M14 Forum

Hawk

For those who haven't been to the National Matches at Camp Perry, you just might be missing something

For those that have been there, please relate some of your experiences and what you've seen or competed in while there.

For those who have competed there, please pass along some tips for those thinking about going and or shooting there.

For those who are thinking about, or planning on going next year, don't hesitate to ask question and/or share info.

Lodging, places to eat, sites to see either at or surrounding Camp Perry or what have you.

shoot4score

I'd love to go and I'd love to shoot and I need lots of tips. Bring 'em on.

Steve

FootSoldier

I competed at the CMP Western Games this year, my first firearms competition. I shot my M1 Garand in 3 as-issued matches and really got the bug.

I'll be shooting in the local matches every chance I get, but being on the Camp Perry firingline would be a dream come true.

While in Ann Arbor on business last August, I drove down to see the National Matches for one day, that was a gas! I'd appreciate any advice about how best to set up lodging or where to stay? I have heard some of the guys talk about the spartan conditions of staying in the huts, are there other options?

Any help or advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

beginner

Hawk,
As you know, this was my first time at Camp Perry 2010 competing, and meeting you for the first time. Several years ago I started into high power rifle shooting, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Coming from such a long distance, my plan was to stay 3 weeks from CMP week to the long range matches. I brought my M1 Garand for the CMP matches & Garand match, Armscorp M14 for the M1A match, 6mmar for the NRA matches, and T2K for the long range matches.
My wife and I rented a condo during the 3 weeks. We shopped at the local markets and ate at the condo for most of the stay there, with the exception of eating at a few of the restaurants in Port Clinton.
What I remembered most, were the people I met and were squadded with. From former national champions, to retired secret service agent, to industry leaders, etc. In the Garand match, I was squadded with Mike Sadlak. What a great guy! During the matches, I noticed my scores were better at Camp Perry, than they were back home. I'm convinced this was due to the shooters in my squad, giving me advice, and coaching me. I am forever grateful to them for those words of advice!
Shooting the long range matches at a 1000 yards was most humbling! Thanks to William Gilliland, Dr. Randy Pike, and the AMU, they were able to guide me and get my sighters on the target! Yes, this was my first time at a 1000 yards.
My wife met a lot of the shooters wives/spouses while there, and swapped stories about how fanatical the husbands were about shooting.
Another great experience was sitting in the audience during the awards ceremonies, and watching 2 buddies from Hawaii accept their distinguish rifle badges on stage.
Even with the heat, thunderstorm, pulling pit duty, rifle malfunctions/breakage, etc. would I do it again? You bet! 3 weeks away from work-anytime!
My friends say I'm nuts doing this, but then again, I used to spend 7-10 days at an elk camp in Montana every year, during November with -30 degree weather, riding miles on a frozen saddle, wading through waist deep snow, on my vacation...
Looking forward to going back and talking stories with you, Hawk.
Kelvin (Beginner)

ohiorifleman

It was very intimidating to go up there and shoot for the first time 4 years ago. The information on what you need and how to register is definately out there but takes some time to discern it all and get all of your ducks in a row.
We usually stay in a hotel in Fremont, OH- 15 minute drive from base and the prices are a little lower being off the lake.
The games matches- ie M1 Garand Match, Carbine, and M1A Match are the ones I would start out with. As there is quite a mix of people and the help you will get from your squad mates is invaluable. The rifle and pistol SAFS (small arms firing school) are put on by the CMP and the AMU and are just awesome- for 40.00 they provide your, rifle , ammo, and one day of expert instruction and an EIC (excellence in competition) match- they also do a pistol safs for those of you wanting to try shooting pistols at the NM level. There are lots of options depending on how long you can stay but even just a visit as an observer is worthwhile...

jameslawson71

Some do's and donts for new people.

Definitely read the CMP and NRA rulebooks.

Ask questions of fellow shooters you are squadded with if you have legitimate and important questions to ask (like you dont know how to score a target, etc) and you will get lots of good advice, but don't be a pain in the arse with incessant pointless questions or mindless chatter. People go there to shoot and shoot well, and wait all year to do that, and since most people at Perry are generally considerate and don't want to tell you to shut up, be considerate in return and don't talk their ear off...

(I had a junior shooter, really, really nice kid squadded with me, but he would just not shut up. You could tell he was really excited to be there and he just wanted to talk about the whole experience as much as he could during the NTI, but finally I just had to tell him that he needed to respect that I was trying to focus and shoot)

Pay attention when you score and pull pits! You would want the same done when you are shooting...Its not a time to be goofing around or taking a break.

If you get some down time; are not scoring, shooting, or pulling pits for a string or two, watch and learn. Especially pay attention to the USAMU and Marine Rifle Teams. You will learn alot watching...

Have a plan of action in how you are going to shoot. Dont start messing with offhand holds or slings or whatever when its your relay to shoot just because you just watched someone (from the AMU for instance) else do it differently. Shoot the way you practiced leading up to Perry. Perry is not the place to experiment. The wind alone will give you enough problems if you dont have your wind down...

IF YOU ARE SCORING DURING THE RAPIDS IN THE NTI OR P100 OR OTHER CMP EVENTS, DO NOT BE LOOKING THROUGH THE SPOTTING SCOPE. THIS CAN AND WILL DISQUALIFY THE SHOOTER. I see lots of new people who seem to miss this little rule. When they call "SCOPES AWAY" that means scorers are not to be looking through the scope...

Leave your credit card at home unless you absolutely have to have it. You will spend way more money than you think will if you are not good at keeping the cc in the wallet. Bring cash and set a budget. Its just too enticing to go overboard on commercial row...

