CMP SNIPER RIFLE
The CMP Sniper Match is based loosely on the CMP Vintage Sniper Rifle matches happening all around the country. There are two classes, Vintage and Modern. Both classes are team events, with a shooter and a spotter. Both roles will change positions during the match, switching from shooter to spotter, and back again.
The Vintage category covers all sniper rifles and replicas, 1953 and earlier. They may be from any nation, as long as they are safe to fire. Minimum trigger weight is 3 lbs. Optics are to be fitting to the era/nationality of the rifle. The scope mounts must be original or replicas thereof. There were no picatinny rails on M1903’s! Should original or replica scopes prove to be prohibitively expensive, a weaver K4 telescopic sight may be utilized. However, the mounts should be originals or replicas. Chambering shall be appropriate to the rifle/nationality, e.g., there were no Lee-Enfields in 6.5 Creedmoor!
The Modern category is for sniper and designated marksman rifles, 1954 and later. Again, this is open to all nationalities. The burden of proof as to whether a particular rifle was/is used by a certain nation lies with the participants. All rifles in the modern sniper/designated marksman category must be equipped with back-up metallic sights. Chambering must be appropriate for the rifle, and maximum telescopic sight magnification is 10X. Any reticle may be used.
WHAT TO BRING
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Please read the Description above to verify what type of rifle and accompanying equipment to bring.
Fee: $5
Juniors (age 18 and under) shoot free. Juniors are strongly encouraged to attend but must be accompanied by an adult.
WHEN & WHERE
R3 (200-yard rifle range). See the calendar below for dates and click for additional details. If none are listed, no events are currently scheduled.
Registration: 12:00 p.m.
Safety briefing and shooting: 12:30 p.m.
Duration: 3 hours
You will learn a bunch about your rifle, yourself, and how to shoot in various wind and lighting conditions.
SCORING
The course of fire consists of 3 sighters, at 200 yards, from the prone position, at the IDPA practice target. After the line is secured, spotters go downrange to repair targets. When the spotters return, 10 shots for score are fired on the target, with a 5-minute time limit. Shooters may use a bipod, sandbag, or a sling. Only one shooting aid may be used, and there can be no artificial support under the rifle butt. After the firing line is secured, the shooters go down-range to replace targets. Targets are scored as follows: “A” zone hits count 12 points, “B” zone hits score 10 points. Hits outside these areas score negative points.
The shooters/spotters then switch positions, and repeat the string. Spotters are on the firing line with the shooter, calling the shots and offering adjustment. Each team member will fire a total of 6 sighters, and 20 shots for score. Total round count for each team is 52 rounds.
Team members in the Modern category/Designated Marksman category MUST fire 3 of their scoring shots with scopes removed, using back-up metallic sights.
In the event of a tie, a shoot-off will decide the winner and runner-up positions.
CHAIR: CARLO TOMASULO
I’m an Army veteran, a PA Game Commission Hunter/Trapper instructor, an Appleseed instructor, a Women-in-the-Outdoors instructor, and a CMP Youth Air Rifle coach. I’ve been a SLCFSA member going on 10 years.
Snipers are possibly the most misunderstood of all the military professions. Many people, getting their information from movies, television, and video games, think snipers are cold-blooded killers with ice water running through their veins. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Snipers are first and foremost, dedicated members of our Armed Services. It takes longer to become a Sniper than a Ranger! Their primary job is to be observers. They are the eyes and ears of the commander, and relay crucial, time-sensitive information.
Secondly, they are protectors. Whenever a unit is on patrol, it is undoubtedly under the watchful observance of a sniper team or teams. These teams advise of potential enemy contact, obstacles, and any other dangers the friendly unit may encounter. If need be, they provide precision long-range fire to protect and shield friendly forces. This would be a last resort, as firing easily gives away their carefully hidden, prepared positions.
Snipers are no more “bloodthirsty killers” than any other member of our Armed Forces. They are highly-trained professionals who place the lives of their brothers-in-arms at higher status than their own. Their ultimate purpose is to preserve life!