August 6, 2021
Camp Perry Classic Rifles this Weekend — GSMM Event
Camp Perry will be firing classic military rifles from Friday, August 6 to Sunday, August 8, 2021. The National John C. Garand, Springfield, Vintage and Modern Military Match, (GSMM), will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Only the Springfield M1A Match will take place on Sunday. CMP Camp Perry Calendar. Participants may shoot one type of rifle, but there is also an aggregate GSMM 4-Gun Aggregate. This GSSM Agg includes a series position shooting matches on NRA SR targets at CMP Nationals. The CMP National Matches Results Page will post the results as the matches are completed day by day.
Camp Perry’s annual GSMM event draws participants from all over the country. Brian Williams, recently profiled by our Daily Bulletin, is one of the favourites to win the GSMM aggregate. Garand, 1903 Springfield/1917 Enfield (or a similar bolt rifle), M1 Carbine and AR-type rifles for “Modern Military” are all part of the 4-gun Aggregate. Brian has won the GSMM 4 Gun at the CMP National Matches, Camp Perry, three times in a row — the 2017 4-Gun Agg, plus 2018, and 2019. Due to COVID 2020, there was no match so Brian hopes to win his fourth title in 2021. Below are Brian’s thoughts on the classic wood-stocked rifles that were used in GSMM competition.
The Classic Wood Guns of CMP 4-Gun Competition
Perspectives on M1 Garand and M1903A3, M1917 Enfield and M1 CarbineBrian offers perspectives on the “Wood Gun”, with suggestions on how you can improve your performance using the M1 Garand and M1903 Springfield, M1917 Enfield and M1 Carbine, as well as other 20th Century military rifles. Brian explains what you should look for
Q: What should I look for when purchasing older rifles for CMP 4 Gun Games — M1 Garand (M1903/1903A3, M1917), M1 Carbine (M1 Garand), M1917? What is the realistic budget for these firearms What level of accuracy can one reasonably expect? What upgrades are necessary?
Brian: There are many military surplus rifles out there, but it is becoming harder to find them. The prices are on the rise, just as with everything else. A few years ago, you could buy a M1 Garand for as low as four hundred dollars. They are often about twice that price in today’s market. These rifles are unique and each have their own story. There are no two rifles the same or similar. There are fewer gunsmiths who specialize in vintage rifles, just like there are fewer guns. But I can assure you that if you are looking for a good gunsmith, you will find them. They are some of most interesting people you’ll ever meet.
M1 Garand — I love the M1 Garand, one of the four (4) centerfire guns that I use in the CMP games. They were produced in a short time span and each one is unique. M1 Garands can shoot with good accuracy. A well-maintained M1 can shoot between 1 and 1.5 MOA if it has at least one replacement barrel.
M1903A3 Springfield — While the sights on the M1903A3 are easier to see than those on the M1903, both rifles are very accurate. Although prices have increased dramatically for military rifles in this current climate, there are still some great options that can be purchased for less than $1000. The best thing about the Springfield rifle? It can be replaced with an 80-year-old barrel and get almost all the accuracy you need. A good M1903A3 can shoot a minimum of 1 MOA.
M1917 Enfield — This rifle, which is the newest in my collection, shoots very well with just a Criterion barrel — again approximately 1 MOA with iron sight. These rifles are very similar in price to the M1903 Springfield. There are always great deals if you do your research and keep your eyes peeled. The M1917 is my favorite camera, over the M1903A3, mainly because of the M1917’s cock-on close bolt, which allows for smoother cycling.
Public domain photo by Armemuseum (The Swedish Army Museum).
M1 Carbine — In 1945, there were more M1 Carbines than Garands. The Carbine is difficult to find today, and because of the scarcity, the price has risen. Most military M1 Carbines now sell for over $1000. The best thing about the M1 Carbine? It can shoot as long as you have enough ammo. Honest. Many people have told me that the M1 carbine will not shoot. You can trust me that they will. However, you will need to spend some time with them to learn how to get it to fire where you want.
The M1 Carbine can shoot the.30 Carbine cartridge, with a 110gr bullet reaching about 1990 FPS. The M1 Garand’s.30-06 Springfield cartridge is nearly three times as powerful as the.30 Carbine.
Similar Posts
