President's Hundred Prep — Complete Guide

There is no formal qualification course for the President's Hundred. Qualification is determined entirely by your aggregate score in the NTI match compared to all other competitors. However, understanding the pathway to compete is essential.

Eligibility to Compete:

• Active duty military (all branches)
• National Guard and Reserve components
• Civilian competitors (CMP-affiliated club members)
• Law enforcement personnel
• Foreign military (with invitation)

Military Tab Authorization:

• Must be a U.S. military member
• Must place in the top 100 of the NTI match
• Tab is permanently authorized once earned
• Worn for the remainder of military career
• No re-qualification required

Preparation Pathway:

• Compete in regional CMP and NRA high-power matches
• Attend CMP clinics and schools
• Shoot service rifle matches at local ranges
• Build experience with iron sights at all distances
• Develop wind reading skills at 200–600 yards

The top shooters typically have years of competitive experience. Showing up to Camp Perry without prior match experience is a recipe for disappointment.

The National Trophy Individual match is a 50-round course of fire across four stages. Your aggregate score from these four stages determines your placement and eligibility for the President's Hundred.

Stage 1: Standing Slow Fire (200 yards)

• 10 rounds, single-loaded
• Standing (offhand) position
• 10-minute time limit
• Black bullseye target (SR-1)
• Tests pure marksmanship fundamentals

Stage 2: Rapid Fire Seated (200 yards)

• 10 rounds, loaded in two 5-round magazines
• Start standing, drop to seated when targets appear
• 60-second time limit
• Requires speed and position transition

Stage 3: Rapid Fire Prone (300 yards)

• 10 rounds, loaded in two 5-round magazines
• Start standing, drop to prone when targets appear
• 70-second time limit
• First shot at 200 yards, target moves to 300

Stage 4: Slow Fire Prone (600 yards)

• 20 rounds, single-loaded
• Prone position
• 20-minute time limit
• Slow fire target (MR-1)
• This stage separates the top 100 from the rest

Scoring:

• X-ring: 10 points (used for tie-breaking)
• 10-ring: 10 points
• 9-ring: 9 points
• 8-ring: 8 points, etc.
• Maximum possible: 500 points (50 rounds × 10)
• Top 100 cutoff typically around 470–485 points

The President's Hundred is shot with service rifles under strict CMP rules. Understanding and complying with equipment standards is essential.

Permitted Rifles (Service Rifle Class):

• M16A2/A4 (5.56mm)
• M4 Carbine (5.56mm)
• M14/M1A (7.62mm)
• AR-15 variants meeting service rifle criteria
• Other CMP-legal service rifles

Sight Requirements:

• Iron sights only — no optics permitted
• Issued-style rear aperture sights
• Front post sights only (no globe sights)
• No magnification of any kind
• No laser aiming devices

Sling and Support:

• Service sling or CMP-legal shooting sling
• No bipods or front rests
• Shooting coat permitted (within CMP rules)
• Glove permitted on non-trigger hand
• No artificial support in standing position

Ammunition:

• Issue M193 (55gr) or M855 (62gr) for 5.56mm
• Match-grade ammunition allowed
• Handloads permitted if safe and consistent
• Test multiple lots before the match
• Bring sufficient ammunition for practice and match

Additional Gear:

• Data book for recording shots and wind calls
• Spotting scope with stand
• Shooting mat
• Scorecard holder
• Sun protection and hydration for long days

Successful competitors follow a structured annual training plan. The National Matches are the culmination of year-round preparation.

Winter (December – February):

• Dry-fire practice — 30 minutes daily minimum
• Natural point of aim drills from all positions
• Trigger control exercises and ball-and-dummy drills
• Physical conditioning — core and shoulder stability
• Rifle maintenance and equipment upgrades

Spring (March – May):

• Return to live-fire competition
• Regional CMP matches and state championships
• Ammunition lot testing for National Matches
• Confirm 200-yard zero and build elevation data
• Practice rapid-fire transitions

Summer (June – August):

• National Matches at Camp Perry (July–August)
• Preliminary matches for warm-up
• NTI Match and President's Hundred competition
• Heat management and hydration critical
• Mirage reading practice in hot conditions

Fall (September – November):

• After-action review of National Matches performance
• Data book analysis — identify point-loss patterns
• Barrel round count assessment
• Late-season regional matches for reps
• Develop next year's training plan

Key Annual Dates (FY26):

• CMP Games & Clinics: July 7–13, 2026
• National Trophy Matches: July 14–18, 2026
• President's Hundred Match: July 15, 2026
• CMP National Rifle Matches: July 20 – August 2, 2026

The mental game separates the top 100 from the hundreds of excellent shooters who fall just short. Competition pressure at Camp Perry is unlike anything in local matches.

Pre-Match Routine:

• Develop a consistent pre-shot routine
• Arrive early to confirm equipment and zero
• Walk the firing line to understand conditions
• Visualize successful shots before each string
• Control breathing and heart rate

Managing Pressure:

• Focus on process, not outcome
• One shot at a time — forget the last, don't anticipate the next
• Use positive self-talk during difficult stages
• Accept that wind calls will be imperfect
• Stay in your lane — don't watch competitors' scores

Recovery from Bad Shots:

• Every competitor throws shots — recovery is key
• Analyze quickly, then move on
• Adjust sights only when patterns confirm
• Maintain physical position and mental focus
• Remember: 1–2 points separate top 100 from top 200

Between Relay Strategy:

• Use shade and cooling between stages
• Hydrate and maintain energy
• Review data book for wind trends
• Stay mentally engaged — don't check out
• Support teammates and maintain positive attitude

The best competitors treat each shot as a fresh opportunity. The President's Hundred is won or lost in the mental approach as much as the physical execution.