Do bring enough ammo and then some. Have extra.

Know your sight settings, and write them down. Some people dont know their 600 yard zeros. This is worth asking of a veteran shooter, even though the setting may just get you on paper..

Drink lots of water. You could get stuck in the pits for a long time, you want to stay hydrated as well as you can at all times.
There is water in the pits, but its easy to get overheated there and you cant use the provided water when shooting is taking place...

Dont become unnerved and blow your training for the year. Everyone has butterflies. RELAX and shoot it like it was any other match.

Be a happy camper! Enjoy being there no matter if your day is not going great shooting-wise!

KYShooter

CP is our "Mecca" so be sure to walk the circle, around commercial row, five times while there!

Seriously, it is a great experience that any semi-serious rifle shooter ought to make at least one trip to. A long time shooter told me that he has gone every year since back in the 70s and he has more fun now than ever. The secret, he says, is to NOT take your rifle. His point is that the chance to hang out with people you will get to know, and see each year, is worth the trip alone.

If you go, there are tons of advice on what to do. My advice is to make sure you link up with some others - preferably some who have been there before. Plan on doing things in the evenings with others there to share the experience. I regret that the huts are diminishing. They are an experience within themselves but staying on base gives you an experience far beyond that of staying in hotels somewhere off base. I wouldn't trade anything for my 6 trips there. I had to call off going in 2010 and, though I had no choice, I have lamented it over and over. Already making plans, though, for my 2011 trip.

I've also had the pleasure of taking my two sons there. One shot with the state rifle team for three years and the other went to the pistol matches. If you have teenage kids who shoot, it is worth it to try to get them into the sport and to go to Perry. Most people there go out of their way to help a teenager who is trying.

woodstock

Great posts so far! I had the pleasure of chatting with Hawk at the SADLAK booth while I was there. My suggestion would be to stay on base. for me it's worth a little extra cash to get a module and have your own shower and air conditioning then walk out your door a few short steps to shoot. I had heat exhaustion last year during the M1A Springfield shoot and it was no fun so be sure to drink lots on the line and in the pits. Even though I've been 5 times, I still consider myself a new comer. I have been lucky enough to meet the nicest people there and they are always willing to help you out. I had one guy loan me his spotting scope and shooting mat while he was in the pits and I was on the line.

Commercial Row is a must see so plan to spend a few hours (and a few bucks) checking out all the stores.

I have stayed in Port Clinton before and there are a few nice places. The restaurants are decent and I became fond of the Irish Pub on the main drag mostly because of the beers.

If you are taking your spouse, it would be worth the drive to go to Marble Head which is not too far down the road and is very pretty. Go see the light house. Charter fishing out of Lakeside at Tibble's Marina is always fun and Old man Jack Tibble is good people. We have used his services many times.

If you are into a wild time, go visit Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island. You won't believe you are still in Ohio.

KYShooter

I forgot to add that if your family is tagging along, and doesn't want to shoot, they can hang out at Cedar Point amusement park about 15 miles down the road. The roller coasters there scare the begeezes out of me just to watch them.

Gundog 64

Ann Arbor the San Francisco of Michigan. Nice place to visit but you might be overrun by Liberals. Be careful there, when I have to work in that town I make it a point not to discuss firearms around the customers. Too many anti gunners live there.

John

TCAF

+1 John, that's why I like to refer to it as "Liberal Arbor". Every time I head to Perry I have to go thru/around it and it makes me chuckle thinking of the irony.

Douglas

Where do I start?

I felt overwhelmed the first few times I was there competing. Look at all that gear! Is that some sort of anemometer from the future? Why does he have sandpaper on the behind of his trousers? What's with all those paint stripes on the rifle sights?

First, remember that this is a simple sport. We (some) choose to make it more difficult than it really is. I will bet that any competitior will be more than happy to help you on the range, or in the pits, or out on vendor's row. With one exception, I have never met anybody who was rude, or a goon. This exception made the cut for the President's 100, I kept score at 3&6. His disposition and attitude was childish. I chose not to speak to him. I won't mention how he spoke to me. Anywho.........go and shoot! Small arms firing school is a great course. Do it if possible.

More importantly, be sure of your empty chamber indicator, and muzzle awareness. Directions are given over the loud speakers, but we are handling firearms. Always remember that.



Lastly, don't get any negative thoughts in your melon. I learned this real quick like. When you pick up your rifle, all is well in your universe..........ohmmmmm....relish in the fact that you have stood next to the best shooters in the world and competed with them. It won't be long before you're out for blood. Ask me how I know.

I am fortunate in that I can go home every day after competing. Many local areas welcome shooters and offer discounts for lodging and dining. Best bet is to check the chamber of commerce for that area to see what they offer. Hope to see you there! In fact, I hope to meet and see any members who can make it. Practice started at the closing ceremonies! Good luck and good shooting!

Doug

BlunderDog

Hello Again Hawk-Man,

For the Know-Nots, of which I am proud to be one of... Could you post the schedule, or let me know where to find particulars?

I.E., where it is, the date which the shoots are help, and/or where to find info on signing up, having a booth for sales, etc.

Thank You!
BDog

TCAF

Sir, here ya' go:

http://www.odcmp.com/NationalMatches.htm

30shtur

I went there a few years in a row as a military pistol shooter.

We meet the day before the competitors show up to get our firing point assingments for the SAFS and get told to help any and all competitors. So, if you are thinking of going and are overwhelmed, just know the service shooters are there to help you enjoy Camp Perry.