Shooting Sports Provide Endless Opportunites

Ready, aim, fire. Most people are familiar with this simple set of instructions, immortalized in cinema and used across such diverse applications as goal-setting self-help volumes. The reality is that each of these three commands has far more than a single step and the process of shooting has so much more to offer than even the most skilled outdoorsman generally realizes.

Born and raised in Northeast, Ohio – I never imagined that the shooting sports would change my life. Most of our family adventures revolved around hiking and just spending time outside. My dad trapped and hunted from a young age, so my sister and I had a solid understanding of firearm safety and a healthy respect for firearms. When I was seven, my parents bought my sister and me each our own BB gun. I took more of an interest than my sister, but hardly touched it because it was too difficult for me to pump.

I did not pick up what I consider my first firearm until 2013, when I was in eighth grade. My dad’s mentor Chuck Malone brought over an Uberti .22 to our house and asked if my sister or I would be interested in shooting it. My sister was not but I learned the basics of the standing position that night. Once Chuck had finished his basic instruction, my dad set up a small chicken silhouette, about the size of a half-dollar, about 25 yards away and told me to shoot it offhand. I did, knocking over the silhouette, and did so again with the shot after, much to the surprise of Chuck and my dad. I fondly refer to Chuck as my “adopted grandfather” and he is the reason I am as involved in shooting as I am today.

A casual interest morphed into a summer activity, then weekly extracurricular, and quickly into a life-long passion. I began shooting cast bullet silhouette matches at Tusco Rifle Club in New Philadelphia, Ohio before joining a junior high-power team. This afforded me an opportunity to not only practice and expand my shooting skills but to meet other kids around my age with similar interests. It was a welcome and much needed escape from high school and taught me more about life and myself than any class. I learned patience, self-confidence, and self-discipline. I learned how to teach others and by doing so, how to make a difference as my coaches made for me. I gained an entirely new perspective on life, friendships, and family – and what it means to truly appreciate the outdoors.  

Most of my competitive experience is in high power service rifle, shooting a .223 AR-15 at 200, 300, and 600 yards from the standing (200), sitting (200), and prone positions (300, 600). I earned my Distinguished Rifleman’s Badge in 2019, the highest honor for marksmanship commissioned by the U.S. Government. I also compete in long-range, shooting 800, 900, and 1,000 yards with a .308 Palma rifle equipped with iron sights. These two disciplines require more equipment than others, but I find them incredibly rewarding and I appreciate the rich history of both.

What interests you may change over time, alongside your skill sets and abilities. Remember not to limit yourself. The .22 was easier for me to use than a BB gun due to my size and strength. If no one ever encouraged me to try it, I never would have. One size does not fit all, and that is the beauty of it.

There exist many different shooting disciplines and opportunities for people of all ages to experience what I have for themselves. It is not only a fun activity, but a life long skill. Understanding marksmanship and firearms safety makes you a more informed citizen, better and more ethical hunter, and connects you to an important part of American history.

Everyone starts somewhere. Usually it’s a father, brother, or family member who presents the first opportunity. Other times it is an organized event. Let this be your impetus to further explore the shooting sports and all they have to offer.

When people think of “shooting sports,” they generally think of the Olympics and events like smallbore, air rifle, biathlon, and shotgun. In reality there are dozens of shooting events to fit every interest. Muzzleloading, silhouette, high power service rifle, benchrest, three-gun, cowboy action, pistol, long range, precision rifle shooting…there exist within each of these titles even more variation.

It is important to realize that safety, education, and having fun are at the heart of anything you may choose to take on. Your path and experience will differ from everyone else’s though there will be enough similarities for others to help you along the way. As a general rule, the shooting community is incredibly welcoming. You do not have to make an initial significant investment of time or money. Most competitors will lend you gear and equipment, offer advice and expertise. Keep in mind that these usually are not people you already know but strangers who become friends.

 Someone once told me that the shooting community is similar to an art group or basketball team. In my view, it’s much different. The bond is stronger and spans the nation and the world, not just a town or school. People of all ages and all walks of life who would ordinarily never meet become friends and confidantes. The greatest difference is that everyone has a common interest, the protection of their Second Amendment rights. No one is trying to take away paintbrushes or basketballs.

In deciding what route to take, reach out to local clubs, state associations, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, National Rifle Association, or other shooting sports governing bodies. Rifle, shotgun, and pistol are the main branches of competition though some sports incorporate multiple firearms, like 3-gun. Another thing to consider is if you prefer an action oriented or more stationary discipline. If you use shooting sports as training for hunting season, shotgun is a better route for upland game hunters than bullseye pistol as it is a better form of training. In just the same way, long range rifle shooting is a superior way to train to place ethical shots on deer than trap shooting is. Never be afraid to try something new and realize that your level of dedication is up to you. Some people believe they cannot be an athlete because they don’t have the time or the skill. There is truly something for everyone in shooting — it does not discriminate. Regardless of age, weight, height, gender, physical ability, there is something that everyone can learn from and succeed in. Shooting is also both an individual and team sport. It allows you to compete against yourself, but provides opportunities for you to work with others to accomplish a goal.

ShootingInsider.com covers various types of shooting including discipline profiles, event coverage, tips and tricks and much more. Reach out to me at info@shootinginsider.com to tell me what you would like to see!