Sporter Air Rifle

What is CMP Sporter Air Rifle Competition?

CMP Sporter Air Rifle is one of the most popular entry-level rifle competitions in the United States. Organized by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), it’s designed to make precision marksmanship accessible to everyone — especially juniors, schools, and clubs — using affordable and easy-to-maintain .177 caliber air rifles.

This discipline focuses on safety, fundamentals, and consistency rather than expensive gear. It’s the perfect starting point for young shooters or anyone looking to build solid marksmanship skills that transfer to other rifle sports.

The Basics of CMP Sporter Air Rifle

  • Distance: 10 meters (33 feet)

  • Rifles: .177 caliber (4.5mm) air rifles that meet CMP Sporter class requirements

  • Course of Fire: 60 shots total — 20 shots each from prone, standing, and kneeling positions

  • Target: CMP/NRA 10-meter air rifle bullseye target with a 10-ring smaller than a pencil eraser

  • Scoring: Each ring earns its point value (10–1); decimal scoring may be used in finals

Rules and Equipment

Rifles

The Sporter class emphasizes affordability and fairness:

  • Rifles must be on the CMP-approved Sporter list

  • Maximum rifle weight: 7.5 pounds

  • Trigger pull must be at least 1.5 pounds

  • Example: Crosman Challenger 

Optics and Accessories

  • Only iron sights or aperture sights are allowed — no scopes

  • Compressed air or CO₂ rifles are both legal

  • Shooters may use a simple sling in prone and kneeling positions

Clothing and Gear

  • Basic, non-stiff shooting jackets are allowed

  • No heavy or rigid equipment used in precision or ISSF events

  • Eye and ear protection are mandatory for safety

Course of Fire and Match Format

CMP Sporter Air Rifle matches are shot from three positions:

  1. Prone: The most stable position — focus on natural alignment and breathing.

  2. Standing: The most difficult — demands balance and control.

  3. Kneeling: A blend of support and challenge — requires consistent body position.

Each position includes both sighting shots and record shots within set time limits. Matches may be fired on electronic targets or paper targets scored manually.

Tips for Success in CMP Sporter Air Rifle

  1. Master the Fundamentals: Sight alignment, trigger control, and breathing form the foundation of accuracy.

  2. Build Good Habits Early: Focus on consistent stance and follow-through — these skills apply to all rifle disciplines.

  3. Start Simple: Don’t overthink equipment; your skill matters far more than the rifle’s cost.

  4. Practice Transitions: Moving smoothly between positions saves time and builds confidence in matches.

  5. Stay Calm: Mental focus and relaxation are as important as your aim.

Why Shoot CMP Sporter Air Rifle?

Sporter Air Rifle is the perfect gateway to competitive shooting. It’s affordable, safe, and available to shooters of all ages. Most importantly, it develops the same marksmanship fundamentals used in Service Rifle, Smallbore, and other advanced rifle competitions.

Many collegiate and Olympic shooters began in CMP’s junior air rifle programs, learning the discipline and focus that define elite marksmanship.

Creedmoor Sports proudly supports CMP Sporter Air Rifle programs with high-quality shooting mats, slings, gloves, pellets, rifles, and safety gear. Whether you’re coaching a junior team or starting your own training journey, we have the equipment to help you succeed.