The 2019 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits was definitely one to remember! From having the opportunity to meet with NRA leadership like Chris Cox and Wayne LaPierre, to being able to walk around the wonderful exhibits, I truly had a wonderful time. On Sunday, myfellow ambassadors and I participated in the Youth Day scavenger hunt. Our role in the scavenger hunt was to sign off on cards as the kids found us in different booths throughout the trade show. During the scavenger hunt, I had the opportunity to sign autographs at the Keystone Sporting Arms booth, famously known for their sale of single-shot.22 rifles designed for junior shooters. One of their brands, Crickett, really stuck out to me as that was my very first firearm. This bright-pink Crickett .22 opened so many doors for me. I was introduced to the shooting sports with this small gun and still own it to this day. Many people “grow” out of the .22 stage, but for me that was not the case. Now, 10 years later, I am still active in the shooting sports, now solely focusing on .22 as I shoot precision 3-position smallbore. Keystone Sporting Arms allows kids to be introduced into the shooting sports, just how I was, positively and safely. When I was younger, I remember how frustrating it was when the gun I was holding was too heavy or big and I could never get a good sight alignment or hold it up long enough to pull the trigger. With guns built specifically for kids, they now can have a positive shooting experience.
With Keystone Sporting Arms’ continued line of youth rifles, ranging from basic wooden stocks to adjustable precision stocks, kids are exposed to the world of shooting sports with the perfect gun fit for them. This perfect fit sparks a love for the shooting sports in young kids that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives, just as it did for me.
