As long as there have been soldiers, there has also been a need for marksmanship training. Organized competition is a fantastic way to promote and foster training, starting formally in America with the NRA in 1873 and expanding to the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice then to other organizations.
President and veteran Theodore Roosevelt was dismayed at the poor shooting skills he observed among his soldiers in the Spanish-American War. In 1903, he signed legislation creating the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice (now CMP) and the National Matches. At first these were only open to military personnel, but it wasn’t long before civilians could compete on the national stage. The goal of the programs were to promote marksmanship with military arms, both pistol and rifle, improving troop marksmanship but also preparing civilians in case they were ever called to war.
Though pistol competitions have evolved, the essence remains unchanged for over a century. From the Colt .38 revolvers to the enduring 1911, shooters have honed their skills in the classic one-handed style. The traditional stages of slow fire, timed fire, and rapid fire continue to challenge competitors, providing a solid foundation for marksmanship. While action shooting may have grown in popularity, these time-honored events still play a vital role in the world of competitive shooting.
