The 2026 National Matches achieved a perfect gun safety record. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY ASHLEY DUGAN, CMP DIGITAL MEDIA & CONTENT MARKETING SPECIALIST

For the second year in a row, the National Matches that were conducted by the CMP and Ohio National Guard at Camp Perry enjoyed significant participation increases in almost all National Matches Championships and individual events.

In 2025, the National Matches enjoyed a phenomenal year of growth with 28 National Matches Championships averaging participation increases of 12.5 percent. The 2026 National Matches achieved participation gains that were almost that high again this year. There were 19 Championships/Events that gained competitors this year, even considering the substantial growth in 2025. There were only five Championships that showed small losses, none exceeding three percent. Weather and Canadian wildfire smoke were negative factors this year, causing an additional five events to have losses or cancelations. The most significant 2026 growth increases were in Long-Range Rifle (+48%), Mid-Range Rifle (+29%), National Trophy Rifle Team Match (+23%), Long-Range Palma (+23%) and Air Pistol (+22%).

The 2026 National Matches saw significant growth in may championship and individual matches. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

There are many reasons why the National Matches grew again this year. First, there is evidence of increased interest nationally in rifle and pistol competition shooting. Second, the CMP has made a significant investment in electronic targets for Camp Perry; this was the second year that all Highpower Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, and Rimfire Sporter competitions were conducted on electronic targets. Third, all National Matches events are open events where qualification to attend is not required, and those events are backed by a comprehensive education program where everyone who comes can attend schools or clinics designed to improve their scores. Attendance by teams from Great Britain and Canada certainly contributed to the growth of Long-Range Rifle. New growth in Long-Range F-Class and Air Pistol was significant. An overriding reason for National Match growth may be the effort the CMP has put into caring for competitors. CMP staff, Range Officers, and volunteers are trained to emphasize great competitor experiences. Real effort went into adding special events like beach parties, movies, and memorable award ceremonies.

The 2026 National Matches also achieved a perfect gun safety record. The goal of the CMP Range Safety SOP is “to have zero personal injuries related to the use of guns in CMP activities.” The 2026 National Matches fulfilled that goal. 4,400 competitors brought an estimated 8,400 rifles and pistols to Camp Perry where they fired an estimated 996,000 shots with zero safety incidents resulting in any personal injuries. The 2026 National Matches proved once again how safe pistol and rifle target shooting is.