Dry fire extensively (safely); it is free practice
- Do not grip too tight; a relaxed grip improves consistency
- Learn to call your shots before looking at the target