DCM/CMP Shoot, 5-8

"...Federal legislation enacted by the U.S. Congress and President
Theodore Roosevelt created the National Board for the
Promotion of Rifle Practice in 1903 to foster improved marksmanship
among military personnel and civilians. The original
CMP purpose was to provide U. S. citizens with opportunities
for rifle marksmanship practice and competition so they would
be skilled marksmen if later called to serve in the Armed Services.
This government supported marksmanship program came
to be known as the “civilian marksmanship program.” Over the
years, the CMP’s emphasis shifted so that today it focuses on
youth development through marksmanship..." (From the DCM rulebook)

Department of Civilian Marksmanship programs and shoots are all about accuracy with military weapons shot from three position: standing, sitting and prone. All timed and include magazine changes.

(Military weapons must be in original configuration and includes almost every military arm created. For more information, see the rulebook DCM on the left sidebar.)

Shooters had a damp, dripping morning to set their targets and make their scores- weather doesn't stop a military marksman.

Today's shooter scores:

Steve: 404 w/3X

Nick: 334

Lorn: 307

Kerry: 291

Todd: 143

This being my introduction to DCM, I didn't shoot (rifle) but came to watch and learn. Surprising to me is how few shooters were in attendance. (Not that everyone shoots military weapons or wants to, I was just expecting a horde of shooters.)

This April I attended the Appleseed shoot at the Duluth Sportsman's Club- two days of .22 shooting at 25 yards at diminutive targets. Nineteen shooters sent more than 700 rounds each downrange in two days, had a blast of a time and came away better shooters (I think) than we came. If you've not done an Appleseed, it's a Basic Military Marksmanship AQT shoot and very alike the DCM, with a bit of American Revolution history thrown in.

One of the best ways to insure your young ones can shoot is get them shooting, and the CMP program or an Appleseed are two of the best ways to teach them how a rifle works and how to get the hits. So, let's get the kids shooting, Folks. While they're on the firing line, be getting your gear ready for your turn.

I'll be on the firing line at the August shoot, sure hope to see many others there as well.

Be safe, All- keep the muzzle down range.

Shy III

Cowboy Action Day...

The gunfight began at High Noon today as the Cowboy Action shooters saddled up to send the first rounds downrange, eliminating charging buffalo and stampeding bulls amid a flurry of Badman activity.

But it isn't just the guys who spent the afternoon defending the Home Range- as in the Days of Yesteryear, the women-folk are also responsible for keeping meat on the table and warding off the outlaws. Proving they're no slouches, notice the empty brass floating above the ejection port-- and the next shot is almost on the way.

Ladies not only get to play with rifles, they are also expected to handle the scatter guns and belt-fed weapons: those old-fashioned single action wheel guns no cowboy would be caught without- and many wished they had been!

Using weapons that are historically more than 100 years old, the Cowboy Action shooters have the challenge of a three-gun shoot whenever they step to the line. Rifle, pistol and shotgun, the series is timed and accuracy counts (OH! NO!)

Speed is of the essence with Cowboys. After all, that herd of buffalo is coming fast and need to be downed quickly. Of course, someone is always Top Gun when the sunset begins to paint the western sky. But all have a rip-roaring time gunning for top spot.

And what would a cow-town be without the gabardine of the era? Put on your best Sunday hat, polish your boots and slip your gunbelts around your waist and come to the next week-end Cowboy Action match June 12.

Have fun, shoot straight and remember- keep your eye on the target.

Shy III