Proficiency level for National Match

Even people who have zero chance of winning can compete. Unless there is a “bracket” or “qualifying” system in place you don’t have to be competitive to compete.

Can you operate the rifle safely and follow range commands? You're good to go.

Nice thing about the shooting sports, they are very, uh, democratic. As I put it, I have been beaten by the best in the world.

Are you talking about the JC Garand match at Camp Perry?

No one cares how well that you shoot, except for you. The important things are safety, knowing the range commands, how to score, and giving good pit service. Compete in some local matches to learn those skills and all will be good.

As near as I can tell the JC Garand match at Camp Perry has not been cancelled yet. No web site that I have found, even the CMP's, is entirely up to date as regards cancellation notices. If you are interested in shooting this match you might consider signing up for it right away so you get on their email list. Email is how I found out the CMP western games have been cancelled.

Tim

If you shoot your Garand in the NTI, P-100 or the teams matches, you are in a class of ONLY Garand shooters. The JCG match EVERYBODY shoots a Garand. I'm not sure but I think The Garand Collector's Assoc. pays your match fees IF you are a member and shoot a Garand anywhere at the National Matches.

Rottweiler said:

I'm not sure but I think The Garand Collector's Assoc. pays your match fees IF you are a member and shoot a Garand anywhere at the National Matches.

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I believe you are correct. I'm a member of GCA, and I see it in their journal every now and then. I think one year they were offering ammo, too.

Everything you've read here is spot on. What I like about NRA and CMP Service Rifle is that you shoot against people in a similar skill level. If you shoot a season of local, sanctioned matches, you get classified according to your scores. The next season, or at Perry, you shoot against others in the same classification (marksmanship level.)

I love competing with the Garand, but I'm never going to be "competitive." A thing to remember is that, if you plan to shoot the JCG match, the rifle has to remain "as issued." The guys shooting across the course are shooting highly tuned rifles (even the guys with Garands.) I'm only competing against myself out there.

JohnKSa said:

3. Determine what equipment you will need and figure out the basics of how to use it. Again, people will help out, but there are limits.

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I heartily agree with all John's points, but most especially with this. Please at the very least know how to use your sling and have it properly adjusted. It's very annoying to be at a match and have to wait for someone who is screwing around with his rifle or position when he could have worked all that stuff out the day before in his living room.

Tim

JohnKSa said:

3. Determine what equipment you will need and figure out the basics of how to use it.

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+1 what John and Tim said. If you are not a good cook, don't try to make something fancy for the very first time at a dinner party. Do a practice run first. Don't be the guy that shows up on the line at a match with gear you have never used. It boggles my mind every time I see a sight fall off a gun at the range.

If you can handle your rifle safely and follow range commands correctly, come shoot a Garand match. You do not need all of the equipment most guys carry to shoot, it just makes it easier and can actually improve your score. Most guys will loan you their spotting scope, shooting mat and even help you figure out the sling and set-up. Winning is another thing entirely. But, there are classes of shooter, awards for hitting certain scores and generally a good time is had by all.

They are still holding matches in north-Idaho, only every other firing position is available to avoid cooties. I am hopeful the CMP Nationals will still happen since that is in July.

Funny story, at last years National Pistol Championships I scored the eventual National Champion, Keith Sanderson. I didn't win or even have a particularly decent match but he killed it for three days straight. I had a nice time. It was a treat to see an Olympic level shooter work his magic up close.

I’ve shot the garland matches at camp perry. Took 14th one year, pretty proud of that one. You do not need to be a great shooter to enjoy the matches. The people you meet in line and in the pits are all great people with common interests. I’d say be proffecient in scoring, know the rules book, have your elevations worked out reasonably and your good to go. If you are not already, shoot some local matches.

I have been to Camp Perry twice. In 2014 I shot the national 2700 pistol matches, in 2019 we (used a borrowed rifle, the owner also shot) shot the Springfield rifle match. It was a great experience. At the Springfield matches, my bunk was next to the National winner. Go to Walmart or Sam's Club, you need a metal frame & fabric collapsible wagon to carry your stuff. The wagon is about $50 and weighs 8#, load capacity is 200# + .

You won't win, but it is an incredible experience. I would shoot the Springfield matches again, I'm 72.

To answer your question directly, you need a Garand rifle, ear protection, eye protection, ammunition, and paid match registration. Now the hard part is, "A Positive attitude towards a crummy score because you are here to have fun!" When you view the Grand Canyon, you don't worry about soil erosion.

Engineer1911 said:

To answer your question directly, you need a Garand rifle, ear protection, eye protection, ammunition, and paid match registration. Now the hard part is, "A Positive attitude towards a crummy score because you are here to have fun!" When you view the Grand Canyon, you don't worry about soil erosion.

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My sentiments exactly.
Go and shoot at the nationals. Most of all, enjoy the experience, have fun, and meet some of the best people around. While your score is important, don't let it distract you being at Perry or now Attenbury.

mainecoon said:

How good do you need to be at shooting the Garand to compete in a national match?

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I like to follow the match reports / results from events around the country to stay up on who’s hot and what the conditions were etc. Then try to match or exceed that score or group size at my local practice range. One thing I’ve learned is the top competitors are at the top because they put in the work testing and practicing.

In Benchrest the game is constantly evolving into somewhat of an arms race or as some say “a financial commitment” that unfortunately for me has limitations so I really don’t concern myself with winning rather tuning and reading conditions and table manners, then being comfortable with my placement at the end of the day.

Shoot Small y’all
J

Also, remember the whole point is to learn, and get better...!
You’ll either love it, hate it, or just find something else to do...

I just wish the CMP would clean up, and simplify their match schedules and bulletins.
It’s quite tedious to look up matches/schedule at the Talladega Marksmanship Park.

My only interests are military matches, and EIC (service rifle matches).
It’s rather difficult to figure out what and when they are shooting. That is IF they shoot those matches.
Also, range isn’t open MONDAY and TUESDAY. The days I could usually go...

A way to yardstick yourself. Speaking in terms of John C Garand, Vintage bolt, Springfield matches. These are fired at 200 yards on the SR. You can simulate this on an SR-1 reduced for 100 yard fire if that's the range available to you.

Slow prone...95+/100. Rapid prone...93+/100. Rapid sitting...93+/100. Offhand...90+/100. This (I'd have to check the current cut scores) should put you into the "silver" category and into relatively rarified air in company with some pretty good shooters. Get all those into the high 90's to win. Shave 4 points off, and you'll probably still get a bronze pin which is a good accomplishment for a new shooter. Add a couple points to each if you're talking shooting your Garand in service rifle "over the course" at 200, 300 and 600 yards. Note, not all matches include all of these stages.