Report based on Sheri trusty, CMP Feature writer, story about Camp Perry Smallbore Prone matches using electronic targetsCamp Perry National Matches held a major competition for smallbore (rimfire), prone rifles from July 8-12 2023. This year, CMP participants had the added benefit to score with Kongsberg Target System technology (KTS), which uses electronic acoustic sensor to determine shot position. The score is displayed instantly on a touch-screen monitor at the shooter’s side. Mark Del Cotto – a two time NRA Smallbore Prone Champion – said: “This is an excellent setup for electronic targets.” It’s easier to shoot the match. It’s faster, you save money on paper targets and there are no delays due to rain. It’s a real treat to be able to shoot in such a way.”
The four-day Smallbore competition at the Petrarca range featured two days of Iron Sight Championship Matches, and two days Any Sight Matches. (Scope optional). Brad Donoho, CMP Smallbore Programme Manager, said that competitors fired 160 records shots each day. “They shoot a 40-shot competition at 50 meters, 60-shots at 50 yards and 60-shots at 100 yards. “Competitor Mark Del Cotto stated that marksmen were disappointed by the NRA’s decision to move the National Smallbore Rifle Championship from Bristol, Indiana to CMP. Many of them requested CMP to create their own smallbore competition. Del Cotto said, “It’s like moving the Masters away from Augusta.” “Ninety-percent of competitors wanted come back to Camp Perry. The level of participation dropped dramatically when [the NRA] relocated it. Del Cotto also shoots High Power (centerfire), but he prefers Rimfire: “I did not have time to do Highpower or Smallbore so I chose Smallbore Prone. Smallbore matches are a better experience. You can shoot more shots per day. “The competitors are competing for the highest score of 6,400 points. A USCG search forced the cancellation of the final day of the Smallbore Prone Matches. The match was reduced to 5,200 aggregate points. Donoho stated that this is a large prone match. It’s like a race. Scopes were allowed during the two-day phase of the competition, Any Sights.
Camp Perry’s proximity Lake Erie can create challenging wind and weather conditions. CMP Smallbore manager Donoho noted that “we had classic Camp Perry weather [on Day One]. It began a little overcast and nice and warm. Then a storm rolled in. We had a downpour and some pretty windy conditions. We’re used to 90-degree and 60-degree days at Camp Perry. Kevin Nevius, a seasoned marksman with 30 years of experience and six titles at the national level, brought his expertise to CMP’s Smallbore Prone Matches. He said that Smallbore Prone matches have their own unique appeal. “The course is longer.” You shoot more shots each day… There’s an element endurance.” Nevius finished second in both the Smallbore Iron Sight Prone Championship as well as the Overall Prone Agregate. He also had a lot of fun.
Top CMP Camp Perry Smallbore Prone Match ShootersSmallbore Prone 5200 Aggregate Champion
Open Class Winner: SFC Shane Barnhart 5188 -401X
Ladies Class Winner: Abigail Donovan, 5167 – 340X
Senior Class Winner: Philip Latzgo, 5174 – 331X
Junior Class Winner: Joseph Hahn 5159 – 289.
F-Class Winner : Daniel Pagliari 5129 – Smallbore Team Champions
Open Team Champion: Misfit love, 1592 – 99X
Team Members: SFC Brandon Green, Lewis Makison and PO2 Philip Latzgo. Brandon delivered the first shot at the 2023 Camp Perry National Matches Opening Ceremony].
Club Team Champion: Rochester Rifle Club Team A, 1591 – 108X
Team members: Abigail Donovan (left), Antonio Gross (right), Joseph Hahn and Edward Hahn
State Association Champion: Ohio Rifle & Pistol Assn., 1591 – 100X
Team members: Jeffrey Perry, Paul Gideon and Michael Naylon
Tags: Camp Perry, CMP National Matches (National Matches), Rimfire Marksmanship, Smallbore Prone Championship, Any Sights Smallbore
