For those looking for an entertaining night out with friends, family or maybe even on your own, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has created a lineup of exciting air gun events for everyone to enjoy – all set at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center in Ohio and the Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center in Alabama. Whether an expert marksman or someone who’s never tried the sport before, we have a spot for you on the firing line.
The competition centers feature 80-point indoor electronic air gun ranges that regularly hold local, state and national events. Each week, the climate-controlled facilities host Open Public timeslots, where individuals of all ages are welcome to fire upon the advanced target system for practice or fun. The range is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Ohio) and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Alabama) and by appointment Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Ohio) and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Alabama).
Special Events scheduled for 2023 include:
- Date Night Fun!: Come in any time in February to participate in our couples team match – an air rifle event featuring a supported rest (bench) for stabilization. Match fee is $10 per couple.
- March Madness Match, March 16: Competition begins at 6 p.m. Participants face off, with the winner moving on to the next bracket. Match fee is $5 per person.
- Elimination Match, April 18: Competition begins at 6 p.m. Guests fire shots, with the lowest score eliminated until a winner is crowned. Match fee is $5 per person.
Winners of each event will be awarded prizes to local establishments!
If you don’t own an air gun, don’t worry. The CMP has several lightweight, easy-to-use air guns for loan. Sporter class air rifles are free of charge with entry fee, while the National Match Air Rifles (NMAR) are available to rent for a reasonable fee. Participants must supply their own pellets or may purchase them at the range. Individuals who own personal air guns may use them, as long as they are under 600 fps.
The simplicity of bench rest style shooting allows safe accessibility for all, so the CMP encourages those with disabilities to also attend.
Visitors to the range must complete a one-time CMP Eligibility Affidavit and a Liability Waiver, as well as attend a short safety briefing before reaching the firing line. Children under the age of 18 must have a parental consent form signed. CMP staff members are always onsite to answer questions and to ensure a safe environment for all.
The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center is located at 1000 Lawrence Rd., Building 5042, Port Clinton, Ohio, 43452. The Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center is located at 1470 Sentinel Dr., Anniston, Ala. Learn more about each range by visiting http://thecmp.org/air/cmp-competition-centers/ or give us a call at (419) 635-2141.
— By Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.