On August 4th, members of the Antwerp conservation club travelled to Camp Perry Ohio (just west of Port Clinton). Members in attendance were Gary Mabis, Aaron Kohler, Alex Campbell, Steve Nichols, Keith Mueller, Mike Walter & Jeff Walter.The club members were there to “check out” Camp Perry, watch some of the CMP U.S. National Rifle & Pistol Matches, and do a little shopping.
Camp Perry is an active National Guard training center, is the second largest rifle range in the country,with 600,800 & 1000 yard ranges,each of the 4 ranges has over 125 firing points,was a WW2 P.O.W. camp and is home of the CMP National Matches and has an 80 place indoor Olympic air gun range , and yes these ranges are open to the public for shooting.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program ( CMP) was formed under charter of the U.S. Congress for the promotion of rifle practice, and these rifle and pistol matches are based on military target shooting.Many local clubs hold CMP matches locally, and these local matches are a fun way to start competition shooting.
The match that was being shot the day we were there is the John Garand match,named after the inventor of the M1 Garand ,this match alone will draw over 1200 competitors. Other matches include,the Springfield vintage bolt gun match, vintage sniper, infantry team matches,and rimfire sporter.
During the National Matches, many well known names in the firearms industry, reloading supplies, and shooting gear set up shop and offer there goods at Camp Perry. A trip to the CMP north store were there are racks of surplus rifles for sale,is also a must.It is a funny and neat feeling being surrounded by hundreds of WW2 vintage service rifles. 2 M1 Garands were purchased by club members with one being for our fall rifle raffle.
As one of the club members commented “this experience ( being at Camp Perry and seeing the National Matches) is a real eye opener “. The club members announced to each other,they will be back every year to both shoot in a match (or 2) and be a part of offten over looked sport of high power (rifle) competition.
If you are looking for a CMP affiliated club to join, your Antwerp conservation club is that club , for more information www.antwerpconservationclub.com
