Appleseed or CMP shooters?

I have been enternaining trying the CMP rimfire sporter and Appleseed Project shoots. Seem to be good programs to learn and hone some good shooting disciplines. I have never participated in any organized shooting events so not sure what to expect.

Any TWers participated in these events? Thoughts?

 

I am on a hiatus from NRA/CMP High Power Rifle since 2010, but I went Distinguished Rifleman (Badge #1924) in 2009.

I started off shooting CMP Garand / Springfield / Vintage 'games' matches for a year, but as I spent lots of time on the range practicing with the Garand, then figured I may as well just start shooting the AR-15 in true Across the Course matches. So I competed heavily in Across the Course from 2006 to 2010, shooting my first NRA match and CMP (EIC) match in 2006.

I am a completely self taught High Power shooter. I pretty much read books, articles, etc, and picked up whatever I could from matches and worked on my own to improve my shooting. I have no experience with Appleseed, but from what I've seen, they do appear to teach proper marksmanship with regards to position shooting and sling use.

I have no experience with CMP rimfire sporter, either, but if it's anything like the CMP GSM matches, there will be a lot of coaching on the line because it's mainly a 'fun' match (albeit, with a lot of rules and restrictions).

If you're just trying to learn and aren't used to shooting iron sights with a sling from the sitting and prone positions, and unsupported standing, the Appleseed shoots are probably your easiest approach for hands on coaching.

While the CMP GSM, rimfire sporter, and other 'games' type matches are less 'serious' compared to EIC (Excellence in Competition) and the Trophy matches, they are still 'matches' and therefore, are limited in the amount of time and the extent other competitors can provide coaching.

Of course, this speaks opposite to my own personal experience, but I was spending lots of time on the range from back in the 2000's and was able to teach myself effectively.

I'm not sure where you shoot, and if you have a competitive High Power Rifle program in your area. If you have NRA/CMP matches in your area, you might want to go and connect with those shooters and see when some of them practice so you can shoot with them, or watch one of their matches. Usually the High Power shooters will also be active in other position shooting disciplines, especially CMP sanctioned ones.