WWII USMC qualifications

[JesseJames]

Hello,
Not sure if this is the right section for this. Does anyone have any resources or information on what the USMC rifle qualifications might have been in 1943? That's when my grandfather went to boot camp and qualified as expert rifleman with a score of 310 according to his separation papers. Ordered a couple rifles through the CMP recently and would like to try the same shots when they come in. Thanks for any help,
Jesse

[Craftsman]

I can't help with Marine WWII rifle qualification, but have some info on Army as the GCA hosted a WWII Army Qualification Match a few years back and I had the joy of attending. A very fun and challenging course of fire, here's my write up on it. Definitely a different course of fire from Marines as only 210 possible points and 180 to qualify Expert.
I'd shoot it again in a heart beat if ever have opportunity again!
http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?t=207672

[JesseJames]

Thanks Craftsman,
That's good info. From the limited information I've found, it seems like the distance ranges used in the army vs marine corps are pretty consistent.
I have not been able to dig up anything pre-1946 as far as UCMC qualifications go other than they switched from using 1903's to garands in 1943.
Not a big deal though, and I'm sure I'll run into someone who knows at some point.

[Gewehr43]

OP:
There was an older post here about the differences in the Army vs MC quals........ you might try searching for it.

Your other option is finding the score books for that era. They have the qual tables in them.

Like this one but WW2:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/36375763863...kAAOSw2JhiKQwQ

[champ0608]

This is copied from another website, with emphasis added to the blurb about the USMC

The WW2 Army M1 Garand course can be found in FM 23-5. It describes the following “record practice” for score as “Course A:”

Slow Fire at 200 (standing), 200 (sitting), 200 (kneeling), and 500 (prone) yards. All strings four rounds except prone, which is 8.
Rapid fire at 300 yards (standing to sitting), 16 shots in 60 seconds.
Rapid fire at 200 yards (standing to kneeling), 16 shots in 60 seconds.
Rapid fire at 300 yards (standing to prone), 16 shots in 65 seconds.
In this course, all slow fire is on “Able” target except the prone fire which is at “Baker.” All Rapid fire is at a “D” silhouette. Several alternate courses are available but are generally similar.

Wartime qualification with the Marine Corps was similar, although qualification scores were higher. A perfect score was 340 points. Basic qualification and a “marksman” badge was 268. Most aspired for sharpshooter status, which required a 292. Expert scores were 306+. Scoring as a sharpshooter or expert often granted extra pay.

In general, due to differing focuses and culture, the Army requirements were lower. The exact cutoffs could vary throughout the war but were about Expert (180), Sharpshooter (160) and Marksman (130) out of 200 possible points.

[Gewehr43]

Google, in this case, is your friend:

http://forums.thecmp.org/showthread.php?t=135497

[JesseJames]

Originally Posted by Gewehr43

OP:
There was an older post here about the differences in the Army vs MC quals........ you might try searching for it.

Your other option is finding the score books for that era. They have the qual tables in them.

Like this one but WW2:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/36375763863...kAAOSw2JhiKQwQ

Thank you, found one on ebay!

[JesseJames]

Thank you champ0608 and Gewehr!

[Milwroad]

I have the course of fire if anyone interested. Send me your email and I will send the file