What GAO Found
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is a federally chartered, nonprofit corporation that, among other things, instructs U.S. citizens in marksmanship; promotes practice and safety in the use of firearms; and sells surplus Army firearms (see figure), ammunition, repair parts, and other supplies. CMP is required to give priority to activities that benefit firearms safety, training, and competition for youth and that reach as many youth participants as possible. CMP also charges fees for individuals to participate in some of its programs.
The Army and CMP have established procedures to address federal requirements for the transfer and sale of surplus firearms. Both organizations established procedures to carry out the transfer of surplus Army firearms as identified in a 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a 2018 Memorandum of Agreement, both between the Army and CMP. To address requirements for selling surplus firearms, CMP uses a combination of procedures, including an application requiring prospective customers to provide proof of citizenship and age, among other things, and a check against the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Per the MOU, the Army's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command oversees the Army's costs and reimbursem*nts from CMP for certain costs associated with storing, transporting, and administering the transfer of surplus firearms.
Surplus M1 .30 Caliber Rifle and M1911 .45 Caliber Handguns
The primary source of CMP's revenues from fiscal years 2008 through 2017 was from the sale of surplus rifles, which, according to CMP's internal financial documents, generated $196.8 million in revenue. CMP also sold commercial ammunition and memorabilia, which, according to the same documents, generated $76.4 million in revenue. Further, according to its Internal Revenue Service filings for this time frame, CMP reported earning $49.8 million in interest and dividends from its investment account. CMP began selling surplus M1911 handguns in November 2018 and had just begun generating revenue from these sales at the time of GAO's review. The profit that CMP realized from the sales of surplus rifles could not be determined because CMP's methodology to calculate expenses did not account for all of CMP's costs associated with the sale of these rifles. GAO estimates future sales of CMP's surplus handgun and rifles currently available for sale could generate as much as $104.9 million, or enough to fund CMP's operations for several years. Further, as of September 30, 2017, CMP reported having cash of $3.6 million, and an investment account valued at $188.6 million. This could also allow CMP to continue operations for several years.
Why GAO Did This Study
Since 1996, the Army has transferred more than 700,000 surplus rifles and handguns to CMP. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 1996 authorized CMP to sell certain types of surplus Army firearms to U.S. citizens, including M1 .30 caliber rifles. CMP reimburses the Army for the costs to prepare and transport surplus firearms to CMP.
The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2018 required the Army during fiscal years 2018 and 2019 to transfer to CMP surplus M1911 .45 caliber handguns, including not fewer than 8,000 in fiscal year 2018 and not more than 10,000 in any fiscal year, and included a provision for GAO to conduct a review of certain matters related to CMP. Among other things, GAO examined (1) the Army and CMP's procedures to address requirements governing the transfer and sale of firearms and (2) CMP's primary sources of revenue, costs and profits, and estimated future revenue associated with the sale of surplus firearms.
GAO reviewed applicable federal statutes and agreements between the Army and CMP; analyzed firearms transfer data, and CMP's Internal Revenue Service filings and internal financial documents; and visited both CMP's northern headquarters in Port Clinton, Ohio and its southern headquarters in Anniston, Alabama.
For more information, contact Diana Maurer at (202) 512-9627 ormaurerd@gao.gov.
FAQs
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is a national organization dedicated to training and educating U.S. citizens in responsible uses of firearms and airguns through gun safety training, marksmanship training, and competitions.
Does the CMP sell surplus ammo? ›
In early 2023, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) announced the acquisition of vast quantities of surplus ammunition. Over the past year, this surplus ammunition was available to CMP customers, and available to competitors during our matches.
Does the military sell surplus guns? ›
Occasionally, vehicles (jeeps, trucks, etc.) will be sold as well. Some military surplus dealers also sell military surplus firearms, spare parts, and ammunition alongside surplus uniforms and equipment.
Can anyone buy from CMP? ›
By law, the CMP can sell surplus military firearms, ammunition, parts and other items only to members of CMP affiliated clubs who are also U.S. citizens, over 18 years of age (over 21 years of age in some states) and who are legally eligible to purchase a firearm.
How does the civilian marksmanship program work? ›
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is a national organization dedicated to training and educating U. S. citizens in responsible uses of firearms and airguns through gun safety training, marksmanship training and competitions.
What score do you need for marksmanship badge? ›
For annual qualification with the service rifle, scores range from 305 to 350 for expert, 280–304 for sharpshooter, and 250–279 for marksman. For annual qualification with the service pistol, the scores range from 364 to 400 for expert, 324–363 for sharpshooter, and 264–323 for marksman.
Can military surplus ammo be reloaded? ›
Military surplus ammo can be salvaged, but it's a time-consuming job. It involves pulling the bullets, seeing if the original primers are still viable, neck-sizing the cases, recharging with powder, and seating the new bullets.
Can I buy a M1 Garand from the government? ›
CMP has a very limited amount of M1 Garand, SA or HRA Field Grade Rifles available. These rifles will be offered mail order, sold as is, with no exchanges.
Is buying ammo out of state? ›
You may not purchase ammo out-of-state and bring it back to California. California requires ammo purchased online to be shipped to a licensed ammo dealer. Federal law requires firearms to ship interstate between licensees.
Can civilians buy from army surplus? ›
If this property cannot be donated to a state or public agency, or nonprofit organization, the general public can buy it.
The United States was the largest arms exporter between 2018 and 2022, making up 40 percent of all international arms sales, delivering weapons to 103 states. This marks an increase from the 33.0 percent it accounted for between 2013 and 2017.
What is the most accurate military surplus rifle? ›
The Swedish M1896, also known as the M96, is said to be one of the most accurate military surplus rifles ever imported.
Is nra CMP affiliated? ›
The NRA at the national level is not an affiliate.
How much is a CMP membership? ›
FOR INDIVIDUALS SEEKING A CLUB
The CMP currently has over 2,000 affiliated organizations located in many parts of the country. Membership in many of these organizations costs $25.00 or less and can be accomplished online. A listing of affiliated organizations can be found here.
How long does it take to get a rifle from CMP? ›
Order-Ship Time
Due to high demand for the CMP M1 Garand, it can take 30-45 days for customers to receive their rifle order. It could be longer depending on whether the preferred rifle is not available or we need additional documentation to process the order.
Does MEC sell guns? ›
MEC doesn't sell guns, but had faced growing calls to stop selling brands owned by Vista Outdoor because the U.S. company also develops and manufactures firearms similar to the type of rifle used at a school shooting in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 people.
Is the NRA a CMP affiliated club? ›
Most of the NRA state associations have affiliated with the CMP and do satisfy the requirement.
Is the National Center for Unwanted firearms legit? ›
The National Center for Unwanted Firearms is a 501-C3 Charitable Organization, founded in 2017, by Federal Law Enforcement professionals, who recognized the need to create a collection service for unwanted firearms throughout the communities of the United States.
