Explain the CMP to me

[Nine the Ranger]

Other than the fact that it sells surplus Garands and promotes civilian Marksmanship, I know nothing.

How would I go about Joining(?)

Does it cost anything?

How did it start?

Someone please teach me.

 

[Technosavant]

The following links will prove helpful:

http://thecmp.org/Comm/About_Us.htm

http://thecmp.org/Comm/FAQs.htm

It began by a statute of Congress. You don't join the CMP, you join affiliated clubs... there's plenty scattered around the nation.

 

[4EVERM-14]

The CMP is a corporation which replaced the federally funded Director of Civilian Marksmanship.[DCM] The head of the old DCM was military officer ,usually a full bird Colonel, charged with overseeing training programs for civilians and the distribution of supplies to affiliated clubs for their use in marksmanship training. It received funding through the Defense Department budget. Additionally the DCM administered the various matches of the National Trophies.
During the Clinton administration the appropriations for the DCM was eliminated. Congresses response to create the CMP. This corporation is self funded to replace the old DCM. By selling surplus rifles and equipment it's goal is to provide exceptional opportunities for juniors. It also has implemented new matches for the recreational shooter. The John C. Garand Match, the Carbine Match, the Vintage Rifle Match are some of the places for surplus military rifle shooting.
These events are designed for the UNALTERED military rifle. They offer a great day on the range.

 

[Nine the Ranger]

Are there any requirements I need to purchase from them?

I assume I might need to join an affiliated club.

 

[Bud Helms]

'Haven't read the links provided, have you?

 

[Technosavant]

Yeah, read the links. Here's the requirements for ordering rifles: http://thecmp.org/Sales/eligibility.htm

There's a few items (the link has specifics):
1) Be a US citizen
2) Show proof of age
3) Be a member of a CMP affiliate
4) If under 60 years of age, show proof of being active in marksmanship activities
5) Be legally able to purchase a firearm

You'll also need to get the order form notarized... there's a bit of paperwork to do and mail in.

It doesn't take that long to get everything together, and right now they seem to be running 4-6 weeks from receiving your order to getting it shipped.

 

[kraigwy]

There is NO joining the CMP per se, The first time you deal with them, either by buying something or shooting in a CMP match you are assigned a a CMP Number.

Your competition number and customer number are the same. Don't cost nothing except what you spend in sales or entry fees to the match.

Go to and to read about the CMP, not just sales, not just competitions, but EVERYTHING.

Start with the History when Teddy Roosevelt started the program. Start when congress established the National Match Program.

Study the SMALL ARMS FIRING SCHOOL program. (Personally I think attendance in the SAFS should be a requirement for every citizen of the US, I think it should be part of basic training to all our servicemen/women during basic training)

Look at the SAFS program and you'll see what I mean.

 

[Don P]

'Haven't read the links provided, have you?

Na, its just easier to keep pounding away with the questions to the members

 

[Skans]

I went to the links and read - even clicked through a couple of pages. Here is what is not answered or not easy to find:

1. What do I have to do to buy a Garand from the CMP?
2. What Garands are offered for sale by the CMP and at what price(s) [I went back and found that page]
3. Can I have the rifle shipped to me directly, or do I have to go through a FFL?

Let's face it - what most people really want to know is how they can get a nice looking Garand for a decent price.

 

[Technosavant]

I went to the links and read - even clicked through a couple of pages. Here is what is not answered or not easy to find:

1. What do I have to do to buy a Garand from the CMP?
2. What Garands are offered for sale by the CMP and at what price(s) [I went back and found that page]
3. Can I have the rifle shipped to me directly, or do I have to go through a FFL?

Let's face it - what most people really want to know is how they can get a nice looking Garand for a decent price.

Those weren't too hard to find for me (well, 1 and 2).

For #1, I linked the eligibility requirements in post 6. If looking at the rifles, they do direct one to that page. You found the rifle sales info. Unless you live in NJ, the rifle will be shipped directly to you. As they are authorized by Congress, they have more leeway than a traditional online gunseller. Part of the paperwork is the equivalent of a 4473 and an authorization for the NICS check. For most states that's plenty good enough. The rifle will come via FedEx and is most often received overnight (they aren't specifically shipped overnight, they will usually make it that quickly, but if it takes longer then so be it... they have a special deal with FedEx that means there's no refunds if it takes longer but it will often be just overnight).