The 2024 CMP Eastern Games held from April 26 to May 5 were a huge success this year, with a significant increase in participants and event participation. The CMP Eastern Games took place at Camp Butner, for the 19th consecutive time. The CMP Eastern Games were held at Camp Butner for the 19th time. This year, there was a 35 percent rise in the number of entries and a 10 percent increase in participants. The Eastern Games is part of CMP’s Travel Games series. Travel Games are a popular series that brings the fun and challenge of National Matches to different parts of the country. This year’s Eastern Games, a week-long event, hosted more than 450 participants. This was a record number of participants since the Pandemic. Click HERE to view 2024 Eastern Games photos. The weather was perfect. It was cool in the mornings, but warmed up by midday with clear skies. This contributed to the great performances throughout the week. View full results at TheCMP.org/EasternGames24Results. Victor Betzold was the winner of the As-Issued Carbine and Long Range Match Rifle Day 1 and achieved three High Senior awards. Keith Schachle won both the Three & Four-Gun Aggregates. The Army Marksmanship Unit entered the competition mid-week for the Highpower Rifle Matches. SSG David Bahten won the Highpower 2400 aggregate with a score 2383-12x, beating SFC Erin O’Neill only by three points. Long Range Matches are Popular Features Eliseo tubegun with scoped Eliseo for long range competitor shooting. Note the viewing screen for the electronic target. Long Range Matches are the newest event to be added to the line-up. Shooters compete with Palma rifles and service rifles as well as F-Class rifles. These matches were welcomed by competitors who normally travel to Camp Perry, Ohio to compete at the National Matches. For this match, as well as for all other rifle matches, electronic targets from KTS (Kongsberg Target System), were used. Fritz Hempelmann won the first ever CMP Travel Games Rifle Aggregate Match with a score 789-37X. Marksmanship clinics for Rifle and Pistol shooters
The Civilian Marksmanship Program held a number clinics, including a Pistol and Small Arms Firing Schools (SAFS), attended by 28 students; a Rifle SAFS, attended by 42 students; a GSMM New Shooter Clinic; and a Garand Maintenance Clinic. The SAFS classes featured Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) Matches with the opportunity for the top 10 percent of participants to earn their first 4 EIC points. Rimfire Sporter competitors were present in large numbers, as they are at many CMP events. This competition is held with inexpensive.22LR production rifles. It is a great way to enjoy a CMP without having to invest in expensive rifles, fancy optics, or shooting gear. Camp Butner hosts pistol matches
Eric Herrin, a pistol Distinguished Badge candidate, won the Revolver Pistol EIC Match overall with a score 351-5X. This is an honor not often given to non-distinguished competitors. Jonathan Shue won eight pistol matches, including the Overall Individual Pistol Accumulator and the 2700 Pistol Accumulator. Great Facility, Good competition, and Good Fellowship
The range facilities at Camp Butner were praised by competitors. The Eastern Games are expected to continue growing in popularity. Save the dates for the 2025 Eastern CMP Games and Cup Matches, which will be held April 25 to May 4, 2025. Click HERE to find out more about the CMP Travel Games in 2024.
