Competitive Pistol Programs for Juniors

What are the benefits of the sport of Pistol competition? Lots! Just as with any other sport in which you may participate throughout the year-like basketball, soccer, baseball, football, etc.-you will gain self-confidence,  a sense of responsibility, make new friends, learn self-awareness, respect for others, mental fortitude and more. The bonus is that with competitive pistol shooting, you'll also learn respect for firearms. Pistol competition differs from other sports in one other significant way: All you need to be a top-ranked pistol competitor is time, dedication and a willingness to learn. You don't have to be the biggest, strongest or fastest person in your class!

There are numerous avenues to take when first entering the world of competitive pistol shooting.  Below is a detailed list of some of the programs available today. There are programs catering to the first-time beginner, all the way to the seasoned youth competitor looking to gain an advantage in competition.

Junior Progressive Air Pistol
The PPP match competition is a precision pistol event. Multi-shot pistols may be used, but only a single pellet may be loaded at any given moment. The pistols must be .177 caliber (4.5 mm), and use compressed air or compressed, non-flammable gas (such as CO2) for propellant.There are three categories of competitors in the Progressive Position Pistol Program, defined by the shooting position used by the competitor. They include: basic supported, standing supported and international (one-handed) standing.

For a brochure on the Progressive Position Pistol Program, click here.

To speak directly with the PPP Program Coordinator, contact Damien Allen:

Damien AllenRifle Department/Air Gun(703) 267-1477 or (877) 672-2000, ext. 1477e-mail: dallen@nrahq.org

NRA All-American Program
To be named an All-American is the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Consistent and exemplary performance is a hallmark, perhaps the most evident characteristic, of the honor. All-Americans also embody intangible attributes such as integrity, respect and responsibility. Therefore, these highly motivated men and women distinguish themselves on another level. Whether NRA All-Americans continue careers in the world of shooting or pursue other fields such as medicine, architecture, education, law, the military or even space exploration, they accomplish notable successes in their careers.

For more, click here.

Conventional Pistol (Bullseye)
NRA Conventional Bullseye pistol is a great way to introduce youth competitors to shooting pistols in competition. There is no action-style drawing from a holster; the pistol starts resting on its side on a table, facing downrange. All shots are fired from the standing position and the competitor never moves from his or her shooting box or location. This discipline requires an immense amount of concentration, making it a great tool for helping teach patience and concentration while participating in an activity.

The National Matches, in Camp Perry, Ohio, are a great place to go as a junior competitor.  Every year in July, the NRA puts on a Youth Pistol Camp on the ranges of Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio, home of the Ohio National Guard. For more information on the Junior Pistol Camp, click here.

NRA Action Pistol
NRA Action Pistol requires drawing a pistol from a holster. The competitor starts in the "surrender position" with hands at shoulder level. There are magazine reloads, but there are currently no courses-of-fire that require the competitor to move while shooting; it is all "static" firing.

Most NRA Action Pistol competitions offer a "Rimfire" or .22-caliber category for youth and adults who are just beginning in the sport of NRA Action Pistol, those looking to save on ammunition costs and for the average .22 caliber enthusiast. The National Championship for NRA Action Pistol is the MidwayUSA & NRA Bianchi Cup, held every year in Columbia, Mo.  The 2013 MidwayUSA & NRA Bianchi Cup is May 22-25, and is held at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club just a few miles from the University of Missouri.

For more specific information, contact the author here: (703) 267.1478 or dorsinger@nrahq.org, or click this link.