WASHINGTON, D.C. – NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is pleased to announce that the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) and National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) have become official partners of NSSF’s First Shots® program, the introductory and refresher target-shooting program made available through host target-shooting ranges across the country.
NSSA is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the clay-target sport of skeet shooting. As the official governing body of skeet shooting, NSSA promotes this fun and challenging sport to participants of all ages and sanctions competitions throughout the country.
Similarly, NSCA is the official governing and sanctioning body of sporting clays shooting, sometimes known as “golf with a shotgun” because of its course designs and varied shooting stations and target presentations. NSCA works to develop the sport with all levels of participants.
To kick off this new partnership with First Shots, NSSA and NSCA have planned a First Shots introductory event at the National Shooting Complex—the home grounds for NSSA and NSCA—for their staff and friends and family at the end of January. The event will provide a hands-on example of how First Shots works to build new and safe target shooters. As Nathan Boyd, NSC Assistant Director/Project Manager said, “Attend First Shots, and let’s go shooting!”
“The partnership between NSSA and NSCA and First Shots is a natural given how much these organizations already do to introduce newcomers and novices to clay-target shooting, firearm safety and competitive shooting,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Member Development. “Clay-target sports are fun, social and ideally suited for spending a great day at the range shooting with friends. More and more Americans want to learn about recreational shooting, and First Shots has been designed to assist them by providing education in the classroom or in the field and time on the range.”
By providing educational experiences that are safe, fun and memorable, First Shots partners and host ranges are having great success in attracting first-timers, further engaging new gun owners and in reactivating lapsed participants. Surveys show that more than 43 percent of First Shots participants are converted to target-shooting enthusiasts, demonstrating that First Shots is fulfilling a need for providing a supportive environment to those who want to know more about recreational shooting and firearm ownership.
“We’re proud to partner with First Shots, which has introduced thousands of people to recreational shooting and continues to attract participants of all ages. As a dedicated partner of First Shots, our focus is to open up the world of skeet and sporting clays shooting to anyone interested. We encourage our NSSA and NSCA member clubs to take advantage of the easy to use resources First Shots provides to initiate a First Shots seminar. Hosting a First Shots class offers clubs an opportunity to attract new members, increase club participation and create positive community interactions and relationships. We hope more people will discover and enjoy our clay-target sports thanks to our collaborative efforts with NSSF’s First Shots,” said Michael Hampton, Executive Director of the NSSA and NSCA.
NSSF invites other organizations associated with the shooting sports and industry to consider becoming First Shots partners. The benefits to the organization and to the future of the shooting sports are considerable. Learn how to become a First Shots partner by contacting Ann Gamauf at 203-426-1320 ext. 247.
If you’re interested to learn about firearm safety, range etiquette and the basic firearm fundamentals to get you on target, find a First Shots seminar near you!
About NSSF
NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, visit nssf.org.
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