CMP: Yes milsurp shotguns and M14s are inbound
A demo of the then-new M14 at Fort Dix in June 1959. Similar in size to the M1 Garand, with 29 of 116 parts interchangeable with that .30-06 semi-automatic rifle, the M14 was select-fire and had a larger, 20-round magazine. (Photo: Springfield Armory National Historic Site)
Gerald O’Keefe, who has served as Chairman and CEO of the Civilian Marksmanship Program since 2022, has just transitioned to Executive Chair.
He has been replaced by Fabian Loberia, but Jerry disclosed on his way out that the M14 program is on track (although the gun control hacks are publicly conspiring against it), and the Army has identified 2,027 surplus shotguns for transfer to the CMP, mostly Mossberg 500s but with at least some Winchester ’97s in the mix.
From the presser, via the CMP, emphasis mine:
M14 Update:
As previously announced, the CMP will soon be selling converted, semi-automatic M14s. The schedule for this project is on track. We’ll begin the conversion process over the next three months and plan to initiate sales in Jan ’27. Sales will occur initially via mail order, but we’ll bring the M14s to all our physical stores in AL, OH, and eventually WY as soon as possible thereafter. More details will be forthcoming later this Fall.
Stay connected to the latest updates as they come through our website at https://thecmp.org/l/m14-announcement/.
Shotgun Update:
The Civilian Marksmanship Program achieved an important legislative milestone via the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which expanded CMP’s statutory authority to receive and sell certain surplus military pump-action shotguns. This change authorizes a one-time transfer of eligible surplus shotguns from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force to the CMP, preserving an important part of American military history while creating a new opportunity for collectors, competitors, and firearms enthusiasts. The legislation specifically added pump-action shotguns to the list of firearms eligible for transfer and sale through the CMP, continuing Congress’s longstanding support of the CMP’s mission of marksmanship, firearms safety and youth development.
As implementation moves forward, the U.S. Army has identified 2,027 surplus shotguns for transfer to the CMP: 1,589 Mossberg 500 shotguns and 438 Winchester Model 1897 shotguns. These historic firearms represent more than a century of military service, spanning from the iconic trench-gun era of the early 20th century through modern military and security applications. We are working closely with Army officials to complete transfer requirements and develop restoration, inspection, and sales plans. We look forward to making these firearms available to eligible U.S. customers while ensuring future generations of Americans preserve and appreciate them. Expectation management: The NDAA allows for just this one-time surplus shotgun transfer, and 438 Winchester Model 1897 shotguns are a small quantity, given the likely demand.