MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- As sunlight glistened off its barrel under a clear blue sky, the secretary of the Navy-awarded M-1 Garand rifle never looked better to Gunnery Sgt. Peter Proietto, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of Range 103, Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

He was awarded the M-1 rifle Nov. 15 after setting a national record at a Michigan shooting competition in 1998.

"I didn't know I even rated it. I mentioned that I had set a national record at a rifle competition a few years ago to my OIC, and seven months later, I'm honored with the M-1 for my accomplishment," Proietto said. "I'm just happy for the opportunity to shoot for the Marine Corps."

Competing for the Marine Corps Reserve Rifle Team with an M-14 rifle and shooting from 300 yards, Proietto shot a 982 out of a possible 1,000 at the competition, obliterating the previous record. Proietto was unaware he set a record until the National Rifle Association called to congratulate him.

"I was very surprised. The competitions are very intense, as we compete against top shooters from around the country. However, I'm excited about my score being in the record books," Proietto said.

Proietto started competitive shooting in 1986 with the Marine Corps Reserve Rifle Team and thanks the Corps for everything he has learned about shooting.
The secretary of the Navy-awarded M-1 Garand rifle is awarded to Marine and sailor competitive shooters who win national championships. The M-1 Garand is a full-blown combat rifle with a maximum range of 3,200 meters and maximum effective range of 400 meters.

Proietto still participates in rifle competitions, but will take a six-month hiatus from competitive shooting during an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan as an operations chief with the U.S. Central Command.

First, however, he has some decorating to do.

"The rifle's going on the wall along with my NRA certificate, but not until I at least get to shoot it," Proietto said with a smile.