Learning Safe Use of Firearms

cmp1Where is there a better place to learn about firearms than from a government-mandated program that is comprised of certified instructors proficient and familiar with safety, competition and clear communication?  Hard to match that.  The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is a national organization dedicated to training and educating United States citizens for responsible use of firearms and air guns through gun safety training, marksmanship training and certified competitions.

The CMP is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) corporation that places its highest priority on serving youth through gun safety and marksmanship activities that encourage personal growth and building life skills.

The program was created when a federal law was enacted in 1996 (Title 36 U. S. Code, 40701-40733) that created the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety, Inc. (CPRPFS, the formal legal name of the CMP), that mandates these key “functions for the corporation:

  1. To instruct citizens of the United States in marksmanship
  2. To promote practice and safety in the use of firearms
  3. To conduct competitions in the use of firearms and to award trophies, prizes, badges, and other insignia to competitors.

cmp2The law specifically states: “In carrying out the Civilian Marksmanship Program, the corporation shall give priority to activities that benefit firearms safety, training, and competition for youth and that reach as many youth participants as possible.

Competitive marksmanship is a big part of CMP mission to reinforce firearms safety and enable competitors to further develop their marksmanship skills and in many cases, earn recognition for doing so.  In the information that follows you’ll find news and descriptions of upcoming matches, how to enter them and more information on course of fire and what you can expect from your participation.

If you’re new to competitive shooting, CMP and its affiliated clubs and organizations continually sponsor clinics and workshops to help get you up to speed. We highly recommend participating in the CMP – USAMU Small Arms Firing School for pistol and/or rifle during the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. By completing our one or two-day schools, you will learn the fundamentals of firearms safety and marksmanship.

Anyone interested in learning more about this great program may feel free to contact CMP with questions by email at competitions@thecmp.org, on the web at: http://thecmp.org/ or by phone at (419) 635-2141 ext. 706 or 714.