Obama Signs Defense Authorization Bill With Pro-gun Riders

The legislation was signed on the 25th.  The Firearms Blog has the story here.  One of the riders allows surplus military handguns to be transferred to the CMP for resale to the individuals who are members of affiliated clubs (VSSA is one of those organizations):

‘‘(h) AUTHORIZED TRANSFERS.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may transfer to the corporation, in accordance with the procedure prescribed in this subchapter, surplus caliber .45 M1911/M1911A1 pistols and spare parts and related accessories for those pistols that, on the date of the enactment of this subsection, are under the control of the Secretary and are surplus to the requirements of the Department of the Army, and such material as may be recovered by the Secretary pursuant to section 40728A(a) of this title. The Secretary shall determine a reasonable schedule for the transfer of such surplus pistols.

‘‘(2) The Secretary may not transfer more than 10,000 surplus caliber .45 M1911/M1911A1 pistols to the corporation during any year and may only transfer such pistols as long as pistols described in paragraph (1) remain available for transfer.’’

This is the first time the CMP has been able to sell handguns.

Proposed Changes to the CMP Pistol Program

From today's CMP Shooters News:

The CMP Pistol Program promotes and governs U. S. bulls-eye target pistol shooting with "service pistols." This program includes the Distinguished Pistol Shot Badges, National Trophy Pistol Matches, Pistol EIC Matches, the Pistol Small Arms Firing School and CMP Games Pistol Matches. This program is revered for its time-honored traditions and it enjoys the esteem of countless pistol shooters. Nevertheless, two critical concerns have caused the CMP to consider changes in this program. First, overall program participation has declined over a period of many years. Second, many shooters and match sponsors are calling for changes to increase participation and offer more competition opportunities. In response to these concerns, the CMP Rules Committee convened a "blue ribbon" panel of pistol experts to evaluate the CMP Pistol Program and recommend possible changes. The CMP Pistol Program Review Panel includes experts who represent all aspects of competitive pistol shooting, including experienced competitors, match officials and advanced pistol armorers. The Panel has produced a comprehensive document titled CMP Pistol Program Changes that is now posted on the CMP website. This document describes the changes to the CMP Pistol Program that are being considered. The CMP invites pistol shooters, match officials and other concerned persons to study this document and forward their comments to competitions@thecmp.org. Comments should be received not later than 7 July 2014.

CMP to Open New Custom Shop for USGI Firearms in Anniston

Over the years, many Civilian Marksmanship Program firearms purchasers have asked if the CMP would consider offering reliable, reasonably-priced and prompt maintenance, repair and upgrade of USGI-issue rifles. The CMP has responded and the answer is "YES" we will.

Effective October 1, 2013, the CMP Custom Shop will open for business, providing a wide variety of repair, upgrade and custom services for a wide range of U.S. Military rifles, specifically those issued in early eras.

The CMP Custom Shop will be able to perform virtually any normal upgrading, accurizing, customizing and refinishing (not to mention regular repairs and troubleshooting) to the types of rifles that we are currently selling or have sold in the recent past.

CMP will specialize in working on the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, 1903 and 1903A3 Springfield, the 1917 Enfield and the Krag. Other rifles like the Remington 40X, Mossberg 44 and H&R Model 12 can also be serviced if needed. CMP will NOT be working on shotguns, pistols, revolvers, M14/M1A, AR15 style rifles or other commercially-produced modern rifles.  You can find more information here.

Reports of the Death of CMP Premature

VSSA received this earlier this week from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP):

Recent news articles and references to the demise of the Civilian Marksmanship Program are erroneous. Business and programs continue as usual.

We appreciate the continued support of all our customers.

We thought our members would like to know.