N.C. high-power rifle clinics at Butner

The North Carolina Rifle and Pistol Association High-Power Rifle Team will host April 29 rifle clinics sponsored by the Civilian Marksmanship Program at Camp Butner.The clinics will be at the N.C. National Guard Training Site, Range 4, Butner, and are intended to promote rifle marksmanship among civilians. An M-1 Garand match is scheduled April 30.

Participants at the clinic will have fulfilled the firing requirement for purchasing ammunition and firearms such as the M-1 Garand, from the Civilian Marksmanship Program. (For more details about that program go to www.odcmp.com.)

This year’s clinics offer a classroom session covering safety, the operation of the M-1 rifle, basic positions, range commands and target operation, plus a seminar for advanced shooters who would like to learn more about high-power rifle competition.

The firing phase of the clinic will be held at the 1,000-yard known-distance range. Rifles will be furnished by the Civilian Marksmanship Program, although shooters may use their own weapons. Ammunition of 30:06 caliber will be furnished by the CMP for the teaching clinics.

Youths ages 14-20 are invited to try out for and join the N.C. Junior Rifle Team. Competitive shooting experience is not necessary. Considerable support is available, including rifles, ammunition, entry fees, some expenses, and a trip to Camp Perry, Ohio, for the National High Power Rifle Championships.

“The purpose of this clinic is to create interest in high power shooting especially among junior shooters and to promote civilian marksmanship in general,” said Nick Hopman, chairman of the N.C. High Power Civilian Team. “The state high-power team is hoping to train new shooters, juniors and seniors, on which to draw from. The more people involved in the sport, the better off we are in preparing for the national championships. We’re encouraging people to participate in clinics, giving them a chance to sharpen their skills and hoping that, with exposure, their interests will expand to regular competition.”

The fee for the clinic is $50 for adults and $25 for juniors (under 20 years of age). Match fees are $20 and $15. Proceeds from clinics are used to defray costs for state shooting teams. Expenses for the team include the cost of participation at national matches, rifle maintenance, ammunition, junior equipment and other expenses.

For more information contact Hopman at 336-855-6963 before 9 p.m. or e-mail rhopman@triad.rr.com. For more information about the N.C. Rifle and Pistol Association visit www.ncrpa.org.