Breaking a flying clay target, hitting the bull’s-eye or knocking over a steel plate and then sharing the fun of that experience awaits all who participate in National Shooting Sports Month® this August.
NSSF®, the Firearm Industry Trade Association, established this celebration to encourage you to spend time at your local shooting range and share your passion for the shooting sports with others. Millions of Americans have purchased their first firearm over the last few years, and millions more show great interest in learning about recreational shooting, making National Shooting Sports Month the perfect time to get involved — and we have some great ways to help you join in the celebration.
Bring Someone New and Join +ONE® Movement
It helps to have a mentor show you the ropes when taking up a new activity. NSSF’s +ONE Movement asks experienced shooters to mentor newcomers and novices on how to safely handle firearms and develop skills to hit their targets, whether they’re paper, steel plates or moving clays. Experienced shooters can help secure the future of shooting sports by taking the +ONE pledge to introduce someone new to target shooting this August! Visit www.letsgoshooting.org/plusonemovement/ for more.
Find a Range or National Shooting Sports Month Host Near You
At LetsGoShooting.org, you’ll find all the ranges and retailers across the country that have signed on to celebrate the shooting sports during August. If none are listed in your area, use the website to locate a range near you to enjoy a fun and, safe day of target shooting.
Tune Up for Hunting Season
Many people are taking up hunting because they’re interested in harvesting their own healthy food. A trip to a firearm retailer or range can provide answers on how to get started hunting, such as enrolling in a hunter education course and practicing your shooting to be ready in time for the seasons. NSSF’s LetsGoHunting.org website has loads of information.
Help Customers Learn What to Expect at the Range
Safety orientation, range rules, range officers . . . there are things shooters need to know about if they haven’t spent much time at a target shooting range, or perhaps you need to refresh your memory. You can point them to hwww.letsgoshooting.org/new-shooters/ to help them learn what to expect. And consider showing the range safety and etiquette video at vimeo.com/220814809 before you allow shooters on the firing line.
Practice Firearm Safety
The shooting sports are safe. Don’t let anyone tell your customers otherwise! Responsible gun owners safely handle their firearms and securely store them when not in use, whether at home, in a vehicle or at the range. Thanks to responsible gun owners and programs like NSSF’s Project ChildSafe®, fatal firearms accidents are at all-time low levels.
Encourage Shooters to Share Their Experience
#LetsGoShooting and #PlusOneMovement are the themes of National Shooting Sports Month. Share the hashtags and your experiences on your favorite social media networks and remind others to give target shooting a try. Stay connected by following LetsGoShooting and #PlusOneMovement on social media.
Support USA Shooting
During the celebration of National Shooting Sports Month this August, the firearm industry is proud to support USA Shooting. These shooting sports athletes, regardless of age or achievements in matches, are first and foremost champions of safe and responsible firearms handling, which is a major reason why NSSF is eager to bring awareness to their efforts and support them through fundraising efforts. Visit usashooting.org for more information.
